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The Most Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and Shoulder Problems

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

The shoulder is made up of several joints combined with the muscles and tendons. They help the shoulder perform a vast range of motions in the arm—from throwing the perfect pitch to scratching the back. However, mobility has a price. In some cases, it can lead to instability issues and impingement of the bony structures or soft tissue in the shoulder.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder is composed of 3 bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). The upper bone’s head fits into the shoulder blade’s rounded socket. The socket is known as the glenoid.

A combination of tendons and muscles keeps the arm bone centered in the shoulder socket. The tissues are known as rotator cuff. The rotator cuff covers the head of the upper arm bone and attaches it to the shoulder blade.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain treatment that will be recommended by the doctor will depend on the cause of the condition. That means frozen shoulder treatment recommended will be different from recommended treatment options for shoulder issues caused by arthritis or fracture.

Most problems with the shoulder are classified into 4 categories:

  • Tendon inflammation or tendon tear (tendinitis or bursitis)

  • Arthritis

  • Instability

  • Broken bone (fracture)

Tendinitis

The cord that connects the muscle to the bone is called the tendon. Tendinitis is often the result of tendon inflammation. There are two types of tendinitis:

  • Acute – Excessive ball throwing as well as other overhead activities can lead to acute tendinitis.

  • Chronic – Degenerative diseases like repetitive wear and tear as well as arthritis can lead to chronic tendinitis.

Bursitis

The small fluid-filled sacs that are found in the joints throughout the body (including the shoulder) is called bursae. They also function as cushions between the overlying soft tissues and the bones. They also work by ensuring there is minimal friction between the bone and the gliding muscles.

In some instances, excessive shoulder use can result in swelling and inflammation of the bursa situated between the acromion and the rotator cuff. This condition is referred to as subacromial bursitis.

Impingement

When the acromion puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues, a shoulder impingement can occur. As the arm is lifted, the acromion can impinge on the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. This scenario can result in tendinitis and bursitis which causes pain as well as limited movement.

Arthritis

Shoulder pain can also be attributed to arthritis. While there are many different types of arthritis, the most common type that develops in the shoulder is osteoarthritis. This condition is also commonly referred to as wear and tear arthritis.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness, swelling, and pain. This condition often affects middle-aged individuals. While osteoarthritis can develop gradually, the pain it causes can worsen with time.

Osteoarthritis can be caused by work or sports injuries as well as chronic wear and tear. Other types of osteoarthritis are linked to infection, rotator cuff tears, and joint lining inflammation.

Tendon Tears

The tearing and splitting of tendons can be the result of degenerative changes or acute injury. The tears can be partial or at times, severe enough to completely separate the tendon from the bone. Biceps tendon injuries as well as rotator cuff injuries are considered among the most common.

Instability

Shoulder instability happens when the upper arm bone’s head is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can occur as a result of overuse or sudden injury. Shoulder dislocations can be partial. This condition is called subluxation.

Once the tendons, muscles, or ligaments around the shoulder have become torn or loose, dislocations can happen repeatedly. Recurring dislocations will not only cause pain, it can also result in unsteadiness when the arm is raised or moved away from the body.

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Bodyinjury

Joint Pain: What are Some of the Pain Relief Options?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Discomfort, inflammation, and pain from any joint part (tendons, bone, cartilage, and muscles) is generally referred to as joint pain.

In most cases however, joint pain refers to arthritis or arthralgia—a condition characterized by inflammation or pain within the joint itself.

Joint pain can also be attributed to other underlying medical conditions like osteoarthritis, gout, bursitis, sprains, strains, and other injuries.

While it has been known to affect any part of the body, the knee is considered the most common area affected, followed by the shoulder and the hips.

In most cases, joint pain becomes more prevalent as one ages.

Joint pain can range from irritating to debilitating.

It can also disappear in a few weeks (acute) or it can last for several weeks to several months (chronic).

However, it is unfortunate to note that even short-term pain and swelling can already significantly affect the patient’s quality of life.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, patients who are suffering from joint pain have plenty of treatment options that can ease joint inflammation and pain available at their disposal.

Some of these options are:

Topical agents

A substance called capsaicin (can also be found in chili peppers) have been known to effectively relieve joint pains.

The substance works by blocking substance P (transmits pain signals). It also triggers endorphin release, a chemical that helps block pain).

Topical creams with methyl salicylate (Ben Gay) can also provide relief for pain in the joint.

Medications

When joint pain is moderate to severe, prescription or OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen sodium (Aleve), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are often prescribed.

For mild pain sans swelling, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended.

For those suffering from severe joint pain, a strong opioid medication might be given.

Other medications know to alleviate joint pain include:

Antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs – works by interfering with pain signals.

Muscle relaxants – works by combating muscle spasms and often used with NSAIDs to provide maximum pain relief.

Injections

If the joint pain does not respond to topical or oral remedies, steroid medications will be recommended.

Every 3 to 4 months, the steroid medication will be injected directly into the joint to provide much needed relief.

This treatment alternative is often considered ideal for those who are suffering from joint diseases, arthritis, and tendinitis.

Alternative treatments

Certain studies indicate that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements will not only help alleviate joint pain but will also significantly improve function.

These supplements can come in the form of a capsule, liquid, powder, or tablet.

While not all who suffer from joint pain find relief from this alternative form of treatment, many are willing to give it a try as it has no known side effects.

Physical therapy

Physical therapists help patients suffering from joint pain by strengthening the muscles, enhancing the motion range, and stabilizing the joint.

Techniques used often include ultrasound, heat and cold therapy, and electrical nerve stimulation, among others.

Patients who are overweight will also be advised to lose the extra pounds as it can help take strain and stress off the joint.

While exercise would be an effective way to get rid of the excess weight, sticking to low-impact exercises is considered ideal. This is necessary so irritating the joint further is avoided.

Home remedies

Short-term joint pain will often respond to the following home care remedies:

  • Protecting the affected joint using a brace or a wrap.
  • Resting the joint and not doing activities that might trigger or cause pain.
  • Icing the affected area for at least 15 minutes, several times each day.
  • Compressing the joint using an elastic wrap.

While some cases of joint pain are harmless, others can be the result of some underlying condition. To play safe, visit www.bjios.sg right away.

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Bodyinjury

Most Common Ankle Injuries

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Our feet and ankles help support our entire body and weight.

They also make walking, running, standing, and playing possible.

However, since the feet and ankles help support one’s weight, they can become very susceptible to injuries.

These injuries can vary, with some considered more severe than the others.

If truth be told, foot and ankle injuries are actually very common.

It is reassuring to note however that these injuries are also preventable.

Typically, foot and ankle injuries are often not serious but if symptoms have persisted for a long time, it would be best to have it checked so it can be assessed and treated accordingly.

Foot and ankle injuries are common among people involved in rigorous and competitive sports and other strenuous physical activities.

Below are some of the most common types of ankle injuries.

Ankle ligament damage

In the event of severe or serious falls, there is the tendency for the ligaments to be torn or ruptured.

The ligaments are the strong bands of tissue tasked to connect the bones within the joint.

It is also responsible for the stability of the foot and the ankle.

In some instances, damage to the ligaments in the ankle will require surgery to fix.

In most cases, injuries of this type will also require rehabilitation.

Strengthening the joint should be considered crucial in order to minimize the possibility of further damage or injury in the future.

Broken ankle

A broken ankle is considered a serious injury because it involves a broken bone.

Surgery is required to fix the bone, followed by rehabilitation. This is done in order to facilitate proper healing.

Your doctor or therapist may also recommend the use of a walker to take pressure off the injured area and support movement.

Sprained ankle

A sprained ankle is considered one of the most common types of injuries experienced by a majority of people.

This condition is so prevalent that most people will likely experience a sprained ankle at one point in their lives or another.

A sprained ankle can be mild or severe.

A sprain also involves the joints and ligaments in the ankle and can result to pain, inflammation, and decreased mobility.

This type of injury can heal after a few days given there is enough rest and limited mobility.

In order to hasten healing, refrain from putting additional pressure on the ankle until the pain and swelling is completely gone.

Foot and ankle injuries can complicate when left unattended. To ensure the best treatment intervention is given, head to www.bjios.sg right away.

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Bodyinjury

Top 5 Facts You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

The weakening of the hand and that of the middle finger and thumb can be attributed to a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve that passes along the carpal tunnel becomes compressed.

In essence, the carpal tunnel serves as a passageway of sorts for the tendons and ligaments of the hand.

The median nerve extends from the forearm to the thumb’s base.

When the median nerve becomes compressed due to the irritation or inflammation of the tendons or the ligaments, symptoms like swelling, numbness, loss of feeling, and pain will manifest.

When left unattended and untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can get worse and might require carpal tunnel syndrome surgery to fix.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is considered one of the most common nerve disorders today especially now that people are spending more and more time in front of their computers.

Older people are also more likely to develop the condition as opposed to their younger counterparts. The condition is also more common in females than in males.

Since numbness of the fingers is often one of the primary symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, many people end up mistaking it for other hand disorders.

To ensure proper diagnosis is made, visiting the doctor would be recommended especially if the symptoms have been manifesting for quite some time. In severe cases, carpal tunnel syndrome surgery might be required.

Facts You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

For those who are not familiar with the condition, below are 5 essential facts about carpal tunnel syndrome:

  1. Several risk factors that can increase one’s chance of developing carpal tunnel syndrome has been identified. Some of these factors include sex (more common in women than in men), inflammatory conditions (rheumatoid arthritis), workplace factors (prolonged wrist flexing and repetitive hand movements), other medical conditions (kidney failure, menopause, obesity, thyroid problems, etc.).
  2. Carpal tunnel has many symptoms but some of the most common manifestations of the condition include pins-and-needles sensation, tingling, numbness and pain (often gets worse when affected hand is used), pain when bending the wrist or flexing, stiffness of the fingers (this symptom is especially noticeable in the mornings). In severe cases, some of the most prevalent symptoms of the condition can include numbness, weakness of the hand, fingers, or thumb, and reduced grip.
  3. Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome will often find it hard to perform even simple movements that involve using the hands like holding utensils or brushing the hair. There is also the tendency to drop objects more often than usual. Some patients also report pinch strength loss or the ability to pinch objects using the thumb and the first finger. In some cases of the condition, atrophy of the thumb’s muscles may also occur.
  4. While there are numerous possible causes for carpal tunnel syndrome, some of the most common are repetitive hand movements, irritated flexor tendons, and other existing medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, pregnancy, and hypothyroidism, among other things.
  5. While mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome will not require carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, it is still imperative to have the condition checked so that proper assessment and treatment can be administered. If in case you feel certain symptoms like diminished thumb strength, tingling sensation, numbness, and pain, medical attention is necessary.

Carpal tunnel syndrome might seem harmless but it can get really bothersome without proper medical attention and treatment. To avoid carpal tunnel syndrome from escalating, visit www.bjios.sg now.

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Bodyinjury

Back Pain: Interesting Facts

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

While almost everyone experiences back pain at one point in their lives or another, others experience back pain their whole lives.

When the condition becomes troublesome and debilitating, checking with a back pain specialist should be considered a priority.

What are some of the common causes of back pain?

Unknown to many, the back is a very intricate and complicated structure.

It is comprised of muscles, bones, ligaments, and joints.

In most cases, pain in the back occurs when there is stress, strain, or injury on any of the muscles, nerves, or ligaments found in the back.

If the pain is chronic, a visit to a back pain specialist should be in order so proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment can be conducted.

Below are some of the most interesting facts about back pain not many people know about:

  • A staggering 80 percent of the population experiences back pain and other back-related issues at one point or another.
  • Back pain is considered one of the leading causes of disabilities the world over. It is also one of the most common reasons people miss work.
  • It is the third most common reason for surgery.
  • Almost half of back pains are classified as mechanical or non-organic. In other words, it is not attributed to anything serious like fracture, infection, arthritis, or cancer.
  • Back pains that are caused by muscle-related injuries are more prominent in the mornings. Fortunately, it can easily improve with stretching.
  • Back pains that are mechanical can be attributed to ligament or muscle strains.
  • People who experience back pain are more likely to also develop psychological distress like anger and depression.

How are back pains prevented?

Facts Regarding Back Pain

Some people might think that back pains are inevitable at one point or another.

For the most part, this is true.

In essence, back pain is highly prevalent because of the nature of activities people perform on a routine basis.

Chronic back pain however can be prevented.

Below are some of the ways you can prevent chronic back pain:

  • Ensure you eat right and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Make sure to incorporate exercise in your day-to-day activities.
  • Always wear comfortable shoes and refrain from wearing high heels too frequently.
  • Opt for a mattress that complements your spine’s natural curvature.
  • Be sure to always stretch and warm up prior to engaging in any rigorous sports or activities.
  • Don’t smoke or quit smoking.
  • Visit a back pain specialist when you experience troublesome back pain so proper assessment and treatment will be made.

For severe back pains that are persistent and bothersome, seeing the specialists at www.bjios.sg is recommended so the condition is given the best and the most apt treatment.

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Bodyinjury

Prevention and Self-Management Tips for ACL Injuries

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

What is an ACL injury?

An ACL injury is a serious injury that occurs to many athletes involved in rigorous or competitive sports.

The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is a band of fibrous tissue or ligaments that connect the thigh bone to the shin.

This part of the knee helps ensure people do not end up rotating or twisting their knees uncontrollably.

ACL injuries are very common among athletes, especially those who are engaged in sports that involve rigorous jumping, pivoting, running, and sudden stops.

Torn ACL will require proper rehabilitation to ensure full recovery.

This type of injury should not be taken lightly as sans proper treatment and medical attention, it can leave the individual in extreme pain.

If you are involved in rigorous sports, the tendency of this type of injury occurring is relatively high.

For those who are involved in challenging sports and those who are experiencing this kind of injury, the following self-management (and prevention) tips can come in handy.

What needs to be done in the first 24 hours?

Tips for ACL Injuries

The first 24 hours after an ACL injury, affected individuals will experience extreme pain.

Inflammation will also manifest.

These symptoms are usually evident the first 2 hours after the injury occurred.

For proper treatment and self-management, the R.I.C.E. method is considered ideal:

  • Rest – resting the injured area should be a priority. Make sure you do not submit the affected area to further stress and strain so complications will not occur.

  • Ice – putting ice on the area every 2 hours (20 mins each time) is also recommended.

  • Compression – ideally, the injured area should be wrapped in elastic bandage.

  • Elevation – elevating the knee when laying down is also advisable. You can make use of pillows or other mechanical device for this purpose.

Seeing a sports doctor or a therapist for further and thorough evaluation should be done after administering first aid treatment.

How do you help ensure ACL injuries are prevented?

Regardless if you are involved in competitive/extreme sports or in a job that puts you at risk for ACL injuries, knowing the necessary prevention tips should be considered imperative.

Fortunately, for starters, there are proper training guides and exercises that can help significantly decrease the chances of an ACL injury occurring.

Once you have completed the assessment, you can visit your trainer, physical therapist, or doctors specializing in sports injuries so they can provide you with instructions, feedback, and insights you can integrate in your training and activities.

Some programs can include:

  • Exercises that help strengthen the abdomen, pelvis, hips, and the core.

  • Exercises that will not only strengthen but also stabilize the muscles. This also include exercises that provide balance.

  • Proper training techniques on the proper running, jumping, and landing should also be taught.

  • Proper training techniques on the right style of cutting, rotating, and landing should also be taught.

Proper management and treatment of ACL injuries is done on a case to case basis. To get the best treatment intervention, visit www.bjios.sg right away.

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Bodyinjury

Joint Pain: What are the Common Symptoms?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

In general, any discomfort, pain, or inflammation from any part of the joint (ligaments, tendons, bone, and muscles) is referred to as joint pain.

In most cases however, joint pain is the term used for arthritis or arthralgia—the condition characterized by inflammation or pain within the joint itself.

While in most cases pain caused by the condition is mild (where soreness is only often noticeable after an activity), in other instances, it can be severe.

When pain is severe, even the most limited of movement (i.e. bearing weight) can become very painful.

What are other likely causes of joint pain?

Joint pain can be attributed to a lot of other conditions including but are not limited to the following:

  • Dislocation

  • Hypothyroidism

  • Ankylosing spondylitis

  • Meralgia paresthetica

  • Bone cancer

  • Gout

  • Broken bone

  • Leukemia

  • Bursitis

  • Rickets

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Lupus

  • Strains and sprains

  • Paget’s disease of the bone

  • Septic arthritis

  • Tendinitis

  • Reactive arthritis

  • Sarcoidosis

  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

  • Polymyalgia rheumatic

  • Complex regional pain syndrome

What are some of the common symptoms of joint pain?

In majority of the cases, pain in the joint is relatively harmless and will often respond well to home remedies.

However, seeing the doctor is necessary if the following symptoms are observed:

  • Swelling

  • Redness

  • Tenderness

A visit to the doctor should also be a priority if the joint pain resulted from injury and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling

  • Inability to use the joint

  • Joint deformity

Joint pain is an inconvenience for many individuals

What are the treatment options for joint pain?

While there are various ways to prevent and relieve joint pain, in severe cases, accurate diagnosis has to be made before deciding on the appropriate course of treatment.

Whatever the treatment route may be, the goals are one and the same—alleviate the pain, reduce the inflammation, and preserve the joint’s function.

Some of the likely treatments for joint pain includes:

Injections

If there is no pain relief from joint pain using oral or topical medications, a steroid medication may be prescribed.

Together with a local anesthetic, the medication is directly injected into the joint. This is done every 3 to 4 months.

This treatment option is often the likely alternative for those patients who are suffering from tendinitis, arthritis, and other joint diseases.

Medications

For joint pain that is moderate to severe (with noticeable swelling), over the counter painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are given.

For those with mild joint pains without swelling, acetaminophen (Tylenol) will be recommended.

However, taking acetaminophen should be done with caution especially if you ingest alcoholic drinks on a regular basis as it might result to liver damage.

If the joint pain is severe and NSAIDs won’t provide any relief, a strong opioid medication might be recommended.

But since opioid drugs may cause drowsiness, it should only be taken upon the doctor’s recommendation.

Constipation is another possible effect of taking opioids but it can be easily remedied with laxatives.

Other medications that can help ease the pain include:

Antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs – these types of medications work by interfering with the pain signals.

Muscle relaxants – aside from combating muscle spasms, relaxants are used together with NSAIDs to maximize pain relief.

Physical therapy

Seeing a physical therapist is also a recommended option for patients suffering from pain in the joint.

The physical therapist will use different techniques like manipulation, ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, heat or cold therapy, etc. to strengthen the muscles, stabilize the joint, and significantly improve the patient’s motion range.

Getting rid of any excess weight is also recommended for patients who are obese. Losing the extra pounds can help relieve both the pressure and strain on the joints. However, it is advisable to stick only to exercises that are low-impact (i.e. bicycling and swimming) to prevent irritating the joint further.

When joint pain starts to affect the quality of your life and becomes bothersome, checking with the experts at www.bjios.sg is recommended.

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Effective Ways to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

While considered common, it is reassuring to know that foot and ankle injuries are preventable.

These kind of injuries are common in sports that involve jogging, running, and those involve footwork.

However, foot and ankle injuries are not limited to those involved in competitive or extreme sports alone.

Regardless if you are at minimal or higher risk of developing injuries of this nature, it is still advisable to observe precautionary measures in order to minimize your chances of injury.

The following tips should get you off to a good start:

Refrain from stepping or running on uneven surfaces.

When possible, make it a point to avoid running in surfaces laden with stumps, holes, or rocky terrains.

This is especially necessary if you already have foot or leg problems to begin with.

If you are an avid runner, you can find effective ways to avoid common foot and ankle injuries here.

Pick the right footwear.

If you are engaged in sports, this should be a priority.

Choosing the right footwear will not only take unnecessary pressure off your ankles or feet, it will also help you perform at peak level.

In line with this, always opt for sports-specific shoes designed especially for the activity you are engaged in.

Whether it’s training, running, or CrossFit, there is footwear fitting for the activity.

Remember to always warm up before any physical activity.

Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries

Prior to performing any physical activity, consider it mandatory to first perform stretching and warm up exercises to help lessen and prepare the muscles for any strenuous activities.

Perform specific exercises.

If you are experiencing tightness and heel pain, performing specific and light exercises can help improve blood circulation and loosen joints and muscles.

Also, in order to prevent injuries from recurring, consider wearing support brace when pressure on the site of the injury is likely.

Always go for comfortable shoes.

When choosing footwear, make sure comfort is on top of your list of priorities.

If your shoes give your feet or ankles a hard time, it would be best to replace them and invest in a pair of comfy sandals or sneakers with soft cushions.

Do not overdo physical exercises.

This is especially crucial if you just recovered or are still recovering from an injury.

Be reasonable when it comes to physical activities, sports, or trainings so you do not end up complicating your injury.

Listen to your body.

When your body is telling you something, be sure to listen.

If you have had a previous injury and movement and activities produce pain or discomfort, it would be best to have it checked as your body might be telling you something important.

While seemingly harmless, foot and ankle injuries require proper rehabilitation before engaging in physical activities is recommended.

For proper management and treatment of foot and ankle injuries, head to www.bjios.sg right away so you will get competent and expert help.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the wrist and hand condition that occurs when the median nerve is compressed.

Common indicators of the condition include pain, numbness, and weakness that sometimes radiates to the arm affected.

Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome will depend on the severity of the condition.

Treatment can range from noninvasive options to carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

What are the common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Mild cases of the condition often only affect the hand.

However, in some instances it can also spread to the forearm and the shoulder.

The following are some of the most common symptoms of mild carpal tunnel syndrome:

  • Occasional tingling
  • Pain
  • Pins-and-needles sensation
  • Numbness and pain that gets worse when the hand is used
  • Pain when flexing or bending the wrist
  • Numbness and pain when gripping an object
  • Stiffness of the fingers (especially noticeable in the mornings)

For moderate and severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, the most prevalent symptoms that will manifest includes reduced grip, numbness, and loss of strength in the thumbs, hand, or fingers.

Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome will find it hard to:

  • Carry out simple hand movements like brushing the hair or holding food utensils. There is also the likelihood of accidentally dropping objects.
  • Pinch objects between the thumb and the first finger. This is aptly called pinch strength loss.
  • Use the thumb for routine tasks like opening a jar or using a screwdriver. In cases of long-term carpal tunnel syndrome, atrophy of the muscles of the thumb may occur.

Symptoms of the condition will often occur in the parts of the hand supplied by the middle finger so that includes the middle finger, half of the ring finger, index finger, and the thumb.

The median nerve does not affect the little finger so if there are symptoms that affect the little finger, it’s safe to assume carpal tunnel syndrome is not the likely culprit.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

What are the possible causes of the carpal tunnel syndrome?

  • Irritated flexor tendons
  • Repetitive movements of the hand
  • Other existing medical conditions such as pregnancy, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes.

What are some of the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Several risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome has been identified.

Some of these risk factors include:

  • Sex – carpal tunnel syndrome is more common in women than in men.
  • Inflammatory conditions – diseases that are characterized by inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes end up affecting the wrist tendons and will put pressure on the median nerve.
  • Nerve-damaging conditions – conditions like diabetes can put individuals in increased risk of nerve damage and this can include possible median nerve damage.
  • Workplace factors – occupation or hobbies that entail repetitive or prolonged wrist flexing may put unnecessary stress and strain on the median nerve.
  • Other medical conditions – certain medical issues like obesity, kidney failure, menopause, and thyroid problems have been associated with the condition.

Know who are at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome here.

When is medical attention necessary?

If the following symptoms will manifest, seeking medical attention is recommended:

  • You end up accidentally dropping things and simple hand movements becomes challenging to carry out.
  • You experience numbness, pain, tingling sensation, and hand weakness that does not disappear even after a couple of weeks.
  • You notice little or no feelings in the fingers or affected hand.
  • It becomes difficult for you to pink your thumb and fingers together.
  • You notice diminished strength in your thumb.

In most cases, mild cases of carpal tunnel syndrome will respond to at-home remedies.

However, in the event that it doesn’t, getting in touch with the specialist at www.bjios.sg is recommended as you might be a candidate for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

 

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Ease Back Pain: Top 8 Tips

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

In essence, back pain is a persistent problem that many people have and will likely experience during their lifetime.

While considered common, back pains need to addressed accordingly especially if it’s chronic.

If you are experiencing back pain secondary to an injury, it is recommended that you check with a back pain specialist.

It is fortunate to note there are also plenty of ways you can adapt to help ease back pain.

Below are 8 of the top ways you can alleviate back pain:

  1. Good posture

While not many may be aware of it, proper posture is essential if you want to ease back pain and prevent its occurrence in the first place.

While most back pains are secondary to injury or strain, other cases can be attributed to improper posture.

Proper posture should be observed at all times in order not to put strain and stress on the nerves and the back.

  1. Exercise

Exercise provides more benefits than most people know of.

For starters, even the simplest of exercise like walking can already help alleviate back pain.

Movements that stretch and get your back in an upright position can also do wonders for helping ease and prevent back pain.

However, when doing exercises, ensure that you do not end up straining your back.

Keep everything in moderation and don’t indulge too much in strenuous exercises that might end up contributing to instead of easing the pain.

  1. Rest

While resting can help reduce back pain, too much rest can actually prove counterproductive.

Individuals with short-term back pain often notice an increase in back pain when resting for really long periods.

Ideally, it would be more beneficial to move around as frequently as you can as opposed to being sedentary for too long.

Rest is a good way to relieve back pain

  1. Flexibility

Pressure, tension, and tightness often contribute to back pain.

Flexibility can do wonders for your body as it helps balance the load and ensure pressure is not limited to only one part of the body.

Do stretches and exercises that help improve and enhance flexibility so you can effectively take pressure off the body.

  1. Sleep and sleeping position

Sleep and the right sleeping position are considered vital when effectively managing back pain.

Apart from making sure you have sufficient sleeping time (and rest), your sleeping position should also be looked into.

That being said, ensure you have a mattress that can properly support your back.

If you are used to sleeping on your back, consider putting pillows under the knees.

If you are a side sleeper, you can put pillows between your knees.

At all times, make it a point to ensure your spine is kept in a neutral position.

  1. Specialist

If you want a bespoke rehabilitation or therapy plan, it would be best to get in touch with a back pain specialist at www.bjios.sg.

Back pain specialists will not only be able to pinpoint the specific causes of the back pain but they can also provide tips, insights, and advise on the proper ways to ease the pain especially for chronic cases.

  1. Relaxation

In some cases, back stress and pain can be attributed to anxiety and depression.

In line with this, it would be a good idea to adapt meditation and relaxation techniques to help ease the mind and reduce stress.

Talking with a specialist or sharing your problems with people you trust or even with a support group might also prove beneficial.

  1. Smoking

Smoking will not only do harm to the lungs but also to your back.

Smoking (and nicotine) can cause constriction of the blood flow to the back and may result to swelling and pain.

While back pain can be attributed to different reasons, unfortunately, not all back pains are harmless.

Know when back pain is a cause for worry here.

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