Posts Tagged ‘Soft Tissue’
In ankle impingement there is a limitation in the joint mobility of the ankle due to pain from a soft tissue or bony pathology. A common finding to precipitate this pain syndrome is an irritation of the synovial membrane or the joint capsule, typically after an ankle sprain or a repetitive series of such injuries. Chronic pain in the ankle and impingement can result from the ankle being sprained and this can give a persistent pain problem with limitations on involvement in sports. Numbers are unclear but some level of impingement could occur in about ten percent of people who undergo ankle sprains.
Acute ankle impingent is most commonly caused by the foot being moved into a pointed down and turned in position with the body weight on it, often from stepping on an uneven object or dip in the surface. Impingent can be at the front (anterior) or the back (posterior) or relate to the connecting joint between the tibia and the fibula just above the ankle joint. In anterior impingement the patient feels like the movement of the foot upward is blocked by the front of the ankle. Dorsiflexion of the ankle, especially if forced such as by lunging forward on the affected foot, is part of the diagnosis of this type of problem.
If I there is involvement of the connecting joint between the shin bone and the fibula then it will be very sensitive to firm palpation and respond with pain to malleolar compression. Impingement at the back of the ankle is much harder to establish as a diagnosis with its less clear presentation, with a strong toe-pointing movement of the foot bringing on symptoms potentially. In ballet and fencing people may perform repetitive lunge type movements which can give many small instances of damage to the joint lip which can result in the formation of bony outgrowths in that area.
The investigation of ankle impingement is difficult as the typical methods of imaging lesions may show up little. CT scanning, bone scans and normal x-rays are often reported as normal although there can be bony spur formation on the front lips of the tibia and talus in the case of anterior impingements. Magnetic resonance imaging scanning is used in these cases to attempt to clarify the soft tissue or bony changes responsible.
Conservative management is the mainstay of treatment for this condition and patients can reduce their symptoms if they modify the activity levels they are performing or alter their techniques and methods. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed to counter the pain and inflammatory changes. Referral to physiotherapy is common to attempt joint mobilisation methods on the foot and ankle, apply ultrasound, give deep friction massage and work on muscle power and joint motion. An ankle brace can be fitted to support the joint laterally or to restrict the range of motion and physiotherapists can also assess and fit orthotics in the shoes.
If ankle impingement is not managed successfully by conservative methods then the surgeon may consider operative intervention. Usual operating technique is via an arthroscope to tidy up the joint surfaces and edges and remove any bony spurs or soft tissue obstructions. Early mobilisation after surgery is common and if there has not been major internal work patients can typically walk soon after surgery. Four to six weeks is likely to elapse before patients can resume their typical activities, sometimes with physiotherapy guidance. Scientific results from studies on operated patients show over 80 percent are in the excellent or good outcome categories.
If the surgery is more extensive then patients may be given elbow crutches to protect the ankle joint from full weight bearing for up to two weeks, and they may also wear an ankle brace to reduce joint movement. Once settled to some degree the brace is removed and physiotherapy commenced with encouraging of the ranges of movement of the ankle joint and the foot. Ice and ultrasound may be used to help control pain and inflammation. As the ankle improves the physio will progress to more active exercises without great weight involved, such as cycling on the static bike. Further progression involves weight bearing work to improve joint position sense, coordination, balance and strength.
Jonathan Blood Smyth, editor of the Physiotherapy Site, writes articles about Physiotherapy, back pain, orthopaedic conditions, neck pain, injury management and physiothrapists in Southampton. Jonathan is a superintendant physiotherapist at an NHS hospital in the South-West of the UK. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/ankle-impingement-1589310.html
With more and more people making a commitment to physical activity for the sake of their health, there is an increased need and interest in finding ways to deal with sports-related injuries. Sports therapy is a growing field offering a variety of services for injured athletes of all sorts–from the weekend warrior who overdid it to the highly trained serious athlete.
Sports therapists work with primary care physicians to develop and implement rehabilitation plans subsequent to sports injuries. They use a variety of techniques to accomplish that goal. Sports therapy services are wide-ranging, to say the least. Examining some of the more commonly offered services will give us a solid understanding of the practice.
Rehabilitation from Sports Injuries
This is what most people probably think of when considering sports therapy. It involves extensive testing and the design of therapeutic activities and exercises for those who have suffered a sports injury. While physiotherapists focus on exercise and physical manipulation, some in the sports therapy field supplement those services with ultrasound and other electrotherapy strategies.
Sports Massage
The therapist isolates soft tissue issues and addresses them via massage. That can involve massage prior to activity designed to prevent injury and to improve performance by reducing muscle tension and improving circulation. Massage can also be used as part of the injury recovery process.
Training, Fitness and Nutritional Consultations
Sports therapists may provide fitness testing services and are often available to assist in the development of training plans and exercise programs. Offering advice regarding proper nutrition and diet plans designed to improve athletic performance are also becoming a common element of many sports therapy providers.
First Aid
You have probably noticed the medical staff on the sidelines of major sporting events. These teams often include sports therapists who are trained to provide immediate treatment to athletes suffering injuries. This quick action can often prevent unnecessary aggravation and can be particularly valuable when a potentially serious situation arises.
These four examples of what sports therapists do on a regular basis provide a nice portrait of the profession. In essence, sports therapy specialists are involved in virtually all areas related to maximizing athletic performance or injuries and stresses sustained during athletic activity.
It is not surprising that more and more people are visiting sports injury experts. Their specialized talents make them a perfect choice for those who want to return to normal physical activity as soon as possible after suffering an injury and for those who want to make sure that they do not aggravate injuries via improper treatment. Sports therapy assists professional athletes and amateur exercisers alike as they deal with the challenges that inevitably arise as a byproduct of sports participation.
Here is some more information on physiotherapy and all you need to know on health insurance.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/an-insight-to-sports-therapy-services-1507823.html
