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Bodybonehealthinjury

Bone Fractures: Treatment Options

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

 

The medical term given to a broken bone is fracture.

Fractures are very common.

Statistics show that an average person will have at least two fractures in their lifetime.

When the physical force exerted is way stronger than the bone, a fracture will most likely occur.

Types

While there are different kinds of fractures, the main categories are closed, open, non-displaced, and displaced.

Displaced fracture occurs when the bone is snapped into two (or more parts).

However, when there is a crack but the alignment of the bone is still present, it is called a displaced fracture.

When the bone breaks through the skin, it is classified as an open fracture. However, if there is no puncture or wound, it is aptly called a closed fracture.

Other fracture types include:

Greenstick fracture

This type is very common among children. This is also considered an incomplete fracture characterized by a bent bone.

Transverse fracture

This type occurs when the broken piece of the bone is found at a right angle to the bone’s axis.

Buckled fracture

This is also commonly known as impacted fracture. This occurs when the bone ends are driven into each other.

Comminuted fracture

This type occurs when the bone has been broken into several pieces.

Symptoms

Common fracture symptoms can include but are not limited to the following:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Pain (especially when moved or when pressure is applied)
  • Deformity
  • Loss of function

Causes

Fractures often develop as a result of falls, blows, and other traumatic events.

Fractures that are caused by other illnesses like cancer are called pathologic fractures.

The condition weakens the bones and fractures of this kind will manifest without any trauma.

At least 1.5 million of fractures that occur annually is often attributed to osteoporosis.

Diagnosis

In order to accurately diagnose bone fractures, doctors will require X-rays and will have to physically examine the area.

In some cases, however, X-rays will not suffice when checking for fractures.

For instance, in order to diagnose stress, hip, and wrist fractures accurately, a bone, MRI, or CT scan might be recommended.

In other instances, special tests like X-ray of the blood vessels, angiogram, etc. will be necessary to ensure there are no damage on the surrounding tissues.

Treatment

In majority of the cases, immediate medical attention will be required for fractures.

Immobilization of fractures are carried out using a cast or a splint.

In certain cases, traction is used to minimize pain and promote healing.

In cases of open fractures, antibiotics are prescribed to keep infection at bay.

Rehabilitation will also be recommended the soonest possible time even if the cast is still in place.

This is to help ensure stiffness is prevented, muscle tone is maintained, and blood flow is promoted.

Once the cast or splint has been removed, swelling and stiffness can still be experienced in the area surrounding the fracture.

However, in most cases, it will disappear after a few weeks.

It will often take 4 to 6 weeks before strength is regained in the bone.

To play safe, it is advisable to ask the doctor regarding safe activities you can already do.

In most cases, key elements like the type of fracture and the patient’s overall health will be taken into consideration.

Prevention

To ensure bone fractures are prevented, the following measures should be kept in mind:

  • Ensure the stairs are free from objects that can actually cause one to trip.
  • When doing recreational activities, proper safety equipment like helmets, safety pads, etc. should be worn.
  • For patients that are diagnosed with osteoporosis, talk to doctors about calcium supplements and other possible remedies and ask for exercises that can help enhance both strength and balance.

If you suspect you have fracture or a broken bone, visit www.bjios.sg for proper and competent help and guidance.

 

 

 

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Bodyfitnessinjury

Foot and Ankle Injuries: Essential Facts

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Foot and ankle injuries are very common.

So common that everyone has most likely experienced one at one point in their lives or another.

The cause of foot and ankle injury are often attributed to two things—everyday wear and tear and overuse.

Even when extremely common, there are plenty of facts about foot and ankle injuries many people are not aware of.

For the uninitiated, below are some of the basic facts about food and ankle injuries not many people know about:

In children, a foot and ankle injury can often occur when engaging in sports, while playing, or during falls.

In general, majority of foot and ankle injuries happen when doing work or projects around the house, when engaged in work-related tasks, or while involved in sports or recreational activities.

Certain athletes like dancers, soccer players, gymnasts, and basketball players are more prone to foot and ankle injuries compared to others.

Injury risk for foot and ankle injuries is often higher when doing activities that entail jumping (i.e. soccer or football).

Older adults are more susceptible to foot and ankle injuries since they are more likely to already lose much in terms of muscle mass and bone strength because of their age. Vision and balance problems can also increase their risk significantly.

Minor foot and ankle injuries will often respond well to home remedies. However, acute injuries secondary to twisting, jamming, bending, falling, direct blows, and penetrating injuries may require immediate medical attention.

Some of the most common acute injuries include:

Puncture wounds

Sharp objects like nails, needles, ice picks, and knives can cause puncture wounds. It is easy for puncture wounds to get infected so seeking medical attention is recommended at all times.

Tendon injuries

When tendons rupture, it can result to discomfort and severe pain.

Dislocation

Can be a result of a bone moving out of place.

Pulled muscles or strains

Muscles of the foot and the ankle can become strained. In some cases, it may also rupture.

Treatment options for foot and ankle injuries vary and may include medicine, first aid measures (splint, brace, application of cast), special shoe (orthotic device), and physical therapy.

When too much stress is placed on the tissues or joints, overuse injuries can develop.

Some of the most common overuse injuries can include:

Plantar fasciitis

This condition occurs when the plantar fascia (the flat and broad ligament situated at the bottom of the foot) becomes inflamed.

Achilles tendinitis or tendinopathy (tendinosis)

This condition is characterized of the soft tissues that are found in and around the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone (Achilles tendon).

Retrocalcaneal bursitis

This condition occurs when the bursa is inflamed. Its symptoms include swelling and tenderness. Pain can become very noticeable when wearing shoes or when doing physical activities.

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

  • There is obvious deformity
  • The skin of the injury site is broken
  • Numbness and tingling is experienced
  • The affected area turns blue, pale, or white
  • Excruciating pain is experienced
  • The swelling and the pain does not disappear even after 2 days
  • Signs of infection are showing like redness, fever, warmth, swelling, and red streaks in the affected area.

The recommended treatment option for foot and ankle injuries will often depend on the following key factors:

  • Severity of the condition
  • Type of the injury
  • Location of the injury
  • When the injury occurred
  • Age
  • Overall health condition
  • Activities (work, hobbies, sports)

Prevention of foot and ankle injuries is way easier if the following tips are kept in mind:

  • Invest in a new pair of running shoes after 500 miles of wear or at least every 3 months.
  • Do exercises for heel pain and tightness. This is especially important for athletes.
  • Refrain from doing excessive sprinting.
  • Walk regularly to enhance circulation and flexibility.

For help and guidance on foot and ankle injuries, please check www.bjios.sg.

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Bodyhealthinjury

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery: The Essentials

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve situated in the wrist.

The condition is characterized by weakness, numbness, and tingling in the hand.

The median nerve together with several other tendons runs from the forearm to the hand and it passes through the carpal tunnel.

The median nerve works by controlling the feeling and movement in the thumb as well as the three fingers except the little finger.

Treatment options will be based on the severity of the condition.

Treatment alternatives can range from non-invasive remedies to carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.

Causes

The primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve.

The pressure can be the result of swelling or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller.

The swelling can be the result of many causes including:

  • Hand movements that are repeated especially when the wrist is bent
  • Other medical conditions like hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes
  • Pregnancy

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include tingling, numbness, and pain in the fingers or hands.

Some people may also experience pain in the arm, between the hand, and the elbow.

Other symptoms will also manifest in the index, middle, ring finger, and the thumb.

Oftentimes, people experience the symptoms at night.

Shaking the hand has been known to offer relief, albeit just temporary.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the condition, the doctor would most likely ask if you have other health issues like arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism.

Patients will also likely be asked about their daily routine or recent activities.

The doctor will also check the feeling, strength, and appearance of the arms, shoulders, hands, neck, and wrists.

When needed, nerve and blood tests may be required.

Treatment

Mild cases of the condition will often respond well to home care treatments.

Home remedies can include:

  • Icing the wrist every 1 to 2 hours (10 to 15 minutes each time).
  • Regularly resting the wrist in between activities.
  • Refraining from doing activities that can cause numbness and pain.
  • Wearing a night splint to take the pressure off the median nerve.
  • Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to minimize the pain and reduce the swelling.

Surgery

While carpal tunnel syndrome surgery is an option, it is only often considered when the symptoms have become so severe that it already affects the quality of life of the patient.

It is also the treatment option considered when the condition does not respond to noninvasive treatment alternatives.

Surgery is also considered when there is obvious loss of feeling or coordination in the hand or fingers, when sleep becomes erratic because of the pain, and when there is reduced strength in the thumb.

However, when nerve damage is seen in the nerve test result, surgery will become the most likely treatment option.

In order to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, the transverse carpal ligament is cut. This is done in order to relieve pressure exerted on the median nerve.

Two surgery approaches are often used:

Open carpal tunnel release surgery

This kind of surgery will require a longer recovery period and will leave a bigger scar compared to endoscopic surgery.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery

This type of procedure has a quicker recovery period compared to open surgery. And since the incisions are smaller, it will likely heal faster.

Typically, the recovery period will only take 3 months.

While many factors need to be taken into account before endoscopic surgery is resorted to, it is recommended that the surgeon’s experience with the procedure is also considered.

Endoscopic surgery uses very technical equipment so picking a surgeon that has done the procedure numerous times is considered ideal.

If you notice classic symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, please visit www.bjios.sg for proper help and guidance.

 

 

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Bodyboneinjury

Causes, Types, and Common Symptoms of Bone Tumor

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

When cells divide abnormally or uncontrollably, a tumor or a lump is formed.

However, when the tumor or lump develops in the bone, the condition is aptly called bone tumor.

A bone tumor can be cancerous or malignant or it can be benign.

However, when benign tumors grow, they can still end up compressing the healthy bone tissues.

That being said, treatment might still be recommended even if it won’t spread to other parts of the body.

Malignant bone tumors on the other hand can cause the cancer to spread to other parts of the body.

Causes

There have been no definite causes identified for bone tumors.

However, it has been noticed that tumors often occur when parts of the body are experiencing rapid growth

Other likely causes of bone tumors include genetics, radiation treatment and bone injuries.

Symptoms

Often the most common symptom of the condition is a dull ache.

This dull ache is often felt only occasionally but will severe and constant in the long run.

Swelling in the site affected may also be noticed.

Other symptoms include night sweats or fever.

Benign bone tumors however will often not manifest any symptoms and won’t be detected unless an imaging scan is done.

While benign bone tumors like osteochondromas will not need treatment in most cases, treatment might be necessary when the condition starts to interfere with the patient’s function and movement.

Different types of benign bone tumors

Enchondroma

This condition develops when a cartilage cyst will form inside the bone marrow.

Echondromas will often occur in the hands or feet.

It can also develop in the long bones of the arm and the thigh.

Osteochondromas

As much as 40 percent of all benign tumors are osteochrondomas.

The condition is very common among adolescents and teenagers.

These types of tumors will often manifest in the arm bones or in the leg.

In majority of the cases, it affects the tibia, humerus, and the femur.

Nanossifying Fibroma Unicameral

This condition often occurs in the leg.

It is also very common among adolescents and children.

The condition also refers to a solitary bone cyst.

Different types of malignant bone tumors

Chondrosarcoma

Middle-aged individuals and older adults are more prone to developing the condition as opposed to other age groups.

This type of malignant bone tumor often develops in the hips, shoulder, and the pelvis.

Osteosarcoma

Common among children and in adolescents, it is also known as the second most common type of bone cancer.

The tumor often develops in the shoulder, hip, and knee.

The tumor can also grow rapidly and can spread to other parts of the body.

The condition is also otherwise known as osteogenic sarcoma.

Treatment

Benign bone tumors

Benign tumors can either grow, stay the same, or disappear.

In majority of the cases, treatment won’t be needed.

However, benign tumors may have to be monitored to ensure they don’t develop into something else.

Benign bone tumors can at times lead to fractures and may eventually become malignant so removing it surgically is sometimes recommended.

Malignant bone tumors

Treatment of bone cancer is dependent on key factors like the type of cancer and whether or not it has spread to other areas.

If in the metastatic stage (the stage where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body), curing the condition will become more challenging.

Radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery are some of the likely treatment options available when treating bone cancer.

For help with bone tumors, please visit www.bjios.sg.

 

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Bodyhealthinjury

Treatments for Back Pain

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

To diagnose back pain, a back pain specialist will test the motion range and nerve function.

They will also need to touch the body to accurately identify areas of discomfort and pain.

In some instances, blood and urine tests may be necessary to rule out infections alongside other medical issues.

X-rays may also be needed in some cases to check if there are other likely causes for back pain.

X-rays are considered beneficial when checking for likely skeletal defects and broken bones.

X-rays are also useful when pinpointing connective tissue problems.

However, when in the lookout for disk problems or likely soft-tissue damage, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) might be recommended.

An electromyogram (EMG) will also be required when the need to check for muscle or nerve damage arises.

Treatment Options

Back pain treatment approaches can vary from one person to another.

Key factors like the severity of the condition and the cause of the pain will have to be taken into consideration before the right treatment option is decided on.

Some of the possible treatment options for back pain can include:

Rest

In order to ease acute back pain brought about by minor strain or injury, resting for 24 to 48 hours will be recommended.

Aspirins as well as other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will also be prescribed to help reduce the pain and inflammation.

Once the inflammation has subsided, applying heat will be recommended to help soothe cramped muscles and strained connective tissues.

Contrary to popular belief, long-term bed rest will not help much and might even prove counterproductive.

In majority of the cases, patients can already do non-strenuous and routine activities within 24 to 72 hours.

To play safe, checking with a back pain specialist if physical therapy or controlled exercises might be needed.

Physical therapy treatments may include whirlpool baths, massage, and ultrasound, among others.

Medications

If the back pain becomes so severe and already hinders the individual from participating in normal activities, pain medications such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin might be given.

However, when the condition does not respond to any OTC painkillers, steroid injections might be given.

However, steroid injections are rarely used as they often provide only temporary relief and they may come with likely side effects.

TENS

Some physicians may might recommend transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) to help ease back pain.

This is carried out by taping electrodes to the body.

Said electrodes will carry an electrical current that is mild to help ease back pain.

Surgery

For back pains that are nonspecific, surgery is often considered the last resort.

Chronic nonspecific back pains are often not attributed to spinal issues.

However, when imaging results will indicate compression or nerve tissue damage, surgery might become the likely treatment option.

Surgery is also the chosen alternative when the condition does not respond to noninvasive treatment alternatives like medications, physical therapy, rest, and home exercise programs.

CBT

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment can include education, relaxation techniques, stress management, and behavioral adaptation.

CBT has been known to lift depression and reduce the severity of the back pain.

CBT is also considered effective when relieving pain in the lower back.

Some studies indicate it is also more effective compared to routine care and placebo.

Biofeedback

If back pain is caused by tension or muscle spasm, biofeedback might be prescribed.

This treatment option has been known to enhance overall life quality and reduce pain.

Biofeedback is also believed to help muscles respond better to stress or movement.

Acupuncture

Both the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians pointed out that acupuncture can likely help with low-back pains that are already chronic.

It can also come in handy when other treatment alternatives have proved ineffective.

Acupuncture can be used alone or as part of other treatment plans.

However, to date, not enough evidence is available to support its effectivity in treating acute back pain.

For expert help with back pain, visit www.bjios.sg and get in touch with competent and trusted professionals.

 

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Bodyfitnessinjury

ACL Injuries: Who Are at Risk?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

 

Tears or ruptures of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) are very common.

So common that it affects approximately 250,000 individuals.

And that statistic is in the United States alone.

What are the likely causes?

Individuals who are engaged in sports are more prone to ACL injuries.

ACL injury can also often occur as a result of the following:

  • Pivoting
  • Single-leg landing
  • Direct trauma (common in contact sports)
  • Cutting
  • Twisting force (applied to the knee when the person lands on one foot)

An ACL injury can be very painful and most people will hear and experience a “pop” in the knee when it occurs.

This is followed by feelings of instability.

ACL injuries will not only make activities like walking down the stairs difficult but it will also hinder patients from engaging in athletic activities.

What are the risk factors?

While everyone can have ACL injuries, there are several factors that can put people at a higher risk.

Some of the most common risk factors include:

Gender

Compared to males, females are more prone to ACL injuries.

Age

Majority of ACL tears often occur between the ages 15 to 45.

Oftentimes, this can be attributed to higher sports participation and an active lifestyle.

Single-leg cutting, pivoting, and landings

A huge percentage of ACL injuries (70 percent) can be attributed to sudden deceleration (i.e. cutting, landing on one leg, and pivoting).

Individuals who participate in sports like volleyball, tennis, lacrosse, football, and downhill skiing are more prone to ACL injuries.

Direct blow outside the leg or knee

ACL injuries from contact often result from direct blows to the knee when it is hyper-extended or slightly bent inward.

What are the common symptoms?

For those with acute ACL tears, one or more of the following symptoms will be present:

  • Deep knee pain
  • Swelling
  • Restricted range of motion (difficulty in straightening the affected area is also evident)
  • Instability (this can become noticeable when performing activities that put stress and strain on the affected area like walking down the stairs or pivoting)
  • Affected knee may feel warm to the touch (this can be attributed to likely bleeding within the joints of the knee)

Without proper medical attention, swelling and pain might eventually disappear on its own after several weeks but the instability will persist in most cases.

Patients with ACL injuries will also experience difficulty standing up from a sitting position and going downstairs.

What are the treatment options?

While surgery may sometimes be required, not everyone who develops an ACL injury will have to undergo one.

Certain factors like age, activity level, as well as other injuries will have to be taken into account before the doctor will decide if surgery is an option.

Active individuals who are involved in sports/activities that will not require sudden stops or turns (i.e. cycling and swimming) and those who do not experience any instability are likely candidates for non-invasive treatment alternatives.

Non-surgical treatments are often facilitated by a physical therapist.

The main goals would include maximizing strength, balance, and proprioception (body positioning).

What can patients expect during the recovery period?

For patients who will have surgery, post-operative rehabilitation will be needed to maximize long-term healing.

Primary focus will be on balance, proprioception, core strength, and range of motion.

Apart from physical therapy programs, home exercise programs might likely be prescribed.

Some surgeons might also recommend using no braces albeit there’s no evidence yet that will support its benefit.

In most cases, athletes can already engage in their chosen sport 6 to 12 months after the surgery.

However, only orthopedic surgeons are able to determine for sure when it will be truly safe to return to routine athletic activities.

Checking with an orthopedic surgeon is the recommended route as returning prematurely might put the ACL graft in serious risk.

For help with ACL injuries, please visit www.bjios.sg immediately.

 

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