Q1: What is whiplash?
Whiplash often occurs in motor vehicle accidents when the head and spine are forcefully thrust forward and backward. This sudden movement can cause internal damage to structures such as muscles, ligaments, nerves, tendons, and bones. The rapid and violent motion of the head may result in injuries to the muscles and ligaments, a condition known as whiplash.
Q2: What is a muscle spasm and why does it seem to be more prevalent in my neck and upper back?
Muscles consist of small fibers that glide over each other to create contractions. These fibers can become injured, often due to inflammation, causing them to become entangled. This entanglement is a protective response that can lead to pain. The neck and upper back are common sites for muscle spasms because they bear significant stress from daily activities. When we experience stress, we may unconsciously elevate and round our shoulders, placing additional strain on these already stressed tissues.
Q1: What is tendonitis?
Tendonitis occurs when tendons, which are the connective tissues linking muscles to bones, become injured due to micro-trauma or specific injuries. Tendons enable muscles to move bones at a joint. When these tendons are damaged, pain and swelling can result, a condition known as tendonitis.
Q2: What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that stabilize the shoulder and scapula. These muscles are responsible for rotating the humerus (the upper arm bone) and helping to lower the humerus within the joint, allowing for arm abduction (moving the arm away from the body). The four muscles of the rotator cuff are the Subscapularis, Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, and Teres Minor.
Q1: What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
The elbow consists of medial and lateral components, affecting wrist flexors and extensors. The lateral epicondyle, located on the outside of the elbow, is where the wrist extensor muscles attach to help lift the wrist. Irritation of the tendons at this site is known as lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow. The medial epicondyle, located on the inside of the elbow, is where the wrist flexors attach which are muscles that help lower the wrist. Tendon irritation at this site is referred to as medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow.
Q2: Why is a brace usually used on my forearm for elbow tendonitis?
A brace or support for elbow tendonitis helps to adjust the leverage on the forearm muscles and reduce strain on the elbow. The brace, often made of various fabrics and secured with Velcro, is worn just below the elbow bones. It is also sometimes recommended for specific forearm injuries to aid in recovery.
Q1: What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a tunnel created by the bones, ligaments, and muscles of the wrist, becomes compressed. This compression often leads to inflammation of the tendons and nerves, which causes the symptoms of CTS. Engaging in a wrist and hand strengthening program can also help reduce the risk of tendon injuries and manage symptoms.
Q1: What might cause clicking and pain in my knee, usually up and down stairs?
Clicking may be caused by the meniscus. The meniscus is a circular shaped disc that rests on top of the tibia and usually provides some cushion. There is a medial and lateral meniscus. In certain injuries or with time, the meniscus can wear down and tear ultimately. Regardless of how small a tear may be, it will often present with clicking. Any signs/symptoms that are present will be further aggravated by stairs, mostly with descending.
Q2: What is an ACL and why is it so important?
The knee joint is supported by various internal and external structures. Externally, it is supported by capsular tissue and collateral ligaments that stabilize the knee from the sides. Internally, the knee is supported by the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a crucial role in preventing the femur (thigh bone) from sliding backward on the tibia (shin bone). This function is vital for activities that involve running and quick directional changes. A backward movement of the femur on the tibia, particularly during trauma, can lead to an ACL tear. Sports like soccer, basketball, and football are common causes of such injuries.
Q3: When is a Total Knee Replacement necessary?
The knee joint takes on a fair amount of stress in everyday life. Going up and down stairs, walking, jogging, running and jumping are activities that further stresses the knee. We usually face these activities on a daily basis. Over time, with activity and age factors, the knee can wear down. From a structural standpoint, your knee will not completely breakdown but small amounts of wear and tear may become noticeable, beginning with mild arthritis. As pressure increases on the tissue, more cartilage frays and further injury to the bone may take place. When the bone becomes more involved, the pain usually increases. It is when the pain becomes function limiting and less bearable during daily activities that a surgery may be necessary. The surgery type will be decided by you and your physician.