CyberPT Physical Therapy Forum

Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions : elbow pain

Tue, 15 May 2012 19:36:38 +0000

Author: Dana66
Subject: elbow pain
Posted: May 15 2012 at 7:36pm

I have been dealing with elbow pain for 4 months. I started with orthopedic who ordered an MRI. Results of MRI was extensive tendonopathy and partial tear in the common flexor tendon. All of my symptoms are lateral. The outside of the elbow is very painful to touch. I have lost range of motion extending the elbow. I have at times severe burning below the elbow on the top of the forearm. I cannot turn my palm outward or extend my wrist upward without significant pain.

He sent me to an orthopedic surgeon, due to conflicting symptoms verses MRI results. I have no pain medially. I was told by othopedic surgeon's PA, I have severe lateral epicondylitis and radial tunnel syndrome. I continue therapy and have better use of my hand with menial tasks. I can now make a fist but with weak grip, and can lift a coffee mug. I continue to have burning on top of the forearm and still cannot extend my elbow. I stretch, I use weights. I cannot get my elbow to extend fully, or place my elbow on a table and lay my arm down flat with palm up.

Can you tell me why all of my pain correlates more with lateral epicondylitis then medial epicondylitis. This is one question no one can seem to answer. I work in the medical field and my arm work is repetitive. I have trained myself to do alot left handed but the pain and loss in ROM in the right elbow continues. They have also used the term over use syndrome. Will this get better without surgery?

Hip, Buttock & Groin Injuries/Conditions : Hip pain

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:21:57 +0000

Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Hip pain
Posted: May 02 2012 at 4:21pm

Our user asked: "Sudden onset of anterior hip pain 1/25. Leg movemt into the wrong positions (partly flexed & 20-50 degree abductn) caused pain of 9 / 10. Strictly positional for 8+ weeks w no relation to weight bearing. It oc'd standing, sitting, lying down. 1/27 Xray & cortisone injectn- no fracture & min pain decr. Best initial guess was inflamtn of psoas bursa. Didn't quite fit but nothing did. Tried otc nsaid for 6 wks, then got mri which showed large amt fluid in hip, some acetabular overgrowth & some labral damage in diff area, ? if tear or erosion. Had fluid drained 2x w cort injects, more xrays. Surgeon sd xray shows good joint space so unlikely I need hip replcmt. Fluid clean. Pain has increased, w freq tension&pain down front of thigh. No clicking, no RoM impairmt exc 4 pain. No stiffness or muscle weakness. Last sevl wks pain worse w almost any load bearing. Taking robax hydroco & nap.sodium to take edge off...7/10. I'm at 14 wks averaging 3 hr sleep/nt. Seems a mechanical probl, but now 3d dr has said he can't diagnose it, is sending me on for arthr surgery... w/o a diagnosis. Not if I can help it. Could phy therapist help? If so, what pos diag have these guys missed."

Ask a PT Response: "You mentioned MRI was positive for a labral tear. A labral tear can contribute to pain with hip range of motin and doesn't require weight bearing to elicit pain. MRI might not catch tears at all locations. Since you have been experiencing pain for so long and have tried conservative methods, a scope may give you a better idea of what is going on. Physical therapy could help if it truly is mechanical and not structural. Aquatic therapy along with open chain exercises along with stretching, manual therapy and modalities would most likely be included in the plan of care. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck."

Upper/Mid Back Injuries/Conditions : Rhomboid Paint

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:01:23 +0000

Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Rhomboid Paint
Posted: Apr 30 2012 at 10:01pm

Hi Joe - Have you tried some scapular mobilization exercises and rhomboid/ST stretching? Increasing mobility and tissue pliability at the scapulothoracic region may help with your condition.

Upper/Mid Back Injuries/Conditions : Rhomboid Paint

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:29:22 +0000

Author: joeL
Subject: Rhomboid Paint
Posted: Apr 30 2012 at 2:29pm

Hello,

For about a couple years now, I have had a irritating pain on the Rhombus of my left shoulder blade.

Laying down for too long causes my shoulder/back to throb. The only thing that takes the pain away is pressure. Its very awkward and annoying to have my hand constantly massaging my spot. Lots of the time I have my girlfriend place her elbow on my irritated spot and she works it out. This is only a temporary relief of pain.

I've been to a massage therapist. They worked it out and explained that my left shoulder rombus is tight and tender. However, massage therapy only temporary removes the pain. As soon as I lay down for too long, it starts to throb. It doesn't hurt to the point where I am in physical agony pain, but it irritates my back to the point where I either get up or have my GF try to massage it out. Very annoying

Is there anything I can do to permanently get rid of this annoying muscle pain? I am sick and tired of waking up in the middle of the night because of my pain. It becomes very uncomfortable. I always try and lay on my right side to take the pressure of my left side.

It helps, but its still not good

Thank you,

Lower Leg, Ankle & Foot Injuries/Conditions : Plantar Fasciitis, end of recovery

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:41:36 +0000

Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Plantar Fasciitis, end of recovery
Posted: Apr 30 2012 at 11:41am

Our user asked: "I am a 21 year old athlete, 6'4'', 210 lbs. I developed plantar fasciitis while in tryouts for a basketball team at my former college in late October. I have FINALLY gotten over most all of the symptoms. I can walk without pain all day, it rarely hurts in the morning, and is fine with a light rolling out of my foot using a FootLog. However, my big toe on my left (affected foot) has slightly less mobility than my right, and the plantar fascia that was damaged is very ridged and tight. When i pull either toe to moderate complete extension, the plantar fascia on my right foot is fairly springy and pliable, while the one on the left is much more stiff and ridged. I have my own personal FootLog, a plantar fascia brace, several exercise bands, a trigger point stick, an ankle rocker, and a personal ultrasound device. My new plan of attack is to apply pressure at different points along the plantar fascia and slowly extend the fascia through big toe stretches, move the pressure (thumb) and repeat, to perhaps losen some scar tissue. I also plan on using the ultrasound, and continuing with my stretches, and strengthening exercises. Any idea why this happened? And on a tangent, why must you keep the ultrasound head moving at all times? I see this warning, but I cannot find an answer for it online. (I am an aspiring physical therapist myself)"

Ask a PT Response: "It sounds like yo are doing all the right things for your plantar fasciitis. Having a hypomobile great toe is often one of the contributing factors for developing plantar fasciitis. The rigidity at the the great toe may alter the windlass effect http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=6169 and mechanics with propulsion. Mobilizing the great toe to achieve normal joint mobility can contribute greatly with preventing plantar fasciitis: http://www.cyberpt.com/cptvidZ3.asp . As far as your question about ultrasound, if you keep the US head in one place this could result in a burn. Therefore, it is essential to keep the head of the US moving with treatment. I hope this helps."

Women's Health : For Your Empty Nesters

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:59:40 +0000

Author: fionaR
Subject: For Your Empty Nesters
Posted: Apr 30 2012 at 5:59am

It happens the day your youngest childleaves home for good-you and your wife become empty nesters.Psychiatrist Gail Saltz of New York’s Presbyterian medical centerexplains that empty nester symptoms is “sadness; fear in what yourposition in life is now; major adjustments in what you do every day;how you view yourself; and how your marriage functions.” I foundthis here: http://naturesbalance.com/2602/empty-nester-syndrome/

Moving on as an empty nester

When the dust settles behind theyoungest child, occasionally empty nesters will realize they don’tknow the person lying beside them in bed at night. The wife theythought they knew so well had become a stranger. Saltz warns that asan empty nester, you may find “you have allowed your marriage tostagnate, and once the kids are gone, there is nothing left to holdthe marriage together. This is when it becomes very important for youto exert a ton of effort to reestablish romance.” Empty nesters arealso often plagued by depression. If this sounds like you, tryfollowing a few of the recommendations below:

Start a brand new hobby. You know that one you’ve wanted to choose up your whole life but just never had time for.
Make a dream list. There are a ton of things you and your husband will be able to do now that you do not have to stress about what to do with your children.
Reacquaint yourself with your spouse. They are the same person you’ve known and loved for several years, but now you finally get to appreciate them without the interfering buzz of kids.
Call your kids. Sure, they don’t live at home anymore, that doesn’t mean they do not still need their parents.

Despite the despondency many feel whentheir last child leaves home, being a vacant nester is a good thing.It means you did a good job raising your kids. Your chicks canfinally fly.

Source

MSNBC

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/5818627/ns/today-today_hidden/t/six-steps-getting-over-empty-nest/#.T5g9OcRSQ0o

Lower Extremity & Knee Injuries/Conditions : Knee Pain & Running

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:48:10 +0000

Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Knee Pain & Running
Posted: Apr 25 2012 at 10:48pm

Our user asked: "Hello, I'm just looking for some insight into what my problem might be. I'm not an avid runner, I don't run even a couple miles/day but when I do, I get a pain on the front outside of my right knee. It occurs only on flat and slight elevation terrain. When I run uphill or do some trail running with lots of rocks so that i am doing more jumping and swerving, it doesn't bother me. Any ideas would be appreciated."

Ask a PT Response: "It could be a number of things. Two conditions come to mind first - patellofemoral pain syndome or Illiotibal band Syndrome. From what you describe, I would probably take a closer at your patellofemoral joint. It sounds like the more knee flexion you have with activity the less pain (uphill, uneven surfaces, etc). I'd recommend you see a PT in your area if you are able to as he or she will be able to physically examine you and determine what could be contributing to your condition. I wish you the best of luck."

Lower Extremity & Knee Injuries/Conditions : knee arthritis

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:46:44 +0000

Author: Ask a PT
Subject: knee arthritis
Posted: Apr 25 2012 at 10:46pm

Our user asked: "had a lateral rt knee replaement in 2001,left knee is now laterally bone on bone, but can not have a replacement due to a transplant what exercise should i do to strengthen my legs. the steroid injection helped the pain, but walking is a problem. is a recumbent cycle okay?"

Ask a PT Response: "Here is a good site with slides that display common exercises for patients to do that have knee OA.
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/joint-injections-9/slideshow-knee-exercises. Swimming and working out in the water are also commonly performed by patients with knee OA. From my experience, paitents with knee OA report it more comfortable to utilize a seated bike versus a recumbent bike. Therefore, the type of bike used is mostly based on patient preference. As always, it is always recommended to consult with your MD prior to beginning any exercise program. I wish you the best of luck. "

Arm, Elbow, Wrist & Hand Injuries/Conditions : Arm Pain

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:45:24 +0000

Author: Ask a PT
Subject: Arm Pain
Posted: Apr 25 2012 at 10:45pm

Our user asked: "Hello, I have been doing P90X for a while now, though not following a set pattern on the excercises. If I hold my left arm straight out, palm up, my forearm hurts in the area on the right, just where the elbow bends. Is there any particular reason this could be happening, it has been gradual and is getting worse and is tough to do bicep curls without pain now."

Ask a PT Response: "You could be putting stress at the medial aspect of the elbow and developing a condition called medial epicondylitis: http://www.cyberpt.com/cptcondtrtgolferselbow.asp Pain at the lateral or outside of the elbow is associated with tennis elbow: http://www.cyberpt.com/cptcondtrt4tenelbow.asp . If it is still bothering you, it would probably be a good idea to see a PT as this condition is often treated successfully by a PT."

Private Practice : PT clinic liability insurance

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:44:19 +0000

Author: mh
Subject: PT clinic liability insurance
Posted: Apr 25 2012 at 10:44pm

Thank you.I will check it out.