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.
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
How to Treat & Identify Calf Pain
in Legs & FeetArticle featured on Cleveland Clinic
What is calf muscle pain?
Calf muscle pain can be a dull ache or a sharp pain in the back of your leg, behind your shinbone. It can feel a little different for everyone. If you get pain when you’ve been doing something physical like walking or running, the cause is generally muscular. But if the pain comes on suddenly without a clear cause, it could be a problem with your blood vessels.
Who gets calf muscle pain?
Anyone can get calf muscle pain. It’s more common in athletes and people who exercise and put excess stress on their calf muscles. People over age 65 are also at a higher risk of lower leg pain due to muscle weakness, certain health conditions or if they’ve been inactive.
Other factors that can make calf muscle pain more likely include:
Possible Causes
What causes calf muscle pain?
Calf muscle pain can have a variety of causes, including:
Care & Treatment
How is calf muscle pain treated?
You can usually treat mild calf muscle pain at home using the RICE method:
If you have sore calves from a muscle cramp or feel a painful knot in your calf muscle, it may help to gently stretch your calf.
Your healthcare provider may recommend additional treatments depending on the cause of your calf pain, including:
How is vascular calf muscle pain treated?
If your healthcare provider determines your calf muscle pain is the result of claudication, treatments may include:
Will I need surgery for calf muscle pain?
Most people don’t need surgery for calf muscle pain. In rare cases, people need surgery for torn calf muscles, blood clots or blocked arteries in the calf.
When to Call a Doctor
When should I contact my doctor about calf muscle pain?
Contact your doctor if you have:
Calf muscle pain is a common complaint and isn’t usually cause for alarm. But sometimes pain in your calf is a sign of a more serious condition, such as problems with the blood vessels in your leg. Seek help if the pain developed without activity or persists even with rest. This could be a sign of a more severe condition that needs to be evaluated.
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
3 Common Causes of Heel Pain & How it is Treated
in Foot PainArticle featured on NY Orthopedics
Heel pain is one of the most common complaints of patients with foot and ankle disorders — but what causes heel pain, exactly? The pain often occurs at the back surface of the heel and can limit any standing, walking, or running activities. Explore our guide to the common causes of heel pain to learn how a foot and ankle specialist can get you back on your feet in no time.
Why Does My Heel Hurt?
Heel pain is not typically caused by a single injury, like a twist or fall, but from repetitive stress and pounding of the heel. Common heel pain causes include:
How Can Heel Pain Be Treated?
Treatment for heel pain varies depending on the severity of the injury and your health goals. Your foot and ankle specialist may first suggest some home remedies — like rest, applying ice to the heel, and over-the-counter pain medications — to ease your symptoms. If your heel pain doesn’t get better within a few weeks, you should make an appointment with your doctor so that they can provide you with the appropriate treatment.
Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy in most cases. This can help strengthen the tendons and muscles in your foot, helping to prevent further injury. If your pain is severe, your foot and ankle specialist may provide you with anti-inflammatory medications that can be injected into the foot or taken orally. They may also recommend that you support your foot as much as possible — either by using orthotics or taping the foot.
In very rare cases, your foot and ankle specialist may recommend surgery to correct the problem.
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
Painful Knee Caps: What Causes Them?
in Knee Injuries, Knee PainArticle featured on The Noyes Knee Institute
Pain in the knee caps (patella) is caused by several factors, ranging from old age and overuse to injury and infection. A strenuous activity during the day can cause mild discomfort around the knee, which heals with rest and sleep. Knee cap pain can also be persistent and chronic, calling for the services of an experienced orthopedic knee surgeon. Here’s an overview of the five leading causes of knee cap pain:
1. Knee Overuse
The patella is a knee joint bone structure that suffers wear and tear. Your knee supports walking, jogging, running, jumping, kneeling, and squatting. Straining the knee joint through overuse can result in pain and discomfort around the patella. Knee cap pain resulting from overuse may stop if the strenuous activity is ceased or moderated. Other cases trigger a degenerative process with intermittent and worsening pain.
2. Knee Injury
The knee cap protects the rest of the knee joint structures, including ligaments, cartilages, and muscles. A traumatic blow to the front of the knee area is likely to hurt the patella first, resulting in severe pain. A knee injury can result from falling, participation in sports, a car crash, or other situation strenuous situations. Pain from injury may go away with functional medicine and physical therapy, but occasionally requires knee surgery to repair the damage.
3. Chondromalacia Patellae
Knee cap pain can stem from Chondromalacia, a condition in which the cartilage found behind the patella softens. Normal cartilage is tough and flexible to protect the ends of the joint bones from rubbing on each other. When the cartilage becomes soft, the shinbone and thighbone can move too close to each other or even touch. Chondromalacia weakens cushioning and shock absorption capabilities, resulting in pain around the knee joint, including the patella. With rest and treatment, this condition can heal.
4. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFS)
PFS or runner’s knee is a widespread condition highlighted by pain behind the knee cap area. It develops when the knee joint moves abruptly. PFS also results from knee overuse through running, cycling, climbing, and other strenuous activities. Pain levels vary from mild to severe and are felt around the front of the knee (patella). Runner’s knee is common among athletes and starts as dull recurring pain. This condition is reversible.
5. Muscle Imbalances & Tendonitis
The knee joint relies on the thigh, hip, and knee muscles, which work in tandem to ensure proper movement and support. Injury or imbalance can result in the wrong movements and reflexes, causing pain and inflammation. Conditions like tendonitis inflame the patellar tendons and quadriceps tendons, causing stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and knee pain. Injury, disease, or infection on one of the connected muscles and tendons can cause pain.
Working With a Trusted Orthopedic Knee Surgeon
Knee cap pain can be reversed with rest and sleep, but some conditions are severe and require proper medical attention. Others will need a corrective operation from a licensed orthopedic knee surgeon.
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 are Wrist, Hand or Elbow Dislocations?
in Arm Injuries, Hand Injuries, WristArticle featured on Mercy Health
What are hand, wrist or elbow dislocations?
Hand dislocations occur when one of the eight carpal bones (bones located at the base of the hand) fall out of the joint to cause a hand dislocation. The capitate (largest bone in the hand) or lunate bones are the bones that most frequently dislocate.
Wrist dislocations occur when one of the eight bones of the wrist fall out of socket due to a fall.
Elbow dislocations occur when the joints of the elbows somehow separate. In a partial elbow dislocation, the joint surfaces are not completely separated (also known as subluxation), while in a complete dislocation, the joint surfaces are completely dislocated.
Causes of hand, wrist or elbow dislocations
Risk factors of hand, wrist or elbow dislocations
Risk factors of hand, wrist or elbow dislocations are:
Symptoms of hand, wrist or elbow dislocations
Symptoms of hand, wrist or elbow dislocations include:
Diagnosis of a hand, wrist or elbow dislocation
If you suspect you have a hand, wrist or elbow dislocation, visit the ER right away. It is crucial to treat a hand, wrist or elbow dislocation right away to avoid developing arthritis or death of bone tissue. When possible, ice the joint and keep it immobile while waiting to see the physician.
Hand, wrist or elbow dislocations are diagnosed in a physical exam and with an x-ray, MRI or CT scan to evaluate the extent of the injury and determine the best course of treatment.
Treatments for hand, wrist or elbow dislocations
Wrist dislocations typically require surgery by a hand or wrist orthopedic surgeon.
The hand surgeon will place the bones back into the correct location as well as repair the ligaments and soft tissue surrounding the injury during the procedure.
After the procedure, the wrist will be immobilized in a cast for eight weeks to ensure proper healing.
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 Find Relief from Stiff Joints
in Joint PainArticle featured on Healthline
With age, stiff joints become a reality for many people. Years of use can take a toll on joints, muscles, and bones, but there are steps you can take to find relief.
Why does joint stiffness occur?
Many people experience stiff joints just after waking up. Lying down for several hours to sleep reduces fluid amounts, making moving joints more difficult first thing in the morning.
Joint stiffness may be mild and only impact your mobility for a brief period each morning or after sitting for extended periods of time. The stiffness can also be more severe and impact your mobility.
In some cases, pain and inflammation accompany joint stiffness. This may make walking, standing, or putting weight on your joints painful.
Not all stiff joints are the result of age. Many other conditions can cause stiff joints. These include arthritis, lupus, and bursitis. Lifestyle factors, including diet and weight management, can also impact joint mobility.
Keep reading to learn more about possible causes and treatments.
1. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
The most common cause of joint pain is arthritis. About 15 million people with arthritis report experiencing severe joint pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting over 1.5 million Americans. Its symptoms typically appear between ages 30 and 60.
RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder. It’s also an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system attacks healthy parts of your body, such as the lining of your joints. This causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Over time, it can also cause joint deformity and bone erosion.
Common symptoms of RA include:
RA has no cure, so its symptoms can’t be entirely eliminated. They can be managed through medication and other treatments. However, little can be done to prevent the disease once it has advanced.
2. Osteoarthritis (OA)
Another common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). OA is sometimes called degenerative arthritis. It affects nearly 32.5 million Americans. It’s most common in people over age 50.
This type of arthritis results from wear and tear on your joints. Cartilage, the thin tissue that protects the bones in your joints, wears away with use. Over time, the cartilage can no longer protect your bones.
OA can affect any joint in the body, but it most often affects the:
As OA progresses, it can begin to cause symptoms other than stiffness. These include:
As the condition worsens, you could develop bone spurs. In the advanced stages of OA, the cartilage virtually disappears. Bones rub against other bones in your joint. This can cause extreme pain, stiffness, and disability.
Treatment for OA can help. Lifestyle treatments can be effective, such as exercise to reduce weight and pressure on joints. Additionally, medication may be administered to help relieve immense pain, such as:
In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.
3. Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease like RA. Your body attacks itself, including your organs and tissues. Lupus that attacks your joints can cause stiffness, pain, and swelling.
Lupus is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic many other conditions. A lupus diagnosis may take several months while tests rule out other conditions.
Like RA, lupus is chronic. Once you develop it, you will likely experience symptoms of the condition for the rest of your life. There isn’t a cure, but treatments effectively reduce and control symptoms. Treatments include:
Other potential treatment options include hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and a shift toward healthier lifestyle choices may also be prescribed to combat lupus symptoms.
4. Bursitis
Bursae are tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, ligaments, and muscles in your joints. You develop bursitis when those sacs become inflamed. This condition can cause stiffness and pain in the affected joint.
Bursitis can affect any joint, but it is most common in large joints like the:
Other common sites include the following:
Bursitis is often temporary, and treatment relies on resting the affected joint for several weeks. This may mean you need to reduce physical activity and keep the joint stationary for periods, allowing the bursae to recover and stiffness to resolve.
Your healthcare professional may ask you to perform exercises to relieve certain bursitis pain.
5. Gout
Unlike some other possible causes of joint stiffness, gout comes on suddenly. It may appear while you’re asleep, making the joints especially painful when you wake up.
Severe, sudden episodes of pain and tenderness in joints characterize gout. Gout can impact any joint. The big toe is frequently the first joint to experience symptoms.
Gout is a type of arthritis. It affects men more often than women, but a woman’s risk for developing gout increases after menopause. Most people will deal with periods of gout symptoms for the rest of their life, but symptoms are treatable.
6. Bone cancer
This is rarely a cause of joint pain and stiffness, but it is possible. People with bone cancer may experience joint pain or bone pain. You may also experience swelling or sensitivity near a bone.
Not everyone will have pain, which is why bone cancer may advance and begin causing other symptoms before it’s discovered.
Cancer is treatable, but the outcome depends on several factors. These factors include the size, location, and type of tumor.
Treatment options for bone cancer include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Additionally, immunotherapy (immuno-oncology), a newer treatment option, uses checkpoint inhibitors such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) to boost the immune response against cancer cells.
How to find relief
The best way to ease joint stiffness depends on what’s causing it in the first place. If stiffness lasts longer than 30 minutes after you wake up or if symptoms worsen, it’s important you seek medical attention.
Diagnosing the underlying problem will help you and your doctor determine the best way to ease stiffness and stop other associated symptoms.
Hot or cold compress
Both temperature extremes may be beneficial for stiff joints.
Apply a cold compress or bag of ice to your stiff joint for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation or swelling and ease the joint into movement. It can also dull pain receptors, so you experience less pain.
Heat is also therapeutic to joints and muscles. Use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm water from a shower or bath to relax muscles and increase circulation.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication
Many mild symptoms of joint pain can be relieved by OTC medicines. NSAIDs are the most commonly used medication for arthritis. Generic names for NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Steroids
If inflammation and swelling in the joint cause joint stiffness, steroids may be a treatment option. Swelling and inflammation are common with arthritis.
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. When inflammation decreases, joint pain and stiffness decrease too.
Steroids may not be beneficial for people with advanced arthritis. In some cases, relief may be short-lived, and future steroid injections may not be as effective.
Exercise
Exercise and physical therapy may help increase joint mobility, reducing stiffness.
It’s also a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Carrying around excess pounds can increase your risk for conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness.
If you’re unsure how to begin exercising or have difficulty with movement, talk with your doctor or a trained physical therapist. Exercise is an easy way to relieve pain and stiffness, but you can aggravate certain conditions if you don’t take precautions before beginning an exercise plan. Causes, Relief Tips, When…
When to see your doctor
If joint stiffness and pain come on suddenly, talk with your doctor. Likewise, if the stiffness and pain don’t resolve after five to seven days, you should seek medical attention.
You should also seek attention from your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:
Though joint stiffness isn’t uncommon, especially as you age, it can be the first sign of another condition. A physical exam is an easy way to determine what might be causing the issue.
If a physical exam isn’t conclusive, your doctor may suggest some treatments to help ease the stiffness while you wait to see if it disappears. If it doesn’t disappear, you may need tests to get a diagnosis.
Once your doctor determines the cause, they can help determine the best treatment plan for you. This may help ease your symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.
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 Achilles Tendinitis
in Ankle Injuries, Foot PainArticle featured on Mount Sinai
Achilles tendinitis occurs when the tendon that connects the back of your leg to your heel becomes swollen and painful near the bottom of the foot. This tendon is called the Achilles tendon. It allows you to push your foot down. You use your Achilles tendon when walking, running, and jumping.
Causes
There are two large muscles in the calf. These create the power needed to push off with the foot or go up on the toes. The large Achilles tendon connects these muscles to the heel.
Heel pain is most often due to overuse of the foot. Rarely, it is caused by an injury.
Tendinitis due to overuse is most common in younger people. It can occur in walkers, runners, or other athletes.
Achilles tendinitis may be more likely to occur if:
Tendinitis from arthritis is more common in middle-aged and older adults. A bone spur or growth may form in the back of the heel bone. This may irritate the Achilles tendon and cause pain and swelling. Flat feet will put more tension on the tendon.
Heel pain can be a common problem. Though the cause is rarely serious, the pain can be severe and sometimes disabling.
Heel pain is often the result of overusing your foot. Causes may include, running, especially on hard surfaces like concrete, tightness in your calf, or from Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of that large tendon that connects your calf muscle to your heel), shoes with poor support, sudden inward or outward turning of your heel, or landing hard or awkwardly on your heel after a jump or fall.
Problems related to heel pain include bursitis (inflammation of the bursa at the back of the heel), bone spurs in the heel, and plantar fasciitis (swelling of the thick band of tissue on the bottom of your foot). Heel pain is something you can usually treat at home.
If you can, try resting as much as possible for at least a week. Apply ice to the painful area twice a day or so, for 10 to 15 minutes. If you need to, you can buy a heel cup, felts pads, or shoe inserts to comfort your heel.
You should call your doctor if your heel pain does not get better after two or three weeks of home treatment. But also call your doctor if your pain is getting worse, or your pain is sudden and severe, your feet are red or swollen, or you can’t put weight on your foot.
If you visit the doctor, you may have a foot x-ray. Your treatment will depend on the cause of your heel pain. You may need to see a physical therapist to learn exercises to stretch and strengthen your foot. To prevent future heel pain, we recommend you exercise.
Maintaining flexible, strong muscles in your calves, ankles, and feet can help ward off some types of heel pain. And do yourself a favor, trade those sleek high heels in for a comfortable, properly fitting pair of shoes.
Symptoms
Symptoms include pain in the heel and along the length of the tendon when walking or running. The area may feel painful and stiff in the morning.
The tendon may be painful to touch or move. The area may be swollen and warm. You may have trouble standing up on your toes. You may also have trouble finding shoes that fit comfortably due to pain in the back of your heel.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. They will look for tenderness along the tendon and pain in the area of the tendon when you stand on your toes.
X-rays can help diagnose bone problems.
An MRI scan of the foot may be done if you are considering surgery or there is a chance that you have a tear in the Achilles tendon.
Treatment
The main treatments for Achilles tendinitis do not involve surgery. It is important to remember that it may take at least 2 to 3 months for the pain to go away.
Try putting ice on the Achilles tendon area for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times per day. Remove the ice if the area gets numb.
Changes in activity may help manage the symptoms:
Your provider or physical therapist can show you stretching exercises or eccentric loading exercises for the Achilles tendon.
You may also need to make changes in your footwear, such as:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can help ease pain or swelling.
Other treatment include injections, such as platelet rich plasma or steroids, to reduce the inflammation. However, the tendon can become even weaker following injection and should be protected after the injections.
If these treatments do not improve symptoms, you may need surgery to remove inflamed tissue and abnormal areas of the tendon. If there is a bone spur irritating the tendon, surgery can be used to remove the spur.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) may be an alternative to surgery for people who have not responded to other treatments. This treatment uses low-dose sound waves.
Outlook (Prognosis)
In most cases, lifestyle changes help improve symptoms. Keep in mind that symptoms may return if you do not limit activities that cause pain, or if you do not maintain the strength and flexibility of the tendon.
Possible Complications
Achilles tendinitis may make you more likely to have an Achilles rupture. This condition most often causes a sharp pain that feels as if you have been hit in the back of the heel with a stick. Surgical repair is often necessary. However, the surgery may not be as successful as usual because there is already damage to the tendon.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if:
Prevention
Exercises to keep your calf muscles strong and flexible will help reduce the risk for tendinitis. Overusing a weak or tight Achilles tendon makes you more likely to develop tendinitis.
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 to Know About Muscle Strains
in MusculoskeletalArticle featured on Medical News Today
Muscle strain occurs when a muscle becomes overstretched or works too hard. People can often treat muscle strains at home and use specific exercises to speed up their recovery.
Muscle strains vary in severity depending on how much damage the muscle fibers sustain. Strains range from mild overexertion to a partial or complete tear of the muscle.
In many cases, home care and exercises can heal a muscle strain, but severe strains may need medical treatment.
People can get muscle strains from playing sports, doing physical work, or just taking part in everyday activities. Early identification and treatment of the injury will speed up recovery.
Symptoms
Muscle strains can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
A person may also hear an audible snapping or popping when the muscle strains.
Causes
A strained muscle occurs when a person stretches a muscle excessively, overuses a muscle, or experiences an accident, such as a fall.
People with tight, inflexible muscles and those who do not warm up properly before exercise may have a higher risk of muscle strain.
Some people whose job requires them to do repetitive movements, such as heavy lifting or sports, may develop chronic muscle strain injuries.
Diagnosis
If a doctor suspects a muscle strain, they will perform a physical examination and ask a person about their symptom history. They may also order imaging studies, such as X-rays, to make sure that the bone has not broken.
As part of the diagnosis, a doctor will usually designate the injury as a grade 1, 2, or 3 strain. A grade 1 strain is mild and should heal quickly, while a grade 3 strain is a severe muscle tear.
How to treat muscle strain
Even if a person’s muscle strain does not require medical attention, it is important to rest the muscle and allow time for recovery. A strained muscle is more susceptible to re-injury.
Home remedies
Several home treatments can help promote muscle healing. One of the most effective approaches to muscle strain recovery is the RICE technique.
RICE stands for:
In addition to using the RICE method, a person can take medication to control pain and reduce swelling or inflammation.
Over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, reduce both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen can relieve pain, but it does not have the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs.
Medical treatments
If OTC medications are insufficient to relieve pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or pain-relieving medicines.
Massage therapy may also help relax injured muscles and enhance a person’s range of motion
Recovery exercises
If a doctor clears a person to engage in regular exercise after their injury, they can usually benefit from doing stretching exercises. It is important to talk to a doctor before trying recovery exercises, as overexerting an already injured muscle can cause extra damage.
A person should never stretch to the extent that it causes pain and discomfort.
The specific stretches will depend on the injured area, but a person should always repeat the stretch two or three times. Examples of these stretches include:
Prevention
People may be able to prevent muscle strains by warming up the muscles before doing physical activity and by avoiding overstretching the muscles.
Following the guidance below may help prevent muscle strains:
Some people may benefit from working with a physical therapist or a strength and conditioning professional to help improve their exercise technique and allow them to build strength and flexibility safely.
Recovery times
The duration of recovery after a muscle strain will depend on the severity of the injury.
Most soft tissue injuries take a few weeks to heal, but severe strains may take much longer.
Trying to return to normal activities too soon can cause further injury, so always follow a doctor’s instructions and start gently.
If a person’s injury requires surgery, the recovery time will depend on the nature of the procedure. A doctor will be able to provide information on the likely timeframe of recovery after surgery.
When to see a doctor
It is important to see a doctor for any painful muscle strain to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If a person hears a popping sound when the injury occurs, this can indicate a muscle tear. A tear is a severe strain that will need medical attention.
If the pain from an injury gets worse instead of better, this can signify that a person should seek medical attention.
Other symptoms that indicate the need to visit a doctor include:
People should see a doctor if their injury keeps them from completing their usual physical activities.
Outlook
Muscle strains can range from mild to severe. Taking time to rest and rehabilitate the strained muscle can help a person recover and return to their previous physical activity level. Performing some simple stretching exercises, with a doctor’s approval, may also be beneficial.
If the pain worsens or gets in the way of everyday activities, it is best to see a doctor.
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