Thursday, December 5, 2013

Heal Running Injuries the Natural Way

               Have you suffered from Achilles tendonitis, Patella/Knee tracking problems, hip bursitis or IT Band Syndrome? Most people would question what those are… but for runners whether they are doing it for recreational purposes or they do it professionally for a living would be familiar with the terms. They are considered the most common running-related injuries seen nowadays. So, how do these injuries affect us and how do we treat it in the most natural way we could possibly find?

Acute trauma or an over-use injury?
               The injuries mentioned above and those to follow can be categorized into two: Acute trauma and an over-use injury. In the “over-use” category is pretty much self-explanatory, they are acquired through time and from the word itself overuse. Acute trauma on the other hand is very sudden like that of a broken bone or torn ligament. As we go through this blog let us delve into some of these injuries and see what can be done to cure them.

Achilles Tendonitis
The common site for a disabling injury for runners is the Achilles tendon. It is the muscle connecting the heel and the lower most part of the calf musculature. If your Achilles tendon gets injured or is sore get it treated immediately and remember DO NOT run through the pain, this will prevent a chronic problem later on. Make sure that the feet are assessed for biomechanical problems. Some will be prescribed with Orthotics or insoles and as a chiropractic treatment; soft heel-lifts will be effective.          
  
Patella/Knee tracking problems
Patellar tracking disorder happens when the kneecap shifts out of place as the leg bends or straightens. The shift can be go towards the outside of the leg or towards the inside, but in most cases the former is more common scenario. The kneecap is in place because of the tendons and ligaments that surrounds it. The cartilage lines found in the underside of the kneecap helps it glide along the groove at the end of your thighbone. The misalignment of the kneecap can be caused by the rotating off track or shifting of the kneecap because the groove is too shallow or the cartilage is damaged; the muscles, tendons and ligaments are too loose or too tight.

If home treatment isn't enough to reduce your knee problems, or if your knee is swollen, dislocated, giving way, or causing you severe pain, see your doctor for evaluation. Knee problems are often hard to distinguish from one another. So a thorough exam and accurate diagnosis are essential for you to receive proper treatment. After confirming that you have a patellar problem, your doctor will review your home treatment measures and make further recommendations. You may be advised to have physical therapy, use a custom brace or shoe inserts (orthotics), stabilize your knee with tape or a neoprene brace, or lose excess weight.

Hip Bursitis
The Bursae (plural)/Bursa (singular) is a fluid-filled sac functions to reduce friction between tissues of the body. They are located adjacent to the tendons The major bursae are located adjacent to the tendons near the large joints, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. When the bursa becomes inflamed, the condition is known as "bursitis."

               The cause of the inflammation is noninfectious condition that could result from either local soft-tissue trauma or strain injury. In very rare cases the sac can be infected by bacteria, this is known as “Septic Bursitis.”

The treatment of any bursitis depends on whether or not it involves infection. Noninfectious or aseptic hip bursitis can be treated with ice compresses, rest, and anti-inflammatory and pain medications. Occasionally, it requires aspiration of the bursa fluid. This procedure involves removal of the fluid with a needle and syringe under sterile conditions. It can be performed in the doctor's office. Sometimes the fluid is sent to the laboratory for further analysis. Frequently, there is inadequate fluid accumulation for aspiration. Noninfectious hip bursitis can be treated with an injection of cortisone medication, often with an anesthetic, into the swollen bursa. Cortisone injection is typically rapidly effective within two days. This is sometimes done at the same time as the aspiration procedure. Patients with hip bursitis can often benefit by weight reduction, stretching exercises, and wearing proper footwear for exercise activities. Sometimes physical-therapy programs can be helpful. Generally, patients should avoid hills and stairs and direct pressure on the affected hip (sleep on the other side), when possible, while symptoms are present. People with hip bursitis should also avoid exercising on inclined surfaces and stairs, especially running hills, until symptoms have resolved. Other exercises to avoid until the hip inflammation has subsided include Stairmaster exercises.

IT Band Syndrome
               When running have you ever experience pain originating from the outside of your knee, from the side of the hip all the way down past your knee? If yes, then you could have what is called the Iliotibial Band
Syndrome or IT Band Syndrome for easier reference. This type of injury is categorized as an “overuse injury” common to athletes like bikers and runners.

               The inflammation manifests itself as pain on the outside of the knee and can be incredibly painful. This injury can be a very frustrating ordeal. Traditional treatment of ITBS has focused mainly on stretching. While stretching plays an important role in the treatment of this injury, there are several other forms of therapy that need to be incorporated.

Given current research, treatment for ITBS should be in phases. The first phase requires a proper diagnosis and the identification of any causative factors. Once this is established, the next phase is aimed at reducing the pain. Rest may have to play a part during this phase, which also may include physical therapy modalities, ice, and stretching three times a day. Cross training that does not aggravate the condition can be done to maintain fitness.



References:
1.      Patellar Tracking Disorder - Treatment Overview (2013). Webmd. Retrieved from  http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/tc/patellar-tracking-disorder-treatment-overview.

4.      Brian Fullem, D.P.M. Beating the Band (November 1, 2004). Retrieved from: http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-treatment/beating-band

Thursday, October 31, 2013

A Conservative Treatment to Whiplash



Whiplash is something that most of us suffer from but with its various degrees and symptoms we often shrug it off until it becomes too painful to bare or worse, we end up with a dislocation or a fracture. It should not be set aside since it is a public health problem that affects us substantially in social and economic cost.

The National Library of Medicine defines whiplash as an injury to the soft tissues of the neck from a sudden jerking or "whipping" of the head. This type of motion strains the muscles and ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.1 We can get whiplash from various activities or accidents such as a motor vehicle collision or simply diving.

The symptoms associated with whiplash are pain and stiffness in the neck, headaches located at the base of the skull, dizziness, difficulty swallowing, nausea, and even blurred vision. In some cases the pain experienced from the neck can extend to the shoulders and upper arm. Severe cases shows the patient experiencing vertigo where the room appears to be spinning and a constant ringing or buzzing in the ear. In addition, some complains of pain in the jaw, irritability, fatigue and difficulty in concentrating.4
Depending on the signs and symptoms, Whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) can range from Grade 0 which denotes that there are no complaints or physical signs to Grade 4 which entails fracture or dislocation. 2 Based on the study done by the University of York, patients have three options for treatment to choose from : noninvasive, medical and surgical.3 Various non-invasive treatments are used for Whiplash or WAD some of these are hot and cold packs, traction, physiotherapy exercise alone, manipulation, multimodal treatment including physiotherapy, electrotherapy, patient mobilization, strength training, acupuncture and chiropractic care. The aforementioned procedures are considered “conservative treatments” for they are more traditional in nature compared to the classic pill or drugs and injections or to some extent a placebo.

Treating whiplash at home involves using hot and cold packs, this helps control pain and muscle spasms are reduced. Another key point in resolving whiplash is staying active, unless your case requires immobilization. Exercise and stretching programs will be provided by your doctor, said program should be followed religiously to achieve the long-term benefits and not just temporary relief. Staying active is not something a patient should fear, especially if the exercise is within reason. In cases of neck pain it has been proven that spinal manipulation or mobilization coming from a chiropractor gives relief to the pain. Ergonomics and lifestyle changes are also recommended.

In general whiplash can not be prevented but there are small things that we could do on our to reduce the likelihood of getting severe or chronic neck pain. By making sure that we always wear restraints and adjust our headrest to the appropriate angle will help us reduce the chances of more severe injuries.








References:

  1. Definition of Whiplash. Retrieved from the National Library of Medicine.
  2. Conservative treatment of Whiplash (2011). Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0011988.
  3. Conlin A, Bhogal S, Sequeira K, Teasell R. Treatment of whiplash-associated disorders - part I: noninvasive interventions. Retrieved from http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/crdweb/ShowRecord.asp?LinkFrom=OAI&ID=12005000023#.UnGHbhA0jQw
  4. American Chiropractic Association. Whiplash (2013). Retrieved from http://www.acatoday.org/content_css.cfm?CID=3131