Did I Sprain or Strain My Knee?
Have you asked yourself one of these two questions?
Then read on for some useful information below...
As a result of a quick twist or turn, you may have injured your knee. Maybe your knee was forced into a position that was awkward and now you have pain... Let's take a look at the differences between a sprain and a strain to give you some useful information.
Stretching in one specific direction can stress the ligament that is trying to hold the knee in place. When the ligament is stretched or has a tear, this is known as a "sprain". These ligaments, are thick bands of cartilage that will attach bone to bone. Examples of some ligaments that you have in your knee are the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL). Common symptoms that you may experience in a sprain include, swelling of the knee, bruising, instability and painful movements. There are three grades of sprains; grade 1,2 and 3. Grade 1 sprains stretch the involved ligament, but do not tear the fibers; grade 2 sprains are more severe and tear the fibers, but the ligament does remain intact; and lastly grade 3 tears completely disrupt the ligament and it is no longer intact.
Strains, on the other hand, are injuries that involve muscles or tendons. Tendons are the tissues that connect muscles to bones. Depending on the level of severity of the injury, a strain maybe a simple overstretch of the tendon or muscle, or you may be suffering from a partial or complete tear. A grade 1 strain is mild and involves the damage of some muscle fibers. As a result, healing can occur in two to three weeks. In a grade 2 strain, there is moderate damage to the muscle or tendon, although it is not completely ruptured. This healing process is longer and can take up to 3-6 weeks. Lastly, in a grade 3 strain, there is a more severe injury and involves a complete rupture. The healing period might take up to three months and may include the need for surgery. Tendons usually do not heal as quickly because they have a more poor blood supply, compared to other tissues in the body.
As a result, if you have sprained or strained your knee, you may be well served by the use of a low profile knee brace. These supports can help eliminate excessive movements that will cause pain, and can help you feel more stable to take on activities throughout your day with much more confidence. If you would like to reduce your pain and improve stability visit us online at http://www.drbraceco.com/
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Preparing For A Total Knee Replacement
In severe cases, total knee replacement surgery is used to resurface a person's knee, in the effort that the new knee implant will mimic natural function and range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint. Diseased cartilage and bone often times are removed in a total knee replacement surgery. The lower end of the thigh bone (your femur), the upper end of your tibia (your shin bone)and the poseterior aspect of the knee cap can all be resurfaced in this surgical procedure.
How Should You Prepare for Surgery?
The total knee replacement surgery is important, but equally important are the actions you take before the surgery ever begins. If you want to optimize your recovery, you should read the next section for some key pieces of information.
It is important that you communicate with your physician and his/her support staff what devices you will be needing when you are discharged from the hospital. Many times, your hospital may have a total knee class you can take pre-operatively. At this class you can speak with nurses and therapists regarding your various questions and needs. One key reminder about these recommended products,....often times, you can obtain medical products online at much steeper discounts than you would through conventional medical product vendors at the hospital. Keep this in mind - We know what we are talking about here.
It is important to note that you should analyze not only the potential benefits of a knee surgery, but also the potential risks. A pre-operative coversation with your physician and his/her team will be very helpful. Also, ask to speak with someone else who has undergone the same procedure with the same physician prior to your surgery. Do yourself a favor and ask for this information. Physical aliments and significant medical history such as fever and infections (etc.) should all be reported to your surgeon. Medications you are taking and medications that you are allergic to are important to communicate to your physician as well.
If there is a loss of blood, which can happen with any surgery, your physician may recommend that you donate some of your own blood several weeks before your surgery. Your physician and his/her team can instruct you about where and when you can donate blood.
Make sure the orthopedist performing the surgery is board-certified, which can be determined by calling the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery at 919-929-7103.
Once your surgery takes place you will definately need support. Among the products that your physician and his/her team may recommend is a post-operative hinged knee brace. The purpose of the knee brace is to help stabilize your knee directly after surgery. This knee brace usually involves an adjustable locking mechanism that can either help keep your leg straight, or allow for different degrees of knee flexion. Usually, as you recover, your physician will allow for more knee flexion, but directly after your surgery, the knee may need to be kept in pure extension (totally straight). It is important to speak with your physician about the exact duration of wearing parameters and activity levels with respect to your new knee brace as well. This post operative knee brace can be a great asset. The DonJoy IROM Knee Brace can provide you the support you need in these instances, and via our website, you can purchase this brace and save you several hundred dollars over that of a brace you receive by other vendors... If you would like to receive a free report on this email us.
Dr. Brace Company was created by Real Brace Professionals, not just bogus online salesmen. We help people on a daily basis to get the right brace, and we can help you. Take braces as seriously as we do, and avoid the "online salesmen". Visit us online at http://www.drbraceco.com/ , or if you have any questions about knee braces, you can contact us at support.drbrace@gmail.com
How Should You Prepare for Surgery?
The total knee replacement surgery is important, but equally important are the actions you take before the surgery ever begins. If you want to optimize your recovery, you should read the next section for some key pieces of information.
It is important that you communicate with your physician and his/her support staff what devices you will be needing when you are discharged from the hospital. Many times, your hospital may have a total knee class you can take pre-operatively. At this class you can speak with nurses and therapists regarding your various questions and needs. One key reminder about these recommended products,....often times, you can obtain medical products online at much steeper discounts than you would through conventional medical product vendors at the hospital. Keep this in mind - We know what we are talking about here.
It is important to note that you should analyze not only the potential benefits of a knee surgery, but also the potential risks. A pre-operative coversation with your physician and his/her team will be very helpful. Also, ask to speak with someone else who has undergone the same procedure with the same physician prior to your surgery. Do yourself a favor and ask for this information. Physical aliments and significant medical history such as fever and infections (etc.) should all be reported to your surgeon. Medications you are taking and medications that you are allergic to are important to communicate to your physician as well.
If there is a loss of blood, which can happen with any surgery, your physician may recommend that you donate some of your own blood several weeks before your surgery. Your physician and his/her team can instruct you about where and when you can donate blood.
Make sure the orthopedist performing the surgery is board-certified, which can be determined by calling the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery at 919-929-7103.
Once your surgery takes place you will definately need support. Among the products that your physician and his/her team may recommend is a post-operative hinged knee brace. The purpose of the knee brace is to help stabilize your knee directly after surgery. This knee brace usually involves an adjustable locking mechanism that can either help keep your leg straight, or allow for different degrees of knee flexion. Usually, as you recover, your physician will allow for more knee flexion, but directly after your surgery, the knee may need to be kept in pure extension (totally straight). It is important to speak with your physician about the exact duration of wearing parameters and activity levels with respect to your new knee brace as well. This post operative knee brace can be a great asset. The DonJoy IROM Knee Brace can provide you the support you need in these instances, and via our website, you can purchase this brace and save you several hundred dollars over that of a brace you receive by other vendors... If you would like to receive a free report on this email us.
Dr. Brace Company was created by Real Brace Professionals, not just bogus online salesmen. We help people on a daily basis to get the right brace, and we can help you. Take braces as seriously as we do, and avoid the "online salesmen". Visit us online at http://www.drbraceco.com/ , or if you have any questions about knee braces, you can contact us at support.drbrace@gmail.com
Thursday, June 19, 2008
What is Bursitis?.....
What Is A Bursa ?
A bursa is a fluid filled sac which is located between tissues like muscles, bones, skin and tendons. Plural form of bursa = bursae. These bursae provide cushioning for movement and pressure. While a healthy bursa creates a smooth gliding surface that can make movement normally painless, an inflamed bursa can feel quite different.
What is Bursitis ?
Bursitis refers to inflamation of a bursa. Some symptoms of bursitis inlcude pain, swelling, and tenderness; all pain localized to and around the area of the bursa. Most commonly, bursitis is found in adults, especially for those over 40 years of age. Local inflammation and chronic irritation associated with bursitis can develop from repetitive trauma. The prepatellar (above the knee or patella) bursa is the most commonly affected and when inflamed is called "housemaid's knee." The bursa develops within the first years of life as a result of mechanical pressure and friction, and it serves the purpose of reducing friction on underlying structures and allowing maximal range of motion in the knee. Aseptic prepatellar bursitis can develop for a individual in a kneeling position who is doing work, hence the name of the condition : "housemaid's knee".
How Does A Bursa Become Inflamed And How Is It Treated?
Treatment of a non infected bursa involves the disconitinuation of the irritating activity. Rest is important. Knee braces can also aid in the recovery of bursitis. While they do not cure an individual with bursitis, they can help reduce the pain associated with this condition. For example, when a painful movement from side to side occurs (or in any direction) this may continue to irritate or inflame the bursa, a knee brace can serve as an assitive adjunct to your recovery. The knee brace will help prevent those movements that can irritate your condition, and can therefore can help reduce your pain.
In many cases, you will probably be able to treat bursitis at home (see your physician for your particular situation). Some ways an individual can avoid bursitis is to stay in shape, and to work out moderately (overuse is a common cause of bursitis). Make sure to stretch before and after workouts, and mix up your routine. While kneeling, the use of cushions can help reduce the chances of developing bursitis.
If you would like to see knee brace options to help reduce your pain, check us out online at http://www.drbraceco.com/
A bursa is a fluid filled sac which is located between tissues like muscles, bones, skin and tendons. Plural form of bursa = bursae. These bursae provide cushioning for movement and pressure. While a healthy bursa creates a smooth gliding surface that can make movement normally painless, an inflamed bursa can feel quite different.
What is Bursitis ?
Bursitis refers to inflamation of a bursa. Some symptoms of bursitis inlcude pain, swelling, and tenderness; all pain localized to and around the area of the bursa. Most commonly, bursitis is found in adults, especially for those over 40 years of age. Local inflammation and chronic irritation associated with bursitis can develop from repetitive trauma. The prepatellar (above the knee or patella) bursa is the most commonly affected and when inflamed is called "housemaid's knee." The bursa develops within the first years of life as a result of mechanical pressure and friction, and it serves the purpose of reducing friction on underlying structures and allowing maximal range of motion in the knee. Aseptic prepatellar bursitis can develop for a individual in a kneeling position who is doing work, hence the name of the condition : "housemaid's knee".
How Does A Bursa Become Inflamed And How Is It Treated?
Treatment of a non infected bursa involves the disconitinuation of the irritating activity. Rest is important. Knee braces can also aid in the recovery of bursitis. While they do not cure an individual with bursitis, they can help reduce the pain associated with this condition. For example, when a painful movement from side to side occurs (or in any direction) this may continue to irritate or inflame the bursa, a knee brace can serve as an assitive adjunct to your recovery. The knee brace will help prevent those movements that can irritate your condition, and can therefore can help reduce your pain.
In many cases, you will probably be able to treat bursitis at home (see your physician for your particular situation). Some ways an individual can avoid bursitis is to stay in shape, and to work out moderately (overuse is a common cause of bursitis). Make sure to stretch before and after workouts, and mix up your routine. While kneeling, the use of cushions can help reduce the chances of developing bursitis.
If you would like to see knee brace options to help reduce your pain, check us out online at http://www.drbraceco.com/
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Common Knee Conditions : Patella Tendinitis and Quadriceps Tendinitis - How To Treat Them Effectively
Patella tendinitis (also known as jumper's knee), is a common injury due to overuse from repetitive over loading of the extensor mechanisism of the knee. The patellar tendon extending from the knee cap to the shin bone (tibia) can become inflammed in patellar tendinitis. This inflammation begins at the site where the patella tendon attaches to the patella (knee cap) and may worsen, resulting in a degenerative tear of the tendon.
Likewise, the strong quadriceps muscles on the anterior aspect (front) of the thigh attaches to the superior aspect (the top) of the patella by means of the quadriceps tendon. This tendon covers the patella and continues down to form the patellar tendon. The quadriceps muscles, straightens the knee by pulling at the patella via the quadriceps tendon. Quadriceps tendinitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the quadriceps tendon.
It is useful to note that throughout this article the term "itis" as seen at the end of tendin"itis" refers to inflamation. Therefore, one can deduce that there is inflammation of the patellar or quadricep tendon. (This may become helpful when you see this term again in the future.)
Sports that require explosive movements are associated with patella tendinitis (aka : jumper's knee). Most commonly Running, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball, American Football, and Track & Field are sports associated with this knee condition.
Early stages of patella and quadricep tendinitis may be treated conservatively. Rest and also the use of a knee brace can useful in the recovery period. A knee brace that supports the knee from explosive overloading of the extsensor mechanism is best. There are many different knee braces available, but a low profile knee brace can be the answer for many people needing support, and can greatly reduce their pain issues. Although it is a useful adjunct, braces do not cure people.
Uncommonly, tendinitis may require surgery to help patients with debilitating pain for 6-12 months despite conservative measures.
If you need a brace, you should check us out at http://www.drbraceco.com/
Likewise, the strong quadriceps muscles on the anterior aspect (front) of the thigh attaches to the superior aspect (the top) of the patella by means of the quadriceps tendon. This tendon covers the patella and continues down to form the patellar tendon. The quadriceps muscles, straightens the knee by pulling at the patella via the quadriceps tendon. Quadriceps tendinitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the quadriceps tendon.
It is useful to note that throughout this article the term "itis" as seen at the end of tendin"itis" refers to inflamation. Therefore, one can deduce that there is inflammation of the patellar or quadricep tendon. (This may become helpful when you see this term again in the future.)
Sports that require explosive movements are associated with patella tendinitis (aka : jumper's knee). Most commonly Running, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Volleyball, American Football, and Track & Field are sports associated with this knee condition.
Early stages of patella and quadricep tendinitis may be treated conservatively. Rest and also the use of a knee brace can useful in the recovery period. A knee brace that supports the knee from explosive overloading of the extsensor mechanism is best. There are many different knee braces available, but a low profile knee brace can be the answer for many people needing support, and can greatly reduce their pain issues. Although it is a useful adjunct, braces do not cure people.
Uncommonly, tendinitis may require surgery to help patients with debilitating pain for 6-12 months despite conservative measures.
If you need a brace, you should check us out at http://www.drbraceco.com/
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