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Is your ankle sprain not healing? Know what’s wrong.

December 19,2022 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

Why is your ankle sprain not healing?

An ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation, or the RICE rule, will be the go-to’s for ankle sprains. In most cases, ankle sprains heal between 4-12 weeks depending on the severity of the injury. Though many people will have them to heal with time. However, a failure to seek treatment and physical rehabilitation for your ankle after just one injury is enough to leave it weak. This makes your ankle more vulnerable to future sprains or chronic instability.

What causes you chronic instability after an ankle sprain?

After an ankle injury, there is damage to the ligaments, tendons, and potentially even the ankle joint itself. Here, the function of the ligament is to limit abnormal movement in the joint. Because of the injury, they will get lax (stretched out), making the ankle more unstable. Additionally, this will also result in a loss of strength in the muscles, further increasing the instability of the ankle. Also, sensory receptors are impaired which communicate to our brain where your ankle is or where it is relative to the rest of our body. At last, this decreasing sensation makes it hard to balance and control the ankle which will have contributes to ankle instability.

How do you know if you have instability post ankle sprain?

Consider the questions below if you ever sprained your ankle and feel weak.

• Does your ankle ever give out?
• Avoid walking on uneven surfaces out of fear of falling?
• Feel like you can’t “trust” the ankle?
• Try to avoid putting all your weight onto one ankle?

If you said yes, to these questions and you may have chronic ankle instability.

Is it permanent?

Chronic ankle instability is not permanent. You can improve your ankle stability with the help of a physical therapist and an individualized exercise plan. But, If the injury is left treated it results in chronic instability and vulnerability to injuries. In this case, the first step to treatment will be a proper rehabilitation program with a health professional.

How to treat your unstable and weak ankles?

Physical therapists are the first step in the conservative management of chronic ankle instability. Due to loss of strength and proprioception, rehabilitation is very important. They perform a complete assessment of your ankle range of motion, strength, and balance assessing for any laxity, or any abnormalities, and guide you through the management.

Exercises re-strengthen the muscles, increase ankle stability, and balance, and retrain the body awareness of the ankle. Moreover, Brace and/or taping may be recommended to support the stabilization of the ankle, especially for individuals who are engaged in high-risk activities like sports.

Next, surgery may be an option to repair the injured ligaments if there is any tear or fracture is sustained.

What happens if your ankle sprain and injury are left untreated?

The instability may worsen over time and you will have a much greater risk of reoccurring injuries. In addition, it results in damage to the bones and cartilage within your ankle joint as the muscles weaken and fail to sufficiently support the joint. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment from an expert to treat the issue before it results in a severe injury.

If you are having any instability or weakness with your ankle, which is stopping you from pursuing any hobbies book with PhysioNow today for an initial assessment and treatment. We have a team of highly qualified physical therapists that will be able to help your ankle recover!

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Thumb Pain? Is it DeQuervain’s Tendonitis?

December 5,2022 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

Why do you have thumb pain?

Thumb Pain

DeQuervain’s Tendonitis or thumb pain? There could be several potential factors why you have thumb pain. For instance, arthritis, trigger thumb, or DeQuervain’s Tendonitis. Though, the location of pain and difficulties performing activities can determine what is causing your thumb pain. However, the most common reason for thumb pain could be DeQuervain’s Tendonitis. Let us know something more in detail whether you have DeQuervain’s Tendonitis.

What is DeQuervain’s Tendonitis and Thumb Pain?

De Quervain’s Pain

It is an inflammatory condition, where the sheath around the tendon gets constricted. As a result, it affects the tendons of the thumb and thumb side of the wrist causing pain. Therefore, it gives the inability to use the hand and wrist to their total functional capacity.

What do the symptoms of DeQuervain’s Tendonitisfeel like?

Firstly, there is severe pain with thumb movements like gripping, lifting, twisting, and even a simple handshake.

Second, there might be swelling at the thumb aspect of the wrist.

Third, catching or snapping feeling with the movement of the thumb.

Lastly, limited thumb and wrist movement especially lifting the thumb up and in.

What are the causes?

There could be several reasons which cause you to DeQuervain’s Synovitis.

Chronic repetitive strain to wrist and thumb in activities like typing, or doing hobbies like hammering, and gardening.
It is also commonly seen in clients with Rheumatoid arthritis, Overuse, or repetitive strain to the wrist and the thumb.
Pregnancy and post-partum are associated with breastfeeding and handling the baby.
In women 40 and over.

What are the treatment options available?

DeQuervain’s Tendonitis responds well to treatment. The treatment options include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used for pain relief and reducing the inflammation of the tendons. Although, in chronic cases of pain and disability, cortical steroid injections are the most commonly used.

Thumb Spica

Also, resting the wrist in a splint and doing exercises like stretching and strengthening help relieve pain and gain functions back. At last, surgical release of the tendons. This is done in cases where they do not respond to conservative management.

How to choose the best treatment for yourself?

Anytime you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, always get yourself a detailed physiotherapy assessment. It could be done after your thumb surgery as well. However, they will identify the cause of your pain and tailor the best treatment strategy customized to your needs. Treatment for a conservative approach will focus on the points mentioned below,

Education on the condition, what to expect throughout the rehab process, the normal healing period, and goals to achieve at various stages are provided.
Advised on movements and activities to avoid to help in the healing process.
Advise on using the correct splint or brace is given.
Modalities such as ICE, heat, Ultrasound, and Laser and their effect on pain management are provided.
Mobility exercises, which involve stretching and range of motion exercises are given to maintain the flexibility of the tendon.
Hands-on technique to improve pain, and flexibility, and improve mobility of the joint is introduced at the appropriate time.
Progressive Strengthening exercise which is client specific for the thumb and wrist is started once pain and mobility improve.
Functional training and activity modification is taught to avoid recurrence.

Physiotherapy after surgical intervention: After surgery, the following are practiced.

Methods and positions to control swelling or inflammation.
Usage of splints.
Exercises to improve ROM and flexibility in all joints in the hand, elbow, and shoulder.
Exercises and activities to rebuild strength and function in the hand and upper extremities.
Safe returns to previous activity levels are taught.

What will be the precautions to avoid the reoccurrence?

First, avoid overuse of hands.
Avoid excessive use of thumb and hand.
Avoid forceful use of the hand.
Lastly, taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks.

To conclude, if you are suffering from the thumb, the wait is over. Our qualified team of Physiotherapists at PhysioNow will help you get better. Book your appointment today!

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Sciatica? 10 warning signs

November 28,2022 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a pain in the back, neck, or buttock that radiates to the leg or arm. Sciatica is also quite common and affects almost 40% of adults. It travels through the sciatic nerve, which starts in your lower back and extends to run down your leg. A proper diagnosis that confirms and best sciatica treatment is all that you need to lead a pain-free life.

Sciatica pain

10 signs which confirm the diagnosis

Before knowing about sciatica treatment, one needs to understand the nature of pain. The symptoms of sciatica are as follows: –

Calf pain – pain that stretches down the lower leg and back of the knee.
Lower back pain running down the leg. A pull sensation from your lower back to buttocks and thigh, that further extends from calf to the foot.
A pain in your butt or leg that worsens while prolonged sitting.
Numbness in your leg or foot.
Tingling sensation in your extremity (lower body).
Persistent pain on one side of your butt.
Muscle weakness in the distressful leg or foot.
Shooting pain down the leg which makes it tough to stand up or extend the knee.
Pain in one part of the leg while numbness in another part.
Lastly, a sensation of pins and needles only in the toes or feet

Early Symptoms Of Sciatica

Apart from the 10 signs above, sciatica pain often starts in the back. However, occasionally, pain may start at the hip or knee; which may not look like sciatica. Although, you may feel isolated symptoms like feet numbness, knee pain, buttock pain, tingling, etc.

What contributes to Sciatica?

There are many factors that can lead to sciatic pain but the most common ones are listed below,

• Strain and Occupational Stress: People in more physically demanding jobs as a result affect your nerve.

• Obesity and genetic factors: The excess weight in the body put prolonged pressure on the backbone, leading to a slipped disc.

• Accidents and Injuries: Unexpected physical damage from accidents can crack the vertebrae and irritate the nerve.

• Gender: Studies have shown that men are more prone to slipped discs than women.

Treatment options available

Moreover, depending on the severity of the case, sciatica pain can be treated in the following ways:

• First, medication and pain management: Pain can be controlled with various pain relief treatments including medication.

• Second, surgery: In rare cases, the pain doesn’t subside for a prolonged period (6 weeks or more), and surgery can help relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve endings caused by Sciatica.

• Third, spine rehabilitation:

Effective exercises for Sciatica

There are multiple approaches to physical therapy in spine care and they can stabilize the spine and help patients with disability or restricted physical movement. This helps improve the mechanical functioning of the spine, manages pain, promotes regeneration of the affected tissue and disc, and with functional training, improves strength and flexibility.

• Lastly, even in the case of surgery, follow-up rehabilitation helps sustain and improve the results.

If you are experiencing any such symptoms, our team of qualified physiotherapists at Physio Now will help you diagnose and guide you through your treatment. Book your appointment now!

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5 reasons you might need walking aids

November 28,2022 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

Why do you need a walking aid?

Elderly man independent in walking

Restricted and reduced ability to walk and perform your daily chores can impact your quality of life. Walking aids are devices designed to help people walk and can be used by individuals of any age. As a result, this improves your quality of life by making you independent and confident. Here are some reasons that will indicate you need walking aids.

difficulties walking whether it’s due to pain.
frequent falls or fear of falling.
tiring quickly.
decreased balance.
difficulty putting weight on a body part, post-surgery, or any other reason.

What types of walking aids are available?

The categories of walking aids include crutches, canes, and walkers, and has their own pros and cons. Below are general overviews of the most common types of walking aids.

crutches, often prescribed to individuals following an injury or surgery to the lower body. They are usually used on both sides of the body but can be used on just one side. The benefits of crutches include complete non-weight bearing on the injured leg, can be used on stairs, and lastly near to normal walking speed can be achieved. However, it needs good upper body strength, cannot use for longer distances and must have a higher level of balance.
Different types of crutches
Canes are used on a single side. Helpful for individuals with minor balance issues or weakness in the legs or body. You can either get a single-point cane or 4 points which provides additional stability. But, on another side, it gives an unstable base of support.
Types of Canes
Walkers are the most stable type of walking aid. The most common are 2-wheeled walkers and rollator or 4-wheeled walkers. They are good for longer distances and more stable but cannot be used on stairs or smaller occupancies.
Types of Walkers

How to choose a walking aid?

If you think you need a walking aid but are unsure which one is best for you, a physiotherapist can help assess your needs and recommend the right one. An unfitted walking aid or improper use of one can be a safety hazard and increase the risk of a fall.

At PhysioNow, we are a qualified team of Physiotherapists that would love to help you! We do a full assessment which will include your balance, strength, and the way you walk to determine whether need of a gait aid and which one is suitable. Also, provide resources on how to acquire one. Lastly, we will also teach you how to use it in your everyday life including sitting and standing up, walking, and navigating stairs and obstacles with your aid.

Book with us today for an initial assessment and treatment at PhysioNow! Improve your Quality of Life.

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Few things to know about your heel pain

November 3,2022 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

What is heel pain?

What causes your heel pain?

Heel pain could be from any reason either your inflamed plantar fascia causing plantar fasciitis or any abnormal bony growth causing heel spurs. To get in further details plantar fasciitis is an irritation and inflammation to the tissue that runs at the bottom of the foot extending from the heel to the toes, causing heel pain. It supports the arch of the foot which helps in shock absorption. On other side, heel spur is when a bony outgrowth forms on the heel, which causes heel pain while walking and standing.

What are the causes of heel pain?

Causes are not limited to high and low arches causing irritation to the plantar fascia with running, jogging, playing any sports, prolonged standing and walking. Also, any strain or tear to the fascia. As a result, if this condition is left untreated can lead to bony growth causing heel spurs.

5 Most common risk factors of pain

Improper foot wear: The foot wear without proper arch support or worn-out shoes.
Improper footwears
Weight gain leads to changes in arches and support and affects the weight transmission and shock absorption.
Foot mechanics: flat feet or high arches, stiff mid foot and ankle.
Types of Arches
Age: commonly seen between 40 – 60 years old.
Occupation: commonly seen in clients with jobs that requires long standing.

What are the symptoms:

With plantar fasciitis it is like a stabbing pain felt at arch of foot and near the inner part of heel whereas pain with spurs is in the center of heel and also feels like a stabbing.

Location of pain

Pain is usually worse in the morning taking first few steps with plantar fasciitis. It usually gets better with walking but comes back with long hours of standing and sitting. On other hand pain with spurs gets worse as the day progresses with long hours of standing and walking. Sometimes, there could be swelling present over the heel area.

How will Physiotherapy help you with heel pain?

Your physiotherapist after a detail assessment would be able to identify the cause of the problem and give you advice on how to modify and handle the situation and life style which will help in the road to recovery. Advice would include,

Foot insoles for arch support

How to modify activities of daily living.
Advice on foot wear.
Suggestions on arch supports and custom-made orthotics, night splint.

Apart from this, treatment sessions will include:

Hands on techniques to release the tight plantar fascia, calf, mobilization of foot and ankle manually or with a tool. Stretches for the tight surrounding structures.
Hawk tool to release plantar fascia
Strengthening exercise for the supporting structures and muscles that maintain the arches and functional training
Kinesiotapping to relieve stress from the affected structures.

Don’t let your pain affect your quality of life and stop you from doing your activities. Book your assessment session now with qualified physiotherapists of PhysioNow. We have various locations to serve the communities in Mississauga, Oakville and Etobicoke. Contact us and get started today!