WHAT'S NEW AT PTSR?

HIP BURSITIS:

Hip bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa located on the outside of the hip bone which is known specifically as trochanteric hip bursitis.  A bursa is a fluid filled sac in the body that acts as a cushion.  They reduce the friction between the gliding surfaces of our bones, tendons and muscles.  Bursa are located in several areas of the body.  Some symptoms of hip bursitis may include aching pain in the outer aspect of the upper thigh, pain when you press on the outside of your hip, radiating pain down the outside of the thigh, pain while climbing stairs or standing too long and pain while sleeping.  Some causes of hip bursitis may be repetetive stress or overuse, muliple minor traumatic injuries, lumbar spine disease such as scoliosis, leg length inequalities, Rheumatoid arthritis, lying on one side of the body for an extended period of time, excessive or prolonged pressure on the hip or a traumatic incident such as a fall.  If you or someone you know suffers from hip bursitis, we can help!  Give us a call at (402) 462-8824!

ROTATOR CUFF TENDONITIS:

There are four muscles that make up your rotator cuff.  They are the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Subscapularis and Teres Minor.  The rotator cuff helps provide stability to the joint, reduce strain on ligaments and other surrounding muscles, helps with rotation and movement of the shoudler and provides strength to the shoulder.  Rotator cuff tendonitis is the inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons.  You may feel an ache in the front of your shoulder.  You may also feel sharp pain in the front of your shoulder when performing overhead activities or when reaching behind your back.  There are several factors that may cause rotator cuff tendonitis such as occupation, overuse in sports, unstable shoulder, impingement in the shoulder, direct trauma or weakness in the rotator cuff itself. 

If you or someone you know suffers from rotator cuff tendonitis, we can help!  Physical Therapy can help decrease the pain and inflammation while restoring movement and strength.  If you would like further information of the treatment of rotator cuff tendonitis, give us a call at (402) 462-8824.

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

The carpal tunnel is a small space formed by the bones and a ligament of the wrist.  Through this space runs several tendons and the median nerve from the forearm to the hand.  The median nerve controls the movements of the thumb and sensations to most of the thumb, index finger, middle finger and part of the ring finger.  The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are a result of pressure on the median nerve.  Symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the wrist, arm, thumb and fingers.  People commonly complain of a "pins and needles" feeling in the first 3 or 4 fingers, wrist, and possibly even the forearm or shoulder.  This may start gradually and progress to a constant painful sensation.  The pain is usually worse at night and may awaken the person frequently.  It is also possible to feel a "clumsiness" when using the fingers. 

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common work related injuries, is more common in women and is most common after the age of 40.  The condition may stem from decreased blood flow to the median nerve or direct pressure on the nerve as it passes through the tunnel.  This can be a result of structural changes, a cumulative effect of overuse, or direct trauma.  The fluid changes during pregnancy can also trigger carpal tunnel syndrome. 

There are several things you can do to help prevent or treat carpal tunnel syndrome.  Avoid frequent, forceful hand and wrist movements or activities that require repeated or prolonged flexion of the wrist.  If you work at a desk, try to maintain 90 degrees of elbow flexion to help prevent repetitive motion strain.  There are also several stretching and strengthening exercises that you can do as well as the use of modalities and soft tissue mobilization.  If you suffer from this kind of pain or have additional questions about carpal tunnel syndrome give us a call at 462-8824!

PLANTAR FASCITIS:

Do you have heel pain that is at it's worst first thing in the morning or when you get up from sitting long periods of time?  You may be suffering from Plantar Fascitis.  Plantar Fascitis is the inflammation of the fibrous band of connective tissue located under the foot which runs from the calcaneus, or the heel bone, radiating up towards the base of the toes.  The formation of heel spurs may be caused by the body's reaction to this inflammation.  Heel spurs are projections of new bone and often thought to be the cause of the foot pain, however, they are the result. 

Plantar Fascitis can occur in people of any age or sex.  It usually occurs in those over 40 or those who lead active lifestyles.  It is commonly found in people who have occupations involving prolonged standing or walking.  The bone structure of the foot can also be a factor.  Excessive pronation (flat feet) can lead to irritation in the plantar fascia origin.  Also, those who have excessive supination (high arches) can have tight plantar fascia which results in an increased load placed on the plantar fascia and causes irritation and pain.  Another factor is poor shoe support.  It is important that your shoes best support the type of foot structure you have and your activity level. 

Treatment of Plantar Fascitis involves focus on controlling the inflammation as well as correcting the mehanical factors that cause the irritation.  Physical Therapists combine treatment such as ultrasound, various techniques to break up scar tissue, stretching, strengthening and balance exercises.  If you suffer from foot pain or would like more information on this topic please give us a call at (402) 462-8824!