Call 02476 222002.Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurance accepted.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome affects the wrists, an injury that can prevent people from working, and making the wrists and hands very painful. This is a wrist condition that can result in chronic wrist and hand pain.

Carpal: Across the back of the wrist, eight small irregular bones (called carpals) are aligned in 2 rows forming a letter “C.” There is a tough ligament attaching across the inner side of the wrist. Thus forming the Carpal Tunnel.

Tunnel: An opening through which something passes through. Nine tendons of the muscles of the forearm that move the fingers along with the soft median nerve pass through this narrow tunnel. This tunnel is about the size of your little finger.

In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve becomes either compressed, irritated or swollen resulting in pain.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve becomes irritated and swells. During the swelling the pressure in the canal increases leading to further irritation and compression of the nerve. This leads to more swelling and nerve irritation.

What are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms?

Typical symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include parenthesis (abnormal sensations) such as tingling and numbness in the thumb and index and middle fingers on the palm side, night pain, weakness in grasping, thumb and index finger pinching, and other thumb movements’ clumsiness, such as awkward hand movements and dropping things with increased weakness.

What treatment is available for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Before commencing the treatment patient should be evaluated for the cause of the nerve swelling. Some systemic conditions such as under active thyroid can lead to the swelling of the tendons, thus putting pressure onto the median nerve.

Patients should also be evaluated for possible compression of the nerves at the neck, shoulder and elbow levels that can also present itself as a pain and weakness in the wrist. In majority of cases of wrist and hand pain and weakness the primarily cause is compression of the nerve root at the neck level that forms nerves of the arm and hand. That’s why some patients still experience symptoms of carpal tunnel even after the surgery or cortisone injections were performed.

Cold laser therapy applied over the carpal tunnel has proven to be very effective in reduction of swelling and pain management. Please contact us if you require further information.

 (See our Cold Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.)

 

Cold Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome including;

Soft tissue injuries. Ligaments. Tendons and muscles. Tendonitis Bursitis. Plantar fasciitis. Back and Lower back pain. Neck Shoulder Arm and Wrist pain. Hip knee ankle pain injuries.

 

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

 

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

 

Chronic Neck and Back Pain. “Whiplash (WAD) injuries” Neck Pain. Cervical Disc injury.

 

Upper and Lower Back Pain, Sciatica.

 

Disc injuries, Slipped disc, Prolapsed disc, Herniated disc, Bulging disc.

 

Trapped  Nerves.

 

Hip Pain Sacroiliac joint inflammation

 

Athletic and Sports Injuries. Ligaments. Tendons. and Tendonitis.

Lower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain and injury
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic Pain Relief and Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections,

 

Wound Management; including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns

 

Soft Tissue Injuries including; Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas

 

Joint Disorders; including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis

 

Chronic Pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back

 Pain. “Whiplash (WAD) injuries”, Neck Pain and injuries.

 

For further in depth information on Back, Neck or Shoulder Pain, Sciatica, Lower Back Pain, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”. 

 

 

Call 02476 222002.Shoulder Dislocation

Shoulder dislocations occur when the head of the humerus which is the upper arm bone, jumps out of the shoulder socket of the scapula, which is called the glenoid. This can happen during severe wrench pulling the shoulder upward or outward, or from combined over-extension and external rotation of the humerus.

Glenohumeral dislocations are generally classified by the direction of dislocation of the humerus.

A dislocation can be full or partial:

·   A partial dislocation  which also known as subluxation, when the head of the humerus slips out of the socket momentarily and then snaps back into place (socket)

·    A full dislocation, when the head of the humerus comes completely out of the socket  

Shoulder dislocations are normally associated with fractures to different parts of the shoulder; there may be a fracture and dislocation at the same time. Nerves and blood vessels can sometimes be injured with a severe shoulder dislocation.

Causes

Shoulder dislocation can be caused by:

·    Falling on an outstretched arm

·    A direct powerful blow to the shoulder area.

·    Repetitive sports or activities i.e. Throwing or lifting 

·    Any kind of force applied to an outstretched arm 

Symptoms

Symptoms include

•   Swelling
•   Bruising
•   Pain, often severe
•   Shoulder contour appears abnormal
•   Bruising Instability and weakness in the shoulder area
•   Inability to move the shoulder
•   Bruising Instability and weakness in the shoulder area
•   Numbness and tingling around the shoulder or in the arm or fingers
•    Seek immediate medical attention.

 

Shoulder Injury for further in depth information on shoulder injuries and treatment, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions” and ”Treatments” for Cold laser therapy.

 

Call 02476 222002 . Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurance accepted

Stiff Neck. Inflammatory Diseases, Severe Injuries, Cervical Disc Degeneration, When Should You Seek Medical Care? What is Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD )or commonly known as ”Whiplash” (WAD) Diagnosis.

Non specific term for limited neck mobility often due to muscle cramps and accompanied by pain.

The neck (cervical spine) is composed of vertebrae that begin at the base of the skull and end in the upper torso. The vertebrae along with the ligaments provide stability to the spine. The muscles allow for support and movement of the neck. The neck supports the weight of the head which is 12lbs amounting to a significant load for the neck to cope with during motion thus increasing stress onto the neck (cervical spine). Compare to the rest of the spine, the neck is less protected and is more susceptible to injury and various disorders that can result in pain and restricted motion. Sometimes neck pain is a temporary condition going away on its own accord. Other cases require medical diagnosis and treatment to relieve the symptoms.

Cause

Neck pain may result from injury to the soft tissues including muscles, ligaments, nerves, bones and joints of the spine. Soft tissue injuries or prolonged wear and tear are amongst the most common causes of neck pain. Infection or tumours may cause neck pain in rare instances. Sometimes neck problems may be the source of pain in the upper back, shoulders, or arms.

Inflammatory Diseases

The vertebral column. Rheumatoid arthritis involves joints in the neck and may cause severe stiffness and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in the upper neck area.

Cervical Disc Degeneration

Cervical disc degeneration usually occurs in people aged 40 and older. Disc’s act as shock absorbers between the bones. During cervical disc degeneration the normal gelatin like centre of the disc dries out and the gap between the vertebrae narrows. As the disc space narrows, added stress is imposed onto the joints of the spine exacerbating further wear and degenerative changes. When occurs when cervical disc protrudes due to the weakening of its rim, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.

Injury

Due to its flexibility and the weight of the head it supports the neck is extremely vulnerable to injury. Road traffic or diving accidents, contact sports, and falls are the main causes of neck injury. A “rear end” shunt during car accident may result in hyperextension, a backward motion of the neck beyond normal limits, or hyper flexion, a forward motion of the neck beyond normal limits. The use of seat belts and head restrains in cars can help to prevent or minimize neck injury. The soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments are most commonly involved. Severe injuries including fracture or dislocation of the neck may lead to the damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis.

What is Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) or’whiplash”?

“Whiplash” (WAD) injury occurs when the body reacts to sudden deceleration or acceleration force causing hyper flexion or hyperextension of the neck.

“Whiplash” (WAD) injuries are associated with car accidents. The “Whiplash”(WAD) injury is sustained when the muscles of the neck and shoulders do not have enough time to brace and hold the head during sudden acceleration or deceleration force application leading to injuries of the muscles, ligaments, capsule of the facet joints and discs of cervical spine.

Uncomplicated cases

“Whiplash” (WAD) cases that are uncomplicated are the result of sprained ligaments in the neck. The muscles spasm naturally to form a protective mechanism for the neck. The “whiplas”(WAD) injury may cause a stiff neck and pain may be present down one or both arms if the nerve roots of cervical part of spinal cord get compressed. Relief for “whiplash” (WAD) can be found with chiropractic treatment, physiotherapy or pain medication.

 

Severe cases

In severe cases of “whiplash”(WAD) may last for a month or more with persistent and in some cases constant pain. This may indicate that the” whiplash”(WAD) injury has extensive damage and resulting in disc’s rupturing and trapped nerves in the neck. This may also predispose to a “slipped”, ruptured or herniated disc in the back. (See our Cold Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.)

Other Causes of neck pain

Tumors, infections, or congenital abnormalities of the vertebrae are less common causes of neck pain.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Cases of severe neck pain occur following an injury such as motor vehicle accident, blow to the head or fall related accident. Only a trained professional, such as a paramedic, should immobilize the patient to avoid the risk of further injury and possible paralysis. Medical care should be sought immediately.

Immediate medical care should also be sought when an injury causes pain in the neck that radiates down the arms and legs. Radiating pain or numbness in your arms or legs causing weakness in the arms or legs without significant neck pain should also be evaluated. If there has not been an injury, you should seek medical care when neck pain is:

·         Continuous and persistent

·         Severe

·         Accompanied by pain that radiates down the arms or legs

·         Accompanied by headaches, numbness, tingling, or weakness

Diagnosis

Determining the source of the pain is essential to recommend the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore, a comprehensive examination is required to determine the cause of neck pain.

Your Physiotherapist or Chiropractor will take a complete history of the symptoms you are having with your neck. The Physiotherapist or Chiropractor may ask you about other illnesses, any injury that occurred to your neck, and any complaints you have associated with neck pain. Previous treatment for your neck condition will also be noted.

Physiotherapist or Chiropractor will also perform a physical examination. This examination may include evaluation of neck motion, tenderness of the neck and the function of the nerves and muscles in your arms and legs.

Digital X-rays often will be obtained to allow your Physiotherapist or Chiropractor to look at the bones in your neck. This entails simple diagnostic imaging study (radiography) and aids your Physiotherapist or Chiropractor to determine the cause of neck pain and to prescribe effective treatment.

Further evaluation may involve the following:

·         MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This non x-ray study allows an evaluation of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

·         CT (computed tomography). This specialized x-ray study allows careful evaluation of the bone and spinal canal.

·         EMG (electromyography). This test evaluates nerve and muscle function.

Treatment

The treatment of neck pain depends on the diagnosis. Most patients are treated successfully with Physiotherapy or Chiropractic Treatment. Also rest, medication, immobilization, exercise, activity modifications, or a combination of these methods can be very useful.

Inflammation is a result of stretching muscles and ligaments beyond their limits, (See also Cold Laser Therapy under conditions treated; this therapy is extremely affective in the treatment of inflammation). Surgery is required in very few cases to relieve neck pain. For most patients, a combination of Physiothrapy or Chiropractic treatment, rest, medication, and physical therapy will relieve neck pain. Surgery may be necessary to reduce pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root when pain is caused by a herniated disc or bony narrowing of the spinal canal. Surgery may also be required following an injury to stabilize the neck and minimize the possibility of paralysis, such as when a fracture results in instability of the neck.

Non specific term for limited neck mobility, often due to muscle cramps and accompanied by pain.

For further in depth information on neck pain, go to top left corner under pain and conditions.

 

Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurances accepted.

Hip injury/ Anatomy, Osteonecrosis, Lumber Pain/Referred Pain, Snapping hip Syndrome, Muscle Strains, Hip/Stress Fractures, Hip injury Cold laser Pain relief  

 

Hip injuries are a very common problem with many causes. an accurate diagnosis is very important as defining of the cause of  symptoms well predetermine the appropriate treatment which should be directed at the underlying problem. Below are some common causes of hip pain: 

 

 

Osteonecrosis 

Osteonecrosis is a condition that occurs when blood flow to an area of bone is restricted. If an inadequate amount of blood flow reaches the bone, the cells will die and the bone may collapse. One of the most common places for osteonecrosis to occur is in the hip joint.  

Lumber Pain/Referred Pain

Back and spine problems can cause symptoms around the buttocks and hip. The most common problems that refer pain to the hip region are Herniated disc and Sciatica. 

Many back and spine problems can cause symptoms around the buttocks and hip. The most common problems that refer pain to the hip region are herniated disc and Sciatica. 

Snapping hip Syndrome 

Snapping hip syndrome is a word used to describe three distinct hip problems. The first is when the Ilio-tibial band snaps over the outside of the thigh. The second occurs when the deep hip flexor snaps over the front of the hip joint. Finally, tears of the cartilage, or labrum, around the hip socket can cause a snapping sensation. 

Muscle Strains 

Strains of the muscles around the hip and pelvis can cause pain and spasm. The most common strains are groin pulls and Hamstring strains.  

Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are most common in elderly patients affected by osteoporosis. Treatment of broken hip requires surgery to either replace the broken portion or repair it with a metal plate and screws.  

Stress Fractures 

Stress fractures of the hip are most common in athletes who participate in high-impact sports, such as long distance runners. Treatment usually is successful and directed to avoidance of the impact activities. 

 

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in t he treatment of conditions such as;

Hip Pain and Sacroiliac Joint inflammation 

 

Chronic Pain, including Neck, Back, Hip and Joint Pain.

Athletic and sports Injuries

Back and Lower back pain, Sciatica, Slipped disc, prolapsed disc, herniated disc, 

Trapped nerves

Athletic and sports Injuries

Whiplash, Neck Pain and injuries 

Lower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritis, Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections, including cold sores

Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns

Soft Tissue Injuries including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas

Joint Disorders including Arthritis, and Tenosynovitis

Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck, Back and Hip pain. Whiplash, Neck Pain and injuries

For further in depth information on Hip Pain Sciatica, Lower Back Pain, Trapped Nerves. Please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”.

See also Cold Laser Therapy under “Treatments” for effective pain Relief and healing.

 

Hip Anatomy

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The ball is formed by the top of the thigh bone (femur) and is called the “head” of the femur. The socket is formed by the bones of the pelvis and is called the acetabulum.  Ligaments tendons and muscles hold the head of the femur (the ball) in the acetabulum (the socket).

Articular cartilage is a smooth material that covers the head of the femur and the acetabulum. Articular cartilage covers the bony surfaces wherever they come into contact with each other. Articular cartilage allows the head of the femur to move freely inside the acetabulum as the leg moves. Fluid also aids the head of the femur move freely inside the acetabulum. This fluid is called synovial fluid and provides and lubrication to the hip joint.

The hip joint is surrounded by a “sack” called a joint capsule. Ligaments are like strong fibrous rope like structures that help connect bones and provide stability to joints. Ligaments reinforce the capsule and connect the head of the femur to the acetabulum. These ligaments prevent the head of the femur from coming out of the acetabulum. Larger, stronger ligaments also provide stability to the hip joint.

The acetabulum has a ring of tissue called the labrum (this circles the acetabulum) the labrum also helps provide stability to the hip.

Tendons connect muscles to bone. There are various muscles that surround the hip joint. These muscles and their tendons provide stability to the hip joint when the leg is moved. These muscles are also necessary for activities such as running, jumping and walking.

The hamstring muscles (are at the back of the leg) act with the gluteus maximus (the “buttock muscle”) to move the leg backwards at the hip. The hip flexors (iliopsoas and rectus femoris) move the leg forward at the hip. The groin muscles (adductor magnus and longus) move leg toward the midline of the body. The abductor group (gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and tensor fascia lata) move the leg away from the body and are also stabilize the hip joint.

 A bursa or bursae is a small sac of fluid which limits friction between muscles, tendons and bones. The principle bursa of the hip joint is the bursa of the greater trochanter. This bursa is placed outside of the hip joint. An injury can occur by a direct blow or falling directly onto the outside of the hip, or from overuse.

One of the most common causes of hip pain is the inflammation of the bursa called hip bursitis. A bursa is a fluid filled sac that allows extra protection for the tendons on motion between two uneven surfaces. For example, in the hip, a bursa rests between the bony prominence over the outside of the hip (the greater trochanter) and the firm tendon that passed over this bone. When the tendon has to move over the bone and over the inflamed bursa it will result in pain. Because patients with hip bursitis move this tendon with each step, hip bursitis symptoms can be quite painful. Hip bursitis presents as the pain on the outside of the upper thigh. Management of hip bursitis is often directed on balancing the function of hip, knee and pelvis thus eliminating the cause of the pain as well as local application of the cold laser directed on suppression of inflammation and accelerating healing of the soft tissues

 

For further in depth information on hip pain, please go to top left corner under “pain” or “conditions” for treatment also go to top left corner under “Treatments” for “Cold Laser Therapy” 

 

Call 02476 222002.Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurance accepted.

Frozen Shoulder. Predisposing Factors,  Cold Laser Therapy for Pain Relief and recovery. Frozen Shoulder Diagnosed. 

Who gets Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen Shoulder or Adhesive capsulitis is a painful condition mostly affecting people aged 30-70. It is estimated that 3% of population will develop the condition in their lifetime. There is no known racial preference; however, adhesive capsulitis is associated with certain conditions, particularly insulin-dependent diabetes.

Predisposing Factors

  

There are multiple risk factors predisposing an individual to developing adhesive capsulitis. These predisposing factors may include, shoulder or neck surgery, diabetes, shoulder trauma, inflammatory conditions. Other systemic conditions such as cervical cancer, autoimmune diseases and hypotyriodosm (underactive thyroid) may also to be linked to the condition.

How  Frozen Shoulder is Diagnosed

  

Diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis is made basing on symptoms and on physical examination of the shoulder. The use of X-rays may show abnormalities such as narrowing of the joint and reduced bone density; however in early phases of adhesive capsulitis shoulder joint appearance in X-ray is normal.

Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

Cold laser therapy is now used in treating this condition and is employed by us at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic. Physiotherapy treatment combined with Cold Laser Therapy is extremely effective in reducing both shoulder pain and restricted movement. At present this type of treatment is not available within N.H.S.

Treatment usually combines   use of anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and inflammation with intermittent applications of heat and ice packs. Exercises are prescribed to build strength and improve movement and it is important to persist at these because recovery is gradual but slow. In some cases steroid injections into the joint may be needed. In severe cases the affected shoulder may need to be manipulated under anesthesia before an aggressive rehabilitation program can be commenced.

 

Probable Outcomes

  

The residual symptoms of pain or stiffness are often present even after completion of course of conservative therapy. However, functional disability is rare.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as Athletic Injuries;

Frozen shoulder.

Lower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritis, Muscle Spasm

Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain, Skin infections,
Relief of Stiffness, the Promotion of Muscle Relaxation, and Cell Restoration
Wound Management, Including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns
Soft Tissue Injuries, Including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas
Joint Disorders and Conditions, Including Arthritis, and Tenosynovitis
Chronic pain, including Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain

Frozen Shoulder Pain relief , for treatment of ligaments, tendons, muscle sprain Cold Laser Therapy is use at our clinic, reducing pain and accelerating  the healing process.

For further in depth information on “Shoulder Pain”  “Conditions” or “Treatments” please go to top left corner.

 

Call 02476 222002.Cold laser Therapy/ for soft tissue injuries. ligaments. tendons and muscles. tendonitis bursitis. plantar fasciitis. Back and lower back pain. neck shoulder pain. Hip knee ankle pain  injuries. 

The lasers used at Central Chiropractic Clinic are certified as Cold Laser.  For the past 30 years the technology of Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low Level Laser Therapy) has been formally accepted in North America and in many other parts of the world such as Europe, Russia and Japan.  In all this time there have been no recorded long-term adverse effects from low level laser therapy.  It is considered to be non-invasive, painless and safe.

Cold Laser Therapy uses laser light energy to stimulate cells to function optimally.  In the body, light sensitive chromophores and other elements within the cell absorb energy, initiating a series of important photochemical changes such as increased production of ATP. The mitochondria and Kreb’s Cycle stimulation initiates the production of ATP, providing the cell with the extra energy needed to accelerate the healing process and positively influence pain.  These activities can occur in all types of cells and includes ligament, nerves, cartilage and muscle.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non-invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as;

Chronic Neck and Back pain. “Whiplash injury” Neck Pain. Cervical Disc injury.

 

Back pain, lower back pain, Sciatica.

 

Slipped disc, Prolapsed disc, Herniated disc, Bulging disc.

 

Trapped  nerves.

 

Hip Pain Sacroiliac joint inflammation

 

Athletic and Sports Injuries,Ligaments. Tendons. Tendonitis.

Lower Back Pain
Knee and Foot Pain and injury
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritis, Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections,

 

Wound Management including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns

 

Soft Tissue Injuries including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas

 

Joint Disorders  including Arthritis, and Tenosynovitis

 

Chronic pain such as Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back

 Pain. Whiplash injury Neck Pain and injuries.

 

For further in depth information on Back Pain, Sciatica, Lower Back Pain, please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”. 

 

Call 02476 222002.Registered with BUPA. AXA PPP. HSA. AVIVA. CIGNA. Simpleyhealth. Standard life. Pru health. Mercia health.Medicash Medisure. All health insurance accepted.

 

Description of Hip Bursitis.

Bursitis is caused by inflammation of bursa, a small connective tissue sac that contains small amount of fluid. Bursas are located throughout the joints of the body such as shoulder; elbow, hip, knee, and heel. They act as cushions between bones and the overlying soft tissues, and reduce friction between the gliding muscles and the bone.

Trochanteric Bursa and Relationship of the Iiotibial Band and the Greater Trochanter.

The bony point of the hip is called the Greater Trochanter. This is the attachment point for muscles that move the hip joint. The Trochanter has a large Bursa overlying it that occasionally becomes irritated, resulting in Hip Bursitis (Trochanteric Bursitis).

Another Bursa is located on the inside of the hip (the groin) this is known as Iliopsoas Bursa. When this Bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is also sometimes referred to as hip Bursitis, but the pain is located in the groin area. This condition is not as common as Iliopsoas Bursitis, but is treated in a similar manner.

Symptoms

The main symptom of Hip Bursitis is pain at the point of the hip. The pain extends to the outside of the thigh area. In the early stages, the pain can be described as sharp and intense. Later, it may become a dull ache.

Typically, the pain becomes worse at night, when lying on the affected hip, also when rising up from a chair after being seated for a long period. It also may get worse with walking, and the climbing of stairs. Hip Bursitis can affect anyone, but is more common in the 60 to 80 year olds and the middle-aged with more women being affected than men.

The following risk factors have been associated with the development of hip bursitis.

o    Nepetitive stress injury. This can occur in any sporting activity such as running, football bicycling, or standing for excessive periods of time.

o    Hip injury. An injury to the point of the hip can occur when you fall onto to hip or just a bump or bang the hip.

o    Spine disease. Scoliosis, Arthritis of the lumbar (lower) spine, and other spine problems, are further risk factors.

o    Leg-length inequality. When one leg is shorter than the other by more than an inch or so, it affects the way you walk and can lead to irritation of a Trochanteric Bursa. The risk can be reduced by the use of heel or arthopedic foot lift.

o    Rheumatoid arthritis. This makes the Bursae more likely to become inflamed.

o    Previous surgery. Surgery of the hip area or prosthetic implants in the hip can be a cause of irradiation and cause Bursitis.

o    Bone Spurs or Calcium Deposits. These can develop within the tendons that attach to the Great Trochanter. They can irritate the Bursa and cause inflammation and resulting in pain.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the Hip Bursitis, the practitioner will perform a physical examination, looking for tenderness at the point on the hip; additional tests will be carried out to rule out other possible injuries or conditions. These tests can include X-rays, Bone scanning, and M.R.I. scanning.

Nonsurgical Treatment

There is little evidence to support the use of physiotherapy to treat hip Bursitis. However Cold Laser Therapy is extremely effective in the treatment of Bursitis.

See our Cold Laser Therapy Section under conditions Treated.

Injection of a Corticosteroid along with a local anesthetic can help relieve the symptoms of hip Bursitis. This is an effective treatment that your doctor may provide.

 

Lower Back Pain. Sciatica how is Sciatica Treated? with Cold Laser Therapy for Pain relief and recovery. What causes Sciatica? How do I know if I have sciatica?

Sprained ligaments, strained muscles, ruptured discs, trigger points and inflamed joints are the many of different conditions that can result in low back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can lead to an injury and pain, sometimes even the simplest movements, like picking up a pencil from the floor, can have painful results. In addition, conditions such as poor posture, stress, arthritis, kidney stones and kidney infections, can be the cause of low back pain.

There may be many other things that can cause low back pain, and some of those things can be serious if left untreated. Physiotherapists are trained in diagnosing the cause and determining a proper course of treatment for lower back pain.

Following are some of the most common causes.

Subluxations

When a disruption in the normal movement or position of the vertebrae occurs it results in pain and inflammation. In the lumbar spine these occur at the transition between the lower spine and the sacrum. Subluxations can lead to debilitating low back pain, however, subluxations are easily treatable and there is often a significant reduction in pain experienced almost immediately after treatment.

Disc Herniations

A herniated disc does not automatically mean that you may suffer from low back pain. In one study almost 60% of all adults had at least one bulging or herniated disc, even though they did not experienced any back pain. However, herniated discs can be a source of severe and debilitating pain, which may radiate to other areas of the body. Unfortunately, when a disc herniates, they rarely, completely heal. Further deterioration can be avoided through chiropractic care, but a complete recovery is less common.

Sprains, Strains and Spasms

Sprains strains and spasms, are the most common source of low back pain. Overworking the muscles or ligaments of the low back may lead to tears in the tissues, which become painful, swollen and may even ache, with a tightening to the area affected.

Stress

When you become stressed, your body responds by increasing the levels of stress hormones leading to the rise of blood pressure and heart rate and tightening up of your muscles. By becoming stressed all the time your muscles will become weak and painful loaded with trigger points.

Physiotherapy for low back pain is normally straight forward, and simply a matter of adjusting the lower lumbar vertebrae and pelvis to re-establish normal motion and position of your bones and joints.

(For Further Back Pain information in depth, please go top left corner under “Pain” or ” Conditions’ ).

Sciatica how is Sciatica Treated? with Cold Laser Therapy for Pain relief and recovery. What causes Sciatica? How do I know if I have sciatica?

 

The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your pelvis, through your hip area and buttocks and down each leg. The sciatic nerve branches into smaller nerves as it travels down the legs providing feeling to your thighs, legs, and feet as well as controlling many of the muscles in your lower legs. The term sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of this nerve.

What causes Sciatica?

Sciatica is actually a sign that you have an underlying problem putting pressure on a nerve in your lower back. The most common cause of this nerve compression is a bulging or herniated lumbar disc. Piriformis syndrome is another common cause of sciatica. The piriformis is a muscle that lies directly over the sciatic nerve. If this muscle becomes tight or if you have a spasm in this muscle, it puts pressure directly on the sciatic nerve. Occasionally, sciatic pain in men is caused by sitting on a wallet.

How do I know if I have sciatica?

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. Sciatica may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg. This pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock. Sciatic pain often starts gradually and intensifies over time. It’s likely to be worse when you sit, cough or sneeze.

How is Sciatica Treated?

The vast majority of the time, sciatic pain can be relieved through a combination of stretches, deep tissue massage of the piriformis muscle and chiropractic care. Occasionally, in cases where chronic spasm of the low back or piriformis muscles is causing the sciatic pain, it may be necessary to do a procedure called a trigger point injection, where a medical pain specialist injects a small amount of anaesthetic directly into a spasmed muscle to break the spasm cycle.

 

(Listed in our Cold Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.)

Complementary and alternative medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) refers to medical and health care systems, practices, and treatments that aren’t currently part of conventional medicine, i.e. the care you receive in your primary care doctors’ surgery. Many of these therapies and treatments are being studied intensely and some have proved to help alleviate back pain.  

 

o    Massage. To conduct an objective clinical trial in massage can be difficult due to variances in practitioners and in massage types however, studies that have been conducted suggest that massage may ease low back pain symptoms by reducing muscle spasm.

 

 

Risk factors.

The greatest risk factors for sciatica include:

o    Age related changes in the spine are a common cause of sciatica. You’re likely to have some deterioration in the discs in your back by the time you’re in your late 20s, and most people who develop herniated discs are in their early 30s and 40s and Previous injuries from sport and work related, activity are also common factors.

o    Occupation.jobs that requires you to twist your back, and carry heavy loads, driving a motor vehicle for extended periods makes you more prone to develop sciatica.

o    Prolonged sitting. People who sit for prolonged periods or have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop sciatica than people with active lifestyle.

o    Diabetes. This condition, which affects the way your body uses blood sugar, increases your risk of nerve damage.

 

When to seek medical advice Seek immediate medical treatment if:

o    You experience sudden, severe pain in your low back or both legs and  numbness or muscle weakness in either or both of the legs.

o    The pain follows a injury, from a traffic or work related accident

o    You have trouble controlling your bowels or bladder.

·         Seek medical advice urgently.

 

Screening and diagnosis of sciatica.

To help diagnose sciatica and pinpoint which nerves, if any, are affected. your Physiotherapist will ask about your medical history and perform a thorough physical exam, paying special attention to your spine and legs.

You’re also likely to have some basic tests that check your muscle strength and reflexes. For example, you may be asked to walk on your toes or heels, and, while lying on your back, lift your legs one at a time straight in the air. Pain that results from sciatica will usually become worse during this examination.

If your pain lasts longer than four weeks or is very severe, or you have another serious condition such as cancer, you may have one or more imaging tests to help identity why the sciatic nerve is compressed and to rule out other causes for your symptoms’

 

These tests include:

o    Spinal X-ray.Because ordinary X-rays can’t detect herniated disc problems or nerve damage, they’re not usually helpful for pinpointing the cause of sciatica. A spinal X-ray can show most cancers affecting the bony structures of the spine, narrowed discs and spondylolisthesis, however, and can help rule out other causes of nerve root impingement.

o    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

    This is probably the most sensitive test for assessing sciatic nerve pain. Instead of X-rays, MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of your back. The test can detect damage to your discs and ligaments as well as the presence of tumors. MRI is non-invasive and has no harmful side effects. During the test; you lie on a movable table inside the MRI machine, which is essentially a large magnet. If you have a hard time lying still for the required period of time or you’re anxious about the enclosed space, you may be given a sedative. Some MRI units may be wider, shorter or open on all sides, which may be more comfortable for you, although the quality of images taken with these systems may vary.

 

o    Computerized tomography (CT) scan.This test uses a narrow beam of radiation to produce detailed, cross-sectional images of your body. When CT is used to image the spine, you may have a contrast dye injected into your spinal canal before the X-rays are taken a procedure called a CT myelogram. The dye then circulates around your spinal cord and spinal nerves, which appear white on the scan

 

 

Complications of Sciatica.

Although people recover from sciatica, sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage. Depending on what’s causing the nerve to be compressed, other complications may occur,

They included

o    Loss of feeling, may affected one or both or legs.

o    Loss of movement may affected one or both legs

o    Loss of bowel or bladder function

 

Different Treatment of Sciatica Include following:

Physical therapy.

For a herniated disc, physical therapy can play a role in your recovery. Once acute pain is reduced and range of movement improves a physical therapist or Chiropractor can design a rehabilitation program to help prevent further injuries. Rehabilitation includes exercises to help correct your posture, strengthen the muscles supporting your back and improve your flexibility. Physical therapy, exercises should be Started as early as possible.

 

 

Prescription drugs.

 

Doctors may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication along with a muscle relaxant. Narcotics also may be prescribed for short-term pain relief. Antidepressants and anticonvulsant drugs can be used in easing chronic pain. They may help by blocking pain messages to the brain or by enhancing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. 

 

 

More invasive treatment

 

 

Epidural steroid injections.

 

In some cases, doctors may inject a corticosteroid medication into the affected area. Corticosteroids mimic the effects of the hormones cortisone and hydrocortisone, which are made by the outer layer (cortex) of your adrenal glands; Corticosteroids suppress inflammation around the irritated nerve thus giving pain relief. Their usefulness in treating sciatica remains a matter of debate. Some research has found that corticosteroids can provide short-term symptom relief, but that these medications aren’t a long-term solution. In addition, corticosteroids can have side effects, so the number of injections you can receive is limited usually no more than four per joint.

 

 

Surgery.

 

This is usually occurs when the compressed nerve causes significant weakness, bowel or bladder incontinence, (when this occurs seek medical advice urgently) or you have pain that gets progressively worse or does not improve.Surgical options include lumbar laminectomy and microdiscectomy. In lumbar laminectomy with discectomy, surgeons remove a portion of a herniated disc that’s pressing on a nerve. Most of the disc is left intact to preserve as much of the normal anatomy as possible. Sometimes a surgeon will perform this operation through a small incision while looking through a microscope (microdiscectomy).

 

Success rates of standard discectomy and microdiscectomy are about equal, but you may have less pain and recover more quickly with microdiscectomy. Discuss which option might be best for you with your doctor, and carefully weigh the potential benefits of surgery against the risks as surgery is not always successful.

 

 

                        (Always get a second opinion).

 

 Prevention

 Exercise regularly.

This is the most important thing you can do for your overall health as well as for your back. Pay attention to your core muscles the muscles in your abdomen and lower back that are essential for proper posture and alignment. For cardiovascular benefits, try using an exercise bike or treadmill. Swimming is also recommended. 

 

 

Maintain proper posture when you sit.

 

A good chair should comfortably support your hips, and the seat should not press on the back of your thighs or knees. If the chair does not support the natural curve in your lower spine, place a rolled towel or pillow behind your back.When working at a computer, adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your arms rest on your desk or the chair’s arms, with your elbows bent at a right angle. Take frequent breaks every 20 minutes, even if it’s just to walk around your office a little stretching will also help.

 

  

Driving.

 

Before setting off adjust your seat to keep your knees and hips level, and move the seat forward to avoid overreaching for the pedals. 

 

 

Using body mechanics.

 

Being aware of how you stand and lift heavy objects and even how you sleep can go a long way toward keeping your back healthy. That’s because poor posture stresses your back, leading to fatigue and stress on joints and nerves. Always hold reading material at eye level instead of bending forward, and if you’re standing for long periods rest one foot on a raised object about the height of a foot stool.Before you lift something heavy, decide where you’ll place it and how you’ll get it from A to B. Bend at your knees, not your back, so that your legs do the lifting. Carry objects close to your body at about waist level. If possible, set the object down on a surface between shoulder and knee height to avoid lifting objects over your head or bending over too far. Don’t twist at your waist. Instead turn by pivoting your feet. Be careful moving heavy things when you become tired, Tiredness can cause you to move more awkwardly than normal. Heavy loads are the greatest risk to your spine, so know your limitations. Don’t attempt to lift something that is beyond your normal ability.

 

 

 Try the following measures:

  

o    Cold or ice packs. Initially using cold packs may be able to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and apply to the painful areas for 15 to 20 minutes at least 7 times a daily.

 o    Stretching. Stretching exercises for your low back can help you feel better and may help relieve nerve root compression. Avoid or sudden movements and twisting during the stretch and try to hold the stretch as long as possible. Around 40 seconds per stretch if possible.

o    Medications.

    Pain killers (analgesics) fall into two categories those that reduce pain and inflammation and those that only treat pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, and acetaminophen (Tylenol,) will be helpful for sciatica. Although they provide real relief, both types of medication have a limit to how much pain they can reduce. If you have moderate to severe pain, exceeding the recommended dosage will not provide any additional benefits. In addition NSAIDs can cause side effects such as nausea, stomach bleeding or ulcers, and acetaminophen can cause liver problems.

 

If you’re using these medications, you should talk to your GP so that you can be monitored for any arising problems. Periodically reassess whether you still need drug treatment or not. Exercise, stretching, massage and other none drug treatments can often provide the same benefits without side effect.

 

Regular exercise.

 

It may seem counterintuitive to exercise when you’re in pain, but regular exercise is one of the best ways to combat chronic discomfort. Exercise prompts your body to release endorphins chemicals that prevent pain signals from reaching your brain. Exercise in moderation. In the early stages of sciatica, swimming or other low-impact exercise such as an exercising bicycle will help you stay active without worsening your symptoms. Later, as you improve and the pain becomes less combining aerobic activity with strength training and core stability exercises that improve the strength of your back muscles can help limit the effects of degenerative changes in your spine.

 

Start out slowly and progress to at least 45 minutes every day. This may prevent further injury.

 

 

Cold laser Therapy/Treatment.

Low Level Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, non invasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as Athletic and sports injuries;

Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Back Pain and injuries.

Lower back Pain.

Slipped disc.

Prolapsed disc.

Herniated disc.

Bulging disc.

Sciatica. 

Trapped Nerves.

Stiff Back.

Knee and Foot Pain
Shoulder Injury
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Arthritic Pain Relief and Muscle Spasm
Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
Skin infections, including cold sores
Relief of Stiffness, the Promotion of Muscle Relaxation, and Cell Restoration

Wound Management.  including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns

Soft Tissue Injuries.  including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas.

Joint Disorders and Conditions. including Arthritic pain relief and Tenosynovitis

Chronic pain.  including Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain.

Cold Laser Therapy is used at our clinic for pain relief and treatment of ligament and tendon injuries, muscle sprains by reducing pain and accelerating the healing process.

For further in depth information on “Back Pain, lower back pain”  “Conditions”  “Treatments” and “Cold Laser Therapy”. Please go to top left corner. 

 

Knee Pain Injuries and Symptoms. Cold/low level Laser Treatment of Ligaments, Meniscus Tears, Tendonitis, Arthritic pain relief, Diseases, Conditions, Baker Cyst, Chondromalacia, Pellegrini-Stieda Syndrome,

The knee and what is its function?

The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (femur) meets the large shin bone (tibia) forming the main knee joint. This joint has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) compartment. The kneecap (patella) joins the femur to form a third joint, called the patellofemoral joint.

The knee is a joint which has three parts. The thigh bone (femur) meets the large shin bone (tibia) forming the main knee joint. This joint has an inner (medial) and an outer (lateral) compartment. The kneecap (patella) joins the femur to form a third joint, called the patellofemoral joint. 

The knee joint is surrounded by a joint capsule with ligaments strapping the inside and outside of the joint (collateral ligaments) as well as crossing within the joint (cruciate ligaments). These ligaments provide stability and strength to the knee joint.

The meniscus is a thickened cartilage pad between the two joints formed by the femur and tibia. The meniscus acts as a smooth surface for the joint to move on. The knee joint is surrounded by fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which serve as gliding surfaces that reduce friction of the tendons. Below the kneecap, there is a large tendon (patellar tendon) which attaches to the front of the tibia bone. There are large blood vessels passing through the area behind the knee (referred to as the popliteal space). The large muscles of the thigh move the knee. In the front of the thigh, the quadriceps muscles extend the knee joint. In the back of the thigh, the hamstring muscles flex the knee. The knee also rotates slightly under guidance of specific muscles of the thigh.

The knee functions to allow movement of the leg and is critical to normal walking. The knee flexes normally to a maximum of 120 degrees and extends to 0 degrees. The bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, serve as gliding surfaces for the tendons to reduce the force of friction as these tendons move. The knee is a weight-bearing joint. Each meniscus serves to evenly load the surface during weight-bearing and also aids in disbursing joint fluid for joint lubrication.

Knee Pain 

Knee pain can be caused by injury, degeneration, arthritis, infrequently infection, and rarely bone tumours. The knee joint is the most commonly involved joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that affect various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Ligaments within the knee (cruciate ligaments) and on the inner and outer sides of the knee (collateral ligaments) can be sprained or torn.

Surgical repair of ligament injury can involve suturing, grafting, and synthetic graft repair. Routine x-rays do not reveal ligament or meniscus tears, but can be used to exclude other problems of the bones and other tissues.

Injury and Symptoms

Injury can affect any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the knee joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, menisci (plural for meniscus), and bones forming the joint. The design of the knee joint and that it is an active weight-bearing joint are factors in making the knee one of the most injured joints of the human body.

(View Our cold/low level laser section ).

Ligament Injury and Treatment

Trauma can cause a severe injury to the ligaments on the inner (medial) portion of the knee, the outer (lateral) portion of the knee (lateral collateral ligament), or within the knee (cruciate ligaments). Injuries to these areas are noticed as immediate knee pain, but are difficult to localize. A collateral ligament injury is felt on the inner or outer portion of the knee. A collateral ligament injury is tenderness over and around the area of the ligament involved. A cruciate ligament injury is felt within the knee. It is sometimes noticed with a “popping” sensation with the initial trauma. A ligament injury to the knee is painful and may be swollen the knee pain is usually worsened by bending the knee, putting weight on the knee, or even walking. The severity of the injury can vary from minor stretching or tearing of the ligament, such as a sprain to severe and complete tear of the ligament the knee can have more than one area injured in a single traumatic event.

Ligament injuries are initially treated with ice packs and immobilization, with rest and elevation. It is generally initially recommended to avoid bearing weight on the injured joint, and crutches may be required for walking. Some patients are placed in splints or braces to immobilize the joint to decrease pain and promote healing. Arthroscopic or open surgery may be necessary to repair severe injuries.

(View our cold/Low Level laser section.)

Meniscus Tears and Treatment

The meniscus can be torn with the shearing forces of rotation that are applied to the knee during sharp, rapid motions. This is especially common in sports such as football and other rapid motion activities. There is a higher incidence with aging and degeneration of the underlying cartilage. Several tears can be present in an individual meniscus. A meniscal tear may have a rapid onset of a popping sensation with a certain activity or movement of the knee. Occasionally, it is associated with swelling in the knee It is also associated with locking or an unstable sensation in the knee joint. X-rays while they do not reveal a meniscal tear can be used to exclude other problems of the knee. The meniscal tear can be diagnosed in one of three ways: arthroscopy, arthrography, or an MRI. Arthroscopy is a surgical technique by which a small diameter video camera is inserted through tiny incisions on the sides of the knee for the purposes of examining and repairing internal knee joint problems. Micro instruments can be used during arthroscopy to repair the torn meniscus.

(View our cold/low level laser section)

Arthrography is a radiology technique whereby a contrast liquid is directly injected into the knee joint and internal structures of the knee joint thereby become visible on x-ray film. An MRI scan is another radiology technique whereby magnetic fields and a computer combine to produce two- or three-dimensional images of the internal structures of the body. It does not use x-rays, and can give accurate information about the internal structures of the knee when considering a surgical intervention. Meniscal tears are often visible using an MRI scanner. MRI scans have largely replaced arthrography in diagnosing meniscal tears of the knee. Meniscal tears are generally repaired arthroscopically.

(View our cold/low level laser therapy section under Conditions treated).

Tendonitis and Treatment

Knee Pain and tendonitis of the knee occurs in the front of the knee below the kneecap at the patellar tendon (patellar tendonitis) or in the back of the knee at the popliteal tendon (popliteal tendonitis). Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, which often occurs by a strain or impacted sport such as jumping. Patellar tendonitis also has the name “jumper’s knee.” Tendonitis is diagnosed based on the presence of pain and tenderness localized to the tendon. It is treated with ice packs, and cold laser therapy {see our cold laser section} cortisone injections, which can be given for tendonitis elsewhere, are generally avoided in patellar tendonitis because there are reports of risk of tendon rupture as a result of corticosteroids in this area. In severe cases, surgery can be required. A rupture of the tendon below or above the kneecap can occur. This may lead to bleeding within the knee joint and severe pain with knee movement. Surgery of the ruptured tendon is often necessary.

(View Our cold/low level laser therapy section under Conditions treated).

Diseases or Conditions

Diseases or conditions that involve the knee joint, the soft tissues and bones surrounding the knee, or the nerves that supply sensation to the knee area can result in knee pain. In fact, the knee joint is the most commonly affected joint in rheumatic diseases, immune diseases that involve various tissues of the body including the joints to cause arthritis.

Arthritis is inflammation within a joint. The causes of knee joint inflammation range from types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration, or wear and tear, of the cartilage of the knee, to inflammatory types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout). Treatment of the arthritis is directed according to the nature of the specific type with cold laser being one of the most effective types of treatment in managing the inflammation.

Baker cyst is another common cause of pain at the back of the knee resulting from swelling of the knee joint from arthritis leading to a localized collection of fluid accumulating in a cyst behind the knee.

Tumors and Infections of the bone or joint can rarely be a serious cause of knee pain and have associated signs of infection including fever, extreme heat, warmth of the joint, chills of the body, and may be associated with puncture wounds in the area around the knee.

Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome is a calcification of the collateral ligament on the inside of the knee joint. With this condition, the knee can become inflamed and can be treated conservatively with ice packs, immobilization, and rest. Infrequently, it requires a local injection of corticosteroids.

Chondromalacia refers to a softening of the cartilage under the kneecap (patella). It is a common cause of deep knee pain and stiffness in young women and can be associated with pain and stiffness after prolonged sitting or climbing stairs. Treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs and rest may help.

(View our Cold/low level Laser Therapy Section under Inflammatory conditions.)

Bursitis of the knee occurs on the inside of the knee (anserine bursitis) and the front of the kneecap (patellar bursitis, or commonly known as “housemaid’s knee”). Bursitis is generally treated with ice packs, immobilization, and anti-inflammatory medications or Cold laser therapy.

(View our Cold/low level laser section under inflammatory conditions.)

For further in depth information please go to top left corner under “Pain” or “Conditions”, treatments can include cold/low level laser therapy is excellent in treating foot Injuries and pain.

(Cold/low level laser therapy top left under “Treatments” for in depth information).