CONDITIONS Flashcards
OA EXPLANATION
As part of normal life, Jts exposed to constant low level damage
A disease that causes P, swelling and stiffness in your joints
As protective cartilage at ends of your bones break down
It can affect all joints in the body
STAGES OF OA
Stage 1- may be chnages to cartilage, but no change in joint space- likely asymptomatic or mild P in joints
Stage 2- during this stage bony spurs and can become painful
Stage 3- cartilage begins to show signs of wea, Jt space narrows
Stage 4- cartilage much lower, and for some completely gone, Jt space much smaller
OA PROGNOSIS
Although there is no cure, there are steps to take which will ease symptoms and potentially slow the progression of the disease
OA REFERRAL
Usually not necessary, but can use X-rays and blood tests to rule out other possible causes of P
OA PROGRESSION OF SYMPTOMS
If symptoms worsen beyond self-management get in touch
Same as if any post-treatment reaction occurs which is worrying to you
OA TREATMENT
Mobs- inc space in Jt to minimise effect
ST- inc blood flow, allow Jt to withstand changes
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR OA?
For now, aim to maintain activity levels
Further down the line we will introduce specific strengthening and stretching to help limit discomfort
STRAIN
Injury to muscle or tendon
It essentially involves overstretching a muscle or tendon
STRAIN GRADES
1- mild, tissue stretched
2- moderate, stretching and some tearing
3- severe, complete tearing of tissue
STRAIN PROGNOSIS
Mild- return to normal activity within 3-6 weeks
More severe- several months
Prognosis is good if proper treatment is undertaken
STRAIN REFERRAL
Currently no need for referral
If symptoms worsen we can consider referring to allow more specific treatment
Ultrasound or MRI scan
STRAIN PROGRESSION OF SYMPTOMS
Mild strains can be treated at home
Seek assistance if P becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling
STRAIN TREATMENT
ST- inc blood flow, reduce P, muscle spasm, muscle tension
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR A STRAIN?
Initially, rest, heat, ice, compression
Regular stretching and strengthening before activity
SPRAIN
Stretching or tearing of ligaments
Ligament= touch band of fibrous tissue which connects bone to bone
SPRAIN PROGNOSIS
After 2/52, most sprains will feel better
Avoid strenuous activity for up to 8/52, as there is risk of further injury
SPRAIN REFERRAL
Mild sprains can be treated at home
But injuries that cause sprains can also cause severe inuries, like fractures
Seek attention if- cant weight bear, P directly over Jt, numbness in any part of injured area
Xr- rule out fracture
MRI- to identify extent of injury
SPRAIN TREATMENT
ST
Lymphatic drainage- help reduce swelling, encourage fluid to help cleanse the area and remove toxins
SPRAIN PROGRESSION OF SYMPTOMS
Numbness, cant weight bear, P directly on bone
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR A SPRAIN?
Regular stretching and strengthening
Whilst new- rest, heat, compression
TENDINOPATHY
Broad term for conditions of the tendon that cause swelling and pain
Tendons are rope-like tissues that connect muscles to bone
Tendinopathy often develop as an overuse injury
TENDINOPATHY PROGNOSIS
Although tendinopathy can become chronic, your symptoms will likely improve with rest and physical therapy
TENDINOPATHY REFERRAL
Likely to be fully identified through reported symptom and physical exam
More info can be provided through an ultrasound or an MRI to identify health of tendon
TENDINOPATHY PROGRESSION OF SYMPTOMS
Burning in the area, difficulty moving Jt, inc swelling
Contact me
TENDINOPATHY TREATMENT
ST- relax surrounding muscles, which attach through tendon
Mobs
MET- lengthen muscle, reduce pressure and P
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR TENDINOPATHY?
Stretching
Rest
Heat
Down line- strengthening exercises prescribed by me to reduce chance of re-injury
NON SPECIFIC
The experience of P which cannot be explained by a certain tissue or underlying problem
NON SPECIFIC PROGNOSIS
Depends on the satge-
Acute- with treatment it can be well managed
Chronic- may take some time, but it will be accompanied with different strategies such as stretching and strengthening at home
NON SPECIFIC REFERRAL
Shooting P, numbness, intolerance to P
Depending on where but if CES
If you want more clarification on whats going on:
Xr
MRI