Posts Tagged ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis’

Tendonitis Or Inflammation Of The Tendons

Help for shoulder pain

When the tendon gets inflamed it is known as tendonitis, and when the tendons are being overused, It can lead to some small tears in the collagen that surronds the tendon which can cause some weakening of the tendon. It can also be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. There is generally a swelling in a region of micro damage or a partial tear is seen or it can even be felt by the doctor who will diagnose it by such means. The tendon is the tough fibrous tissue that connects the muscle to the bone and it helps in walking, jumping, lifting as well as moving in many different ways.
Not all Tendons are the same size and shape
You don’t want to do any harm to your tendons which come in many shapes as well as sizes – with some of the smallest tendons found in the fingers and there are other larger ones that help people to walk. The inflammation to the tendons can be caused by a number of different reasons which results in the action of pulling the muscle becoming quite irritating. Any problems that you have with the gliding motion of the tendons will end up resulting in pain while moving and this is called tendonitis.
Chronic overuse can be the most common cause of tendonitis and may frequently occur when individuals begin to exercise or increase the level of their exercises, and it will result in symptoms of tendonitis. It can also occur to your age, because with advancing years, the tendons tend to lose their elasticity as well as ability to glide as smoothly as they are used to doing. Elderly people will thus be more at risk of getting tendonitis, and the cause of such a condition does require more study and research in order to completely understand the real causes.
There could be other reasons such as anatomical reasons for getting tendonitis especially if the tendons don’t get a smooth glide path if this is the case then surgery to have the tendons realligned is the best way to stop the tendonitis. Tendonitis can be felt in the wrists, Achilles, kneecaps, as well as rotator cuff. When a person suffers from tendonitis, it may be advisable to get plenty of rest as well as protect the affected area, and one may also need to apply an ice pack. In addition, anti-inflammatory medicines, and cortisone injections are effective means of treating tendonitis.

Use ice to decrease pain

What are the Pain Conditions that can be Treated by a Singapore Physiotherapist?

Help for shoulder pain

What are the Pain Conditions that can be Treated by a Singapore Physiotherapist?Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, offers another pain treatment option besides medication and surgery. Below is a list of common musculoskeletal and orthopedic Pain Conditions that can be treated by Physiotherapist (aka physical therapist) in one of the foremost Singapore Physiotherapy Clinic at ‘THE PAIN RELIEF PRACTICE’• Arthritis • Ankylosing Spondylitis• Back pain • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome• Cervical Spondylosis • Degenerated Discs• Elbow Pain • Fractures• Frozen Shoulder • Fibromyalgia• Golfer’s Elbow • Hip Pain• Knee Pain • Lumbar Spondylosis• Migraine/ Headache • Neck Pain• Post operative conditions  • Plantar Fasciitis• Repetitive Strain Injury • Rheumatoid Arthritis• Rotator Cuff Tendonitis • Sciatica• Scoliosis • Slipped/ Herniated Disc• Shoulder aches & stiffness • Sprains & Strains• Sports Injuries • Tendonitis• Tennis Elbow • Trigger FingerEffective pain management of a condition comprises a joint effort of the physiotherapist and the patient. Other medical and healthcare practitioners (eg doctors, surgeons, chiropractor, acupuncturist, traditional chinese medicine) can also play integral roles in the pain management program. The relief from pain brought about by physiotherapy might not be as immediate as with the intake of any medication intake but the effect is sustained. It does only deal with the symptom but it addresses the cause of the pain.Now, the inclusion of advanced physiotherapy treatments in a pain management program provides for a faster, safer and more effective way to cope with pain at ‘The Pain Relief Practice.’PAIN! You must not ignore…If you are unsure whether physiotherapy is a suitable treatment option for your pain condition, you can call ‘The Pain Relief Practice’ which offers a FREE phone based consultation to see if your pain conditions can be helped by physiotherapists.

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Elbow Joint Pain

Help for shoulder pain

When you strain the elbow tendons for long time, you are likely to experience elbow joint pain. When you move your forearm repetitively, you will experience the pain even more. There are many activities that will trigger this condition. Some of them may be sports like tennis. People who wash windows for long hours will also develop the problem.Elbow joint pain will be experienced most when you are resting after a long day. When the minor injuries to the tendons become more frequent. Calcium or mineral deposits will develop a lot of problems causing abnormalities to the tendons. When you are suffering from the pain, you will be tested to reveal the extent of the injury. X rays will be used to detect the problem. Your best option for your cure of chronic pain after this is surgery. There is the option of leaving the elbow like that and, taking some pain killers. This option only applies when your condition is not too bad. There are other treatments for elbow joint pain available. The are usually non steroidal and anti inflammatory. Examples of the drugs include the following; naproxen, ibuprofen, cortisone and many others. Wearing a strap around your elbow when you have an injury is by far not for fun. It is usually to prevent re injury. Natural recovery is the only way to recover. Therefore, stimulation of this recovery is the key to healing the problem. Then, rehabilitation is usually vital to ensure that strength is regained in the elbow. You need a professional to guide you through the exercises.There are worse things that can happen to the elbow to make it totally immobile. For example, an elbow fracture will do this. If this is the case, a lot needs to be done and the first experience is to go through trauma and surgery. Then, orthopedic pinning will be very necessary and the complete opening of the joint. A mild case that can affect the elbow is a sprain.Many people experience excruciating pain with a sprain but, it is half of what those who have a broken forearm experience. When you have fractures, a lot of people will be directed to use pain killers which will go a long way in easing the problem. However, the use of these pain relievers for a very long time are not advised.You should have a clear distinction between a persistent elbow pain and, a usual minor elbow joint paint. Therefore, consider the intensity of the pain and, also take into account the frequency of the pain. Know the exact location the pain may be shooting from. All these are questions that a doctor will ask when you visit him. When you have a complaint of the problem, you will only make things worse if you hesitate. Let a doctor provide that diagnosis. He will then offer the right treatment. If you are planning to medicate your child at home, know that this is usually not advised. Some drugs like anti inflammatory and may present a huge problem. Do not forget to inquire  about the various side effects that some of this drugs might come with. Most of the medications usually have side effects which may be serious or even minor. Know how to go about this so that you can achieve the best results.

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Pain, Pain Go Away: Texas Seeks A Choice Of Treatments For Chronic Pain Sufferers

Help for shoulder pain

Chronic pain affects between 75 and 90 million Americans every year, and will disable more people than cancer and heart disease combined. Texas is certainly no exception to this. Prospering pain management clinics in every major city in the state, from Houston, to Austin, to Dallas reflect this reality. Though chronic pain can be induced by a variety of situations, the majority of sufferers have back, hip and/or shoulder pain.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, work-related injuries, neurological disorders, joint disease, migraines, and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are just a few examples of conditions causing chronic pain. Particularly with the proper health insurance coverage, most painful conditions can be effectively treated and, if not cured, at least managed.
Pain is not always a negative experience. In fact, in many instances, it keeps us alive, or at least prevents us from injuring ourselves further. Think of the pain experienced when spraining an ankle, for instance — that pain notifies the wounded person to stop what he or she is doing before further injury is sustained.
But acute pain is quite different from chronic pain. Acute pain occurs on a temporary basis, such as when spraining an ankle, or even when breaking a bone. Pain is considered chronic when it has occurred either continually, or intermittently, over a period longer than six months. Conditions of chronic pain can lead to anxiety, fear, depression, lack of activity, and unemployment. The management of chronic pain, then, is one of the most pressing health issues today throughout Texas and the rest of the United States.
While treating the psychological aspects of this condition is certainly just as important, and may, in fact contribute to, or cause pain, the following will focus on the more common physical treatments for the most widespread chronic pain — that associated with the back, hip, and shoulders. In many instances, health insurance policies will cover certain treatments. Much of the information has been adapted from Prescriptions for Natural Healing by James F. Balch, M.D., and Phyllis A Balch, C.N.C. As always, consult a qualified health practitioner before undergoing any treatment.
(1) Chiropractic Care
Spinal manipulation is considered a “proven treatment” for lower back pain by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Though chiropractic care is effective for many conditions, treating disorders of the back and spine is, by far, the most common reason for seeking out such a practitioner.
Chiropractors focus on the spinal cord itself, believing that, if the spinal cord is able to relay unadulterated signals to the brain and other organs, then healthy function can be maintained throughout the body. Through careful adjustment of misplaced vertebrae, the spinal cord can regain its usual impulse signaling. This enables the body to restore normal nerve function — reducing or eliminating pain, and heal itself of other ailments.
(2) Exercise
While obviously not appropriate for all chronic pain patients, exercise can be a critical part of treating painful conditions. By flexing, strengthening, and otherwise just moving the affected area, circulation increases, muscles are strengthened, and joints are made more limber. Exercise is also known to increase the immune system and reduce anxiety and stress — unhealthy levels of which often contribute to the pain itself. Specific exercises may be prescribed, much like, or as a part of, physical therapy.
(3) Medications
The most common form of medication prescribed for chronic pain patients is morphine. This may be taken orally, or certain forms of morphine-like medicines may be injected at the site. Steroid shots, too, may be used with limited results, though possible long- term damage associated with repeated treatments raises questions over safety.
Several over-the-counter medications are available, including acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), acetaminophen (more commonly known as Tylenol), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), ibuprofen being the most common. Aspirin and NSAIDs act as anti-inflammatories and pain relievers, and acetaminophen acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer. They do not manage the same levels of pain as morphine, however.
(4) Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be either active or passive, and utilizes a series of specialized exercises and/or body work techniques designed to help the body recover and regain function after some sort of trauma. While it may certainly provide at least some relief in later stages, all forms of physical therapy tend to be most effective in the first twelve weeks after sustaining an injury. While, at such an early stage, it is still unknown whether pain will develop into a chronic situation, proper recover is critical in determining the final outcome of any type of damage sustained by the body.
Physical therapists undergo years of specialized training, including intensive course work in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. The discipline has experienced many advances over the last few decades, and treatments are tailored to each individual, depending on the type of trauma sustained, level of current functioning, desired level of functioning, and physical limitations, among others. Massage therapy is also considered a form of physical therapy.
(5) Surgery
In severe cases, and when everything else has been tried, surgery may be necessary. While frightening for many, surgery can provide much-needed relief, particularly for those with herniated discs or pinched nerves. A physician can run specific tests to see if surgery is an option.
If considering surgery, make sure to do as much research as possible on your condition, ask as many questions as you need to, and choose your physician carefully. Surgery on, or near, the spinal cord is a delicate operation, and should be performed by those with years of experience and strong expertise.
Chronic pain is a health issue warranting considerable attention in the United States. Millions suffer from it every year, countless hours are missed from work nationwide, and the psychological repercussions are almost immeasurable. The majority of cases are due to back, hip, and/or shoulder pain. Through proper treatment, however, these conditions can be managed and, in some cases, even cured. The key is in careful research, and conscious decision-making.

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Doctor… My Shoulder Really Hurts. What Do You Recommend?

Help for shoulder pain

Patients with inflammatory types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis often have shoulder problems. However, more often than not, a patient presenting with shoulder pain to the rheumatologist will have another reason besides the arthritis for the discomfort they are feeling.
The shoulder is a complicated and complex joint consisting of the interaction of two major bones forming the glenohumeral joint- the joint that joins the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. The acromioclavicular joint which joins the clavicle (collarbone) to the shoulder blade is also part of this complex. The muscles that help move the shoulder consist primarily of the rotator cuff muscles and their associated tendons: supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and teres minor.
The biceps muscle and tendon are also responsible for shoulder movement as is the deltoid muscle. The shoulder complex is held together via a complicated network of ligaments and tendons that allow the shoulder to have the widest range of motion of any joint in the body. The shoulder complex is surrounded by small fluid filled sacs, called bursae that help to cushion the shoulder joint and allow more purposeful gliding motions of the joint.
Shoulder pain is responsible for about 16% of all complaints having to do with muscles or joints. Shoulder pain becomes defined as being chronic if it lasts 6 months or longer. Age is a general predictor of cause. In patients younger than 40 years, shoulder instability and mild rotator cuff disease are more common. Older patients usually have conditions such as adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), osteoarthritis, and more advanced rotator cuff problems.
Pain located at the top and front of the shoulder is usually due to problems related to the AC (acromioclavicular) joint – that is, the joint that joins the collarbone to the shoulder blade.
By contrast, pain involving the outside of the upper arm near the shoulder joint is often due to bursitis involving the bursa located beneath the deltoid muscle or to tendonitis affecting the rotator cuff.
A diagnosis starts with the history. During the history, the physician will inquire as to the location and duration of pain, whether the pain is present at night, and what types of body positions and movements aggravate the pain.
In addition the range of motion of the shoulder will be assessed. There are two methods for measuring range of motion. Active range of motion is the range of motion a patient can perform on their own. Passive range of motion is what the patient can do with the assistance of the physician.
Problems like tendonitis and bursitis will show that a patient has limited active range of motion but relatively normal passive range of motion.
Loss of both active and passive range of motion suggests adhesive capsulitis or glenohumeral arthritis (arthritis affecting the joint that joins the humerus [upper arm bone] to the scapula [shoulder blade]).
Certain maneuvers designed to “pinch” the rotator cuff against the acromion (the outside part of the shoulder blade) can reproduce the pain in some patients. This condition is called impingement.
Imaging procedures such as x-ray may be helpful in some instances. For example, it can show calcium deposits in tendons or show severe arthritis in the AC joint.
The preferred imaging procedure for suspected rotator cuff disorders is MRI; however, ultrasound is becoming more popular as a cost-effective alternative to MRI. Some studies have indicated that diagnostic ultrasound is actually more precise than MRI for detecting rotator cuff tears.
Conservative treatment is usually initiated for most patients with chronic shoulder pain. This treatment should consist of modification of daily activities such as reduction of overhead activity in patients with rotator cuff disease, glenohumeral osteoarthritis, or adhesive capsulitis.
Cross-body shoulder movements such as swinging a baseball bat, tennis racket or golf club should be limited among patients with AC arthritis.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are frequently used and can be effective.
Injections of glucocorticoids (”cortisone”) into the space beneath the acromion are also useful for reducing inflammation. Injections of glucocorticoids directly into the glenohumeral joint are effective in reducing pain and increasing function among patients with adhesive capsulitis. These injections need to be guided using either ultrasound or fluoroscopy to be effective.
Adhesive capsulitis should be treated with a combination of steroid injections as well as physical therapy. Referral to an orthopedist for either manipulation of the shoulder under general anesthesia or arthroscopy is recommended for patients with adhesive capsulitis who do not respond to 2-3 months of therapy.
Osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint may respond to NSAIDS and injections into the glenohumeral joint. Physical therapy may also be useful but it should be done gently since too vigorous therapy can aggravate this condition.
Patients with acute massive rotator cuff tears are fairly easy to diagnose and should be referred to an orthopedist as quickly as possible to ensure a good surgical outcome. Massive tears that have been present for 6 weeks or longer are often difficult to repair.
Patients with small tears of the rotator cuff often respond to conservative treatment.
Newer techniques involving the use of tenodesis (”irritating” the tendon to stimulate bleeding) followed by ultrasound guided injection of platelet rich plasma to help with the healing process may allow patients with rotator cuff tears to avoid surgery. This same procedure is being evaluated for arthritis processes as well.
Patients with rotator cuff tears not responding to more conservative measures can be referred to an orthopedist.

Use ice to decrease pain