Injury

Tennis elbow also known as lateral epicondylitis is inflammation, soreness, or pain on the outside of the elbow and can extend down into the forearm. The condition is generally brought on by repetitive stress to the elbow joint, overuse, and also there may be a partial tear of the tendon fibers. The tendon fibers are what connect the muscle to the bone, so if there is inflammation here, then ultimately any movement of the joint will be painful. The tear may be at or near where these fibers begin, on the outside of the elbow.

 

Signs and Symptoms

• Elbow pain that continues to worsen
• Pain that travels from the outside of the elbow to the forearm and back side of the hand when attempting to grab something or twist the arm.
• Less grip strength

 

Risk Factors

• Any repetitive or overuse activity
• Racquet sports
• Occupations that require repetitive motions such as painters, plumbers, cooks, and butchers.
• Desk/office work with poor ergonomic design or excessive mouse use.

At Alliance Wellness, we will help you manage pain associated with Tennis Elbow and increase your ranges of motions. Call 604-737-1177 to book your consultation.

What are Shin Splints

Shin Splints is an overuse condition commonly caused by running and other weight-bearing activities. There are two varieties of shin splints, posterior and anterior. This condition is caused when the tibialis anterior muscle or tibialis posterior muscle respectively become tight and pull on the connective tissue (Periosteum) lining the tibia or shin bone. This tension creates a painful inflammation along the shin between the knee and ankle that is made worse with activity and contraction of the involved muscles.

What Causes Shin Splints

When someone over-pronates or pronates too rapidly, either or both of these muscles may be called upon to work harder than normal. As a result, fatigue sets in, leading to inefficient force production which leads to micro-tearing of the soft tissue and therefore an inflammatory reaction.

What are Shin Splints Signs and Symptoms

• Tenderness over the inside shin area (may start as a dull ache and progress to a sharp pain)
• Pain starts with activity and then seems to disappear, but may return at the end of activity, as shin splints get worse the pain may last longer
• May see lower leg redness (rubor)
• Lower leg swelling
• May feel a lump or bump on the lower leg
• Pain with toes or ankle pointed downwards

Risk Factors

• Running on uneven surfaces
• Running downhill
• Resuming activity (exercise) after a period of no or reduced activity
• Weak muscles in the front of the leg (stronger muscles in the back of your leg)
• Over-pronation (when your foot rolls to the inside and your arch flattens)
• Wearing inappropriate shoes (worn-out or incorrect for your foot type)
• Training too hard too soon (not increasing your activity gradually), because muscles that fatigue
• quickly lose their ability to absorb shock and therefore more stress is placed on the bones

Treatment

First, rest and ice to decrease damage being done and inflammation. Following the acute phase, orthotics are prescribed to reduce the over-pronation and help take the load of the muscles that will be over-worked if the pronation is not controlled.

Not sure which professional to see or which treatment will be best for you? Call 604-737-1177 to schedule your free consultation or book online

Knee pain can have a variety of causes and presentations. Here is a list of common causes of knee pain including a description, common causes and risk factors.

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), is caused by chronically tight and overused muscles in the thigh pulling on the knee cap. This condition caused when a tight and inelastic IT Band (the connective tissue band that runs down the outside aspect of the thigh from the hip to just below the lateral knee) and the lateral quadricep muscle (vastus lateralis) pull on the outside aspect of the knee where it attaches to the bone and knee cap (Patella). In general patellofemoral pain syndrome occurs when the patella does not move or ‘track’ in a correct fashion when the knee is being bent and straightened. This movement can lead to damage of the surrounding tissues, such as the cartilage on the underside of the patella itself, which can lead to pain in the region. Pain is increased with activity and deep knee bending on the affected side.

PFPS is often confused with another condition known as Chondromalacia Patella. This is damage to the cartilage which lines the underside of the knee cap. CMP can be a result of PFPS, although it can also occur independently, usually due to damage from an impact.

Symptoms

• Aching pain in the knee joint, particularly at the front, around and under the patella.
• Tenderness along the border of the kneecap.
• Swelling sometimes occurs after activity.
• Pain is often worst when walking up or down hills or stairs.
• A clicking or cracking sound may be present on bending the knee.
• Sitting for long periods may be uncomfortable.
• Wasting (atrophy) of the quadriceps muscles in prolonged cases.
• Tight muscles including calf muscles, hamstrings, quadriceps (especially vastus lateralis on the outside) and iliotibial band.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve – the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers.

CAUSES, INCIDENCE, AND RISK FACTORS

The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the “thumb side” of the hand (the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger).

The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a computer keyboard is probably the most common cause of carpal tunnel. Other causes include:

• Sewing
• Driving
• Assembly line work
• Painting
• Writing
• Use of tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate)
• Sports such as racquetball or handball
• Playing some musical instruments

SYMPTOMS

• Numbness or tingling of the palm of the hand
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of one or both hands
• Pain extending to the elbow
• Pain in wrist or hand in one or both hands
• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags (a common complaint)
• Weakness in one or both hands

At Alliance Wellness, we will help you manage pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and increase your ranges of motions. Call 604-737-1177 to book your free consultation.

BENIGN PAROXYSMAL POSITIONAL VERTIGO

Benign positional vertigo is a condition in which a person develops a sudden sensation of spinning, usually when moving the head. It is the most common cause of vertigo.

Causes, and risk factors

Benign positional vertigo is due to a disturbance within the inner ear. The inner ear has fluid-filled tubes called semicircular canals. The canals are very sensitive to movement of the fluid, which occurs as you change position. The fluid movement allows your brain to interpret your body’s position and maintain your balance.

Benign positional vertigo develops when a small piece of bone-like calcium breaks free and floats within the tube of the inner ear. This sends the brain confusing messages about your body’s position.

There are no major risk factors. However, the condition may partly run in families. A prior head injury (even a slight bump to the head) or an inner ear infection called labyrinthitis may make some people more likely to develop the condition.

Symptoms

People with this condition feel as though they are spinning or moving, or that the world is spinning around them. They may experience:

• Nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, and a loss of balance
• Vision problems, such as a feeling that things are jumping or moving

The spinning sensation:

• Is usually triggered by moving the head
• Often starts suddenly
• Lasts a few seconds to minutes

Most often, patients say the spinning feeling is triggered when they roll over in bed or tilt their head up to look at something.

Our doctors will help to diagnose if this is the cause of your symptoms and rule out other possible causes including ear infections and other inner ear disorders. Treatment consists of a maneuver designed to reposition the calcium deposits thus eliminating the vertigo sensation.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is an umbrella term that refers to the compression of nerves and blood vessels as they travel from the neck to supply the arm. More specifically, the Brachial Plexus (a group of nerves carrying sensory and motor information), and the subclavian artery and vein become entrapped. The compression of these neurovascular structures occurs with the narrowing of small spaces in the Thoracic Outlet. The Thoracic Outlet extends from the borders of the collar bone (clavicle), first rib, and neck muscles (anterior and middle scalene). There are 3 common sites within the Thoracic Outlet that can become entrapped: between the scalene muscles, under the collar bone, and beneath the tendon of the pectoralis minor muscle.

RISK FACTORS

• Motor vehicle accidents (ie. whiplash), Tramatic Injuries
• Repetitive strain, Carrying a heavy backpack
• Congenital / extra cervical ribs

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Neck, shoulder, and arm pain
• Weakness in the arm and hands
• Reduced sensation in the hands
• Tingling sensation into the arm