A Comprehensive Guide to Epicondylitis Treatment

Often athletes such as golfers, cricketers, and tennis players, among others, develop a painful inflammation in their elbow muscles as a result of excessive stress in the arm tendons. The musculoskeletal disorder is also known as Epicondylitis and one of the most common muscular disorders. Epicondylitis is classified into two categories - Medial Epicondylitis (also known as golfer's elbow) and Lateral Epicondylitis (otherwise known as tennis elbow). Indulging in repetitive hand movement activities such as throwing a ball, using an ax to chop wood, using hand tools and using a chain-saw can lead to these conditions. Let us delve deeper into this condition, through this blog post, and develop an understanding of the various aspects of Epicondylitis.

Anatomy

First up, we have the Golfer's elbow, otherwise known as the medial epicondyle. The condition is identifiable through the discomforting pain caused on the inside part of the elbow. Primarily, golfer’s elbow develops in the wrist flexor muscles of the forearm that pull the hands forward and the flexor tendon on the medial epicondyle. On the other hand, tennis elbow causes severe pain on the outer part of the elbow, in the forearm extensor muscles that bend the wrist back, and the single tendon on the lateral epicondyle.

Causes

Any inflammation in the tendon muscle is known as tendonitis. Inflammation around the medial epicondyle is referred to as the medial epicondylitis, whereas those around the lateral epicondyle is known as lateral epicondylitis. Both of these conditions occur due to wear and tear of the cells in the tendons, resulting in tissue degeneration. Any degenerated tendon has an unnatural arrangement of collagen fibers, which are further injured due to the production of fibroblasts in the body. Eventually, due to excessive tearing of the muscle tissues in the tendon, and lack of recovery time, the resultant scar tissue formed by the body stops healing, leaving the injured areas weak, with symptoms of pain and inflammation.

Surgical treatment

Surgical treatment of medial epicondylitis and lateral epicondylitis is often the viable option to remediate chronic case of epicondylitis.

Tendon Debridement

First up, we have the tendon debridement, wherein the surgeons remediate the contingencies caused by tendonosis, by debriding (taking out) the affected tissues within the tendon. The surgeons create a small incision in the affected area and remove only the damaged tissue while cleaning up the tendon.

Tendon Release

One of the most common arthroscopic surgical treatments of medial epicondylitis is known as a medial epicondyle release. The surgical treatment for the lateral epicondylitis treatment is known as lateral epicondyle release. Medial epicondylitis releases tension off the flexor tendon. The surgery begins by the creation of an incision over the medial epicondyle along the arm. Subsequently, the surgeon exposes the point where the flexor tendon attaches itself to the medial epicondyle. The flexor tendon is severed and split to remove any scar tissue, while the loose end of the tendon is sutured to the fascia tissue nearby. In the arthroscopic treatment for lateral epicondylitis, surgeons resort to the similar procedure. The surgeons furbish an incision over the lateral epicondyle to expose the point where the extensor tendon attaches itself to the lateral epicondyle. Subsequently, the surgeon splits the tendon, removes any scar tissue and suture the loose end to fascia tissue nearby. The surgery concludes by stitching up of the skin.

Wrapping Up

Arthroscopic surgical treatments medial epicondylitis and lateral epicondylitis are an outpatient process wherein patients do not have to stay overnight in the hospital. Additionally, surgeons use a general anesthetic or a regional anesthetic, as per the severity of the condition. Surgeons also prefer using an axillary block to numb the patient’s arm.

4 Common Types of Arthritis that Affect Shoulders

Shoulders take a lot brunt everyday that causes wear and tear as they are the most mobile joints in the body. Excess strain makes shoulders vulnerable to unstable, which may lead to arthritis. Shoulder arthritis is a painful condition that not only damages muscles and tendons, it may also affects joints and ligaments. Shoulder problem often results in the limited range of rotation, causing a painful situation for the patient. As there is no comprehensive cure for arthritis, the doctor is likely to prescribe shoulder pain treatments and diagnosis, based on the type of arthritis affecting the shoulders. We list the four types of arthritis that affect the shoulder.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is associated with wear and tear that affects shoulders and other joints including hips, hands, and knees. People over the age bracket of 50 are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. This is a more common type of arthritis, and the symptoms include tenderness and stiffness of shoulders along with joint pain. The symptoms may get aggravated among the patients, who are overweight.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune condition, rheumatoid arthritis affects the joint lining and can cause erosion of shoulder bone. The problem may also lead to deformity of shoulder joints over the time. The affected patients feel pain in both the shoulders and experience following symptoms:

• Warmth and tenderness in joints
• Stiffness in shoulders, especially in the morning
• Weight loss, fever, and fatigue
• Bumps under skin of arms or shoulders (also called ‘Rheumatoid Nodules’)

Avascular Necrosis

Avascular Necrosis is a condition that destroys joint tissues in the shoulder could lead to arthritis. When the blood doesn’t reach humerus bone (long bone of the upper arm), this can cause cells in the shoulder bone to die and result in avascular necrosis. Bone fracture and joint dislocation are two common reasons that lead to this condition. Avascular Necrosis is a progressive disease and usually proliferates from an asymptomatic disease to mild pain, creating a severely painful situation for the patient.

Post-traumatic Arthritis

A shoulder injury can make a patient susceptible to post-traumatic arthritis. The most common shoulder injuries that lead to the problem include shoulder joint instability, shoulder dislocation, and the shoulder fracture. Individuals, who suffered sporting or accidental injuries can also develop post-traumatic arthritis. The problem may also cause the buildup of fluid in shoulder joints leading to pain and swelling.

Last Few Words

Arthritis has no single cure as each type of disease got a different course of treatment. The doctors mostly prescribe pain relief medicines to patients and recommend living a healthy lifestyle. If exercise and medication fail to provide relief from pain and improve mobility, surgery could be the last option for the patient. The doctors in most of the cases would start with medication before advising the patient to undergo a surgical procedure after detecting shoulder arthritis symptoms.

5 Effective Joint Replacement Surgery Options For You

Severe knee pain or swelling makes it difficult to move, stand or exercise. Ignoring severe knee pain may irreparably damage your knee. Additionally, with the modern day advancements in joint surgeries, patients with chronic damage to their knee can get relief with the help of a joint surgery. The blog post discusses five of the most effective joint replacement surgeries of the knee joint.

1. Joint Resurfacing

There are three compartments in the knee- the medial (inside), lateral (outside) and patellofemoral (front). Joint resurfacing, also known as the unicompartmental or partial knee replacement, alleviates all knee pain symptoms, by replacing any of the three components of the knee with a metallic surgical implant. Post surgery, patients get significant relief from knee pain. In some cases, patients can also participate in high-impact sports such as martial arts and football. The surgery, however, is not recommendable for patients suffering from knee problems such as osteoporosis, or those having diabetes.

2. Arthroscopy

The surgical technique involves making small incisions and using specialized instruments along with a small camera to view and fix soft tissues tears around the knee, repair damaged cartilage and remove broken, unhinged cartilage pieces. The surgical procedure is favorable for patients younger than 40 years. The surgical procedure also alleviates the problems of swelling and difficulty in movement.

3. Osteotomy

Osteotomy involves cutting and removing or addition of a bone wedge near the damaged knee joint. Subsequently, surgeons change the knee anatomy so that the body weight shifts to an area that has not been affected by arthritis. Surgeons recommend this procedure for patients younger than 30 years, or those who cannot bear the complex ordeal of undergoing a total joint replacement. Post surgery, patients get immediate relief from knee damage due to injuries.

4. Synovectomy

Synovectomy is one of the most suitable procedures to alleviate the signs and symptoms of knee pain in patients suffering from inflammatory arthritis. Synovium is the lining of the joints in the knee, and inflammation in this lining of joints may damage the adjacent joints and cartilage. In synovectomy, most of the inflamed synovium is removed, either through open surgery or by arthroscopy. Doctors recommend synovectomy to patients with limited cartilage damage. Synovectomy relieves knee pain and also helps patients reduce their intake of anti-inflammatory drugs.

5. Joint Revision

The surgery is recommended for patients who have already undergone a knee replacement surgery and have a damaged, failed or worn-out artificial joint implant. Patients who have been living with an artificial knee implant for long time period often require this surgery procedure. The surgery provides improved strength and coordination of the knee joint, alleviating any knee pain symptoms. In this surgery, surgeons take a bone graft from another body area and place it in the affected component of the knee, adding to the complexity of the procedure.

Wrapping up

The knee is one of the most important and critical joints of the body. The knee supports the entire upper torso weight and helps us to move. Injuries, medical conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and old age may have an impact on its functioning. If you are suffering from continuous knee pain, you need to visit an experienced surgeon who diagnoses and determines your the condition of the knee joint. Depending on the condition of the knee joint, a doctor may recommend medication or surgery to provide relief from the problem. 

A Comprehensive Guide to Total and Partial Knee Replacement Surgery

Osteoarthritis is one condition that would debilitate your knee joint and cause discomfort, even if you exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight. The knee is a complex joint of the body, wherein the thighbone and the shinbone meet, and function smoothly, gliding against each other beneath the kneecap. Initially, orthopaedists help in alleviating arthritis through medication such as celecoxib, diclofenac sodium, and ibuprofen. However, for severe cases, surgical replacement of the knee, either total or partial, is often the preferred option. You can get in touch with a joint replacement center in Texas or any other area in the US for total or partial knee replacement surgery to get relief in cases of severe knee problems. Let us discuss in detail, the various joint replacement techniques.

1. Total knee replacement

The knee replacement technique involves the replacement of the joint surfaces, both at the bottom end of the femur (thigh bone) and at the top end of the tibia (shin bone). The surgery might also involve replacement of the under-surface of the patella (kneecap), with a plastic dome. The natural patella may also be preserved and re-instated into its place inside the knee in some cases. The doctors cement the prosthetic parts in place, or the prosthetic part is textured to facilitate bone growth onto it, thereby forming a natural, strong bond.

2. Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement

The knee joint comprises of three major components- the medial (inner), the lateral (outer) and the patellofemoral (kneecap). The medial side is generally affected by arthritis and thereby it is possible to have a partial knee replacement. Partial knee replacement surgery involves less involvement with the knee and as a result, patients take less time to recover. Minimally invasive technique is used to conduct the partial knee replacement wherein a small incision is made to accomplish the task. However, partial knee surgery is suitable for patients with healthy and strong ligament in the knee.

3. Revision knee replacement

Revision knee replacement is a more complex procedure and is suitable for patients with more severe conditions such as those who have had a significant bone loss due to arthritis, weakened knee ligaments or severe deformity of the knee. The knee replacements allow the prosthetic component to interlock in the center of the knee or securely fix it into the cavity of the bone. Additionally, doctors may use metallic or plastic pieces if the bone is badly damaged.

Wrapping up

Top notch joint replacement centers in Texas and other parts of the US provide treatment for multiple cases of rheumatoid arthritis, where the knee joint is either completely or partially damaged. For such severe cases, surgeons prefer to undertake the surgical approach to provide relief from the problem. Out of the three procedures, the total knee replacement is the most stable and long-term option; however, the procedure requires more recovery time than the partial knee replacement.

3 Options to Help You With an Effective Neck Pain Treatment

Neck pain is a common problem that results from either a poor posture leading to strain in neck muscles or an underlying condition such as osteoarthritis. An individual can suffer from an intermittent neck pain due to long working hours, lack of ergonomic seating or even a hunched posture. Neck pain can rarely be a symptom of a serious problem. If a person suffers from prolonged neck pain, however, it can manifest serious problems such as a shooting pain in the shoulder and arms and even loss of sensation. The blog post discusses a few measures of neck pain treatment that provide relief from neck pain.

1. Therapy

Medical therapy is the first line of treatment that aims at providing strength to the muscles around the neck along with providing pain relief. The following therapies provide relief from neck pain:

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy consists of exercises that help in correcting and strengthening the posture and alignment of the neck. A therapist may also use heat, ice or electrical stimulation to relieve neck pain and even prevent recurrence.

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation

TENS is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical voltage to get relief from neck pain. The therapy helps in treating conditions of a neck and lower back pain.

Traction

The method involves gently stretching the neck using a few measures such as weights, pulleys, and air bladders. The therapy provides relief from neck pain, especially if the pain is related to nerve root irritation.

Collar Support

A soft collar providing support to the neck can help in relieving neck pain by reducing pressure from the structures of the neck. When the collar eases the pressure from the adjacent neck structures, a patient may get some relief from neck pain.

2. Medication

A doctor may suggest OTC medications or muscle relaxants and tricyclic antidepressants to relieve pain and stiffness in the neck. A breakdown of the medication can be outlined as:

Steroid Injections

A doctor inject corticosteroid drugs near the nerve roots, the bones of the cervical spine or even neck muscles to provide relief from unbearable neck pain.

Analgesics

Over the counter medications such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen may provide relief from an intermittent neck pain; however, a person needs to consult a doctor before continuing the usage for a longer period.

3. Home Remedies

Home remedies can also help in alleviating neck pain along with managing the number of instances effectively.

Alternate Heat and Cold

Neck pain often brings a stiffness that restricts movement. An ice pack can help in reducing the inflammation. Using a heating pad or warm shower can also help in reducing the pain. Alternate cold and heat therapy also provide quick relief from neck pain.

Exercises

Regular exercise can help in treating persistent neck pain that may be a result of over-strained neck muscles. A person can start with gentle stretching and eventually add neck and shoulder rolls to the daily exercise regime. A noteworthy fact is to get started with the neck exercises if the pain begins to subside and avoid lifting heavy weights or carrying strenuous activities.

The Way Forward

Posture and age-related wear and tear are some of the reasons that lead to neck pain. Making a few changes in the lifestyle such as practicing a good posture, taking frequent breaks between work, refraining from smoking and adapting an adequate sleep position can help in managing neck pain. While lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of a recurring neck pain, treating repeated instances may involve medical assistance involving medications, steroid injections and even, physiotherapy.