Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome or 'Ilitibial Band Friction Syndrome' is a common sports injury generally associated with running. This syndrome is bound to cause lateral knee pain in runners. This injury can also be caused by biking, hiking and weight lifting. This Iliotibial band is a thick fibrous tissue that runs from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip, knee and below the knee joint. The band stabilizes the knee during movements like running. The band coordinates with several other thigh muscles and moves from behind the femur in the thigh to the front during the gait cycle. The Iliotibial Band Syndrome refers to the superficial thickening of the tissue that is on the outside of the thigh. Continuous rubbing and flexing of the band causes irritation usually over the outside of the knee joint.
Common causes of the Iliotibial Band Syndrome among runners
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome occurs when the level of activity increases especially among runners who tend to increase their mileage. Increasing distance too quickly or excessive downhill running is a common cause among runners.
- Poor training habits in runners can cause this syndrome. While running on an indoor track, the leg bends slightly inwards and this causes extreme stretching of the Iliotibial band and the resultant injury.
- Inadequate warm up and cool down sessions among sports persons can cause this syndrome.
- While cycling, having the feet 'toed in' at an extreme and excessive angle can cause the Iliotibial band injury.
Individuals with anatomical abnormalities of the leg such as bow -legs, high or low arches, overpronation of the foot and uneven leg length are prone to this condition. Muscle imbalance such as weak hip abductor muscles can lead to iliotibial band syndrome.
Symptoms of this syndrome include pain in the knee joint that worsens with continued movement and resolves on rest. There is persistent pain below the knees or stinging sensation just above the knee joint. Often swelling or thickening is noticed at the point of knee joint where the band moves over the femur. Persons suffering these symptoms must avoid running downhill or squatting, playing tennis or basketball and indulging in martial arts.
Treatment for Iliotibial Band Syndrome normally begins with applying ice the area of injury, selection of proper footwear and stretching routine. While icing, the injured part has to be kept elevated as this helps to reduce swelling. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections may be prescribed to reduce the inflammation. Surgery is rarely resorted to.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy is a condition that is caused when the pleura (moist membrane surrounding the lungs and rib cage) is inflammed. Pleurisy or Pleuritis, as it is otherwise referred to, is characterized by fluid accumulation at the site of the inflammation. This fluid makes it difficult to breathe and leads to shortness of breath and cough. It also lays pressure on the lunds and reduced their ability to move freely. Most often, pleurisy is caused by viral infection. It can be the result of lung or heart disease. Diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia and rheumatic disease. Pulmonary embolism or rheumatoid arthritis can also bring on an attack of pleurisy. Primary pleurisy occurs when there is inflammation of the pleural tissues from a direct infection or injury on them. On the other hand, secondary pleurisy occurs when it is the result of any other chest disease. Severe pain in the chest is one of the main symptoms of pleurisy. The pain is felt over the chest at the site of the pleural inflammation. Chest pain becomes acute during deep breathing, coughing and sneezing. Other symptoms of pleuritis are dry cough and fever. Pain may also be felt in the neck, shoulder or abdomen.
Diagnostic tests such as chest x-ray and chest ultrasound are used to detect the degree and extent of pleuritis. Thoracentesis involves collection of fluid from the pleural cavity. Removal of this fluid aids easier breathing. A pulse oximeter allows a physician to check the amount of oxygen in the blood. ECG may show any heart-related conditions that could be the cause for pleuritis. Sometimes a sputum sample is taken for analysis.
A patient suffering from pleurisy may be administered oxygen by a mask or nasal prong to facilitate breathing. If a bacterial infection is the cause, it has to be treated with suitable antibiotics. Inflammation of the pleura is reduced with the help of anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone drugs. Often the patient is advised to rest and limit the strain on the lungs. Painkillers can help in alleviating pain and discomfort.
Temporomandibular Joint Disease
Temporomandibular Joint Disease or TMJ is a group of conditions that involve the temporaomandibuluar joints. These joints are located in front of each ear and connect the lower jaw bone to the skull. The temporomandibular joints allow sideward and up-and-down movements such as speaking, chewing food, biting and speaking. A person suffering from Temporomandibular joint disease has pain in the jaw and surrounding tissues that make movement painful. TMJ is also referred to as myofacial pain dysfunction and Costen's syndrome. Mandicubular muscle tension caused due to stress can be a cause for TPD. Certain triggering factors for TMJ may be teeth grinding, teeth clenching, dental problems and high stress.
It is noticed that more women, especially in their childbearing years tend to be affected by TMJ than men. Some form of arthritis, hormones, autoimmune conditions and low-grade infections are thought to be the causes for Temporomandibular Joint Disease. There is a dull ache in the jaw joint and ears. Persons suffering from temporomandibular joint disease suffer headaches and pain in the neck, shoulder and back. They may find it difficult to open the mouth comfortably or notice locking of the jaw. Swelling is sometimes noticed on the sides of the face. There might be ear pain or ringing in the ears. These symptoms may last a few weeks.
A diagnosis of TMJ can be made after an examination of the cheek muscles for any neurological symptoms. The physician will check for any joint clicking sounds and assess the range of motion of the mandibular joints. Analgesics or NSAIDs are prescribed to reduce pain and discomfort. Muscle relaxants such as diazepam are used to reduce muscle spasms. Therapy such as massage, exercise and electrical stimulation can aid in improving the strength and moton of the mandibular joints. Dental therapy such as orthdontics can help in rectifying an abnormal bite and teeth misalignment. Cortisone injections are given to those who do not respond to any other treatment. Patients suffering temporomandibular joint disease can alleviate the pain and other symptoms by eating soft food, applying ice or moist heat and avoiding extreme jaw movements that can be painful. The jaw must be rested.
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