Archive for September, 2009
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I would like to know #1 what causes arthritis and #2 is it something that just shows up after a bad auto accident?
Thanks.
Arthritis (from Greek arthro-, joint + -itis, inflammation; plural: arthritides) is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55.
There are many different forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. Additionally, there is a less common form of gout that is caused by the formation of rhomboidal shaped crystals of calcium pyrophosphate. This form of gout is known as pseudogout. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease and occurs following trauma to the joint, following an infection of the joint or simply as a result of aging. There is emerging evidence that abnormal anatomy may contribute to early development of osteoarthritis.
All arthritides feature pain. Patterns of pain differ among the arthritides and the location. Osteoarthritis is classically worse at night or following rest. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the morning; in the early stages, patients often do not have symptoms following their morning shower. In elderly people and children, pain may not be the main feature, and the patient simply moves less (elderly) or refuses to use the affected limb (children).
Elements of the history of the pain (onset, number of joints and which involved, duration, aggravating and relieving factors) all guide diagnosis. Physical examination typically confirms diagnosis. Radiographs are often used to follow progression or assess severity in a more quantitative manner.
Blood tests and X-rays of the affected joints often are performed to make the diagnosis.
Screening blood tests may be indicated if certain arthritides are suspected. This may include: rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor (ANF), extractable nuclear antigen and specific antibodies.
Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, lifestyle changes (including exercise and weight control), and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis). Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.
I was just diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel, and knitting is one of my passions, I refuse to give it up, have seen a DR, gave me some sort of shot…didn’t work. Have pain in both hands.
HELP?
I’ve had surgery on both hands for carpal tunnel within the last few months. This was after trying splints, ultrasound, anti inflammatories, rest, specific exercises from the physiotherapist. The surgery has been brilliant – hands are pretty much back to normal now.
Splints (24×7 yuk!) seem to be the first line of defence these days. They keep the wrist straight so the median nerve can hopefully travel freely through the carpal tunnel. And it is a non invasive option which has to be good, so worth a try if your doctor agrees.
I also had nerve conduction tests which confirmed moderate to severe carpal tunnel diagnosis.
I would say keep going back to your doctor if you have pain and if it doesn’t come right ask for a referral to a specialist hand surgeon.
Do not keep putting it off, as if not fixed permanent nerve damage may occur and that will mean the end of knitting for you.
My right elbow hurts whenever I tighten the muscle or try to do anything that involves the bicep/elbow. The bicep muscle doesn’t hurt but the elbow does. I think it’s from over training. I haven’t put any pressure on it for the past week at all and it hurts less but it’s still hurts enough to prevent me from doing anything intense with it. What should I do?
More details:
-It’s been hurting a little for the past month. Now I’ve stopped completely because the pain increased and I don’t want to over do it.
-Right after a workout it doesn’t hurt at all but afterwards it does
-Should I adjust the form or speed of exercises with weights to reduce intensity (ie, should I do slower reps, lighter weight, etc. . .)?
-Could it be because I lean on my elbows sometimes?
-Could it be because I sometimes fall asleep on my right arm?
Also, it’s not preventing me from doing work. It’s not that severe where it prevents me from doing anything. I just stopped because I fear that I may make it worse.
I can do everything I could before the pain. I just don’t because I don’t want to make it worse.
"how much you lifting, cause i know that you can tear your growth plates by lifting to much"
I keep it at a 20 rep max. It’s not too much because if it were I would go out of form in the last 5 reps. Plus, my other elbow would hurt too ’cause I use the same amount of weight on the other arm.
"…but my friend got a dislocated elbow and didn’t get it treated right away, and now he is screwed because he waited too long to get it fixed"
I really doubt that it’s dislocated. If it were I think I’d know.
"….but is it a blinding pain or a continuing soreness??"
It’s neither. I can complete an entire workout on it with very little pain or soreness. It’s just that a day later it hurts whenever I’m doing anything heavy with that arm. Usually, it doesn’t, that’s why I’m asking.
"if it is soreness, just layoff lifting for a while, but if its blinding pain then it might be a dislocation."
Thanks. It’s not a blinding pain though.
Try icing it down at night, or after activity and using heat in the morning. Do some gentle stretching. When I broke my leg, I was told not to sleep on the same side as an injury, so try avoiding sleeping on that side. Want to try to keep blood flow going to it.