Article featured on MedicalNewsToday
There is no known cure for arthritis, which commonly affects the hands. However, a person can take steps to lower the risk of arthritis developing or worsening and to reduce and manage pain. These steps include practicing specific exercises and making dietary changes and adjustments to daily habits.
Arthritis is a general term that describes several conditions that affect a person’s joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis is generally not preventable, but a person may be able to reduce their risk by changing the risk factors that they can control.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, the most common type of arthritis in the United States is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect nearly any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hips, and hands.
This article discusses how to reduce the risk of developing arthritis in the hands or prevent it from worsening. It also explains how to reduce and manage the pain of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs over time as a person’s cartilage erodes, whether from general wear and tear or due to underlying inflammation. Once the cartilage has worn away enough, a person can experience pain and stiffness in their joints.
A person can take steps to help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a combination of genetic and environmental factors triggers the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
These factors can activate the immune system years before symptoms appear.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often affect the hands and fingers, and they can both cause joint stiffness or difficulty moving the joint.
However, there are some differences between the two conditions.
Osteoarthritis often affects the last joint on the finger, which is the one closest to the tip. Rheumatoid arthritis typically does not affect this joint.
In addition, the NIAMS note that osteoarthritis stiffness usually goes away within 30 minutes of waking up or resting, whereas the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis tend to last longer than 30 minutes.
General arthritis prevention
Not all forms of arthritis are preventable. However, a person can take some steps to reduce their risk of developing osteoarthritis in their joints.
According to the CDC, these steps include:
- stopping smoking, if a smoker, or avoiding secondhand smoke
- achieving or maintaining a moderate weight, as this helps protect the joints throughout the body
- seeking treatment for any signs of infection, which can damage the joints
- protecting against injury by performing exercises and stretches or avoiding activities that carry the risk of injury
- using tools that do not place undue stress on the joints
- avoiding repetitive motion when possible
Preventing arthritis in the hands
A person can try several techniques to help prevent arthritis in the hands from becoming debilitating.
Hand exercises
Several exercises may help with preventing or alleviating arthritis pain in the hand and fingers.
A person should talk to a doctor or occupational therapist about the best routine or exercises to help prevent disease progression or worsening pain or stiffness.
One simple exercise that many people should be able to do is making a fist.
To do this, a person starts with their fingers and thumb straight out. Then, they curl their fingers slowly into their palm and close their thumb around the outside of their fingers.
The person should not squeeze the hand too tight during this exercise, but they should hold the fist position for 2–3 seconds before releasing it. They can then repeat the action 10 times.
Another exercise that a person can try to prevent or alleviate arthritis symptoms is squeezing a stress ball or a tennis ball. Similar to making a fist, the motion should be slow and deliberate.
Learn more about hand exercises for arthritis here.
Daily habit adjustments
People who have not developed arthritis can take steps to help prevent joint damage in their hands. Some tips for preventing joint damage include:
- using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse when working at the computer
- avoiding lifting heavy items that can put strain on the fingers and hand
- using splints or braces to reduce the risk of injury when using the hands for repetitive activities, such as sewing or chopping food
Methods to reduce hand pain
If a person is living with pain in their hands from arthritis, they may wish to try:
- practicing gentle motion hand exercises that promote movement and help reduce stiffness
- seeking physical therapy and occupational therapy from certified professionals
- talking to a doctor about medications and topical pain relievers to help with the pain
The Arthritis Foundation add that a person can also:
- use hot or cold therapy
- modify their daily routine to avoid putting stress on the hands and fingers
- talk to a doctor about steroid injections
Some additional steps that a person can take to help prevent arthritis pain in the hands include:
- using kinetic tape as a preventive measure
- using dictation software instead of typing
- avoiding placing excess strain on the fingers by using large joints, such as the elbows or shoulders, to carry the weight of shopping bags
- using other body parts besides the hands to close a door
- using the palm of the hand to hold a phone or tablet to avoid placing strain on the fingers
- changing daily habits, such as stirring food using a shoulder motion
- using utensils with large, easy-to-grip handles
A person should talk to a doctor if at-home methods or treatments are ineffective in managing their arthritis symptoms. It is possible that a doctor will recommend surgery as a treatment option.
Outlook
It is not possible to prevent arthritis, but a person may be able to manage the pain that it causes and slow its progression.
At-home techniques and modifications to everyday routines may help prevent pain and minimize the loss of joint function.
Summary
Arthritis is a common condition, and there are numerous different types.
Although arthritis is not usually preventable, a person can take some steps to help protect their joints and potentially reduce their risk of the disorder.
A person can also take several steps to manage the pain and discomfort of arthritis at home.
If at-home treatments do not work, a person can work with a doctor to identify therapies and treatments that may help.
Ways to Improve Chronic Back Pain
in Back Pain, Chronic PainArticle featured on Orthopaedic Associates
Back pain is a pain to deal with, affecting millions of Americans every day. Those who suffer from back pain daily may find it hard to focus on their daily activities, like going to work or cooking a meal. Unfortunately, back pain tends to be persistent and doesn’t just go away overnight.
If you find your back pain has lasted longer than three months, it’s considered chronic back pain. That being said, chronic back pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain typically affects men and women as they age, but it isn’t always correlated with age. Other common reasons patients may experience back pain include:
If you’re unsure what is causing your back pain, it’s important to see a specialist who can properly diagnose you. Diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your back pain can help your physician better treat you and can help you focus on home remedies that best suit your needs. Your physician may recommend an MRI scan or x-ray to establish the source of your back pain.
Many believe the only way to treat their back pain is through surgery, but that is far from the truth. There are several ways you can treat your chronic back pain without using surgical techniques, including the following.
1. Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy and light exercise are some of the best things you can do to reduce your chronic back pain. Physical therapy sessions and regular exercise will help you strengthen the muscles in your back and around your spine, reducing both inflammation and the straining of the muscles in your affected areas. We encourage you to work with a physical therapist to find which exercises will work best for you and your condition.
2. Injections
Injection-based treatments are minimally invasive and can often be as effective as invasive surgical procedures. Injection-based treatments include nerve blocks, steroid injections, and forms of regenerative medicine like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. These treatments are effective because they directly introduce an anti-inflammatory or regenerative medicine to your affected areas.
3. Lifestyle Changes
When you have chronic back pain, you often have to accept it and adapt. This doesn’t mean giving up hope – rather, it means reducing instances that can worsen your inflammation by making small changes to your lifestyle. Some lifestyle modifications our physicians recommend include making several trips to carry in groceries rather than carrying them in all at once and taking short breaks between long periods of strenuous activities like cleaning the house or mowing the lawn.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Meniscus Tears and Surgical Treatments for Sports-Related Injury
in Meniscus Tear, Sports Related InjuriesArticle featured on NY Orthopedics
A torn meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries found in athletes. These types of injuries commonly occur when the athlete twists their knee. Most meniscus tears are primarily found in athletes who perform in contact sports like football and rugby. However, active basketball players, skiers, and volleyball players are also at risk.
Below you’ll find some common symptoms of a torn meniscus, how to treat it, and the best and quickest ways to recover.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus
Your meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between your shinbone and thighbone. It’s often referred to as the knee’s shock absorber, reducing the impact on your joint every time your foot makes contact with the surface.
Patients With a Torn Meniscus Report Experiencing:
Meniscus Tears in Athletes
In many cases, a torn meniscus will heal over time. Rest, medication, and physical therapy can speed recovery times in those cases where surgery is not necessary. In more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to repair the meniscus. This is more common in cases where the knee has locked into place.
Can You Play Sports With a Torn Meniscus
You should not continue to play sports if you are experiencing any torn meniscus symptoms. In fact, you should avoid any activity that may cause the knee to twist. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve listed above, contact one of our qualified knee specialists for an examination as soon as possible to determine if they are related to a meniscus tear.
What Natural Methods Can I Perform to Heal a Torn Meniscus?
If your doctor chooses a non-surgical approach to heal your meniscus tear, they will likely recommend a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, otherwise known as R.I.C.E.
What is the Recovery Time for Non-Surgical Torn Meniscus Treatments?
With any treatments, recovery can last around six to eight weeks; however, even minor tears may take longer to heal.
Torn Meniscus Surgery
In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. There are three main procedures a specialist may perform.
What is the Recovery Time For Torn Meniscus Surgery?
Recovery times can vary depending on the extent of the surgery. However, a healthy estimate is anywhere from six weeks to three months.
What are the Best Exercises After Meniscus Tear Surgery?
Your doctor will likely recommend light exercises to promote healing and improve your range of motion as you fully heal from your meniscus surgery. Here is just a sample of the types of torn meniscus exercises your doctor may recommend:
Hamstring Contractions:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and pull your heels in, tightening the muscles behind your thigh. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times.
Straight Leg Raises:
Lying on your back, lift your outstretched leg about six inches off the ground. Hold for five seconds before lowering. Repeat ten times.
Standing Leg Raises:
Stand up using a railing or table for support. Slowly lift your leg forward, raising it about four to six inches off the ground. Gently lower your leg. Repeat ten times.
Can I Still Play Sports After Meniscus Surgery?
While each meniscus tear is different, the vast majority of patients who receive treatment will experience full mobility after treatment is complete. Athletes can continue playing the sports they love and stay competitive.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Total Shoulder Replacement: What is it?
in Shoulder Injuries, Total Joint ReplacementArticle featured on Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics
Total shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that treats severe shoulder osteoarthritis that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment options.
At The Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics our Shoulder Specialists have extensive experience and utilize the latest technology in performing shoulder replacement procedures.
The procedure is effective because it removes osteoarthritic bone and cartilage and replaces it with functional metal and plastic components that serve as a “new shoulder”. After recovery and physical therapy, patients experience tremendous pain relief and live normal lives with minimal restrictions.
Important procedure steps are:
Total procedure time is usually 1 hour depending on osteoarthritis severity and shoulder anatomy.
A short hospital stay is necessary for pain management, infection prevention and physical therapy purposes. In some cases, a partial total replacement (one bone is replaced) or reverse total shoulder (implant positions are reversed) replacement are performed.
It is always best to receive a shoulder osteoarthritis diagnosis as soon as possible. Early treatment relieves symptoms and prevents the chronic condition from becoming worse.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
What Different Types of Knee Pain Mean
in Knee PainArticle featured on Healthgrades
If you’ve ever experienced pain in one or both of your knees, you’re not alone. About one-third of all Americans have felt pain in this major joint at some point in their lives. Women are slightly more likely than men to be affected by it (about 20% of women versus 15 to 20% of men).
Yet the millions of people with this pain don’t all feel the same thing. Knee pain can be sharp or dull, burning or excruciating, accompanied by strange noises or silent. What does your knee pain tell you about what’s wrong?
1. Knee pain with a ‘crunch’
Sometimes knees creak, crack or crunch when you bend them. These sounds—called ‘crepitus’—may be alarming, but don’t necessarily signify a problem, unless your knee hurts at the same time.
If that happens, you could have an injury, such as a torn meniscus (a type of cartilage in your knee) or a dislocated kneecap. The sounds together with pain also could indicate osteoarthritis. Your doctor should check for the source of both your painful sensations and strange sounds.
2. Knee pain when running
If you have a dull pain in and around your kneecap when you run or are doing other activities, you may have ‘runner’s knee,’ also called patellofemoral pain syndrome. Other symptoms include kneecap tenderness, pain when you sit for a long time with your knees bent, and rubbing, grinding or clicking sounds when you bend or straighten your knee.
This syndrome can be caused by running and overuse, as well as structural defects in the knee, shoes that aren’t supportive enough, walking or running with your feet positioned improperly (such as turning in), and injury.
3. Knee pain in the morning
If you wake up with a painful and stiff knee, but find that the aching eases over the course of the day, you may have rheumatoid arthritis. This is an inflammatory disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks joints, such as the knee. Other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, also can cause similar symptoms.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, contact your doctor, especially if you are experiencing pain and stiffness in other joints. Left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint disfigurement.
4. Knee pain when climbing stairs
One of the first signs of osteoarthritis is pain in the knee when going up or down stairs. This pain tends to get worse throughout the day. While osteoarthritis knee pain is usually achy, it can also sometimes be sharp or burning. Other symptoms include swelling, stiffness and feeling like your knee is grinding or may give way.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which protective cartilage at the end of your leg bones wears down. This can ultimately result in bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion.
5. Knee pain with a pop
One common type of knee injury is a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, which connects your thigh bone to your shin and helps keep your knee stable. When the injury happens, you’ll likely hear a loud pop or else feel a popping inside, along with severe pain.
A damaged ACL is likely to leave you with rapid, significant swelling; difficulty fully straightening your leg or bending your knee; and pain when you try to put weight on it. You may feel like the knee is going to give way. In some cases, surgery to repair the ligament may be necessary.
6. Knee pain that’s sudden and severe
If you experience a sudden onset of severe knee pain along with redness, warmth and swelling, especially in the early morning, you might have gout, an arthritic condition that is most commonly seen in the big toe. However, gout also can strike other joints, especially in the leg. Gout can recur and should be treated to help prevent permanent joint damage.
Another reason for sudden severe pain and swelling in a knee is Lyme disease. Children are especially likely to have this symptom of Lyme disease, an infection caused by bacteria from an infected tick. If you suspect Lyme disease, promptly seek care to reduce the risk for complications associated with the disease.
7. Knee pain with bending and kneeling
People in professions that require repetitive kneeling, such as roofers, floor installers, plumbers, coal miners, gardeners and maids, are most at risk for bursitis of the knee. Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursal sacs of fluid that are around joints.
Repeated bending and kneeling, especially on hard surfaces, can irritate the bursa in the knees, causing gradually worsening symptoms. These symptoms include pain, redness, warmth, swelling, joint stiffness, and sometimes fever, which is a sign of infection. Notify your doctor for a full evaluation and to rule out infection. Bursitis also can be caused by an injury, but this is less common.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Causes of Sciatica
in SciaticaArticle featured on News-Medical
Sciatica is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve or its roots. Any condition which causes compression of the spinal cord, or the nerve roots emerging from the spinal foramina, causes sensory and motor symptoms in the area supplied by the sciatic nerve in a dermatomal distribution. The most common cause of sciatica is disc herniation in the lumbar region.
The causes of sciatica include:
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Know the Warning Signs of Knee Osteoarthritis
in OsteoarthritisArticle featured on MedicalNewsToday
Osteoarthritis of the knee happens when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the knee starts to erode. The bones begin to rub against each other, resulting in damage, swelling, and pain.
Cartilage is a smooth but tough tissue that stops the bones from rubbing together and prevents damage. It allows the bones to move pass smoothly over each other. As people get older, the weight they carry can cause the cartilage to wear away.
As the cartilage breaks down and the bones rub together, osteoarthritis (OA) can result.
OA is the most common type of arthritis. The symptoms include swelling, pain, and stiffness. When it affects the knee, it can be difficult for a person to exercise, to climb stairs, or even to walk.
Early signs and symptoms
OA usually affects people who are over 50 years of age, but it can happen earlier, too.
Symptoms that can appear at the early stages of knee OA are:
Activity can make symptoms worse, leading to pain at the end of the day, especially after a long time of standing or walking.
If the knee is red, the person has a fever, or both symptoms occur, the problem is probably not OA.
Treatment
Treatment of OA depends on how severe the symptoms are.
Home treatment
Some remedies and over-the-counter treatments for OA of the knee can be used at home and are readily available from the pharmacy.
These include:
Medical treatment
If home or over-the-counter remedies do not help, the person should see a doctor.
They may prescribe one of the following:
If these solutions do not work and damage is severe, the physician may recommend surgery to replace the joint.
When to see a doctor
For some people, pain and other symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life, and over-the-counter medications do not help.
The next step is to consult a general physician, who may refer the person to a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon.
To find out whether a patient has OA, the doctor may ask:
The doctor will examine the knees, moving them forward and back to note the range of motion and to find out which movements cause pain.
They will look for areas of tenderness, check the warmth and see if any swelling is present. The physician will also check the ligaments for stability.
Diagnosis
A number of tests can help to diagnose OA:
Lifestyle changes
Some lifestyle changes can relieve the pain and stiffness that occurs with knee arthritis:
Losing weight can relieve pain and prevent further joint damage.
For people with OA of the knee and either overweight or obesity, current guidelinesTrusted Source strongly recommend weight loss. A doctor can advise on how much weight to lose.
Exercise, and especially low-impact activities such as walking, riding a recumbent bicycle, or swimming, can relieve arthritis pain.
Swimming is ideal because the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off the joints, while the warmth soothes them.
Exercise increases motion and flexibility and strengthens the muscles that support the joints. It also helps people to maintain a healthy weight.
Takeaway
OA is a common but painful condition that affects many people as they age. Pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, or cracking in the joints may be early signs that it is time to seek medical help.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
What is Mallet Toe or Hammer Toe?
in Toe InjuriesArticle featured on Mercy Health
What is hammer toe or mallet toe?
Hammer toe is a foot abnormality that occurs because of imbalanced muscles, tendons, or ligaments around the toe. It typically impacts the second, third, or fourth toes. The toe appears like a hammer because it is bent in the middle joint of the toe.
Hammer toe can be healed with relatively simple treatments, but if left untreated may require surgery. Many people with hammer toe develop corns or calluses on the top of the middle joint of the toe or on the tip of the toe.
A mallet toe is like hammer toe but impacts the joint closest to the tip of the toe.
Causes of hammer toe or mallet toe
There are many causes of hammer or mallet toe including:
Risk factors for hammer toe or mallet toe
Symptoms of hammer toe or mallet toe
Symptoms of hammer toe or mallet toe include:
Diagnosis of hammer toe or mallet toe
A primary care physician or an orthopedic specialist will diagnose hammer toe or mallet toe in a physical exam.
In order to get a better view of what is happening in the bones, joints, and muscles the physician may also order an x-ray.
Treatments for hammer toe or mallet toe
Treatments for hammer toe or mallet toe can be as simple as changing your shoes to surgery for the most severe cases. More advanced treatment options include:
Recovery from hammer toe or mallet toe
Recovery after surgery to correct hammer toe can take as few as 2 weeks to as many as 3 months depending on the severity of the injury.
It is important to follow your physician’s instructions on resting your foot and choice of footwear during the healing process.
Patients who have surgery on the right foot will need to avoid driving for a few weeks to allow the injured toe to heal.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
How to Manage & Prevent Arthritis in the Hands
in Arthritis, Hand InjuriesArticle featured on MedicalNewsToday
There is no known cure for arthritis, which commonly affects the hands. However, a person can take steps to lower the risk of arthritis developing or worsening and to reduce and manage pain. These steps include practicing specific exercises and making dietary changes and adjustments to daily habits.
Arthritis is a general term that describes several conditions that affect a person’s joints. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Arthritis is generally not preventable, but a person may be able to reduce their risk by changing the risk factors that they can control.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, the most common type of arthritis in the United States is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can affect nearly any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the joints in the knees, hips, and hands.
This article discusses how to reduce the risk of developing arthritis in the hands or prevent it from worsening. It also explains how to reduce and manage the pain of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis vs. rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs over time as a person’s cartilage erodes, whether from general wear and tear or due to underlying inflammation. Once the cartilage has worn away enough, a person can experience pain and stiffness in their joints.
A person can take steps to help reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a combination of genetic and environmental factors triggers the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
These factors can activate the immune system years before symptoms appear.
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often affect the hands and fingers, and they can both cause joint stiffness or difficulty moving the joint.
However, there are some differences between the two conditions.
Osteoarthritis often affects the last joint on the finger, which is the one closest to the tip. Rheumatoid arthritis typically does not affect this joint.
In addition, the NIAMS note that osteoarthritis stiffness usually goes away within 30 minutes of waking up or resting, whereas the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis tend to last longer than 30 minutes.
General arthritis prevention
Not all forms of arthritis are preventable. However, a person can take some steps to reduce their risk of developing osteoarthritis in their joints.
According to the CDC, these steps include:
Preventing arthritis in the hands
A person can try several techniques to help prevent arthritis in the hands from becoming debilitating.
Hand exercises
Several exercises may help with preventing or alleviating arthritis pain in the hand and fingers.
A person should talk to a doctor or occupational therapist about the best routine or exercises to help prevent disease progression or worsening pain or stiffness.
One simple exercise that many people should be able to do is making a fist.
To do this, a person starts with their fingers and thumb straight out. Then, they curl their fingers slowly into their palm and close their thumb around the outside of their fingers.
The person should not squeeze the hand too tight during this exercise, but they should hold the fist position for 2–3 seconds before releasing it. They can then repeat the action 10 times.
Another exercise that a person can try to prevent or alleviate arthritis symptoms is squeezing a stress ball or a tennis ball. Similar to making a fist, the motion should be slow and deliberate.
Learn more about hand exercises for arthritis here.
Daily habit adjustments
People who have not developed arthritis can take steps to help prevent joint damage in their hands. Some tips for preventing joint damage include:
Methods to reduce hand pain
If a person is living with pain in their hands from arthritis, they may wish to try:
The Arthritis Foundation add that a person can also:
Some additional steps that a person can take to help prevent arthritis pain in the hands include:
A person should talk to a doctor if at-home methods or treatments are ineffective in managing their arthritis symptoms. It is possible that a doctor will recommend surgery as a treatment option.
Outlook
It is not possible to prevent arthritis, but a person may be able to manage the pain that it causes and slow its progression.
At-home techniques and modifications to everyday routines may help prevent pain and minimize the loss of joint function.
Summary
Arthritis is a common condition, and there are numerous different types.
Although arthritis is not usually preventable, a person can take some steps to help protect their joints and potentially reduce their risk of the disorder.
A person can also take several steps to manage the pain and discomfort of arthritis at home.
If at-home treatments do not work, a person can work with a doctor to identify therapies and treatments that may help.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
6 Signs of Spinal Stenosis
in Spinal StenosisArticle feature on Spine-Health
Does your back, arm, or leg pain seem to come and go, depending on what you’re doing at the moment? This sign may indicate spinal stenosis.
Spinal stenosis happens when the bony openings for your spinal nerves (foramen) and/or the spinal cord (central canal) become narrow. This narrowing may compress your spinal cord and/or spinal nerves and can develop at various points along your spine. Spinal stenosis is a condition that’s more likely to occur in people over 60 years of age and tends to worsen as the years add up.
Here are 6 typical signs and symptoms to watch out for if you suspect your pain is from spinal stenosis. Depending on the type and location of the stenosis, one or more symptoms may be experienced:
1. Neurogenic claudication
When the nerves in your lower back get compressed, you may experience neurogenic claudication in your legs. Neurogenic claudication usually has the following characteristics:
Neurogenic claudication pain is typically relieved when you bend your spine forward (such as while leaning on a shopping cart/walker, squatting, or sitting and leaning forward).
Your doctor will likely need to differentiate this pain from vascular claudication, which can mimic neurogenic claudication.
2. Sciatica
Compression of the nerve roots in your lower back may lead to lumbar radiculopathy or sciatica (depending on the nerve roots affected). Sciatica is experienced as nerve pain and weakness typically felt in one leg at a time.
Depending on the nerve root(s) affected, pain may occur in your lower back, buttock, thigh, calf, leg, and/or foot. A pins-and-needles sensation, tingling, weakness, and/or numbness may also occur in the areas affected by pain.
3. Foot drop
Compression of the L4 and L5 nerve roots in the lower spine may cause motor weakness in your foot, resulting in foot drop. This condition typically causes a feeling of weakness while attempting to lift the foot and/or toes upward. As a result, the individual may involuntarily drag their foot or tend to trip while attempting to walk.
The compression of the S1 nerve root may cause weakness while walking on tip-toes.
4. Gait problems
Spinal stenosis can affect walking in different ways depending on its location within the spine, for example:
Changes in gait may be too subtle to notice at first. Over time, the condition may present with progressively increasing falls.
5. Radiating arm pain
Cervical spinal stenosis may cause mild to moderate burning or shock-like pain in the neck, shoulder, and/or arms. Abnormal sensations, such as tingling, crawling, and/or numbness may be felt in both hands. The arms and hands may feel weak.
6. Loss of fine motor skills
Spinal stenosis in the cervical spine may cause difficulty in doing tasks that involve fine motor skills of the hand, such as buttoning a shirt. In the advanced stages, there may be difficulty with writing, eventually making holding a pen impossible.
If these symptoms sound familiar, check with your doctor, since spinal stenosis may get worse without treatment.
Red-flag signs and symptoms of spinal stenosis
Rarely, severe spinal stenosis may cause red-flag symptoms, such as bowel and/or bladder incontinence, numbness in the inner thighs and genital area, and/or severe weakness in both legs.
These symptoms indicate a serious medical condition, such as cauda equina syndrome, which must be treated urgently to prevent permanent loss of function in the legs.
An accurate diagnosis by a medical professional is necessary to determine the underlying cause of spinal stenosis. Depending on the cause and severity, your doctor may suggest nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, pain-relieving medications, and/or activity modification. Sometimes, minimally invasive procedures, such as epidural steroid injections may be advised. Surgery is rarely advocated as the first-line treatment unless there are severe symptoms or neurologic deficits.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain With 7 Essential Everyday Exercises
in Rheumatoid ArthritisArticle featured on Healthline
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may know that exercise is good for you. But finding the time, energy, and motivation to actually get moving may be difficult. This can be especially true when you’re dealing with painful, stiff joints.
Exercise can help people living with RA:
Here are seven types of exercise that can be especially beneficial for people living with RA.
Water exercise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that people living with RA show greater improvements in health after participating in hydrotherapy, or exercising in warm water, compared with other types of activities.
Results from a large research review found that people living with RA who participated in hydrotherapy experienced less pain and joint tenderness compared with those who didn’t try this activity. The research also suggested that hydrotherapy may also help boost mood and overall well-being.
Water-based exercises, like swimming and water aerobics, may also help improve the use of affected joints and decrease pain.
Tai chi
Tai chi, which is sometimes called “moving meditation,” is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines slow and gentle movements with mental focus. This exercise improves muscle function and stiffness and reduces pain and stress levels in people living with RA.
Results from one study of people living with RA found that practicing tai chi can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve self-esteem, self-efficacy, and motivation.
To get started, you can purchase DVDs, follow an online program, or sign up for a class in your area.
Biking
If you have RA, getting your heart pumping is essential. This is because those living with RA are at a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases and complications. Biking is one type of exercise that offers heart-healthy benefits. It’s an excellent, low impact exercise that’s easier on the joints than other aerobic exercises.
Biking can help maintain cardiovascular health, increase leg strength, and reduce morning stiffness. You can bike outside, join a cycling group, or use a stationary bike at the gym or in your home.
Walking
A walk in the park may sound too simple, but it’s one of the easiest and most convenient forms of exercise.
In addition to getting your heart rate up, walking can help loosen your joints and reduce pain. Research published in 2015 suggests that just 30 minutes of walking a day can boost your mood, too.
If you’re having trouble with balance, try using walking poles to help stabilize yourself. If the weather has you stuck inside, consider heading to an indoor track or hopping on a treadmill instead.
Yoga
Yoga, which combines postures with breathing and relaxation, can also help improve RA symptoms. A 2013 study looked at the quality-of-life impact Iyengar yoga had on a small group of young women living with RA. The research showed that practicing yoga improved their pain and mood.
In research published in 2015, scientists from Johns Hopkins University found similar results: People living with RA experienced fewer tender and swollen joints after practicing yoga than they did beforehand. The research involved a small group of adults ages 18 years and older living sedentary lifestyles.
“Yoga or yoga stretching can help patients improve flexibility and range of motion,” says Dr. Mario Siervo, a primary care physician in Florida.
Other types of stretching
Healthcare professionals often recommend stretching for people living with RA.
“Stretching should include the muscles of your arms, your back, your hips, the front and back of your thighs, and calves,” says Dr. Philip Conwisar, an orthopedic surgeon in California. “Do some stretches first thing in the morning, take a stretch break instead of a coffee break, or stretch in the office for a few minutes.”
Dr. Naheed Ali, author of “Arthritis and You,” also recommends finger curling, mild wrist bending, and thumb stretching.
Strength training
RA often leads to weakened muscles, which can worsen joint pain. Strength training helps increase muscle strength. Stronger muscles better support your joints, which can decrease pain and make daily activities easier.
Try lifting weights at home two to three times a week. You can also use resistance bands as long as it does not increase the risk of causing RA complications or worsen current RA impact in your fingers and wrists.
Talk with your doctor and consider working with a personal trainer if you’re not sure about lifting weights or using resistance bands on your own.
Adjust to your condition
Whichever exercise you choose, the important thing is to keep at it.
Some days you’re likely to feel more pain than others. When that happens, aim to exercise with less intensity, try a new low impact exercise, or take the day off.
If you do not have enough hand strength to grip a weight, you might want to consider using a resistance band around your forearm instead.
If you’re having a day where walking seems like the best option, consider going for a stroll outside or walking inside. Even if you need to walk at a slower pace, you can still benefit from the exercise because it has the potential to help you feel much better afterward.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm