Tag Archives: Sports Injuries

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Symptoms of ACL tear

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Symptoms of ACL tear

Signs and Symptoms of ACL tear

This blog will talk about signs and symptoms of ACL tear. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, or ACL, is a very important structure of the knee joint. Its main function is to stop the shin bone from moving too far forward when the knee is straightened. The ACL also prevents the knee from rotating too far inward. As a result, a tear to this ligament can have very negative effects on knee function and stability.

A potential injury to the ACL has fairly easily recognizable signs and symptoms.

Mechanism of injury of ACL Tear

  • The mechanism of injury is very important in identifying an ACL injury. The ACL ligament is often injured when the leg is pivoted with the foot planted. It can also result from a direct blow to the outside of the knee. It is common to see ACL injuries in soccer and basketball because these types of movements happen quite often with these sports.

    • Signs and Symptoms of ACL tear

  • A key sign of an ACL injury is the distinct “popping” or snapping sound that is heard at the time of the injury.
  • The presence of intense pain near the top of the shin bone also relates to the ACL.
  • The immediate presence of a lot of swelling within 2 hours of the injury is another important symptom of ACL tear.
  • With some other common knee injuries, swelling is very minimal or occurs much later.
  • The inability to weight bear on your knee is another clue that it might be an ACL injury.

Symptoms of ACL tear

How to know for sure if it is an ACL tear

The degree of ACL injury can vary from a partial tear to a full rupture. There are special tests that can be done to confirm the presence of an ACL injury and test the extent of the tear. However an MRI will provide the most detailed information about this type of injury.

Treatment for symptoms of an ACL tear

Surgery may be recommended if it is a full ACL tear. However, some individuals will opt to not proceed with surgical intervention. Instead, they proceed with conservative treatments such as Physiotherapy and Custom Knee Bracing. Patients with partial ACL tears will definitely require Physiotherapy treatment. This will promote healing, regain strength and optimal function.

Symptoms of ACL tear
Custom Knee Brace

Check out this link for further information regarding symptoms of ACL tear.

A fully trained Registered Physiotherapist will be able to guide you through an appropriate rehabilitation program so that strength and stability is restored in the knee. The goal is to return you to play and competition as quickly as possible!

If you or someone you know has suffered from symptoms of ACL tear, please call PhysioNow today. We have fully trained, Registered Physiotherapists ready to help! We also have fully trained staff able to guide you in your decision if you decide that you would like a knee brace. Both off the shelf and Custom Knee Bracing is available at all of the PhysioNow offices. Call today to get started on your recovery.

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ACL REHAB

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ACL REHAB
Knee Injuries

ACL REHAB

ACL REHAB is very important for you to get back to your normal life! injuries lead to pain, inflammation, internal bleeding and instability.

Mechanism of Injury

The mechanism of injury is a sudden rotational force that occurs when the foot is planted on the ground.

Symptoms of ACL tear

During certain movements you may feel instability and pain such as when walking and coming down stairs.

Muscles may get weak because they respond to stress put on them during weight bearing activities.

After injuring the ACL, people tend to to avoid pain.

This can lead to decreased balance, strength and control in the muscles.

It may further lead to locking of other structures that are also involved with an ACL tear. This includes meniscus and medial collateral ligament injuries.

Is Surgical Repair required?

Surgical repair may be needed for a fully torn ACL depending on the level of physical activities you want to return to. It is possible to avoid surgery completely if proper physiotherapy is done with a skilled Registered Physiotherapist.

Custom Knee Braces for ACL REHAB

ACL REHAB
Custom Knee Brace

In addition, wearing a custom knee brace can allow you to fully support your knee without having to do surgery. Custom knee braces can be very helpful once the swelling goes down. They can allow you to return to all or most of your previous activities without surgery. A Custom Knee Brace provide the support for the torn ACL ligament. There are several types of Custom Knee braces available in the market. The most popular brands are DonJoy, Bledsoe and Ossur. At PhysioNow, we carry off the shelf knee braces and Custom Knee braces from all of the major suppliers.

Check out this link for a few of the braces we currently offer at PhysioNow in Mississauga.

How can Physiotherapy Help after an ACL tear?

Role of a physiotherapist after an ACL tear is:

– to control pain,

-increase/maintain ROM,

– stretching tight structures,

and strengthen the weak muscles

How is Pain controlled?

Pain is controlled by using different modalities such as ultrasound and interferential therapy. A graduated exercise program will help you to improve your movement.
Here is another interesting article about ACL REHAB.

Exercises will focus mainly on:

– strengthening quadriceps and gluteal muscles,

– proprioception techniques (you will likely lose some of your natural ability to balance after an ACL tear),

-and stretching of the hamstring muscles.

ACL REHAB
Possible ACL REHAB Exercises

Please do not attempt these exercises at home without the advice of your doctor or a skilled Registered Physiotherapist!

If you or someone you know has had an ACL tear, we at PhysioNow would be happy to help! If you want to discuss Physiotherapy Treatment or to see if a Custom Knee brace might be helpful for you, please call and ask to speak with Sharon. Call today!

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Baker’s Cyst

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Baker's cyst

A Baker’s Cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled swelling that causes a lump at the back of the knee. This leads to tightness and restricted movement. The Baker’s Cyst can be painful when you bend or straighten your knee.

? Causes of a Baker’s Cyst

Synovial fluid is a clear liquid that normally circulates through the spaces in your knee joint. Sometimes the knee produces too much of this fluid. The increasing pressure forces the fluid to the back of the knee via a one-way valve. This creates a bulge. This  swelling of the knee causes a Baker’s Cyst to form.

The most common causes of a Baker’s Cyst are:

  • damage to the knee’s cartilage (meniscus)
  • arthritis of the knee
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • other knee conditions that cause joint inflammation

? Symptoms of a Baker’s Cyst

Some patients may have no pain and may not even notice the cyst is there. However, the signs and symptoms of a Baker’s cyst can include:

  • Swelling or lump behind the knee (the main sign) – this is more evident when standing and comparing one knee to the other. It may feel like a water-filled balloon.
  • Knee pain.
  • Calf pain.
  • Accumulation of fluid around the knee.
  • The knee joint may click or buckle.
  • The knee joint may lock.

    • ? Diagnosis of a Baker’s Cyst

    • Your doctor will examine your knee and feel the swelling. If the cyst is small, they may compare the affected knee to the healthy one and check your range of motion.
    • Your doctor may recommend non-invasive imaging tests if the cyst rapidly increases in size or causes severe pain or fever. These tests include an MRI or ultrasound. An MRI will enable your doctor to see the cyst clearly and to determine if you have any damage to the cartilage.
    • These tests will determine if some other form of growth, such as a tumor, is causing the swelling.
    • Although the cyst won’t show up on an X-ray, your doctor may use one to check for other problems, such as inflammation or arthritis.

    Web MD has additional info on this condition.

    ? Treatment

    A Baker’s Cyst doesn’t need treatment. It will go away on its own. However, if the swelling becomes large and causes severe pain, your doctor may recommend one of the following treatments.

    • Fluid draining

      Your doctor will insert a needle into the knee joint and may use an ultrasound to help guide the needle to the correct place. They’ll then draw the fluid from the joint.

    • Medication

      Your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid medication, such as cortisone. Your doctor will inject this drug into the joint, and the medication will flow back into the cyst. Though it may help relieve the pain, it doesn’t always prevent a Baker’s Cyst from recurring.

    • Physiotherapy

      Regular, gentle exercises may help increase your range of motion and strengthen the muscles around your knee.

    If you think you or someone you know may have a Baker’s Cyst, please call PhysioNow today!  We would be happy to help! We have highly trained Registered Physiotherapists ready to see you Now!

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Acupuncture: Neck pain

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Acupuncture: Neck pain

Acupuncture: Neck pain

Almost everyone will experience some sort of neck pain or stiffness during their lifetime. However, certain occupations appear to be predisposed to neck symptoms.  Acupuncture: Neck pain may be able to help.

Manual laborers, for instance, have more symptoms than office workers.  The type of work seems to affect the risk. A person’s age and a history of twisting and bending during work can also contribute.

Studies have shown acupuncture: Neck Pain to be effective in relieving certain types of neck pain.  This is especially true for neck pain  caused by whiplash. Some studies suggest acupuncture can treat degenerative neck disorders such as ankylosing spondylosis and cervical spondylosis.  In many cases, acupuncture: Neck pain has worked for patients whose conditions could not be solved using conventional approaches.

¬ Mechanism of action of Acupuncture: Neck pain

  • Release of opioid peptides.Opioids are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that have apain killing effect. The release of these opioids plays a large role in the reduction of pain. There has been lots of evidence to show that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system.  This causes the release of these pain killing chemicals.
  • Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones.Acupuncture is said to activate the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. This changes the release of these chemicals. These particular chemicals play a direct role in the feeling of pain. It also affects the activity of an organ . Evidence has shown that acupuncture alters this secretion in a manner that reduces pain.
  • Stimulation of electromagnetic points on the body. The 2,000 points of the body that acupuncture focuses on are thought to be special conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulation of these areas is believed to start the flow of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers.¬ Indications for Acupuncture: Neck pain
    • Sudden Force/Automobile Accident
    • Degenerative Disc Disease
    • Overuse/Improper Use
    • Osteoporosis
    • Neck Strain
    • Degenerative Arthritis
    • Whiplash
    • Muscle Tension or Spasm
    • Bone Spur
    • Herniated or Protruding Disk
    • Pinched Nerve
    • Ligament/Muscle Tears
    • Cervical Spondylosis
    • Ankylosing Spondylosis

    ¬ Contraindications of Acupuncture: Neck pain

    There are very few situations where acupuncture is not advised:

    • When someone has a hemophilic condition
    • When a  patient is pregnant – certain acupuncture points and needle manipulations should not be used during pregnancy
    • If a patient has a severe psychotic condition or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

    Check out this link for a bit more information about the use of Acupuncture: Neck pain.

    ¬ Types of application of Acupuncture: Neck pain

    • Basic needlingNeedles are inserted to a depth of 4–25 mm and left in place for a period of time (from a few seconds to many minutes). There are often 6–12 needles (and sometimes more) inserted at different acupoints at the same time. The sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache at the entry point. Many people say they feel very relaxed or sleepy, and some report increased energy levels afterwards.
    • Electro acupuncture (EA)A tiny focused electric current is applied to the skin at the acupoints or can be applied to the needle itself.

    If you would like to meet with a Registered Physiotherapist that is trained to do Acupuncture: Neck Pain,   please call PhysioNow today! Our experienced physiotherapists would be happy to help !

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Peroneal tendinopathy

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Peroneal tendinopathy

Peroneal tendinopathy

Peroneal tendinopathy or peroneal tendonitis is characterized by an aching pain and swelling in the perineal tendons. These are located in the lower, outside portion of the ankle. A tendon is soft-tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone. The muscles involved in this condition are the 2 peroneal muscles in the lower leg, called the peroneus longus and the peroneus brevis.

Anatomy

?There are two peroneal tendons that run along the back of the fibula. The first is called the peroneus brevis. The term “brevis” implies short.  It is called this because it has a shorter muscle and starts lower in the leg. It then runs down around the back of the bone called the fibula on the outside of the leg and connects to the side of the foot.  The peroneus longus takes its name because it has a longer course. It starts higher on the leg and runs all the way underneath the foot to connect on the other side of the foot. Both tendons, however, share the major job of turning the ankle to the outside. The tendons are held in a groove behind the back of the fibula bone.

Causes of Peroneal Tendonitis

  • A sudden increase in weight bearing activities, particularly walking, running or jumping
  • Inadequate or unsupportive footwear
  • Muscle imbalances of the lower limb
    Poor lower limb biomechanics
  • Incomplete rehabilitation following an acute ankle injury, such as an ankle sprain

Symptoms of Peroneal Tendinopathy

  • Gradual worsening pain over the outside of the ankle
  • Pain during and/or after weight bearing activities
    Pain with turning the foot in and/or out
  • Instability around the ankle when weight bearing

Diagnosis

A full examination from a physiotherapist can be all thats needed to diagnose peroneal tendonitis
Patients with this condition usually experience pain behind the outside ankle during activities putting stress on the perineal tendons. Pain can also be noticed following these activities or following a rest period. This may be noticed especially upon waking in the morning. There may be swelling when the injury first happens. There will also be pain when testing resisted foot movements.  Stretches into various positions of the foot inversion, and resisted movements can cause pain behind the outside ankle.
Diagnosis may be confirmed with an MRI scan or ultrasound investigation
a diagnostic Ultrasound may be used for detecting all types of peroneal injuries.

What else could it be?:

Symptoms of peroneal tendinopathy mimic various other conditions of the ankle joint. So, before diagnosing peroneal tendinopathy we should rule out other possible injuries by doing the following tests:
Ankle Sprain: ligament testing by the Physiotherapist
Ankle fractures: special tests by the Physiotherapist
Os trigonum syndrome: MRI, physiotherapy testing
Chronical lateral ankle pain with other cause: MRI
Longitudinal peroneal tendon tear: MRI
Peroneal subluxation: ultrasonography, CT, MRI or peroneal tenography
Flexor Hallucis longus tendon injury

Physiotherapy rehabilitation

Treatment for peroneal tendonitis includes a program of stretching, strengthening, mobilisation and manipulation. It also includes proprioceptive exercises, icing, ankle bracing or k-taping during contact sports. If symptoms are severe, a cast or ROM boot immobilization may be worn for 10-20 days. After symptoms resolve, you will begin a progressive rehabilitation programme along with a gradual increase to full activity.

The use of a biomechanical ankle platform (BAPS), deep tissue friction massage, ultrasound electric stimulation can also be included in the physiotherapy
Also, shock wave therapy (ESWT), acupuncture is used to treat tendinopathy. But there is only limited evidence from studies for these treatments.
There is evidence for using manual therapy, specifically the lateral calcaneal glide.

If you have any further queries please call PhysioNow. Our experienced physiotherapists would be happy to help you. Call Today to get started 289-724-0448.!