"Damage to the meniscus can usually be traced to wear on the joint – over the years the tissue loses its elasticity and is no longer as firm. Accidents, such as those that occur during skiing or basketball, often play only a secondary role. Though trauma can cause damage on its own in some cases, chronic overuse or incorrect use of this joint in our day-to-day lives – even if we’re unaware of a problem – constitutes another cause of injury. Pain is noticeable in everyday movements. Knee supports, in combination with appropriate athletic activities and physical therapy, are a component of treatment."

"Injuries to the cruciate and collateral ligaments are usually the result of an accident in which external forces acting on the knee exceed what the ligaments can handle. Whether you’ve been skiing or playing soccer, intense pain, rapid swelling of the knee joint, and little or no movement are all signs that point to a possible ligament injury. Many ligament injuries require surgery. Knee supports complement subsequent rehabilitation efforts."

"In addition to normal, age-related wear and tear on the knee, the joint can also be worn down or its cartilage damaged if an individual is significantly bowlegged or knock-kneed. Changes such as these can sneak up on a person, with pain often first appearing during perfectly normal, day-to-day activities. In its advanced stages, this condition severely limits the movement of the joint. Anti-rheumatoid painkillers along with a knee support can help reduce or even eliminate pain"

"This term encompasses a variety of different conditions related to the kneecap (patella). These conditions range from disorders of the upper leg muscles to a congenital malformation in which the kneecap is prone to lateral dislocation. Typically, pain occurs when walking, running or straightening up after squatting. Helpful treatment options can include physical training for the thigh muscles aimed specifically at improving their ability to hold the kneecap in place and/or move it properly. The use of a knee support is also helpful." 

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a doctor with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read here.

Knee Fact Sheet

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Radial fractures and scaphoid fractures can cause intense pain in the wrist. Depending on the type and location of the injury, the fracture must first be set and then immobilized using a cast on the forearm. This cast can be removed after approximately four to twelve weeks, at which point the joint is free and the patient can begin to move it a little bit at a time. Recovery can be aided by physical therapy and the use of wrist supports.

"Fractures, dislocation of the carpal bones and years of improper use or overuse can damage articular cartilage, causing pain that cannot be precisely localized and occasionally causing the wrist to swell. X-rays can be used to make a conclusive diagnosis. Cases of acute osteoarthritis can be treated with pain relievers, and wrist braces or supports that prevent extreme movements of the wrist. The affected wrist should also be given a rest and kept protected."

"Formed by the bones of the wrist and a transverse ligament, the carpal tunnel accommodates various flexing tendons and the median nerve, which provides sensation to the fingers. Pain arises in the hand when this tunnel becomes constricted, a condition that may result from hematomas or from overtaxing the wrist. The most typical symptom is painful paresthesia in the fingers (such as an unpleasant tingling sensation) occurring mostly at night. Shaking or rubbing the affected hand is helpful for immediate relief, whereas long-term treatment includes improving the symptoms through the use of splints that immobilize the wrist"

"Tenosynovitis is a condition affecting the tendons that run along the back of the hand and that stretch (extend) the fingers and thumbs. Problems arise when these tendons become swollen due to overexertion or to changes caused by rheumatoid diseases. The joint should be given a rest and ice applied if necessary; above all, do not overtax the joint. Anti-rheumatoid agents provide rapid pain relief, as do wrist supports that stabilize the affected area by applying slight pressure."

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a doctor with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read here.

Hand & Wrist Fact Sheet

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When the ankle is in a “foot pointing down” position, the bones are less stable and the joint relies on ligaments and muscles for stability.

The inward twisting of the foot – one of the most common ligament injuries of all – tears the outer (lateral) ligaments in varying degrees of severity, making any movement of the upper ankle joint extraordinarily painful. It would be advisable to have a medical professional examine a twisted ankle to make sure that no bones are broken. In addition to physical therapy, treatment often includes elevation, bracing, rest, ice and compression.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a doctor with any questions regarding a medical condition. Do not disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read here.

Ankle & Foot Fact Sheet

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"Tennis isn’t the only cause of elbow problems: a variety of daily activities, such as computer work or manual labor, can also stress this joint by overtaxing the muscles of the wrist and finger extensors. The result can be intense, stabbing pains, particularly on the external portion of the elbow joint. Treatment includes resting the joint and avoiding movements that trigger the pain. Local pain relievers and elbow supports can also bring relief, as can a whole range of physical therapy."

"Golfer’s elbow is a condition in which the muscles that bend the wrist and fingers are chronically overtaxed. Just as in tennis elbow, rest, pain relievers and elbow supports are frequently the treatments of choice."

Elbow Fact Sheet

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