How Joint Injections Help Athletes

Joint injections are common procedures in medicine where medications are injected into the joint space. This procedure is uncommon in younger athletes, due to their normal and healthy joint functions. However, this is one of the most reliable methods of managing degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis in many older athletes.

Benefits of joint injections

The procedure is given to treat inflammatory joint issues such as gout, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, psoriatic arthritis, bursitis and sometimes osteoarthritis. Corticosteroids are used for this medical procedure because of its anti-inflammatory capability as well as its ability to slow down the build-up of cells which causes the inflammation in the joint space. If present, joint fluid will be aspirated or removed prior to joint injection. This also eases the pain and swelling of the join and helps in the diagnosis of joint pathology.

While corticosteroids may successfully relieve osteoarthritis, the mode of action as to whether this will aggravate or alleviate the issue is unclear. In many knee-joint injection procedures, Hyanluronic acid, a viscous lubricating substance, is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee.

What Comprises Joint Injection Medications

The anti-inflammatory medication corticosteroid is mostly utilized in this procedure. Cortisone is a kind of steroid that it naturally produced by the body and released when you are under stress. Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced and it's a close derivative of the natural cortisone. Unlike natural cortisone, corticosteroids are injected to specific inflamed areas instead of being released into the bloodstream. This synthetic cortisone is also more potent and provides relief for a long period of time.

Apart from synthetic cortisone, a lubricant such as hyaluronic acid injections works to lessen the inflammation and lubricate the affected joint. It helps the joint lining to produce substances to feed the joint cartilage. This actually helps in early arthritis can is effective up to 6 months. Patients are given joint injections once a week for the next three to five weeks and this process maybe repeated after six months if needed.

Which joints are injected?

The most commonly injected joints are the ankle, knee, shoulders, elbows, wrists as well as the small joints of the hands and feet. You may need an x-ray called fluoroscopy to guide hip-joint injections.

Unlike oral steroids which are mostly abused and misused by athletes, joint injections using corticosteroids can lessen healing time and help lessen pain and inflammation. This procedure is mainly used to treat inflammation of the joints in sports injuries and aging athletes with their arthritis. Despite its many benefits, injection and these steroids also have corresponding side effects depending on the amount and location of the joint injection as well as the condition of the patient.

Introduction to Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for Joint and Back Pain

Platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a new and innovative treatment that naturally heals injured joints and tissue by using the body's own healing process. PRP therapy can be used in patients suffering from joint and knee pain, lower back pain, rotator cuff tears and other orthopedic type injuries. Many clinical studies have shown the benefit from using platelet rich plasma for the non-surgical treatment of these conditions.

Joint pain, particularly in the knees and shoulders as well as back pain constitute the large majority of patients who present to their doctor's office with a complaint of pain. Many of these patients proceed to have surgery, all too often with less than optimal outcomes. Many of these patients still have the same pain they had prior to surgery, or worse, more pain. They are in chronic pain and are frustrated that no one can help them. They are amazed that surgery did not fix them. Platelet rich plasma therapy offers these patients with joint and back pain relief by healing damaged knee or shoulder joint tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Patients with back pain benefit by PRP repairing damaged ligaments and muscles.

Patients with persistent back pain frequently feel that surgery was the only option that they have. Unfortunately all too many patients fall into the trap that surgery is the only answer to their pain problem and were convinced that surgery would "cure" their pain. The most unfortunate thing is that surgery was most likely not appropriate for them in the first place. Surgery will, more frequently than not, fail to relieve spine pain. That is because in the majority of the time, back and neck pain are not due to a spinal problem. The problem most likely due to soft tissue pain: muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (the cover tissue of muscles).

Platelet rich plasma offers patients an effective therapy to relieve their pain without surgery or narcotics. This incredible therapy was never taught in medical school. Basically platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) uses your body's own natural healing process to repair damage tissues.

To make PRP, two ounces of your own blood is taken and processed to extract out PRP. In whole blood, PRP is only one percent volume of the blood. With platelet rich plasma processing, we can concentrate platelets by 500-600%. This concentrated platelet rich plasma can then be injected directly into the area with damaged tissue. This may be in the knee or shoulder joint, lower back, neck or into injured tendons or ligaments.

In patients who have bone fractures, PRP dramatically accelerates bone healing and pain relief. Platelet rich plasma therapy is a remarkable treatment. It clearly helps patient to avoid surgery, has no recovery time and uses the body's own healing mechanism to get natural, stronger healing.

This therapy has been widely used by pro athletes, including players in the NFL such as Super Bowl player Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Major League Baseball superstar and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has received PRP therapy. Perhaps most famously, pro golfer Tiger Woods received this therapy for his knee pain.

Causes of Elbow Joint Pain

There can be a number of conditions and diseases which can cause pain to the elbow joint. Most people associate chronic joint pain with arthritis, but you should always consult your doctor to determine the cause of elbow joint pain. One of the more common causes is bursitis-a painful disease that affects many people each year. Trauma and overuse can leads to bursitis.

What Is Bursitis?

A bursa is a small sac filled with fluid. When functioning normally, the bursa releases fluid which lubricates the joints and allows them to glide smoothly. When the bursa is injured, the sac no longer releases the fluid and your joints begin to rub against each other, causing friction and pain.

Elbow Joint Pain

Although you cannot feel it, the elbow bursa is located behind your elbow, over the pointed tip. Bursitis to the elbow is referred to as olecranon (oh-LEK-rah-non) bursitis. This is normally a result of repetitive movement or prolonged, excessive pressure to the area. People who perform repetitive activities, such as tennis players or construction workers, commonly develop this condition.

High Risk Factors

There are a number of medical conditions which place people at higher risk for bursitis:

* Diabetes
* Alcoholism
* Steroid therapy
* Trauma
* Uremia
* Skin disease

How to Treat Bursitis

There are several treatments for bursitis pain, ranging from rest to surgery. Treating physicians normally start with conservative therapy and move on to more aggressive treatment if necessary.

R.I.C.E. Therapy: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation is the most common treatment for bursitis pain. Depending on the severity of your elbow joint pain, this may or may not be successful.

Steroids: Your medical doctor can prescribe medications to reduce the pain and swelling. Corticosteroids, which can be injected directly into the affected site, are widely recommended because they attack the problem and relieve the symptoms more quickly.

Joint Therapy/Exercises: Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or a home exercise program to strengthen the muscles. They may offer a corticosteroid injection with therapy, which in many cases offers immediate relief.

Medications:

NSAIDs-Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen may be helpful in relieving bursitis pain.

Antibiotics-In cases of infectious or septic bursitis, fluid is usually collected for lab analysis and antibiotics are required. Depending on the severity of your condition, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

Alternative Medicine-There are a number of all-natural supplements on the market, such as Celadrin, which are known to promote joint health and have seen excellent clinical results.

Invasive Treatments:

In some cases, the bursa fluid may have to be aspirated or removed with a needle and syringe. The fluid is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. In severe or repeated cases of bursitis, surgical drainage and removal of the infected bursa (bursectomy) may be required. In most cases, the joint functions normally after the procedure.

Once you know the causes of your chronic joint pain, the good news is that it can be treated. The first step is getting the proper diagnosis from your physician.

What is Neuromuscular Dentistry

The primary element which sets neuromuscular dentistry apart from traditional dentistry is that neuromuscular dentistry considers the nerves and muscles and the correct positioning of the jaw, whereas traditional dentistry focuses on just the teeth and joints.

The result is a more complete approach which can resolve painful conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders and provide more comfortable and longer lasting solutions to other dental needs such as dentures and smile makeovers.

Your teeth, joints, muscles, and nerves all work together in the proper alignment and functioning of the jaw. When any part of this equation is overlooked painful conditions such as TMJ and serious dental problems can develop. Neuromuscular dentistry utilizes modern technology to precisely determine the proper positioning of the jaw.

· Electromyography
Electromyography measures the electrical activity in the jaw muscles and the jaw-to-skull relationship. This determines muscle tension when the jaw is in motion and in a relaxed position.

· Computerized Mandibular Scan
The mandibular scan precisely tracks all of the motions of the jaw and the position of the jaw at rest.

· Sonography
Sonography records all of the sounds of the jaw while it moves. Clicks, pops, scraping, and grinding all are sounds of misalignment (malocclusion).

TMJ/TMD
The most life-changing effect of neuromuscular dentistry is its ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat TMJ/TMD. A misaligned jaw has far reaching ramifications that can present themselves as painful and debilitating symptoms which seem to have no relationship to dental problems. TMJ/TMD symptoms include:

· Headaches (often misdiagnosed as migraines)

· Shoulder, neck, or back pain

· Numbness in arms and fingers

· Facial pain

· Jaw pain

· Clicking or popping jaw

· Clenching or grinding teeth

· Ringing ears (tinnitus)

· Congested ears

In the treatment of TMJ/TMD a neuromuscular dentist will use transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS). This treatment acts like a massage, relaxing the muscles, stopping spasms, and relieving pain.

Smile Makeover
A smile makeover addresses all aspects of your smile including your teeth and gums, and should include proper jaw alignment. Neuromuscular dentistry ensures that a smile makeover is complete and achieves not only the optimum functional dental benefits, but the cosmetic benefits as well. When your teeth and jaws work together properly, the muscles are relaxed and the effect can take years off of your appearance. A misaligned bite can lead to future damage, including chipped and broken teeth, quickly diminishing the results of a smile makeover and requiring unnecessary painful and costly dental work.

Dentures
Traditional dentistry relies on impressions to create dentures. Using impressions alone can lead to subtle imperfections and does not create a precise bite alignment. Neuromuscular dentistry eliminates many of the problems commonly associated with dentures including difficulty chewing and speaking, and can extend the length of time that the dentures will fit properly before they must be replaced.

Neuromuscular dentistry is a more advanced, effective, and complete approach to dental treatment than traditional dentistry. TMJ/TMD treatment can quickly relieve life-long pain. In general dentistry procedures the results are more accurate and long-lasting. When applied to cosmetic dentistry a more beautiful look can be achieved.

Prolotherapy: Possible Treatment for Unresolved Back Pain

Prolotherapy is a treatment that offers hope to those who feel they've tried everything to relieve back pain. If you suffer from sciatica, sacroiliac joint dysfunction or lumbosacral joint pain, you may be helped by prolotherapy.

Joint pain is often caused by damage to the ligaments that support the joint. Ligaments are connective tissues that band bone to bone in a joint, providing for strength and structural integrity. If a ligament is strained, torn or otherwise injured, its healing time will be slow and it will become weak. This is due to the fact that ligaments receive a very low blood supply. The same is true for tendons, which band muscles to bones.

If the ligaments that support spinal joints or the sacroiliac joint grow weak, they fail to support the joint. This results in abnormal range of motion. In the sacroiliac joint, this results in pelvic instability, localized and referred pain, and sometimes sciatica. In the spine, hypermobile joints can lead to disc herniation, which causes back pain, spinal instability and sometimes sciatica.

Often, the possibility that ligament damage is causing other phenomena like sciatica or disc problems goes overlooked, and so all attempts to resolve back pain fail. The low blood supply to ligaments means that they may never get back to being as strong as they once were. Prolotherapy claims to have an answer to that problem.

This form of treatment involves injecting a solution where the ligament in question meets the bone. The solution is often simple sugar water combined with an anesthetic; other irritants and additives are available. The introduction of a foreign substance sparks the inflammatory response. The body sends inflammatory materials to the injected area, meaning that blood flow is increased.

Inflammation is something we generally try to avoid; the swelling is painful and can actually cause more harm than good if it is chronic. But the inflammatory response is part of the immune system. Its goal is to 1) block perceived threats off from other parts of the body and 2) facilitate healing of the injured area. When it comes to ligaments and tendons, inflammation is needed to increase blood flow to the normally avascular areas. Blood brings with it nutrients and oxygen to rebuild damaged tissue. The "prolo" in prolotherapy stands for the proliferation of new connective tissue.

A local anesthetic makes the injection relatively painless. The inflammation caused by prolotherapy can cause temporary discomfort in the area, but the inflammation caused is generally controlled and does not last long. Most patients need 3 to 10 sessions to build enough tissue to restore ligament and tendon strength.

The downside of prolotherapy is that it is generally not covered by insurance - yet. The criteria for valid scientific study are rigid and have not yet been met by studies of prolotherapy. There is, however, substantial experiential evidence to support the treatment's efficacy. See http://www.dailystrength.org/treatments/Prolotherapy to read what recipients of prolotherapy have to say about it. Each session can cost $250 or more, depending on the joint that needs healing and the specialist you see. While the cost adds up over 10 sessions, it still pales in comparison to that of surgery.

If you think you've tried everything to heal back pain, remember that the field of treatment is vast. Educate yourself on all of your options for back pain management. Prolotherapy may be the overlooked form of treatment that can resolve the source of your back pain.

Physical Therapy and Exercise For Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that can cause stiffness, pain and swelling in joints and other supporting structures of the body such as bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some forms of arthritis may affect other parts of the body, including various internal organs. There are many different types of arthritis including osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), rheumatoid arthritis psoriatic arthritis gouty arthritis and septic arthritis Arthritis can affect anyone at any age. Arthritis treatment often includes physical therapy and exercise. Physical therapy and exercise can help arthritis sufferers in many ways. The primary goal is to improve functional capacity to help reduce pain and fatigue associated with daily activities. Increasing the range of motion of a joint is the primary focus of physical therapy.

Physical therapy and exercise for arthritis focuses on pain relief, and in restoring function and movement. Physical therapy programs may provide therapeutic methods, including physical techniques and activity modifications. A physical therapy program consisting of manual therapy and exercise benefits patients with arthritis.

Gentle exercise helps to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. Lifting weights is a beneficial exercise for arthritis and for joint support. Physical therapy and exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscle around the joints, and increases flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness, and endurance.

Some of the exercises prescribed for people with arthritis:

o Range-of-motion exercises (stretching or flexibility exercises)
o Strengthening exercises
o Water exercises
o Recreational exercises
o Endurance or aerobic exercises

Physical therapy and exercise helps to:

o Maintain normal joint movement
o Strengthen muscles around the joints
o Strengthen and maintain bone and cartilage tissue
o Improve overall ability to do everyday activities
o Maintain weight to reduce pressure on joints
o Keep bone and cartilage tissue strong and healthy

Depending on the severity of arthritis, a physical therapist may suggest either isometric or isotonic exercises. A combination of manual physical therapy and exercise is more effective to reduce pain, dysfunction and stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Glucosamine Supplements

Glucosamine, a molecule that contains both sugar and protein, is produced naturally by the human body. It is primarily found in joint cartilages and plays an important role in keeping the joints healthy and supple. The natural production of glucosamine reduces as the person ages and this causes pain in the joints. This leads to a condition known as arthritis. Those suffering from arthritis are administered glucosamine supplements to alleviate their pain.

The principle behind using glucosamine supplements is that the glucosamine is delivered to the joints and integrated into the proteoglycans present in the joint cartilage in order to repair the damage.

Glucosamine supplements are either plant based or animal based. A well-known example of a plant-based supplement is glucosamine hydrochloride. It is prepared from the plant Aspergillus Niger. On the other hand, glucosamine sulfate is animal based. Animal based supplements are generally extracted from bovine cartilage or chitin, the hard outer shell of crab, shrimp and lobsters. Chondroitin, another supplement of glucosamine is prepared from the cartilage of shark and MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methanol) is a bitter tasting natural substance.

Studies conducted on glucosamine found that glucosamine supplements when augmented with chondroitin are very helpful in mitigating the pain of people suffering from moderate to severe osteoarthritis. After taking these supplements people reported to have less pain, less stiffness and better functioning joints. However, taking glucosamine supplements and chondroitin supplements separately was found to be ineffective in addressing the pain.

Taking glucosamine with MSM as a combination showed increased effectiveness in reducing pain. It also exhibited a powerful anti-inflammatory effect in the people suffering from arthritis.

All these supplements may cause mild side effects like constipation, diarrhea and nausea. Moreover these supplements are very expensive. A month's supply may cost well over $100. As a preventive measure, regular intake of calcium that is present in dairy products and green and leafy vegetables, from a young age keeps bones strong and healthy and reduces the risk of arthritis.