Your Health and Wellness Holistic Living Blog

Sharp Stinging Pain in Toes – Relief, Causes and Symptoms

March 16, 2021 By Heather

Prevent sharp pain in your toes from cripplig you, or interfering with your mobility and wellbeing. Knowing what’s behind the pain in your toes and how to treat it will help you get back to your normal activities.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on what causes sharp stinging pain in your toes, how to alleviate the pain, when you should seek medical attention, and accompanying symptoms that may be life-threatening.

Sharp Pain in Toes

Abnormal sensations, including tingling, numbness, discomfort, and sharp pain can occur in your toes when peripheral nerves are impacted or damaged. This condition can result from:

Physical trauma resulting in nerve damage
Diabetes (especially if left uncontrolled)
Circulation irregularities limiting blood flow to the feet
Autoimmune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, etc.)
Trauma (vehicle accidents, sports injuries, falls, etc.)
Alcohol
Smoking
Drug abuse
Vitamin deficiencies (B vitamins, vitamin E, and niacin)
Some prescription medications (especially ones used in cancer treatment)
Age-related wear and tear
Arthritis
Tumors (malignant or benign can develop on or press against nerves)
Chemical burns
Exposure to extreme heat
Exposure to poisonous substances (heavy metals and industrial chemicals)
Poorly fitting shoes (too loose or too tight)

When peripheral nerves are affected, it may lead to a condition called peripheral neuropathy. The following are many of the signs and symptoms of this condition:

Pain during movements and activities that should not cause pain
Sharp, jabbing, burning, or throbbing pain
Loss or reduction of touch sensation (feels as if you are wearing gloves or socks when you aren’t)
The onset of a numbing or tingling sensation in the hands or feet that can spread upward in the legs and arms
Hypersensitivity to touch
Severe reduction of coordination and loss of sure-footedness
Muscle weakness

Watch this video for a brief explanation of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral nerves can be classified into three types:

Sensory (sensations like temperature, pain, and touch)
Autonomic (controls internal functions like the heart rate and digestion)
Motor (muscle movement)

Note: When peripheral neuropathy affects motor nerves, it can cause paralysis.

Toe Pain Relief

Assess what is happening with your feet before attempting a remedy. If you feel that you have sustained an injury or that your pain is too severe to manage on your own, contact your primary care physician for direction. The following will help you relieve the pain in your toes:

Apply Ice – If your skin feels warm (indicates that your foot is likely inflamed and possibly swollen), apply ice or soak your feet in an ice bath. Avoid warmth on inflamed areas; it increases the blood flow and may exacerbate the inflammation.

Apply Heat – If your skin is normal or cool to the touch, soak your feet in a warm bath. This should relax and soothe them.

Watch this video for more information about applying ice or heat to your feet.

Tip: Pharmacies and many large grocery stores sell gel packs that can be heated or frozen, then applied to your feet.

Foot Massage – Book an appointment with your masseur, explaining your condition. If you want to give yourself a foot massage, follow these steps:

Sit on your bed or in a comfortable chair. Bend your left leg inward to rest your left foot on your right thigh.
Pour your preferred lotion or oil into your hand. Vigorously rub the lotion or oil between your hands to warm it up, and then rub it gently over your whole foot, massaging your toes, arch, and heel.
Use your hands to gently pull your toes back and forth or apart. This stretches the muscles, tendons, and ligaments underneath.
Repeat the same steps on your other foot.

Tip: You can achieve a deeper massage by pressing your right knuckles into your left foot. Knead your foot like bread dough. Or reach deeper tissue and muscles by grasping your foot with both hands and applying a “sliding” pressure with your thumbs.

Follow the link to read more about How Massage Can Relieve Your Peripheral Neuropathy Pain.

Topical analgesics – These pain medications are typically sold as lotions, creams, or gels. They work by being spread on the skin, then penetrating inward to relieve pain. Some topical analgesics may contain menthol, eucalyptus oil, or turpentine oil reducing pain levels by distracting nerves with a different sensation.

Others use salicylates (the ingredient found in aspirin). Yet, others attempt to cancel out a chemical called substance P (a neurotransmitter that apparently transmits pain signals to the brain).

Oral analgesics – These medications include pain relievers, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), which relieve pain without reducing inflammation.

Tip: Strictly follow directions when using acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver complications, including failure.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – NSAIDs can be attained with and without a prescription (in lower doses). NSAIDs include aspirin (Bayer, Bufferin, etc.), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). Take low dosages for a limited time solely to relieve pain. Your doctor may advise you to take a higher dose for a longer period if you have a condition that involves inflammation and pain.

Note: NSAID medications potentially have multiple side effects. Discuss any health conditions or risks with your doctor before their use.

Nerve pain medication – Pain resulting from nerve damage (neuropathy) may not respond well (or at all) to acetaminophen or NSAIDs. The following medications are commonly prescribed for neuropathy:

Amitriptyline (Elavil)
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Pregabalin (Lyrica)

Tip: Consult your physician before taking these medications, as they may include side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and swelling. You may need to reduce or discontinue outside activities like driving or operating machinery while taking these medications.

Nerve blocks and Corticosteroids – These injectable medications work to either numb a particular nerve (nerve blocks) or to reduce inflammation to relieve pain (Corticosteroids)

When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

Seek medical care immediately if you experience any unusual tingling, weakness, or pain in your feet or hands. Obtaining an early diagnosis and treatment will offer the best chance for mitigating or arresting your symptoms and preventing any further peripheral nerve damage.

Life-Threatening Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms

Any condition that causes you sustained pain, discomfort, or forces you to restrict your mobility should trigger you to seek medical attention. However, the following symptoms or conditions can be life-threatening and must be addressed immediately:

Weakness, numbness, tingling, or sharp pain that spreads upward from the toes to the legs, or the fingers to the arms
Erratic or racing heartbeat
Extreme high or low blood pressure
Difficulty breathing or gasping for air
Paralysis
Loss of coordination

Note: Save time and potentially your life by dialing 9-1-1 for emergency services. When experiencing such severe symptoms, avoid operating a vehicle or other mechanical equipment.

Disclaimer: This Content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your primary care physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding this or other medical conditions.

Toe Pain and Peripheral Neuropathy

In this article, you discovered what can cause sharp stinging pain in your toes, what you can do to ease or relieve the pain, when you should seek medical attention, and which symptoms indicate a life-threatening medical event.

Knowing how to relieve pain in your toes will help you maintain your mobility and rest easier, pain-free and recognizing when these symptoms turn deadly will undoubtedly give you a head start in preserving your life.

Ignoring the signs or the worsening of neuropathy symptoms allows nerve damage to progress. And can quickly land you in the hospital or worse.

Sources:
health.harvard.edu/feet-and-foot-care/7-ways-to-fix-foot-pain
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/peripheral-neuropathy-fact-sheet

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Side Effects of Being Overweight

February 17, 2021 By Heather

Prevent your rising weight from severely harming your health. Knowing how carrying extra weight affects your health and wellness will help you take the necessary actions to keep it in check.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on the side effects of being overweight, how to know when you are overweight, and how to lose weight.

Health Risks of Being Overweight

Unless you weigh yourself every day, you may not notice your weight gain until your clothing gets tighter or you physically struggle to get up after sleeping or sitting.

For some, weight gain is gradual, likely reflecting a poor lifestyle change. For others, weight gain is fast and may feel out-of-control, potentially reflecting a health or medical condition. For everyone, carrying too much weight puts you at risk (or increases the risk) of the following:

High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Type 2 Diabetes
Coronary Heart Disease
Fatty Liver Disease
Stroke
Sleep Apnea
Breathing Problems
Gallbladder Disease
Osteoarthritis
Mental Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, etc.)
Some cancer types (Liver, Kidney, Pancreatic, Colorectal, Breast, Ovarian, Thyroid, etc.)
Body Pain
Pregnancy Complications

Perhaps most chilling is that being overweight or obese increases the risk factors in ALL causes of death.

Note: Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of developing severe illness from contracting COVID-19.

Watch this video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about obesity.

Am I Overweight?

Almost everyone has asked this question at one time or another: Am I Overweight? The answer to this question may vary from person to person due to its contributing factors (height, sex, body fat, body shape, etc.). However, there are multiple ways to determine whether or not you are carrying too much weight. Consider the following measurement methods:

Body Mass Index (BMI) – This measurement determines whether you have an appropriate body weight by measuring your weight in relation to your height.

Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703

Calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in pounds (lbs) by your height in inches (in) squared, then multiplying by 703.

Example: Weight = 250 lbs Height = 6’4″ (76″) Calculation: [250 ÷ (76)2] x 703 = 30.43 or (250 ÷ 5776) x 703 =30.43

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), BMI ranges for adults are as follows:

Below 18.5 is considered underweight
18.5 – 24.9 is considered a normal or healthy weight
25.0 – 29.9 is considered overweight
30.0 and above is considered obese

You can also use the BMI calculator provided by the CDC at cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html

Note: BMI is a simple height/weight measurement that doesn’t account for waist or hip measurements, proportion of muscle mass, or proportion and/or distribution of fat.

Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) – Another way to calculate whether you have a healthy weight and size is to calculate your waist-to-hip measurement. This calculation helps assess your risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Do this by:

Measuring around your waist (just above your belly button)
Measuring around your hips (at their widest point)
Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement

For example: If your waist is 42” and your hips are 39”, you will divide 42 by 39 to get 1.08.

Assess your risk factor for developing CVD as follows:

For adult males

Below 0.9 – is considered low-risk
0.9 – 0.99 – is considered moderate risk
1.0 or above – is considered high risk

For adult females

Below 0.8 – is considered low-risk
0.8 – 0.89 – is considered moderate risk
0.9 or above – is considered high risk

A study published in the Western Journal of Medicine concluded in part that a person’s waist-to-hip ratio foretells more about their cardiac status than measures of height and weight and lend further support to including WHR as part of the general physical examination.

Watch this video comparing BMI to WHR.

How To Lose Weight

There are pills, diets, online gimmicks, advertising, personal trainers, nutritionists, and various fitness gurus that all seem to hold the miraculous secret to your weight loss. One of the many problems with the promise of fast weight loss is keeping it off.

Let’s take an honest look at how you can lose weight and remove yourself from overweight and obese risk categories:

Consult Your Primary Care Physician (PCP) – Before beginning any diet or weight loss program, you should consult your primary care physician to rule out any:

Unknown food allergies
Underlying causes/factors contributing to weight gain
Chemical or physical imbalances preventing weight loss
Hereditary issues or complications

Besides ruling out potential complications, you also establish baselines for your improvement markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, etc.

Through regular visits to your PCP, you can monitor your:

Weight gain/loss
Blood pressure
Cholesterol levels (LDL and HDL)
BMI
WHR

Tip: Your PCP can recommend a weight training program to safely increase your physical activity and refer you to a licensed nutritionist to clean up your diet.

Understanding The Components of a Healthy Weight Loss Program – Once you have consulted your PCP and eliminated any potential risks, your next conversation should be about what your weight loss program will consist of. Consider the following:

A realistic weight loss goal
A reduced-calorie, nutritionally-balanced meal plan
Regular physical activity and/or exercise schedule
A plan including behavioral changes to help you reach your goals and sustain your weight loss
Persistence

Most diets eventually fail because they are not sustainable. By tailoring your current activities and habits, you are more likely to stick with the program for the long haul.

Behavior Changes for Successful Weight Loss – Ideally, you want to develop lifestyle habits that help you maintain a healthy weight range. Short-term “diets” that you “hop on” and then “fall off” are not the answer to long-term or successful weight management. These behaviors include:

Making time for regular physical activity
Reducing calorie and fat consumption
Focusing on nutritional value vs. craving satisfaction
Eating meals at regular times, including breakfast
Weighing yourself regularly
Rewarding yourself when accomplishing small and large milestones
Not allowing small “slips” to result in large weight regain

Watch this video about weight loss through Behavior change.

Note: Rewarding yourself for your accomplishments doesn’t mean going out for pizza. Consider the following activities:

Schedule a spa day
Get a massage
Take the family/friends bowling
Go to the zoo or amusement park

Whatever you do to encourage yourself through your weight loss journey should include elements that contribute to your health and well being.

Weight Problems and Obesity

In this article, you discovered potential side effects of elevated weight and obesity, how to know when your weight is a problem, and how to lose weight.

By acknowledging that you have a weight problem, you can take action to responsibly remove yourself from high-risk categories.

Ignoring your weight gain can lead to organ disease, multiple forms of cancer, and rapidly contribute to factors potentially leaving you hospitalized or worse.

Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071369/
nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/behavior.htm
cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html
nutrition.gov/topics/healthy-living-and-weight/strategies-success/interested-losing-weight
health.gov/myhealthfinder/topics/health-conditions/diabetes/losing-weight-conversation-starters

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Vitamins and Minerals That Can Speed Up Injury Recovery

January 28, 2021 By admin

The road to recovery after an injury is a tough one. You may easily endure injuries like minor fractures and muscle tears, but for serious ones like an Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL, the process is far longer and much more challenging.

There’s no magical cure or state-of-the-art technology to significantly accelerate recovery, but there are certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can help to make it a bit faster.

Calcium

Calcium takes up roughly 99% of the body’s total mineral content. It’s known to play a key role in healing injuries like broken bones. On top of that, it assists in helping the brain to signal nerves and contract muscles properly. Should you incur a fracture, calcium can help you heal faster, and even make your bones much stronger.

However, it should be noted that calcium should be taken in moderation. Very Well Health underscores that taking excessive doses will not help you heal faster. Make sure that you are consuming the recommended dose, and if it all possible take more natural calcium, like those found in foods like milk, yogurt, broccoli, soy, and fortified cereals or juice.

Collagen

For repairing tendons and ligaments, collagen happens to be the most researched and recommended supplement simply because it’s a protein that’s an important building block for bones. Pretty Me’s review of frozen collagen products highlights how aside from reducing pain and speeding up the resynthesizing of tendons and soft tissue, the ingredient also has the capacity to eliminate free radicals in the body. It even has skin health benefits, like slowing down the signs of aging and reducing fine lines. Not only will it aid in your recovery, but it improves your skin and hair, too.

The good news is collagen isn’t hard to find. While you can always get your dose from readily available supplements, you can also get collagen from foods like fish, chicken, egg whites, citrus fruits, berries, garlic, and white tea. So long as you consume these on a regular basis, you can enjoy healthy joints and a clearer complexion.

Vitamin K

Doctors have long used vitamin K to help patients heal incisions after surgery and prevent bleeding issues in newborns, thanks to its blood clotting abilities. Research curated by Reader’s Digest also notes that the vitamin contributes to building strong bones, and may even be useful for fighting against the threat of osteoporosis, especially in older women.

A synthetic form of vitamin K1 called phytomenadione is present in many supplements, but it’s also found in many foods, typically in leafy green vegetables like cabbage and spinach. It’s also present in liver, cows’ milk, egg yolk, brussel sprouts, tomatoes, lean meats, and cereals. The rest comes from bacteria that live naturally in the gut and produce menaquinones, or vitamin K2.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is one of those nutrients that are popular in the wellness space because of its capacity to naturally reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but athletes are increasingly using it for pain relief and treating bone injuries. A molecule found in skin tissue, bones, tendons, and the synovial fluid around joints, its primary function is to lubricate the joints and cushion bones as a way of preventing wear, tear, and degeneration.

These days, hyaluronic acid injections are the preferred method for taking it, but you can also get it from certain food sources, including root vegetables, soy-based foods, citrus fruits, bone broth, and animal skin.

Everything to Know About a Couples Massage

January 22, 2021 By Heather

Avoid getting stuck in boring, forgettable routines with your significant other. Knowing what to expect from a couples massage will help you create a sensational, unforgettable experience for the two of you.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on what a couples massage consists of and answers some of the most frequently answered questions about it.

How Much Should a Couples Massage Cost

Couples massage prices range from $80 per hour for a basic package to $120 per hour for a more complete package.

Couples massage pricing can vary greatly depending on the type of massage, duration, location, and add-ons like extra hot towels or aromatherapy.

Tip: Before booking your couples massage, reach out to a spa representative for hourly rates, packages, running specials, add-ons, and payment options.

What Happens When You Get a Couples Massage

A couples massage consists of many of the same components of any other massage, here’s what to expect:

Couples massages generally occur in a private room
You both receive your massages at the same time
Your massages occur on side-by-side tables
Each of you will have your own massage therapist
Your massages end at the same time

Note: Each spa will offer different amenities like lounging areas, shower rooms, hot tubs, and specialties like fruit, chocolates, and champagne.

How Do You Prepare for a Couples Massage

The following tips will help you and your partner prepare for your couples massage, maximizing the massage’s relaxation and rejuvenation potential:

Keep your schedules light and stress-free prior to your appointment
Take a soothing shower
No “heavy” food, eat light
Turn your phone and devices off
Avoid stressful and/or drama-filled conversations or arguments

Note: To take full advantage of your couples massage, clear your schedules for the rest of the day, and enjoy each other’s company.

What Do I Wear to a Couples Massage

Clothing etiquette for a couples massage may vary depending on the spa and type of massage you will receive. Consider the following for a reflexology couples massage:

Arrive wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothes
Avoid wearing any jewelry
Leave any bags or additional clothing behind

For reflexology couples massages, you will not be required to disrobe. You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks, then roll your pants up to your knees.

Note: Wearing a mask will not get in the way of or disrupt your massage.

Tip: Contact a spa representative before booking your appointment to fully educate yourself on their clothing etiquette for your selected massage type.

Do You Talk in a Couples Massage

There aren’t any specific rules on talking during a couples massage, so you can talk to each other during the session. However, you may find it more effective to just be quiet and relax. It really depends on the couple’s ability to communicate calmly.

Note: As with any massage, if something is too hot, too cold, uncomfortable, or disturbing your “zen,” you should immediately communicate this to your masseur.

Is a Couples Massage a Good Date Idea

Yes, a couples massage is ideal for couples that have been together and/or have a sense of security and trust in each other.

Perhaps not when a couple is in its beginning “getting to know you” stages.

Tip: Every couple interacts differently at different stages. If a couples massage date interests you, ask your significant other how they feel about it and go from there.

Benefits of a Couples Massage

Repetition of dinner and movie dates can get boring over time. A couples massage is an excellent idea if you want to remove stress from your relationship and enjoy quiet, rejuvenating time together. Consider the following benefits of couples massages:

It’s good for the body and mind
Increased release of endorphins
Relief for tense, tight muscles, and increase of flexibility
You get to enjoy quality time with your significant other
You get to try out a new experience
Reduce stress and anxiety levels
Increase feelings of affection for one another
Couples massages encourage intimacy
A couples massage is a bonding experience
An intimate way to commemorate an anniversary, birthday, or other special date
It’s an opportunity to reconnect with your significant other

Couples often struggle to make time in their busy schedules to spend time together. A couples massage can be used as an intentional way to reconnect.

Couples Massage

In this article, you discovered essential information about what couples massages consist of and the answers to some of the most common questions about them.

When you know what to expect from a couples massage, you can properly prepare for one and provide an amazing bonding experience with your significant other.

By not considering a couples massage, you miss out on an opportunity to share an intimate bonding experience with your loved one.

Sources:
ce.uci.edu/pdfs/pressroom/2006_02_spa.pdf
tripsavvy.com/couples-massage-3090000

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

ACL Injury Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Recovery Time

December 15, 2020 By Heather

Prevent an ACL injury or tear from stealing your mobility and active lifestyle. When you know how to manage an ACL injury, you can quickly regain your mobility and get back to your normal activities.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on what an ACL injury is, causes, symptoms, treatment, and what you can do to recover from it.

What is an ACL Injury

This common injury is a sprain (over-stretching) or tear (partial or complete) of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The ACL is tissue connecting the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) at the knee, opposite the hamstring. This ligament is responsible for preventing the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone and stabilizes the knee during bending or rotation of the knee. The ACL also protects the knee from hyperextension.

ACL Injury Causes

ACL injuries are more commonly sports-related. However, anyone can inadvertently suffer an ACL injury if you:

Receive a hard impact on the side of your knee
Overextend your knee joint
Quickly stop moving and change direction while running
Incorrectly land from a jump
Abruptly or forcefully turn
Suffer a workplace injury
Are involved in an automobile accident

Most ACL injuries occur during fast-paced sports such as:

Gymnastics
Basketball
Soccer
Rugby
Football
Baseball
Skiing
Tennis

Note: According to MedlinePlus, ACL injuries are more likely to occur in women than men.

ACL Injury Symptoms

Symptoms of an ACL injury may vary depending on the grade of the injury. The following are the three grades of ACL injuries:

Grade 1 – These injuries are mild and seen as a sprain or over-stretching.

Grade 2 – These injuries are relatively rare, including an over-stretching and partially torn ACL.

Grade 3 – With these injuries, the ACL is torn completely in half and no longer offers any stability to the knee.

At the time of an ACL injury, an unusual “pop” or “snap” can commonly be felt or heard. The amount of pain felt at the time of injury is variable but can be severe. Typically, there will be an inability to continue play or activity and an impression that a severe injury has occurred. Consider the following common symptoms:

Pain – Grade 1 injuries may go unnoticed or can result in mild soreness in the knee. Grade 2 and grade 3 ACL injuries almost always present debilitating pain.

Swelling – All three grades of this injury will result in swelling, occurring within the first 24 hours of the injury.

Difficulty Walking – With grade 1 and 2 injuries, you may be able to put pressure on your knee but will find it difficult to walk. With a grade 3 injury, it is not likely you will be able to put pressure on your knee or walk at all.

Reduced Range of Motion – After sustaining any injury to your ACL, you will likely not be able to bend or flex your knee as you usually would.

Note: Many people report that after an ACL injury, the affected knee feels looser than it should.

Watch this video for more information on the symptoms and evaluation of an ACL injury.

ACL Injury Diagnosis

You should seek immediate medical attention if any injury to your knee causes signs or symptoms of an ACL injury. It is essential to get an accurate diagnosis to determine the grade of the injury and start the appropriate treatment. Diagnoses are made by:

Explaining how the injury occurred to your doctor
Performing a visual examination
Performing physical tests
Having X-ray images taken (usually to rule out broken bones)
Having an ultrasound or MRI performed (these exams create images of bone and soft tissue)
Performing Arthroscopy (allows your doctor to see the extent of the injury in real-time)

Note: Delaying medical attention may result in an extended period of recovery time and/or the exacerbation of your injury.

ACL Injury Treatment

Immediate first-aid care can help reduce pain and swelling after injuring your knee. It is recommended to follow the R.I.C.E. method of home self-care:

Rest – Necessary for healing and limiting any weight bearing on your injured knee.
Ice – Apply ice to your knee at least every two hours for 20 minutes at a time.
Compression – Use an elastic bandage or compression wrap around your knee.
Elevation – Lie down or sit in a reclined position with your knee elevated above your waist on pillows.

Note: This type of care can be used before and after other therapy and/or treatment types.

Rehabilitative Therapy

Physical therapy

This therapy alone may successfully treat an ACL injury for those who are relatively inactive, perform moderate exercise and/or recreational activities, or play light sports that require less stress on the knees. Consider the following:

This therapy lasts for several weeks.
Your physical therapist will teach you exercises that can be performed under supervision and those that can be done at home.
A brace may be used to stabilize or support your knee.
Crutches may be used to completely avoid putting weight on your injured knee.

Note: Health, eating habits, and lifestyle will influence the amount of recovery time required during rehabilitative therapy.

Massage Therapy

Knee and other injuries can be extremely stressful. Besides a loss of mobility, other muscles in the body will generally be required to pull double duty to compensate during the recovery process. Some types of massage may help you find significant relief, including:

Sports Massage
Medical Massage
Myofascial Release

Note: Before beginning massage therapy, consult your primary care physician or physical therapist for advice and/or recommendations.

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended when:

Multiple ligaments (ACL, meniscus, MCL, LCL, and/or PCL) have been injured.
Your injury leads to your knee buckling during non-strenuous or everyday activities.
You are an athlete and/or intend to continue in the sport.

ACL reconstructive surgery involves the removal of the damaged ligament, replaced with a segment of tendon. Tendon grafts may be acquired from another part of your body or removed from a deceased donor.

Note: Post-surgery, rehabilitative therapy will continue. Successful ACL reconstruction combined with diligent rehabilitation usually restores stability and function to the affected knee.

Watch this video to learn more about ACL reconstructive surgery.

ACL Injury Recovery Time

Six to nine months are typically needed to return to full activity after ACL reconstructive surgery. The first few weeks focus on slowly increasing the knee’s range of motion in a controlled way. The ligament needs time to heal, and heightened care is taken to avoid damaging or ripping the graft.

For injuries not requiring surgery, recovery times are significantly less. A grade 1 injury may be completely healed within a matter of weeks. In contrast, a grade 2 injury may require several months and continuous therapy to completely heal.

Watch this video addressing recovery times for ACL injuries.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

In this article, you discovered what an ACL injury is, what causes it, accompanying symptoms, how this injury is treated, and its recovery.

When you take immediate steps to care for, diagnose, and treat an ACL injury, your recovery time and discomfort can be significantly reduced.

Ignoring ACL injury symptoms can lead to severe mobility limitations, worsening pain, exacerbation of the injury, and the eventual need for surgery.

Sources:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acl-injury/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350744
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/acl-injury-does-it-require-surgery
health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/youve-torn-your-acl-now-what
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001074.htm
emsom.edu/massage-acl-knee-injury/

Foot Palace Massage Spa Athens

196 Alps Rd Ste 31, Athens, GA 30606
(706) 521-5290

Foot Palace Massage Spa Braselton

2095 Highway 211 NW Suite 7B, Braselton, GA 30517
(678) 963-5958

Osteophyte (Bone Spur) Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

November 18, 2020 By Heather

Prevent bone spurs / osteophytes from stealing your mobility, years of an active life and wellbeing. Knowing how to deal with these inconvenient growths can help you reduce pain and maintain your active lifestyle.

yourfootpalace.com gathered information on what osteophytes are, how to treat them, their causes, and symptoms.

What are Bone Spurs

Osteophytes, commonly referred to as bone spurs, are smooth, hard growths off the edge of bones. Bone spurs will most often form next to joints (where two or more bones meet). Despite the name, a bone spur is not a spiky growth, rather a smooth outgrowth from the bone that developed over time. Bone spurs may grow and affect your:

Heel and/or foot (making it painful to run, walk, or stand)
Knee (making it painful to extend or straighten your leg)
Spine (pressing against your spinal cord causing weakness or loss of feeling in your extremities)
Hip (making it painful to move your hip, stand, sit, or walk)
Shoulder (causing damage to your rotator cuff, resulting in a limited range of motion)
Fingers (resulting in a “knobby” appearance

Bone spurs, common as we age, are typically painless, and you may not ever know you have them. The majority of bone spurs cause no signs or symptoms and generally do not require treatment. They can show up in tests, like X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for other unrelated conditions.

However, there are times when bone spurs result in pain and loss of motion in the affected joint. If this occurs, see your primary care physician for treatment or referral to a specialist.

Note: Bone spurs can develop on many other parts of the body.

How Are Osteophytes Treated

Depending on the severity of symptoms, several approaches (or combination of approaches) may be used in your treatment, including:

Rest
Steroid shots (reduce joint swelling and pain)
NSAIDs (reduce swelling, relieve pain, and relax muscles)
Physical therapy and manipulation of joints (regain flexibility and strength, improve posture, and reduce pressure on affected nerves)
Massage (relax muscles, increase/improve blood flow, regain flexibility, and reduce pressure on affected nerves)

When these approaches are unsuccessful, surgery may be required to physically remove the bone spur(s).

Those in the medical field who treat bone spurs include:

Internists
General Practitioners
Rheumatologists
Orthopedic surgeons
Rehabilitation specialists

Physical therapists and occupational therapists can also treat patients with bone spurs.

What Causes Osteophytes

Osteophyte or bone spur growth may be attributed to the following factors:

Aging
Disc and/or joint degeneration
Heredity
Nutrition
Injuries, including sports-related and traffic accidents (overuse)
Poor posture
Obesity
Birth defects

Additionally, bone spur growth is a more likely occurrence when the following conditions are present:

Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Arthritis

As one ages, cartilage breaks down. The result of this may include pain, swelling, and joint motion difficulty. Over time, bone can break down, too. The body’s response is to develop osteophytes (spurs) near the damaged area.

Note: Bone spurs may form after an injury to a joint, ligament, or tendon. This occurs when your body interprets an injury as bone damage, the body then tries to fix the perceived problem by adding bone to the injured area.

What Are Symptoms of Osteophytes

Depending on their location, you might not realize you have a bone spur. That is until you get an X-ray or MRI searching for another condition. Bone spurs only cause problems when they press on nerves, tendons, muscles, or other structures in your body. Bone spurs can lead to:

Pain
Pain or stiffness when trying to extend the affected joint
Pain accompanied by swelling
Partial or total loss of motion in affected joints
Weakness and numbness
Tendon and/or muscle tears

Symptoms may worsen when you exercise or move the affected joint.

Note: A bone spur diagnosis can sometimes be made through a physical examination, but is almost always confirmed by x-ray, CT scans, or MRI imaging.

Osteophyte Formation

In this article, you discovered what osteophytes (bone spurs) are, how they are treated, what causes them, and their symptoms.

When you take action to treat bone spurs, you help yourself maintain a positive disposition and reduce the potential for debilitating bouts with severe pain.

Ignoring the signs and symptoms of bone spurs can lead to excruciating pain, loss of motion in affected joints, and the eventual need for corrective surgery.

Sources:
cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/b/bone-spurs.html
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10395-bone-spurs
nhs.uk/conditions/osteophyte/

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