You keep feeling pain in your elbow and can not figure out why. You are in great physical condition and play tennis every weekend with friends when the weather is nice. You have even joined a tennis club to have access to better inside courts.
Now, you are in pain and do not know why. What is even more important to you is that you can not play tennis without the pain becoming more severe. It is time to see the doctor and hopefully get a pill to get better. Unfortunately, after extensive testing, the doctor tells you that you have tennis elbow-something you thought was just a joke or an excuse for not playing the game well.
Okay, so what is going on in your elbow? Tennis elbow occurs when tiny tears occur in a certain part of the tendon and in the muscle coverings. Even after letting everything heal and taking care of your injury, you will be prone to this condition for the rest of your life.
You begin studying about this topic and learn that tennis elbow has some basic symptoms that include:
* Recurring pain on the outside of the upper forearm just below the bend of the elbow; occasionally, pain may radiate down the arm toward the wrist.
* Pain caused by lifting or bending the arm or grasping even light objects.
* Difficulty extending the forearm fully (because the inflamed muscles, tendons and ligaments do not want to bend).
* Pain that typically lasts for 6 to 12 weeks; the discomfort can continue for as little as 3 weeks or as long as several years.
You realize that you have been having problems for a few months with these symptoms, but did not know that there was a serious problem. You would just take a few aspirin and go on with life-being tough and dealing with the discomfort. Now, you know that by ignoring the pain that you had has caused even more damage that will take longer to heal.
If you had only taken the time to know about tennis elbow, you may have been able to avoid the problem. There were exercises specifically designed to strengthen the arm muscles used when playing tennis. If you had just known about this preventative process, you would have been able to do these before playing. Very much like the stretching you do before jogging-you warm up the muscles and get them ready.
So now you know what to do, but is it too late? It may not be too late. You can start taking better care of yourself and make sure that you are ready to play tennis again. Let your initial injury heal all the way-not just when you think it is better, but after the doctor gives his approval for you to play again. Then, try a warming up the muscles first or wearing a band around your forearm just below the elbow. The extra support provided by the band may help or hurt—ask your doctor for his opinion.
Take the time to get better, and hopefully you will out on the tennis court again enjoying yourself without the worry of another injury. Tennis Elbow
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Best Relief for Foot Pain
Our feet support our entire weight; imagine the trauma and hard work that our feet need to suffer. It needs some caring but most of the time it is neglected. Ignoring to take good care of your feet may cause pains leading to chronic foot problems. If you are experiencing various foot problems it is helpful to know the best relief for foot pain.
Foot problems are really annoying, uncomfortable and even prevent you from doing your daily tasks. Common foot problems are bunions, blisters, toe nails issues, swelling and burning between the toes. Without knowing the proper relief for foot pain, these foot problems may lead to chronic foot pain. It may also lead to deformed unsightly feet bringing discomfort and embarrassment especially to women who wears open shoes.
Of course, it is recommended to get a medical help because chronic foot pain can be a symptom of various serious medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis and nerve circulatory problem. Aside from those serious illnesses there are still common causes of foot problems and proper foot care and treatment will prevent chronic foot pain.
There is a relief for foot pain if you know how and when to do it.
Hot and cold water massage. Water has many health benefits and also therapeutic for aching and swelling feet. Soaking your feet in cold water then in lukewarm water followed by a massage using lotion is very helpful relief for foot pain.
Avoid wearing high heels and putting a lot of pressure on your feet. Or whenever possible, remove your shoes to give your feet time to relax and reduce foot pressure.
Get shoes that fit properly. Wearing ill fitted shoes aggravate chronic foot pain. Size, shape and comfort in wearing the shoes are very important factors in selecting shoes.
Using ointment is also very helpful. There are less or no side effects using ointment since it is not ingested and only applied on the surface of the skin. Although it may cause burning sensation at first, the burning sensation will be reduced over time.
Stretching and foot exercise. There are foot exercises and stretching that you can do as a relief for foot pain. Exercising the foot can prevent chronic foot pain. Foot Pain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Foot problems are really annoying, uncomfortable and even prevent you from doing your daily tasks. Common foot problems are bunions, blisters, toe nails issues, swelling and burning between the toes. Without knowing the proper relief for foot pain, these foot problems may lead to chronic foot pain. It may also lead to deformed unsightly feet bringing discomfort and embarrassment especially to women who wears open shoes.
Of course, it is recommended to get a medical help because chronic foot pain can be a symptom of various serious medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis and nerve circulatory problem. Aside from those serious illnesses there are still common causes of foot problems and proper foot care and treatment will prevent chronic foot pain.
There is a relief for foot pain if you know how and when to do it.
Hot and cold water massage. Water has many health benefits and also therapeutic for aching and swelling feet. Soaking your feet in cold water then in lukewarm water followed by a massage using lotion is very helpful relief for foot pain.
Avoid wearing high heels and putting a lot of pressure on your feet. Or whenever possible, remove your shoes to give your feet time to relax and reduce foot pressure.
Get shoes that fit properly. Wearing ill fitted shoes aggravate chronic foot pain. Size, shape and comfort in wearing the shoes are very important factors in selecting shoes.
Using ointment is also very helpful. There are less or no side effects using ointment since it is not ingested and only applied on the surface of the skin. Although it may cause burning sensation at first, the burning sensation will be reduced over time.
Stretching and foot exercise. There are foot exercises and stretching that you can do as a relief for foot pain. Exercising the foot can prevent chronic foot pain. Foot Pain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Are You at the Risk of Heel Pain?
Many people above the age of 40 are found to have some degree of heel pain. Larger prevalence of heel pain can be contributed to the fact that with age the decrease in the elasticity of the plantar fascia ( found along the bottom of the foot). The time for healing also stretches with age. However, a large number of adults between the ages of 24 and 35 also suffer from heel pain sometimes resulting in heel spurs. Foot pain in such cases is often generated due to daily activities and exercises.
Cases of bilateral heel pain, that is pains in both heels are rare, nearly 30% of cases. Commonly the left heel gets affected in most people. However, to compensate with the problem the opposite heel might also show similar symptoms.
Heel pain (calcaneus) is the largest bone in the foot and the heel is the first part of the foot to contact the ground while you are walking. Mainly two structures located on the bottom (sole) of the foot are related to heel pain - plantar fascia and flexor digitorum. The former is a band of fibrous connective tissue and the later supports the flexes and arch the four small toes.
It is the foot, which carries the weight of the body while walking. Around 20% of biomechanical stability to the foot is provided by plantar fascia and muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There are cases of pediatric heel pain, which is frequently seen on the bottom rear of the heel or the sides.
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Plantar Fasciitis
Inflammation of the plantar fascia extending from the heel to the toes is known as plantar fasciitis. It is one of the major types of heel pain. At first, the fascia becomes irritated and then it gets inflamed due to heel pain. Plantar fasciitis might lead to pain anywhere along the sole of the foot, specifically in front of the heel along the arch. It results in stress on the plantar fascia attached to the heel bone. This might cause small tears of the fascia.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of deep pain on the bottom surface of the heel. Essentially, it is a broad band of fibrous tissue that stretches along the surface of the foot until the toes. Lying just below the skin, it contains subcutaneous fat. It secures the arch.
After a long period of inflammation, there is deposition of calcium on the location where fascia inserts into the heel bone. This eventually leads to bony heel spur appearance, which can be seen on X-ray. The spur is not the major source of pain. If there is a serious stubborn heel pain, it should be evaluated by your podiatrist.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
One of the major causes of plantar fasciitis is the faulty structure of the foot. For instance, those patients having problems with arches and having excessively flat feet or high-arched feet are more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis. Now, when such people wear non-supportive footwear and walk on hard surfaces, it leads to high strain on the plantar fascia and may lead to plantar fasciitis. This becomes more obvious when such a person has to work long hours on his their feet. Obesity also contributes to plantar fasciitis.
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of heel pain, the foot and ankle surgeon would go though the medical history of the patient and examine the foot. In the process, the surgeon rules out all the possibilities of that can cause pain except plantar fasciitis.
Treatment
Treatment of heel pain (especially plantar fasciitis) includes the following steps, which can be performed at home:
Shoe modifications - Wear supportive shoes that are comfortable
Stretching exercises - Do exercises that stretch the calf muscles
Do not move about barefootv - This puts unnecessary strain and stress on the plantar fascia
Apply Ice - Put ice pack on the heels for ten minutes a number of times in a day to reduce the inflammation
Medications - To reduce the pain and inflammation take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen
In case the pain persists consult a podiatrist immediately.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Backache Pain Relief Info
Backache has become one of the most common problems that people will visit their doctors for in order to get the problem treated. Certainly when it comes to treating the problem a person will often look for ways to find backache pain relief as well as hopefully being able to get the problem cured altogether.
Often when a person is experiencing any kind of backache pain, their doctors will suggest reducing the amount of activity that they are actually doing that can stress the back. However, the weaker a person’s back muscles are then the more pain they are likely to experience. However if you find that the pain is becoming unbearable and is lasting for extended periods of time then it is time to make a visit either to your doctor or chiropractor in case there is some other underlying cause for the problem.
When it comes to finding ways of relieving backache pain the most dramatic way is through surgery. Normally this option will only be provided to a person if they are suffering from very acute back pain and will only be used by their doctor as a last resort.
Certainly the easiest way of relieving backache is through the use of topical creams. These are especially effective if the problem has been caused by a person’s back muscles becoming tensed or strained. The ingredients contained within these creams help to not only alleviate the pain the person is feeling but will also help to reduce the amount of inflammation in the area of the back that is injured.
Another effective type of backache pain relief treatment is heat pads. These not only help to soothe the pain that a person is feeling from the backache but can also help to make the muscles in this area much more relaxed.
Using this form of treatment a person will need to stay still for a period of time as this will give the heat pads a chance to work on the area that is causing the problem. Also by remaining inactive the person is giving the muscles in their back a chance to rest and also become much more relaxed.
However if the problem is not being caused by muscle issues it may well be advisable to seek the assistance of your doctor or a chiropractor in order to treat the problem
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
The Most Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
"What is the cause of lower back pain?" has got to be the most common question I have heard as a treating physician over the past 20+ years. Simple enough question, problem is there is no easy answer.
The cause of lower back pain, or LBP cannot be confined to one condition. There are multiple causes of lower back pain. Some are simple and self-limited back strains, while others are serious conditions like disc herniations involving neurologic damage that require immediate, specialized treatment. Here is a brief overview of the 10 most common causes of lower back and leg pain.
1. Subluxation
Vertebral misalignment, or subluxations, occurs when the lower back has been subjected to chronic postural stress or a strain that results in the joints between the vertebrae locking up. After a period of malfunction, the surrounding muscles may tighten and nerves become irritated. Subluxations are the key malfunction that doctors of chiropractic treat. They may cause pain or may be asymptomatic for long periods of time until they deteriorate into degenerative arthritis. Various physical examinations, x-rays and computerized diagnostic equipment is often used to locate subluxations.
2. Back strain/sprain
Strains and sprains of the lower back are caused by over stressing the muscles (strain) or ligaments (sprain) by either a physical activity or imbalanced posture. Slight strains will usually result in pain and/or stiffness within the muscles of the back. Contracting the affected muscles aggravates strains.
Mild strains may resolve within a few days with rest. More severe strains/sprains as the result of strenuous activity such as sports, work, gardening, automobile accidents and such involve more extensive damage. When ligaments have been sprained they will usually become very painful with movement of the affected area. Healing times may be much longer in these cases, as much as a few months. Mild strains can be easily treated at home while more serious strains and sprains should be evaluated by a competent physician that specializes in spinal health. If enough inflammation builds up, the nerves of the lower back can be affected causing sciatica or leg pain, which can be mistaken for a disc injury. A physical examination will usually be sufficient for an accurate diagnosis. X-rays should be performed in cases of physical trauma.
3. Facet syndrome
The small joints in the back of the spine that allow movement are called facet joints. Due to chronic poor posture, past trauma or over exertion, the facet joints may develop arthritis. The resulting inflammation in the joint causes a deep aching sensation in the lower back that is intensified by sitting, arching the back and exertion. The diagnosis is made with a physical examination and confirmed on x-ray.
4. Degenerative Disc Disease
This is a very common cause of lower back pain. With repeated bending, twisting, lifting and past trauma such as lifting injuries or accidents, the discs or cushions between the spinal bones begin to lose water and deteriorate. As the disc deteriorates, it shrinks creating tension within the joints of the back and sometimes around the nerves causing back and leg pain. Diagnosis is by x-ray and MRI if the leg pains persist despite 30 days of treatment.
5. Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. There are many varieties of arthritis that affect the spine. By far the most common is osteoarthritis or OA. OA involves the breakdown of the cartilage surfaces of a joint causing the joint to lose it's normal motion. As the cartilage wears thinner, bone spurs grow around the area in an attempt to fuse the joint shut. OA is known as wear and tear arthritis because it is caused by long standing postural stresses, past trauma and repetitive use. Sometimes genetic weakness of the cartilage causes it to wear out prematurely. OA is diagnosed off of physical exam and confirmed on x-ray.
6. Herniated/bulging disc
The cushions between the spinal bones may become weakened due to physical injury or because of degenerative disc disease. The weakened outer disc layers allow the disc to bulge outward sometimes contacting nearby spinal nerves causing leg pain or sciatica. If the outer layers suffer enough damage the inner gel-like substance of the disc, called the nucleus, may protrude outward and irritate nerves. A presumptive diagnosis can be made off of physical examination, but an accurate diagnosis as to this cause of lower back pain can only be obtained through an MRI or CT scan.
7. Sciatica
Pain that travels down the buttocks, posterior thigh, lower leg and into the foot is called sciatica. It is named after the large Sciatic nerve that originates from branches in the lower back to supply the lower extremity. Sciatica is graded by how far down the leg the pain travels. Sciatica can be caused by many conditions such as subluxation, tight buttocks muscles, strains, disc disease, bulging or herniation, stenosis or tumors. An accurate diagnosis is made from a physical examination and an MRI or CT scan of the lumbar spine.
8. Stenosis
The main opening running the length of the spine that the spinal cord is housed in is called the central or spinal canal. Normally, there is plenty of room for the spinal cord and other structures to fit inside this opening. Arthritis of the spinal joints can cause the joints to enlarge and push inward reducing the size of the canal. Similarly, a bulging disc may also crowd the space causing stenosis or narrowing. Pressure on the cord and nerves results in back and/or leg pain often aggravated by standing and walking and relieved by sitting. This is a common cause of lower back pain among the elderly.
9. Cauda Equina Syndrome
Pressure on the lowest nerves of the lower back and tailbone area results in loss of bowel and/or bladder control. Symptoms may also cause loss of sensation around the anus. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is urgent that you have an examination and MRI immediately at a hospital. These symptoms are beyond the scope of a chiropractor, family medical doctor or orthopedist. A neurosurgical evaluation is recommended. This condition can be caused by a severe disc herniation, stenosis or a tumor.
10. Tumors
Both benign and malignant tumors occur in the spine and can cause lower back and leg pain. They may present themselves as pain in the back or may cause pain to radiate down the leg (sciatica) because of its proximity to a nerve. Most tumors can be seen on x-ray and other imaging such as MRI and CT scan. The initial diagnosis may come from complaints of back pain that cannot be reproduced on physical exam by your doctor. Mechanical pain due to strains, disc problems and so forth can be mechanically irritated or provoked. Back pain from organic disease such as a tumor often times cannot be provoked or worsened by mechanical procedures. A history of unexpected weight loss, fatigue, anemia or pain that awakens you at night in conjunction with a normal psychical exam is very suspicious.
As you can see there are many causes of lower back pain ranging from simple non-threatening conditions to very serious and lethal diseases. Once the proper diagnosis is made, appropriate lower back pain treatment can be rendered.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
How to Avoid Shoulder Pain at Night
How to Avoid Shoulder Pain at Night
Shoulder pain is a pain in the... shoulder, especially at night. There's nothing worse than not being able to get comfortable in your own bed, tossing and turning throughout the night, stretching your arm out, contorting yourself into weird positions to try and find something that brings relief...
Eventually you'll probably fall asleep despite the pain in your shoulder. At least that's what happened to me when I suffered from shoulder pain. I hurt my shoulder in the gym, but I did get over it. What I'm about to share with you applies to anyone with shoulder pain who's struggling to get a good night's sleep. Here's some tips for sleeping easily, even if your shoulder is killing you.
1. Do a few stretches before bed. Lean over from the waist and swing your hand in little circles. Do it one way, then the other. After that, stretch your arm up, down and from side to side. Hold each stretch for 20 seconds or so, and stretch only so you feel a gently pull - not so much that it hurts!
2. Ice your shoulder before bed, after the stretches. Wrap ice in a small towel or t-shirt, and massage it over the painful area for 15 minutes. Don't apply ice directly to the skin or you could get freeze burns. Ice helps to calm swelling and numb pain, to help you get to sleep quickly before the irritating sting of the shoulder pain sets in and keeps you awake.
Shoulder pain can be completely defeated in the long term too, through a combination of these techniques and a few simple strengthening exercises to stimulate the healing process and target the source of your shoulder pain, eliminating it completely. I spent a few weeks doing exactly that, and my shoulder healed perfectly.
Shoulder Pain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Shoulder pain is a pain in the... shoulder, especially at night. There's nothing worse than not being able to get comfortable in your own bed, tossing and turning throughout the night, stretching your arm out, contorting yourself into weird positions to try and find something that brings relief...
Eventually you'll probably fall asleep despite the pain in your shoulder. At least that's what happened to me when I suffered from shoulder pain. I hurt my shoulder in the gym, but I did get over it. What I'm about to share with you applies to anyone with shoulder pain who's struggling to get a good night's sleep. Here's some tips for sleeping easily, even if your shoulder is killing you.
1. Do a few stretches before bed. Lean over from the waist and swing your hand in little circles. Do it one way, then the other. After that, stretch your arm up, down and from side to side. Hold each stretch for 20 seconds or so, and stretch only so you feel a gently pull - not so much that it hurts!
2. Ice your shoulder before bed, after the stretches. Wrap ice in a small towel or t-shirt, and massage it over the painful area for 15 minutes. Don't apply ice directly to the skin or you could get freeze burns. Ice helps to calm swelling and numb pain, to help you get to sleep quickly before the irritating sting of the shoulder pain sets in and keeps you awake.
Shoulder pain can be completely defeated in the long term too, through a combination of these techniques and a few simple strengthening exercises to stimulate the healing process and target the source of your shoulder pain, eliminating it completely. I spent a few weeks doing exactly that, and my shoulder healed perfectly.
Shoulder Pain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Back Pain Relief Info: Desired By All
Back pain relief is desired by most of us since back pain is a common phenomenon. Most of us suffer from back pain from one or the other point in our life, but a majority of us are unaware of the true reason or the cause of this ailment. A poor posture or a strain in the back muscles generally leads to pain. Activities such as lifting, bending and twisting can result in back pain. Although back pain may emerge suddenly, it may be caused by a problem which has plagued us for a long time.
Appropriate back pain relief can be provided only after finding out the exact cause or the identification of the situations that result in back pain. Back pain can be acute, recurrent or chronic. Most of the people suffering from back pain fall in the first category wherein the pain vanishes in about six weeks and home remedies prove to be very effective. In the case of the recurrent category, the pain reappears after some time while chronic pain lasts for a longer period of time.
Simple exercises or massage can provide adequate back pain relief in cases where the pain is not severe or is caused by a poor posture or a simple strain in the back muscles. However, in cases where the pain stays on for a longer time and is accompanied by other symptoms such as the difficulty in passing urine or numbness in the back or the genital area, weakness and a shooting pain in the leg or feeling unstable while standing, one should consult a specialist rather than rely on home medicines or remedies.
Bed rest is not an effective method to provide back pain relief. Evidence has shown that rest does not aid in the recovery of a person suffering from back pain. It is much better if we continue with our normal activities while taking some measures for relieving the pain.
Massage and regular exercise are the two effective methods of providing back pain relief. Yoga is considered to be one of the best ways to reduce back pain. However, some Yoga positions may aggravate the pain. So it is essential that we carry on these Yoga exercises under the supervision of a trained instructor. Many a times, non prescription medicines such as aspirin or other pain killers provide adequate back pain relief. Application of a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel to the affected area for five to ten minutes also reduces the pain.
It is also essential that we avoid sudden movements which can hinder back pain relief. We also need to maintain a proper posture at all times and avoid slouching. It is said that prevention is the best cure. So it is important that we identify the various factors or activities that result in back pain and than try to restrict their happening. The best way to ensure adequate back pain relief is to identify and solve the factors causing the pain.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Neck Pain Relief
Time takes its own course to provide complete relief to some people, with this problem. The pain affects the lives of people greatly. It occurs mainly when a person lays too much stress on the posture. A person adopts wrong positions especially when doing excessive work on the computer that reduce the chances of relief to the neck pain ..
There is often a misunderstanding in identifying the cause of neck pain. Degenerative and mechanical factors are most possibly responsible in failure to achieve the pain relief. Work that requires lot of physical presence or a neck injury not taken care initially, contribute largely to chronic pain in neck.
Immediate relief may not be possible for people whose condition grows worse due to negligence at the beginning itself. Poor psychological health is another reason that does not give a person relief from the neck pain. There is often difficulty in having a relief because of factors such as constant worry, frustration and short temper. Various other factors that abstain from neck pain are arthritis, damaged disks and inflammation in the neck joints.
Tips To Prevent Neck Pain:
Prevention is better than cure. The tips below may help a person to gain neck pain relief:
1. Do not bend the head forwards for a long time. 2. It is better to keep away from work that demands sitting for extended hours without change in posture. 3. Avoid drooping or hanging the upper back area to the waist. 4. Do enough stretching exercises that involve rotating the neck clockwise and anti-clockwise that offer neck pain relief for sure. 5. Always adjust the computer screen to eye level. 6. Maintain good posture always sitting, sleeping and walking. 7. Learn how to type without looking at the keyboard, which lessens neck strains. 8. It is recommended for people who talk much over the mobile phone to use the earpiece that will decrease pain in the neck. 9. If a sufferer identifies stress as the main culprit of neck pain, then some relaxation exercises may well respond to the cause. Neck Pain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
There is often a misunderstanding in identifying the cause of neck pain. Degenerative and mechanical factors are most possibly responsible in failure to achieve the pain relief. Work that requires lot of physical presence or a neck injury not taken care initially, contribute largely to chronic pain in neck.
Immediate relief may not be possible for people whose condition grows worse due to negligence at the beginning itself. Poor psychological health is another reason that does not give a person relief from the neck pain. There is often difficulty in having a relief because of factors such as constant worry, frustration and short temper. Various other factors that abstain from neck pain are arthritis, damaged disks and inflammation in the neck joints.
Tips To Prevent Neck Pain:
Prevention is better than cure. The tips below may help a person to gain neck pain relief:
1. Do not bend the head forwards for a long time. 2. It is better to keep away from work that demands sitting for extended hours without change in posture. 3. Avoid drooping or hanging the upper back area to the waist. 4. Do enough stretching exercises that involve rotating the neck clockwise and anti-clockwise that offer neck pain relief for sure. 5. Always adjust the computer screen to eye level. 6. Maintain good posture always sitting, sleeping and walking. 7. Learn how to type without looking at the keyboard, which lessens neck strains. 8. It is recommended for people who talk much over the mobile phone to use the earpiece that will decrease pain in the neck. 9. If a sufferer identifies stress as the main culprit of neck pain, then some relaxation exercises may well respond to the cause. Neck Pain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Knee Pain Information
Of all the ailments that effect humans, knee pain ranks as one of the most common. It is very important to go to a licensed professional to help diagnosis what might be causing the pain so that the correct regimen prescribed. The most important thing for anyone who suffers from chronic pain is to consult a doctor before starting any treatment regiment. If you have chronic pain in your knee, these are a few of the possible causes:
• Arthritis - Arthritis is probably the most well known source of knee pain, and the cures range from the practical to home-brewed remedies by the thousand.
• Injuries to Ligaments - Strains and tears to ligaments happen most frequently while playing sports and can cause slight discomfort all the way up to complete debilitation. The most well known of these injuries are injuries to the cruciate anterior, cruciate posterior and less often the medial collateral ligament.
• Injuries to Cartilage Tears to the Meniscus - Cartilage tears are common in all ages, and can range from being a minor nuisance to a serious problem. While many knee injuries are most common in athletes, this is an injury that can be suffered by a slip in a puddle or a bad step jogging.
• Tendonitis of the Patellar - The patellar tendon is the fat tendon that stretches across the front part of the knee, and it’s also a common place to develop tendonitis. Tendonitis is when the tendon in the knee suffers from inflammation. The normal smooth motion of the tendon in the knee can then get painful and the resulting pain is referred to as tendonitis.
• Patella Chondromalacia – This condition, which surprisingly strikes the younger age groups and not the older, is when the cartilage that is found underneath the kneecap becomes soft over time.
• Kneecap Dislocation - A kneecap dislocation can be extremely painful and although it is an acute injury to the knee, if it is not treated properly, it can turn into a chronic condition over time.
• Baker's Cyst – This condition is caused by large amounts of swelling in the knee, and is often the sign of other problems present in the knee, like a torn ligament. Cysts can be common on other parts of the body, but the baker cyst is relatively rare.
• Bursitis – Although the knee contains more than one bursa, (Bursa sacs are located between bone and skin. They allow the skin to slide over bony areas in the body, such as the knee, shoulder, and elbow) the one most vulnerable is found over the kneecap. It’s a real problem for anyone to works on their knees for a living like a baseball catcher or a computer tech who has to lay wire everyday. As stated before, the best thing someone who is suffering from knee pain can do is consult an expert and don’t self-diagnose. The knee takes a beating so don’t take any chances treating it.
Knee Pain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
• Arthritis - Arthritis is probably the most well known source of knee pain, and the cures range from the practical to home-brewed remedies by the thousand.
• Injuries to Ligaments - Strains and tears to ligaments happen most frequently while playing sports and can cause slight discomfort all the way up to complete debilitation. The most well known of these injuries are injuries to the cruciate anterior, cruciate posterior and less often the medial collateral ligament.
• Injuries to Cartilage Tears to the Meniscus - Cartilage tears are common in all ages, and can range from being a minor nuisance to a serious problem. While many knee injuries are most common in athletes, this is an injury that can be suffered by a slip in a puddle or a bad step jogging.
• Tendonitis of the Patellar - The patellar tendon is the fat tendon that stretches across the front part of the knee, and it’s also a common place to develop tendonitis. Tendonitis is when the tendon in the knee suffers from inflammation. The normal smooth motion of the tendon in the knee can then get painful and the resulting pain is referred to as tendonitis.
• Patella Chondromalacia – This condition, which surprisingly strikes the younger age groups and not the older, is when the cartilage that is found underneath the kneecap becomes soft over time.
• Kneecap Dislocation - A kneecap dislocation can be extremely painful and although it is an acute injury to the knee, if it is not treated properly, it can turn into a chronic condition over time.
• Baker's Cyst – This condition is caused by large amounts of swelling in the knee, and is often the sign of other problems present in the knee, like a torn ligament. Cysts can be common on other parts of the body, but the baker cyst is relatively rare.
• Bursitis – Although the knee contains more than one bursa, (Bursa sacs are located between bone and skin. They allow the skin to slide over bony areas in the body, such as the knee, shoulder, and elbow) the one most vulnerable is found over the kneecap. It’s a real problem for anyone to works on their knees for a living like a baseball catcher or a computer tech who has to lay wire everyday. As stated before, the best thing someone who is suffering from knee pain can do is consult an expert and don’t self-diagnose. The knee takes a beating so don’t take any chances treating it.
Knee Pain
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Types of Juvenile Arthritis info
Juvenile arthritis, also known as juvenile chronic arthritis, childhood arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis, has five different subtypes, or classifications, depending on the symptoms found within the first six months of diagnosis. These classifications are pauciarticular, polyarticular, systemic onset, spondyloarthropathy and psoriatic juvenile arthritis. Juvenile arthritis was once referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis but the 'rheumatoid' was dropped as part of the name because it leads people to believe this disease is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in adults, which it is very different from in terms of symptoms, course of the disease and future outlook of the disease.
Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis affects less than four joints, usually the ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist and is the most common type of juvenile arthritis. This particular subtype affects around 45% of children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, very few of which develop general, or body-wide, symptoms. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis sufferers rarely experience bone growth problems or deformed joints, which may be associated with other types of juvenile arthritis. Some children with juvenile arthritis develop inflammation of the eye, known as uveitis, which can lead to blindness if it isn't treated promptly. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis will sometimes disappear within a few years, but many children will experience cycles of remission and flares for the rest of their life.
Polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects about 40% of children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and it affects more girls than boys. This subtype of juvenile arthritis affects children with a huge age gap and it is rarely first diagnosed between age three and ten. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects at least five joints at the same time, usually the small joints of the hands and feet, although the knee has been known to be affected as well. When the knee is affected by juvenile arthritis, the bones in the leg will begin to grow at different rates and one leg will become longer than the other. This can lead to arthritis in the hip or spine, which around half of all children diagnosed with this subtype of juvenile arthritis will develop. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis presents with general symptoms, such as decreased appetite, slight fever and a slight rash. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis is usually most severe in children who were primarily diagnosed after age 10 and they may test positive for rheumatoid factor. This is a marker found in other autoimmune disorders, including adult rheumatoid arthritis. If a child does test positive for this marker, they are more likely to develop deformed joints and many doctors consider this subtype of juvenile arthritis adult rheumatoid arthritis that occurs at an early age.
Systemic onset juvenile arthritis is sometimes called Still disease after the doctor who first described it. This subtype of juvenile arthritis occurs in approximately 10% of juvenile arthritis patients and affects boys and girls equally. Primary diagnosis is usually made between 5 and 10 years of age and may be difficult to diagnose accurately because the initial symptoms do not affect the joints. The initial symptoms are usually found with some type of infection, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss. Occasionally children with this subtype of juvenile arthritis will develop more serious complications, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis), inflammation of the heart itself (myocarditis) and inflammation of the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs (pleuritis). However, systemic onset juvenile arthritis rarely includes inflammation of the eye as seen in pauciarticular juvenile arthritis. When arthritis symptoms do begin to appear, often later in the course of this disease, they usually affect the wrists or ankles. Many of the children diagnosed with systemic onset juvenile arthritis will experience cycles of remissions and flares of the systemic symptoms throughout their childhood. Systemic onset juvenile arthritis sufferers will go on to develop polyarticular juvenile arthritis.
The final two subtypes of juvenile arthritis, spondyloarthropathy and psoriatic juvenile arthritis are rare. Spondyloarthropathy usually affects boys over the age of eight. It begins in the knees and ankles, slowly moving to include the lower spine and hips. Sometimes uveitis occurs, but resolves on its own. Psoriatic juvenile arthritis affects less than four joints in the beginning, but soon advances to other joints. The toes, hips, spine and fingers are the main joints affected by this subtype of juvenile arthritis. Children with this subtype of juvenile arthritis often suffer from psoriasis and have pits or ridges on their fingernails. This arthritis often disables the child.
ARTHRITIS
Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis affects less than four joints, usually the ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist and is the most common type of juvenile arthritis. This particular subtype affects around 45% of children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, very few of which develop general, or body-wide, symptoms. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis sufferers rarely experience bone growth problems or deformed joints, which may be associated with other types of juvenile arthritis. Some children with juvenile arthritis develop inflammation of the eye, known as uveitis, which can lead to blindness if it isn't treated promptly. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis will sometimes disappear within a few years, but many children will experience cycles of remission and flares for the rest of their life.
Polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects about 40% of children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis and it affects more girls than boys. This subtype of juvenile arthritis affects children with a huge age gap and it is rarely first diagnosed between age three and ten. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects at least five joints at the same time, usually the small joints of the hands and feet, although the knee has been known to be affected as well. When the knee is affected by juvenile arthritis, the bones in the leg will begin to grow at different rates and one leg will become longer than the other. This can lead to arthritis in the hip or spine, which around half of all children diagnosed with this subtype of juvenile arthritis will develop. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis presents with general symptoms, such as decreased appetite, slight fever and a slight rash. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis is usually most severe in children who were primarily diagnosed after age 10 and they may test positive for rheumatoid factor. This is a marker found in other autoimmune disorders, including adult rheumatoid arthritis. If a child does test positive for this marker, they are more likely to develop deformed joints and many doctors consider this subtype of juvenile arthritis adult rheumatoid arthritis that occurs at an early age.
Systemic onset juvenile arthritis is sometimes called Still disease after the doctor who first described it. This subtype of juvenile arthritis occurs in approximately 10% of juvenile arthritis patients and affects boys and girls equally. Primary diagnosis is usually made between 5 and 10 years of age and may be difficult to diagnose accurately because the initial symptoms do not affect the joints. The initial symptoms are usually found with some type of infection, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss. Occasionally children with this subtype of juvenile arthritis will develop more serious complications, inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis), inflammation of the heart itself (myocarditis) and inflammation of the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs (pleuritis). However, systemic onset juvenile arthritis rarely includes inflammation of the eye as seen in pauciarticular juvenile arthritis. When arthritis symptoms do begin to appear, often later in the course of this disease, they usually affect the wrists or ankles. Many of the children diagnosed with systemic onset juvenile arthritis will experience cycles of remissions and flares of the systemic symptoms throughout their childhood. Systemic onset juvenile arthritis sufferers will go on to develop polyarticular juvenile arthritis.
The final two subtypes of juvenile arthritis, spondyloarthropathy and psoriatic juvenile arthritis are rare. Spondyloarthropathy usually affects boys over the age of eight. It begins in the knees and ankles, slowly moving to include the lower spine and hips. Sometimes uveitis occurs, but resolves on its own. Psoriatic juvenile arthritis affects less than four joints in the beginning, but soon advances to other joints. The toes, hips, spine and fingers are the main joints affected by this subtype of juvenile arthritis. Children with this subtype of juvenile arthritis often suffer from psoriasis and have pits or ridges on their fingernails. This arthritis often disables the child.
ARTHRITIS
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