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Greetings!
Well, summer is officially over, and everyone is back to school, back from summer vacations, and in many cases, back to reality. Often we ignore our aches and pains for the summer months, and persevere through them, determined not to let our bad back get in the way of sunning, swimming, and surfing (Or whatever moves you.) So, now tends to be the time to refocus on our health, and make steps to improving our condition. If this applies to you, remember that CPAT offers free injury screenings to our former patient's, their friends and family, and to all members of the gyms with which we are affiliated. So, don't hesitate to give us a call and book a few minutes to see and speak with a PT, it could save you a lot of pain down the road- as you'll see in our one article on Osteoarthritis of the knee- early intervention is key! Enjoy the newsletter! Remember that you can access old newsletters and information by visiting our website, or by clicking on the link along the left side of this email. |
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Osteoarthritis of the Knee
 The word arthritis means inflammation (swelling) of a joint. Osteoarthritis, also known as "wear and tear" arthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is estimated that osteoarthritis affects one out of every ten Canadians and that 85% of Canadians over the age of 70 will have osteoarthritis. The knee is one of the most common joints affected by this disease.
Osteoarthritis affects the articular cartilage in the knee. Articular cartilage is the smooth coating that covers the surface of the bones inside the knee. Articular cartilage also cushions and helps lubricate the joint surfaces. In osteoarthritis the articular cartilage begins to degrade. Over time, the articular cartilage can thin or form cracks. Pieces of cartilage may come loose and float inside the knee, further irritating the joint. After a long period of time the cartilage can become completely "worn away" and the bones begin to rub together.
Osteoarthritis usually comes on slowly and results in knee pain, stiffness and/or swelling. Sometimes a grating sound can be heard when the knee is bent - such as when climbing up and down stairs or crouching. Bumps or nodes may appear around the knee joint. Sometimes a knee can have a mild amount of osteoarthritis and feel perfectly fine.
Most types of treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee work best when started early, before there is a lot of "wear and tear" in the knee. For this reason establishing a correct diagnosis is very important. In some cases osteoarthritis of the knee can be diagnosed based on the medical history and physical examination of the affected joint(s). An x-ray may be ordered to determine how much joint damage there is. Sometimes blood tests or joint fluid tests are ordered to confirm the diagnosis or to distinguish between different types of arthritis.
No one knows for sure what causes osteoarthritis but some risk factors include:
- Previous knee injury i.e. meniscal tear, ligament injury.
- Family history of osteoarthritis.
- Being overweight.
- Damage to the knee from another type of arthritis.
- Increasing age.
A lot can be done to help people who have osteoarthritis in their knee(s). The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, control swelling and maintain or improve mobility of the knee but unfortunately there is no known cure for osteoarthritis.
Every osteoarthritic knee is different, and there should be a team approach to treatment. Some available treatments include exercises, medications, education on activity modification, weight loss, heat and cold therapy, techniques for joint protection, injections and in some cases surgery. Doctors and physical therapists who deal with people who have osteoarthritis can help outline a treatment program. For more information, or to get more information on a program specific to your conditon, please contact one of our offices! | |
| Neck Strains and Sprains |
 What is it, and what to do if you have one????
What is a neck strain?
The term "neck strain" is used to describe an injury to the muscles and/or ligaments of the neck. In this article the term neck strain is used but the term "neck sprain" can also be used to mean the same thing.
What are the functions of the muscles and the ligaments of the neck?
The complex anatomy of the lumbar region of the spine (neck) allows it to perform various functions. The lumbar region supports the weight of the body, protects the spinal cord and it allows the body to move by providing attachment sites for muscles. The muscles located closest to the vertebrae (neck bones) help to provide stability to the spine. The muscles located further from the vertebrae play a role in movement of the spine.
Ligaments are like strong ropes that help connect bones and provide stability to joints. Six major ligament groups run down the spine and the low back. These ligaments attach to each vertebra and form a strong support system for the spine and the neck.
How do neck strains occur?
Neck strains can occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents, during sporting activities or as a result of repetitive stress at work. In some cases the muscles and ligaments around the neck can become injured during a single activity, or the neck can become injured during a repetitive task.
What does a neck strain feel like?
There is usually pain and tenderness around the muscles or ligaments that are injured. The affected muscles may also tighten up to protect the injured area. People with just neck strains usually do not complain of the following problems:
- Changes in the way their bowels and/or bladder work.
- Weakness in their arm muscles.
- Loss of arm muscle endurance.
- Pain and numbness that travels down either arm.
- Pain that is made worse by sneezing or coughing.
- Pain that is associated with fevers, weight loss, or anything else that suggests that they are feeling unwell.
- Pain that consistently wakes them up at night.
People with these warning signs need to see a doctor about their neck pain right away.
How is a neck strain diagnosed?
The first step in the diagnosis of a neck strain is to obtain a good medical history and perform a physical examination. X-rays of the neck may help to rule out degenerative disc disease. X-rays may be completely normal. Depending on the severity of the problem, further tests such as MRI and CT scans may also be required to rule out other causes of neck pain.
What is the treatment for a neck strain?
In most cases, the damaged muscles and ligaments will begin to repair themselves. It is usually recommended that people consult with their doctor or physical therapist to help guide them back to health.
Available treatments include physical therapy to learn proper movement patterns, education on activity modification, proper posture, and exercises. Physical Therapy may also include manual mobilization/manipulation of the affected area, and modalities such as gentle electrical currents and heat or ice to help with pain. Medications may also be an important part of the initial treatment. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications and/or muscle relaxants.
After someone recovers from a neck strain it is important to maintain a healthy neck with proper posture, and exercises to maintain strong neck muscles. These measures may help to decrease the chance of another neck strain. Doctors and Physical Therapists that deal with people with neck strains can help outline an individualized treatment and recovery program. To have your specific symptoms evaluated or to have a PT designed program for you, please contact your nearest CPAT office! | |
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We hope you find this information useful, as always your feedback is encouraged and appreciated! Have a great October!
Sincerely,
Doug Rosener
Chesapeake Physical and Aquatic Therapy | |
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