Physiotherapy Blog

What is a shin splint? Shin splints are a common complaint in runners or athletes with sports that involve a lot of high impact movements like dancers, volleyball, basketball players, etc. Usually, it presents as pain in the front of the lower leg, or the shin area. Sometimes, it may be called medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Oftentimes, it’s caused by irritation of the tissues between the tibial bone and the muscles, and/or overuse of a lower leg muscle called the tibialis anterior. It can happen to just a single leg, or both simultaneously. The muscle, tibialis anterior, may be involved in the development of shin splints. The tibialis anterior play major role in lifting your ankle upwards (dorsiflexion). Functionally, it helps with shock absorption and is a major contributor during ambulation. Why do shin splints happen? 1) Footwear: If you run or exercise a lot…

A pinched nerve, also known as a radiculopathy, is caused by pressure on a nerve as it exits the spinal cord, potentially causing pain, discomfort, weakness, and/or changes in sensation.  Unfortunately, it can have quite detrimental effects on your daily life, hobbies, and ability to work. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how physiotherapy can help you recover from this condition. Why does it happen? Model of the spine showing how the nerves (yellow) exit through spaces around the spinal column. The nerves may get pinched in these spaces. A pinched nerve occurs when there is compression or pressure applied to a nerve, disrupting its normal function. This compression can happen in various areas of the body but is most common at the spine of the lower back or neck. Common causes include repetitive movements, sudden increases in activity (ex.…

What is the Achilles tendon? The Achilles tendon is one of the strongest tendons in the human body. Anatomically, it connects our calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. Its main action is to point the toes and ankle downwards when our foot is off the ground or raise the heel off the ground when our foot is on the ground. Functionally, it is used whenever we are engaged in walking, running, or hopping-like activities and helps us with force production and shock absorption. The tendon is extremely strong and can withstand high amounts of stress Unfortunately, this can also predispose it to injury and cause ankle pain. Stages of Achilles tendon injuries Diagram showing the different stages of Achilles tendon problems 1) Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation has developed or is developing in the tendon. 2) Achilles tendinosis: There is now degeneration along with or…

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, a fractured bone, or dealing with a temporary mobility issue, you’ve probably been recommended to use crutches! Using them can help you maintain independence while also reducing the amount of stress on your body.  In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of using crutches to get around. How do I choose the right pair? Firstly, you need to have the right pair for your needs. There are various types of crutches, including axillary, forearm, and platform. Usually, the most used are axillary (standard) crutches but they require good upper body strength and endurance. If you are unsure consult with your healthcare provider to determine which type is best suited for you. 3 different styles of crutches How do I size them? In order for crutches to be effective and comfortable, they must be the correct size for you. Luckily, most types…

Being diagnosed with a fracture can be a challenging experience, but proper care and attention to your recovery can significantly impact the healing process. Here are five important things to do after being diagnosed with a fracture: 1. Follow Medical and Surgical Advice: Types of fractured bones Listen carefully to your healthcare provider’s recommendations and follow their prescribed treatment plan. This may include wearing a cast or brace for a set number of weeks, taking medications as prescribed, and attending scheduled follow-up appointments. Additionally, if you had a surgical repair, your surgeon may have additional instructions for you to follow. Compliance with this advice will ensure that there are minimal interruptions to the healing stage, and any issues can get caught and managed quickly. 2. Rest and Protect the Fractured Area: Give your body the time it needs to heal by resting the affected limb or…