Getting hurt while playing sports or exercising can be a setback, but with the right knowledge and care, you can bounce back stronger. Here's a simple guide to help you learn more about sports injuries, how they're treated, and how you can prevent them.
Cervical Spondylosis is a degenerative disease characterized by abnormal growth of bones (osteophytes) of the spine in the neck region (cervical vertebrae), herniation (protrusion) and deposition of calcium in the cushions (interverterbral disc) present between the cervical vertebrae.This phenomenon may cause compression of nerves in the neck region resulting in symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis.The nerve roots commonly involved are C5 and C6, C6 andC7.
Usually a person may have no symptoms, unless there is compression or stretching of cervical nerves or spinal cord.Symptoms may include:
It can be judiciously controlled in the following ways:
There are more than hundred forms of arthritis and in most common of them some dietary modifications are advised to patients.This not only eases the pain but also reduces the chance of other associated complications.Some forms of arthritis like Gout has a close relationship with dietary practices.
Maintain your ideal weight- Obese people are more prone to these disorders because, excess weight puts an added burden on weight-bearing joints, which can worsen the situation.So, try to avoid excess calories and make your meals light (low-fat) and healthy.If you are obese, try to reduce the weight gradually.Do not practice fasting or crash diet as these practices do more harm than good.
Avoid high calorie, deep-fried fatty foods and use combination of various oils as the cooking medium (rice bran, sesame, groundnut, sunflower, safflower, cottonseed, corn, mustard, soybean oils can be used).
Yes, some studies have indicated that omega 3 fatty acids (a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids) have some anti-inflammatory qualities.Due to this they can help in reducing joint tenderness and morning stiffness in the arthritis patients.Some rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fishes (salmon, mackerel, herring etc.), mustard soyabean., flaxseed and evening primrose oil.There are various supplements available in market for Arthritis patients.Are they effective? Supplements that contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphate can provide some relief in Arthritis symptoms.Glucosamine not only helps in protecting joint structure but also provides pain relief and increased mobility.Similarly, Chondroitin sulphate helps in repairing the damaged articular cartilage.
It has been observed that high intake of antioxidants specially vitamin C reduces the progression of osteoarthritis.However, antioxidants cannot prevent the onset of diseases.Other antioxidants, which can be useful in Arthritis, are vitamin A and E.Some rich sources of these vitamins are wheat, papaya, pineapple, mango, citrus fruits, carrots, pumpkin, dark green leafy vegetables and tomatoes.
Yes, exercising forms an integral part of the arthritis control plan and helps in lifting the sprits.It helps to maintain: Normal muscle strength, Joint structure and Function of joint and The type and pattern of exercises have to be individualized depending on the type of arthritis, the joints involved, the range of mobility and extent of joint damage.
Over 85% of the population in the industrial world will experience low back pain sometimes in their lives.In fact back pain is the most frequent cause of activity limitation in people younger than 45 years.It generally remains a benign condition.Some 60% of patients recover in a week and about 90% in 6 weeks.
Usually low back pain resolves within a few days to 1-2 months.Following symptoms may be suggestive of serious low back pain:
X-ray of spine, MRI (for tumor), CT (for tumor), Bone densitometry (for thinning of spine), Radionuclide scanning (for tumor and osteomyelitis- infection of the inner part of bone i.e.till bone marrow) may be advised.
Key elements of the conservative treatment for low back pain includes:
A fracture is a broken bone.
Most fractures are accompanied by intense pain when the initial injury occurs.It may become worse when you move or touch the injured area.In some cases, you may even pass out from the pain.You may also feel dizzy or chilled from shock.
Other potential symptoms of a fracture include:Fractures can be classified as closed or open, as well as incomplete or complete.
Closed vs.openA closed fracture is also called a simple fracture.In a closed fracture, the broken bone doesn't break your skin.An open fracture is also called a compound fracture.In an open fracture, the ends of the broken bone tear your skin.When your bone and other internal tissues are exposed, it puts you at higher risk of infection.
Incomplete vs.completeIn an incomplete fracture, your bone doesn't break completely.In other words, it cracks without breaking all the way through.
Types of incomplete fracture include:You can develop a fracture when your bone is impacted with greater pressure or force than it can support.This force usually occurs suddenly or is very intense.The strength of the force determines the severity of the fracture.
Some common causes of fractures include:Anyone can be experience a fracture.But you're more likely to develop one if you have brittle bones, or low bone density.You're more likely to develop brittle bones if you:
If you suspect you have a fracture, get medical attention immediately.Your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and perform a visual examination of the injured area.They may ask you to move the area in certain ways to check for pain or other signs of injury.
If they think you may have a fracture, your doctor will likely order X-rays.According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, X-rays are the most common method of fracture diagnosis.They can create images of your bone and reveal breaks or other signs of damage.X-rays also help determine fracture type and location.
In some instances, your doctor may also order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography scans (CT or CAT scan) to examine your bones or surrounding tissues.
If you're diagnosed with a fracture, the treatment plan will depend on its type and location.In general, your doctor will try to put the broken bone pieces back into their proper positions and stabilize them as they heal.It's important to keep pieces of broken bone immobile until they're mended.During the healing process, new bone will form around the edges of the broken pieces.If they're properly aligned and stabilized, the new bone will eventually connect the pieces.
Your doctor may use a cast to stabilize your broken bone.Your cast will likely be made from plaster or fiberglass.It will help keep the injured area stabilized and prevent broken bone pieces from moving while they heal.
In rare cases, you may need traction to stabilize the injured area.Traction stretches the muscles and tendons around your bone.Your doctor will administer it using a system of pulleys and weights positioned in a metal frame over your bed.This system will produce a gentle pulling motion that your doctor can use to stabilize the injured area.For more complex or compound fractures, you may need surgery.Your doctor may use open reduction, and internal fixation or external fixation to keep your bones from moving.In open reduction and internal fixation, your doctor will first reposition or "reduce" the pieces of broken bone into their normal alignment.Then they will connect or "fix" the broken bone.This occurs by using screws, metal plates, or both.In some cases, your doctor may insert rods through the center of your bone.In external fixation, your doctor will put pins or screws into your bone above and below the fracture site.They will connect these pins or screws to a metal stabilizing bar positioned on the outside of your skin.The bar will hold your bone in place as it heals.
Your doctor may also prescribe medication to control pain, fight infection, or manage other symptoms or complications.After the initial treatment stages, they may recommend physical therapy or other strategies to help you regain normal use.
If you experience a fracture, its location and severity will help determine how long it takes to heal.Your age and medical history can also affect your recovery process.Certain medical conditions may impair your body's ability to mend broken bones.
It may take several weeks, or sometimes months, for your fracture to heal.In most cases, the pain will subside before the healing process is complete.You will likely need to restrict movement of the injured area while it mends.You may not be able to participate in some of your normal activities.You may also have to make adjustments to your routine, until you are healed.
Once your fracture is healed, you may be able to return to your normal activities and routine.In some cases, you may need physical therapy.This will help you to regain your normal use of the injured area.Immobilizing part of your body for a long period of time can cause you to lose muscle strength and range of motion.Physical therapy can help you recover more fully.
To promote your recovery, follow your doctor's medical instructions closely.
You can't prevent all fractures.But you can work to keep your bones strong so they'll be less susceptible to damage.To maintain your bone strength, consume a nutritious diet, including foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D.It's also important to exercise regularly.Weight-bearing exercises are particularly helpful for building and maintaining bone strength.Examples include walking, hiking, running, dancing, and weight training.
Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass, and the deterioration of bone architecture leading to bone fragility and increased risk of fracture.Bone normally rejuvenates itself through a process of bone absorption and formation called bone remodeling.Osteoporosis occurs when bone breakdown, or absorption, occurs at a rate greater than bone formation.
Osteoporosis has been called "the silent thief" because bone loss often causes no symptoms.People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump, or fall causes a bone fracture.An X Ray may reveal a seriously deteriorated vertebra.Once a vertebral fracture has occurred, symptoms can include severe back pain, loss of height, and spinal deformity.
The specific causes of osteoporosis are not known.However, risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis have been identified.A few of the risk factors are:
Bone density testing (DEXA Scan) is a quantitative estimation of Bone mass and is a readily available test to demonstrate whether Bones are Osteoporotic (Low Bone mass) or not.The test is recommended for all women over 65 years old.In addition, women with risk factors other than menopause, postmenopausal women with a history of a fracture are also advised to undergo the test.
It is a noninvasive test wherein an x-ray can show bone loss in the spine and hip area.The test takes about 10-20 minutes.
Calcium should be taken after meals in divided doses of no more than 500mg (Elemental Calcium).Calcium should preferably be be taken with vitamin D 400-800 IU.The table below lists the recommended dose based on age.
There are many excellent sources of calcium namely milk and milk products like yoghurt and cheese, eggs,ragi, fish meat, almonds, spinach and fenugreek leaves, banana etc
There are many excellent sources of calcium namely milk and milk products like yoghurt and cheese, eggs,ragi, fish meat, almonds, spinach and fenugreek leaves, banana etc
Exercise stimulates the bone remodeling cycle.Weight bearing exercises such as weight training, running, walking, biking and cross country machines will provide both aerobic and weight bearing exercise.Consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.
Exercise stimulates the bone remodeling cycle.Weight bearing exercises such as weight training, running, walking, biking and cross country machines will provide both aerobic and weight bearing exercise.Consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.
There are several medical treatments for osteoporosis.Estrogen therapy has been used to treat osteoporosis especially in post menopausal females for many years.Newer non hormonal treatment options are now available; these are the bisphosphonates like alendronate and risedronate, raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), calcitonin and newer bone forming molecules like Teriparatide.Always Talk to your Orthopaedic Surgeon/Health Care Provider to determine the best treatment option for you.
Arthritis literally means joint inflammation.But the term is often used to refer to any of the more than 100 diseases that affect the joints- where two or more bones meet to allow movements.
It is a common degenerative joint disease in aged population.In this disease, the surface of the joint gets damaged (i.e.degeneration of joint cartilage) and the surrounding bone gets thicker.
1.Primary Osteoarthiritis (idiopathic)Osteoarthritis affects each person differently.In some people, it progresses quickly; in others, the symptoms are more serious.Scientists do not know yet what causes the disease, but they suspect a combination of factors, including being overweight, the aging process, joint injury, and stresses on the joints from certain jobs and sports activities.
Osteoarthritis affects each person differently.In some people, it progresses quickly; in others, the symptoms are more serious.Scientists do not know yet what causes the disease, but they suspect a combination of factors, including being overweight, the aging process, joint injury, and stresses on the joints from certain jobs and sports activities.
Osteoarthritis most often occurs at the ends of the fingers, thumbs, neck, lower back, knees, and hips.Osteoarthritis hurts people in more than their joints: their finances and lifestyles also are affected.
Financial effects includeApart from a detailed medical history and physical examination, the doctor will recommend various tests to evaluate and diagnose the condition.These include :
Patello femoral joint pain is relieved by patellar tapping to pull it medially, followed by quadriceps exercise to strengthen the vastus medialis portion particularly.E.Wedging the heel & sole:
For patients where the comprehensive medicinal & non-medicinal management has beenineffective, surgical intervention like:
It is estimated that 1kg of extra body weight increases 10kg of extra vertical load on the knee joints.Hence, losing weight can help you to reduce this excess load on your joints and lessen the symptoms.
High-impact and weight-bearing exercises such as jogging, skipping, basketball, running, weight lifting should be avoided by osteoarthritis patients.
Warm bath, Jacuzzi or hot shower, hot water bottle and cold packs do reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in Osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of function an deformity in the joints.
As it is a systemic disease, areas outside the joints may also get involved for example membranes surrounding internal organs, such as the heart, lungs or eyes.RA tends to run in families, Moreover Women are three times more prone to develop rheumatoid arthritis.But with advanceing age the ratio of women to men becomes almost equal.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder.Normally, a healthy immune system is programmed to protect the body from harmful foreign bodies like bacteria and viruses but in rheumatoid arthritis the immune system (defense system) of the body, for unknown reasons, starts attacking the body's healthy tissue.The reaction results in inflammation of joints causing reduction in joint space and loss of normal joint shape and alignment.
Important features of Rheumatoid arthritis:Apart form a detailed medical history and physical examination the doctor will recommend various tests to evaluate and diagnose the condition.
These includes: Blood test for ESR (increase in RA) and blood cell count (shows increase in white blood cells and platelets because of inflammation) . Serology test for Rheumatoid factor (an abnormal antibody), which is present in 70-80% of RA cases.X-ray is usually done to find out the degree of damage that the joint has suffered and later to monitor the progress of the disease.Synovial fluid examination to rule out infection.
Becoming aware about the disease . Taking the medications regularly . Take a diet low in fat, moderate in sugar, rich in Gamma linolenic acid (found in nuts and fish, promrose oil) and omega 3 fatty acids like nuts and fishes like salmon, mackerel, and herring.. Controlling body weight . Taking adequate rest.Acutely involved joints must be given rest or splint to reduce inflammation.. Regular exercise to strengthen muscles (as advised by the doctor) surrounding the involved joints.
Yoga and other alternative therapies have been scientifically documented to complement the use of drugs.
NSAIDs These drugs are mainly used for Pain relief and Anti-inflammatory action.
DMARDs: Methotrexate (Oral & I/V), Salzopyrine, Hydroxychloroquine, Leflunomide.Earlier medicines in this group included Gold salts, D-Penicillamine are less used now.
Advanced treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis.The Biological: The biologicals are injectible drugs- Tumor necrosis factor Alfa (TNF Alfa) blocking agents and interleukin- 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) are new drugs for RA treatment.They are expensive but have been found to benefit otherwise inadequate response patients.
The anti TNF Alfa agents- Infliximab, Etanercept and adalimumab have set new standards for RA therapy.
Stem Cell implantation: is another new, promising area for the hopeless patients.It is embryonic and adult type- principle is once implanted stem cell has potential to replicate and grow more healthy cells and hence cure the disease.
Smoking tends to increase the Rheumatoid factor (RF) concentration in blood and high concentration of RF is usually associated with severe rheumatoid disease.Besides smokers are more at risk of lung disease.Hence, it is best to quit smoking.
Although Rheumatoid arthritis may affect you daily in long run, early detection of disease and judicious management (with medications, exercise dietary modifications) can easily prevent the progress of your disease, preserve joint movement and prevent deformities.
Frequent Blood tests are required to assess the progress of disease or side effects of medication on vital organs such as liver, kidneys and bone marrow.Your doctor may advise ESR, Hemoglobin, Complete blood count, Liver function test (kidney function test (KFT) at frequent intervals.
Response to treatment may be observed as a general sense of well-being through the course of treatment with adequate treatment there may be decrease in the duration of morning stiffness, decrease in the number of swollen and painful joints.You will be able to perform your daily activities with less discomfort.Monitoring of laboratory parameters such as ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), Rheumatoid factor, C-reactive protein also helps in assessing the disease activity and response to treatment.
Rheumatoid factor is present in blood of approximately 75% of rheumatoid arthritis patients.Those patients having RF in blood are called "Seropositive" whereas remaining 25% who do not have RF in blood are called "Seronegative".Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis patients have a better prognosis than seropositive patients.
High levels of Rheumatoid factor is commonly associated with more severe rheumatoid disease and non-joint manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis such as rheumatoid nodules, rheumatoid lung disease etc.
Gout(Presents as a Swelling in one joint, most commonly Great Toe)It is a metabolic disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis?a red, tender, hot, swollen joint.
Colchicine is very effective for pain relief in acute gout but not used frequently due to its side effects.These drugs decrease in blood uric acid levels by increasing excretion of uric acid in urine (Probenecid and Sulfinpyrazone) or reducing production of uric acid (Allopurinol) inside the body.It is important to remember that while taking Probenecid or Sulfinpyrazone one should take plenty of water.