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Ergonomic office furniture or tools can be an effective way to prevent or relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is a condition that can be caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and hand. It is a common problem for office workers who use computers extensively. There are many ergonomic office tools available that can help reduce the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Some of these tools include ergonomic keyboards, mouse pads and wrist rests. If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel, such as numbness or tingling in the hands or wrists, it is important to consult with a doctor to decide the best course of treatment. How Effective Are Ergonomic Tools at Preventing Carpal

Life can get busy and it’s easy to push joint health off to the side, especially when you don’t have access to a gym or a similar space to do exercises and strengthen your joints. At-home exercises can make joint care more accessible while increasing joint flexibility and strength. Why Is Joint Health Important? Your joints are the intersections where your bones meet. They often have cartilage in them that prevents your bones from rubbing up against one another, which is essential for comfortable movement. Maintaining the health of your joints and your cartilage can make your day-to-day life much easier by allowing for a full and pain-free range of motion in all your joints, including your knees, hips, shoulders,

If you have osteoarthritis, you’re not alone. More than 30 million adults in the United States suffer from this chronic condition. Although there’s no miracle cure for osteoarthritis, sufferers do have options to slow the progression of the condition and improve their pain, mobility and quality of life. What Is Osteoarthritis and How Does It Develop? Osteoarthritis is a type of joint disorder that is caused by the breakdown of cartilage and its underlying bone. It is one of the most common types of arthritis and can result in stiffness, pain and swelling in one or more joints. The cause of osteoarthritis is still unknown; however, it has been linked to aging, joint stress from overuse and injuries. Over time,

If you've suffered a knee injury or are experiencing pain and swelling in the joint, it's possible you have torn one or more ligaments. It’s vital to take quick action if you recognize the signs and symptoms or even suspect you may have suffered a torn ligament. Failing to receive prompt treatment can result in the worsening of damage and a longer recovery period. Causes of Torn Ligaments in Knees Ligament injuries are particularly common among those participating in sports or other high-energy activities, such as running and jumping. The most commonly torn ligament in the knee is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), but other injuries, such as medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries, may also occur. Your ACL connects your

If you have osteoarthritis, you’re not alone. More than 30 million adults in the United States suffer from this chronic condition. Although there’s no miracle cure for osteoarthritis, sufferers do have options to slow the progression of the condition and improve their pain, mobility and quality of life. What Is Osteoarthritis and How Does It Develop? Osteoarthritis is a type of joint disorder that is caused by the breakdown of cartilage and its underlying bone. It is one of the most common types of arthritis and can result in stiffness, pain and swelling in one or more joints. The cause of osteoarthritis is still unknown; however, it has been linked to aging, joint stress from overuse and injuries. Over time,

One of the known potential side effects of flu shots is joint pain and muscle aches, but it should be noted that catching the flu can also cause increased joint pain in people with arthritis. An honest cost-benefit analysis leads most people to determine it’s better in the long run to get the vaccine and avoid the potential complications of the flu rather than avoid the flu vaccine for fear of temporary joint pain or muscle aches. If you’re worried about the effects of the flu or the flu vaccine on your arthritis, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor. They can explain the benefits and any risks that may influence your decision. Is Catching the Flu a Serious

It depends on the type of foot pain you are experiencing. If you have an acute injury such as a sprain or strain, then using an ice pack can help to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. If you are experiencing chronic pain or stiffness, a heating pad can help to increase blood flow and loosen up tight muscles. People who have recently suffered a foot injury that has resulted in swelling may want to ice it, but if you’re suffering from a chronic foot issue that causes pain and stiffness but isn’t causing inflammation, heat may be better. If you’re unsure, it may be best to consult a doctor or physical therapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Feet are essentially the furthest part of the body from the brain. Linking the condition of one to the health of the other may seem counterintuitive. However, each person’s body is an interconnected network of nerves, bones, soft tissues and arteries, so symptoms of seemingly disparate conditions can manifest in places you might not expect. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) isn’t a condition that only affects the feet, but one of its hallmark symptoms is reduced blood flow to the feet, leading to foot pain and limited mobility. Studies have found that older people with symptomatic PAD experience cognitive decline and dementia at a higher rate than those without PAD. A recent GeroScience study of older adults that was adjusted for

Yes, everyone is susceptible to Tommy John injuries. A Tommy John injury, or an injury to the elbow’s ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), can happen as a result of overuse or continual stress on the ligament in the elbow. Consistent strain may cause small tears that worsen over time and rupture. Single events resulting in a UCL tear are possible from impact. Particularly violent accidents may sever the ligament. Common activities that may result in a Tommy John injury include: Repetitive throwing motions Repetitive overhead reaching Falling on the elbow joint Traumatic injury to the elbow Repetitive exertion of weight on the elbow Frequent overarm movements While most commonly observed in athletes with repetitive throwing motions, a UCL injury can happen

Carpal tunnel is caused by repetitive motions that put pressure on the median nerve in your hand.

Maintaining an active lifestyle is vital for good health, no matter your age. Many people who enjoy staying active opt for sports on the weekend or daily solitary exercises like walks, runs or hikes. Staying in tune with your body and heeding warnings signs when they manifest is the best way to reduce your risk of suffering sport injuries while participating in these activities.

A lifetime of walking, running, and standing puts a lot of strain on the bones and the joints that enable full mobility. A properly functioning musculoskeletal system is a mechanical marvel that enables a full range of stable, pain-free movement. Some of the most complex and vital features of this system can be found in the feet.

While exercising often is excellent for maintaining good health, it can be hard on certain bones and joints in the body. Certain types of physical activities, especially contact sports, running and high-intensity workouts, can strain joints excessively and carry inherent risks for impacts that may result in fractures.

What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Specialize In?

Every time an athlete competes in a sport, they run the risk of serious injury. Young athletes who are at the beginning of their careers are especially vulnerable because one wrong move could alter the trajectory of their lives. For many young athletes, it’s a risk worth taking because the game is their passion.

It can be frustrating when our bodies don’t work the way they used to, especially as joint health diminishes with age. Often referred to as wear and tear disease, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects millions of Americans.

A bone fracture (otherwise known as a broken bone) is a serious injury that requires step-by-step care to ensure proper healing. Whether you’ve fractured your ankle, arm or any other bone, you will need to first seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis to determine the type of fracture before your doctors can administer the proper healing plan.

Sports injuries can cause significant damage and consign you to the sidelines for weeks or even months. Preventing sports injuries or ensuring they receive prompt, high-quality treatment when they do occur is vital to one’s recovery. Not all sports injuries are preventable, but there are usually ways to reduce their frequency or severity. Strain or Sprain Strains and sprains are common sports injuries that affect one’s muscles, tendons or ligaments. Both are similar injuries, but strains typically affect muscles and tendons while sprains denote ligament damage. Athletes commonly strain their backs, elbows, legs or feet and sprain their ankles, knees or wrists. Strain and Sprain Prevention Athletes can lower their risk of strains and sprains by stretching before practicing or

Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that causes the tissue in one’s hand to gradually form a thick cord that makes some of the fingers bend. The contractures may occur in one or more fingers. Patients with the condition often experience symptoms in both hands. Dupuytren’s contracture can make life more challenging. If you suspect you or a loved one may be suffering from Dupuytren’s contracture, it’s a good idea to learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments of this condition. What Causes Dupuytren’s Contracture? While doctors are still not entirely sure why some patients develop Dupuytren’s contracture, many suspect there is a hereditary component. Dupuytren’s contracture also seems to be closely associated with one’s overall health and may be influenced

What Are Hammertoe and Mallet Toe? Hammertoe and mallet toe are abnormalities where one’s toes bend improperly because their tendons, ligaments and muscles cannot hold the toe straight. Hammertoe and mallet toe are often painful and can get worse over time. If your toes rest at unnatural angles, it may be beneficial to learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments of hammertoe and mallet toe. Symptoms Hammertoe and mallet toe are caused by similar physical issues, but each condition manifests slightly differently. The symptoms your feet are exhibiting can help you and your doctor determine which of these conditions you are experiencing. Hammertoe Hammertoes occur if the joint forces the toe joint to stick up rather than lay flat. The

A podiatrist, also known as a doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery, is a medical professional specializing in treating various foot and lower leg conditions. If you’re suffering from chronic pain or other ailments affecting your feet or ankles, your family physician will likely refer you to a podiatrist for further treatment. A podiatrist can help treat and prevent a slew of foot health problems, as well as educate patients about properly caring for their feet. There are several conditions that may prompt you to schedule a visit with a local podiatrist. Pain or Swelling in Your Feet or Ankles Foot pain or swelling can occur for various reasons, not all of which are related to underlying health conditions. For

Did you know your body is made up of 206 bones, and 52 of these bones are found in your feet? In other words, you have 26 bones in each foot. What’s more, human feet have approximately 8,000 nerves, which explains why feet tend to be so ticklish. Why does knowing this matter? Your feet literally carry you through life, and the intricate network of bones and nerves within your feet make them susceptible to a wide range of medical conditions. That’s why seeing a podiatrist, especially if you have chronic foot or ankle issues, is just as important as seeing a physician or dentist for annual checkups. Regular visits to your local podiatrist can help keep your feet in

Surgery is typically a last resort in terms of medical treatments. Your doctor will likely try to exhaust other options before recommending it. Many people understandably dread surgery as it poses many potential risks and requires plenty of down time for recovery.