Sunday, June 30, 2013

Knee Ligament Injury... Symptoms and Treatment?


What is a Knee Ligament Injury?

Knee Ligament Injury

A ligament is a short band of tough fibrous connective tissue composed mainly of long, stringy collagen molecules. Ligaments connect bones to other bones in and around joints. They do not connect muscles to bones; that is the function of tendons.

Ligaments limit the amount of mobility of a joint, or prevent certain movements altogether.

How Do You Injure Your Knee Ligament?

You can injure a ligament through a sharp change in direction, landing wrong from a jump, or the most common a blunt force hit to the knee, such as in football tackle.  The incident usually needs to happen at speed.  Muscle weakness or inco-ordination predispose you to a ligament sprain or tear.

Your Main Knee Ligaments


Knee Ligament Injuries

What are the Symptoms & Severity of Knee Ligament Injuries?

The severity and symptoms of a ligament sprain depends on the degree of stretching or tearing of the ligament.
In a mild grade I sprain, the ligaments may stretch, but they don't actually tear. Although the joint may not hurt or swell very much, a mild sprain can increase the risk of a repeat injury.

With a moderate grade II sprain, the ligament tears partially. Swelling and bruising are common, and use of the joint is usually painful and difficult.

With a severe grade III sprain, a ligament tears completely, causing swelling and sometimes bleeding under the skin. As a result, the joint is unstable and unable to bear weight.  Often there will be no pain following a grade 3 tear as all of the pain fibres are torn at the time of injury.

Knee Ligament Injury Grades

How Long Does a Knee Ligmament Injury Take To Heal?

Treatment of a ligament injury varies depending on it's location and severity.

Grade I sprains usually heal within a few weeks. Maximal ligament strength will occur after six weeks when the collagen fibres have matured. Resting from painful activity, icing the injury, and some anti-inflammatory medications are useful. Physiotherapy will help to hasten the healing process via electrical modalities, massage, strengthening and joint exercises to guide the direction that the ligament fibres heal. This helps to prevent a future tear.

When a grade II sprain occurs, use of a weight-bearing brace or some supportive taping is common in early treatment. This helps to ease the pain and avoid stretching of the healing ligament. After a grade II injury, you can usually return to activity once the joint is stable and you are no longer having pain. This may take up to six weeks. Physiotherapy helps to hasten the healing process via electrical modalities, massage, strengthening and joint exercises to guide the direction that the ligament fibres heal. This helps to prevent a future tear and quickly return you to your pre-injury status..

When a grade III injury occurs, you usually wear a hinged knee brace to protect the injury from weight-bearing stresses. The aim is to allow for ligament healing and gradually return to normal activities. These injuries are most successfully treated via physiotherapy and may not return to their full level of activity for 3 to 4 months. Definitely seek professional advice in these cases.

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Common Treatments for a Knee Ligament Injury



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FAQs for Knee Ligament Injuries



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Helpful Products for Knee Ligament Injuries

Knee Ligament Injury

Related Injuries

ACL Tear



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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Foot or Heel Pain? Maybe it's Plantar Fasciitis? Here's your solution...



If you are suffering heel or foot arch pain it may be plantar fasciitis or heel spurs.

The Bledsoe Plantar Fasciitis Support provides continuous elastic tension and pressure to reduce the pain associated with inflammation due to plantar fasciitis. 

Used in conjunction with an exercise program, the Plantar Fasciitis Support reduces heel and arch pain, allowing you to strengthen the muscles of the foot, arch and lower leg.

Unlike shoe inserts or non-elastic bands, the Bledsoe Plantar Fasciitis Support maintains tension continuously during wear. This reduces painful inflammation and allows the patient to exercise the calf and foot muscles. Proper muscle strength tone will prevent future plantar fasciitis.

Features include:


  • Simple and inexpensive way to reduce plantar fascia inflammation.
  • Anatomically designed for proper fit and control; two sizes adjust for any size foot.
  • Provides tension and support, allowing the patient to exercise; exercise program included with brace.
  • Fast, easy 15-second application.
  • Breathable stiff foam, wickable fabric draws perspiration away from skin.

  • Indications

    This device is indicated to help relieve pain from inflammation caused by mild to moderate plantar fasciitis by applying pressure and tension over the medial calcaneal tubercle and plantar fascia.

    Contraindications

    This device is contraindicated for patients with severe circulatory impairment or other medical conditions where the elastic band could further reduce circulation or cause problems related to excess elastic pressure. You should also avoid if you have a latex allergy.

    Bledsoe PFS vs. Other Methods


    FeaturesBledsoe PFSArch SupportsFunctional OrthoticsNon-Elastic Devices
    Provides proper pressure to irritated tissuesYesNo. Supports foot in wrong spot.No. Provides temporary support, but no pressure to desired area.No. Non-stretch strap supports, but does not apply pressure.
    Night time therapyYesNoNoNo
    Short-term therapeutic use (2-4 months)YesNo. Recommended for long-term use.No. Recommended for long-term use.Yes
    Bundled with recommended exercise programYesNoNoNo
    Off-the-shelf model fits any foot sizeYesNo. Limited to common adult foot sizes.No. Requires custom casts and special fitting.Yes
    Applied in 15 seconds or lessYesN/A - Inserts into shoe.No. Requires custom casts and special fitting.Yes

    Sizing:

    Shoe Size
    US MenUS WomenEuro
    Small0-80-8.529-40
    Large8.5+9+41+
    Which Size?


    Thursday, June 27, 2013

    Corked Thigh? ... What's the Best Treatment?


    Corked Thigh

    What is a Corked Thigh?

    (Also known as: "Dead Leg", Quadriceps Contusions, "Charleys Horse")

    corked thigh  is very common in contact sports. In simple teams, your thigh muscles are usually "kneed" by an opponent during a tackle or similar impact. The muscle is crushed against the underlying bone. The impact to the muscles causes significant bruising and bleeding both intramuscularly and also between the muscle and your femur (thigh bone).

    It's damage can often be much more than you might expect for such a simple cause and these injuries should be treated with respect.  If not treated correctly or if treated too aggressively then Myositis Ossificans may result.

    There are Two Types of Contusion

    Intramuscular Contusion

    This is a tearing of the muscle within the sheath that surrounds it. This means that the initial bleeding may stop early (within hours) because of increased pressure within the muscle. However, the fluid is unable to escape as the muscle sheath prevents it.

    The result is considerable loss of muscle function, power and pain which can take days or weeks to recover. You are not likely to see any bruising come out with this type - especially in the early stages.

    Physiotherapy and carefully performed Massage Therapy are highly recommended for a speedy recovery. These interventions are important to prevent functional morbidity related to the large compression issues and myositis ossificans.

    Intermuscular Contusion

    This is a tearing of the muscle and part of the sheath surrounding it. This means that the initial bleeding will take longer to stop especially if you do not ice it.

    However recovery is often faster than intramuscular as the blood and fluids can flow away from the site of injury. You are more likely to see bruising come out with this one.

    These injuries respond very well to Physiotherapy and Massage

    What are the Symptoms of a Corked Thigh?

    • Pain after being whacked in the leg.
    • You might get swelling or bruising.
    • Restricted movement and reduced power.

    Corked Thigh Treatment?

    Seek professional help quickly if you can. Otherwise impliment a RICE regime until you can be assessed.

    After two to three days check:
    • If the swelling has not gone then you probably have an intramuscular injury.
    • If the bleeding has spread and caused bruising away from the site of the injury then you probably have an intermuscular injury.
    • If you are more able to contract the muscle you probably have an intermuscular injury.
    • Can you feel a deformation in the muscle or a gap? If so, please seek professional assessment.
    It is important the correct diagnosis is made. If you try to exercise on a complete rupture, or a bad intramuscular injury you can inhibit healing, make things worse or cause permanent disability.

    If you apply heat and massage in the early stages then you could get Myositis Ossificans (or bone forming within the muscle), then you are in trouble. Myositis ossificans can result in months or years away from sport.

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    Contusions are Graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on the Severity.

    Grade 1:

    What does it feel like?

    • Tightness in the thigh.
    • Unable to walk properly.

    • Probably not much swelling.
    • Trying to straighten the knee against resistance probably won't produce much pain.
    • Lying on front and bending the knee should allow you nearly a full range of motion.

    Grade 2:

    What does it feel like?

    • Probably cannot walk properly.
    • Occasional sudden twinges of pain during activity.
    • Possible swelling.
    • Pressing in causes pain.
    • Straightening the knee against resistance causes pain.
    • Unable to fully bend the knee.

    Grade 3

    What does it feel like?

    • You will be unable to walk properly without the aid of crutches.
    • You will be in severe pain.
    • You will have bad swelling appear immediately.
    • A static contraction will be painful and might produce a bulge in the muscle.
    • Expect to be out of competition for 3 to twelve weeks.
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    Common Treatments for Corked Thigh


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    FAQs about Corked Thigh


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    Helpful Products for Corked Thigh

    Quadriceps Contusion (Dead Leg)

    Related Injuries

    ACL Tear



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    Wednesday, June 26, 2013

    TENS Machine. Stocktake Clearance!


    If you haven't tried a TENS machine, you don't know what you are missing when it comes to pain relief.

    TENS machines are a wonderful electronic pain relieving device that when used correctly will reduce your painimprove your life and can even help increase muscle strength if you use an EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) capable unit.


    Which is the Best TENS Machine or EMS Unit for You?

    1. Use the TENS Machine Interactive Guide to Make Your Buying Decision Easy...



    2. Compare the Key Differences:



    3. View the Individual TENS Machines & EMS Units

    Digital TENS Machine

    Recommended TENS Machines 


    Recommended EMS Machines


      Do You Need TENS Machine Accessories?

      TENS Machine Electrodes, Leads & Batteries

      Please note that the TENS machines that we recommend utilise cables that plug into the universal standard (female) electrode. This helps to keep the cost of replacement TENS electrodes to a minimum.

      TENS machines that have unique electrodes may need to be sourced from the original distributor.


      TENS Machineshttp://physioworks.com.au/store-1/tens-machines

      Tuesday, June 25, 2013

      Suffering Hip Pain? Maybe it's Trochanteric Bursitis?

      What is Trochanteric Bursitis?

      The most common form of hip bursitis is trochanteric bursitis.

      trochanteric bursitis
       
      Trochanteric bursitis is inflammation of the bursa (a small, cushioning sac located where tendons pass over areas of bone around the joints), which lies over the prominent bone on the side of your hip (femur).

      The superficial trochanteric bursa is located over the greater trochanter. This is the most commonly inflamed bursa. A deep trochanteric bursa lies deeper and can become inflamed in more severe cases.

      What is a Bursitis?

      What are Trochanteric Bursitis Symptoms?

      One or more of the following symptoms may be experienced:
      • Pain and swelling occurring over the side of the hip
      • Referred pain that travels down the outside thigh and may continue down to the knee
      • Pain when sleeping on your side; especially the affected hip
      • Pain upon getting up from a deep chair or after prolonged sitting (eg. in a car)
      • Pain when climbing stairs
      • Pain in sitting with the legs crossed
      • Increased pain when walking, cycling or standing for long periods of time

      What Causes Trochanteric Bursitis?

      The trochanteric bursa may be inflamed by a group of muscles or tendons rubbing over the bursa and causing friction against the thigh bone.

      This injury can occur traumatically from a fall or a sport-related impact contusion.

      It can also be a case of gradual onset via a repetitive trauma to the bursa from such activities as running (with poor muscles control or technique), walking into fatigue, or cycling, especially when the bicycle seat is too high.

      It is also a secondary injury associated with chronic conditions such as:
      • Scoliosis - curvature of the spine
      • Unequal leg length
      • Weak hip muscles
      • Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) of the hips or lower back
      • Calcium deposition in the gluteal tendons that run over the bursa
      • Rheumatoid arthritis.

      How is Trochanteric Bursitis Diagnosed?

      Your physiotherapist will provide you with an assessment of your medical history and a physical examination of your hip, pelvis and back. A hallmark sign is if you feel tenderness over the bursa or greater trochanter (hip bone) when pressure is applied.

      Diagnosis can also be confirmed by medical imaging techniques that include ultrasound scan & MRI. 

      Contact Physio Works or Book Online

      What is Trochanteric Bursitis Treatment?

      Ice

      • Bursitis is an inflammed bursa. Daily application of ice packs is highly recommended to reduce your pain and swelling.

      Medications

      • NSAIDs or anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. ibuprofen). Use of these medications should be discussed with your doctor. 

      Corticosteroid Injections

      • Single injection of a corticosteroid with a local anaesthetic into the bursa may be required to stimulate your healing response. It is preferable to have this injection using ultrasound guidance. 

      Physiotherapy Hip Bursitis Treatment

      PHASE I - Pain Relief & Protection

      Managing your pain. Pain is the main reason that you seek treatment for trochanteric bursitis. In truth, it was actually the final symptom that you developed and should be the first symptom to improve.

      Managing your inflammation. Bursa inflammation it best eased via ice therapy and techniques or exercises that deload the inflammed structures.

      Your physiotherapist will use an array of treatment tools to reduce your pain and inflammation. These include: ice, electrotherapy, acupuncture, deloading taping techniques, soft tissue massage and temporary use of a mobility aid (eg cane or crutch) to off-load the affected side.

      PHASE II - Restoring Normal ROM, Strength

      As your pain and inflammation settles, your physiotherapist will turn their attention to restoring your normal hip joint range of motion, muscle length and resting tension, muscle strength and endurance, proprioception, balance and gait (walking pattern).

      Hip researchers have discovered the importance of your hip muscle recruitment patterns with a normal order of: deep, then intermediate and finally superficial muscle firing patterns in normal pain-free hips. Your physiotherapist will assess your muscle recruitment pattern and prescribe the best exercises for you specific to your needs.

      PhysioWorks has developed a “Hip Core Stabilisation Program” to assist their patients to regain normal hip muscle control. Please ask your physio for their advice.

      PHASE III - Restoring Full Function

      The final stage of your rehabilitation is aimed at returning you to your desired activities. Everyone has different demands for their hips that will determine what specific treatment goals you need to achieve. For some it be simply to walk around the block. Others may wish to run a marathon.

      Your physiotherapist will tailor your hip rehabilitation to help you achieve your own functional goals.

      PHASE IV - Preventing a Recurrence

      Trochanteric bursitis does have a tendency to return. The main reason it is thought to recur is due to insufficient rehabilitation.

      In addition to your muscle control, your physiotherapist will assess you hip biomechanics and start correcting any defects. It may be as simple as providing your will core abdominal exercises or some foot orthotics to address any biomechanical faults in the legs or feet. Your physiotherapist will guide you.

      Fine tuning your hip stability and function by addressing any deficits in core strength and balance, learning self-management techniques and achieving the ultimate goal of safely returning to your previous sporting or leisure activities!

      Bursitis Surgery

      Surgery is not a common path. However, in persistent cases, arthroscopic removal of the bursa; a bursectomy, can be performed.

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      How Can You Prevent Trochanteric Bursitis?

      Muscle weakness or fatigue is a major cause of trochanteric bursitis. So addressing your strength and endurance is necessary to avoid a recurrence.

      Wearing adequate footwear which supports any biomechanical imbalances in your feet is a key preventative measure.

      Successful weight management, minimises excess stress on the hip joints which can alleviate pressure on the bursa. If you need advice regarding your weight-loss please discuss with your doctor or dietitian.

      What Results Can You Expect for Trochanteric Bursitis?

      While some people can respond quickly to physiotherapy treatment within a few weeks, more chronic cases where a tendinopathy exists in the gluteal muscle group under the bursa can require a few months to achieve recovery.

      Trochanteric bursitis is successfully managed in the vast majority over a period of approximately six week. It is important to not stop your rehabilitation exercises as soon as you pain abates.

      Excellent hip muscle control is your best rehabilitation and prevention strategy. Please follow the advice of your physiotherapist or doctor.

      Physiotherapists at Physio Works can get your started on the right track to recovery! If you have any specific questions, please ask them.

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      Common Trochanteric & Hip Bursitis Treatments


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      FAQs about Trochanteric & Hip Bursitis



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      Helpful Products for Trochanteric Bursitis

      Bursitis - Trochanteric

      Related Injuries

      Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)


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