Trigger Finger & Your Daily Activities
Trigger finger, appropriately known as “Stenosing tenosynovitis,” is a condition that causes your fingers to get stuck in a bent or straight position. This condition can render you unable to perform daily tasks effectively and cause pain (especially during driving or typing). It’s time to explore treatment options if your trigger finger is affecting your daily activities. Here are some of the most popular and effective ways to correct this condition. Rest Repetitive motions are usually the culprit for Trigger Finger, especially if you have existing disorders such as arthritis or diabetes. Resting the affected finger (s) is the first …
Does Cold Weather Affect Arthritis?
Cold weather plays a factor on your joints (which is the area in the body where two or more bones meet). Joints allow bones to work with each other so that we can move and bend. When you move these joints, you notice that it’s usually relatively smooth with no cracking or grinding (unless you have arthritis). Joints contain cartilage, a rubbery material that serves as a cushion so that bones can seamlessly glide against each other. As the cartilage starts to wear with time, injury, or disease, the joint can swell, become inflamed and stiff, lose its range of …
Dos and Don’ts After a Broken Bone
Accidents are a part of life, whether from playing sports, bad falls, or car accidents. Broken bones occur when trauma or pressure on a bone exceeds the bone’s ability to bend. Healing a broken bone takes time, even after treatment. Your doctor may issue a splint or cast to help speed up the recovery process and help keep your body healthy and strong while you heal. It’s essential to get the best medical care available after a broken bone. Dos and Don’ts After a Broken Bone Doseek medical attention right away. If you try to self-diagnose a broken bone, the …
The Sprained Ankle – Sports most common injury
There is a good chance you have dealt with a “Sprained Ankle” if you have ever played sports or gone running/walking. The sprained ankle is the most common type of athletic injury, with research suggesting that ankle sprains account for 15-30% of all sports injuries. Although it is a widespread injury in sports, it also regularly occurs during everyday activities. Ankle sprains occur when the foot twists, rolls, or turns beyond its regular motions. It can happen when the foot is planted awkwardly, when the ground is uneven, or when an unusual force is applied to the joint. The ligaments …
Prehab: The secret to staying injury-free
Prehab refers to taking preventative measures to reduce your chance of injury. Prehab exercises generally target more specific movements and muscles, which may get neglected in a regular gym or sports program. Some of the most common injuries or pains that active people may experience are in the shoulders, knees, hamstrings, and ankles. Sports such as soccer, running, football or swimming can all benefit from Prehab. Why is Prehab Important? Reducing your risk of injury is very important because prevention is cheaper than treatment. Less time spent injured means more time spent doing the things you enjoy. Taking the time …
How to prevent common running injuries
If you have ever gone for a run, you know that hitting the pavement can take a heavy toll on your body. From shin splints to the runner’s knee, an injury can take you out during the first leg of a competition for which you’ve spent months training or sabotage your workout. However, you can help stack the odds in your favor. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, here are six things you can do to help minimize your chances of getting hurt. Wear proper footwear Boost your confidence with the right running shoes before you even hit the …
How to care for a sprained ankle
The “ankle sprain” is a very common injury. Ankle sprains may occur when you lose your balance and put pressure on your ankle(s). Typically the pain quickly fades away, and you go on your way. However, the sprain could be more severe; your ankle might swell, which can make it difficult to stand. If it’s a severe sprain, you might have felt a “pop” when the injury happened. You could have long-term problems if the sprain is not treated properly. If the sprain is severe, you will typically need an X-ray to differentiate from a broken bone. Also, if you …
Shin Splints – Causes, Treatment & Prevention
Shin splints are a common overuse injury that mainly affects runners, military members, and people with osteoporosis. This injury happens in the lower leg pull when the muscles and bones become irritated. Most people recover from shin splints without any long-term health problems; however, shin splints do have the potential to develop into a tibial stress fracture. The tugging of the muscles and connective tissues in the lower leg and repeated stress to the shin bone is how shin splints commonly develop. Your shin bone can become inflamed or weakened by frequent, repetitive pressure from running and jumping. Who is …
How to Avoid Injuries While Gardening
Fall is almost here and after a long hot summer in Arizona (with decreased outdoor activity), gardening is a great way to get outdoor exercise that is low-impact and healthy. Injuries occur very often due to using the wrong tools for the job, repetitive motion, lifting, and twisting with heavy loads. You may not realize it but gardening requires strength and flexibility to prevent injuries. It is important to choose the right tools for the job, such as tools with comfort grips keeping your hands in a neutral position. The proper tools allow for less stress on your joints which …
How to Prepare for Fall Sports Season
Active sports help you stay healthy, meet new people, and teach you about teamwork. It’s a great way to try something new if you’ve never played a sport before. Starting a new season in sports means a lot of hard work and practice, and it’s totally normal to feel nervous (especially if this is your first season). Here are simple tips to help you prepare for the first day: Set realistic goals. Before your season starts, consider setting a few goals, such as improving a specific skill like dribbling or passing the ball. Setting a few realistic goals before the …