DIAGNOSTIC INDEX

The surgical removal of an entire, or part of a limb or extremity such as an arm, leg, foot, hand, toe, or finger.

Is a pathological condition characterized by joint inflammation, a phenomenon usually accompanied by the 5 Celsius  signs : pain, swelling, elevated local temperature, redness of the periarticular skin, and decreased joint function.

Definition:

Arthrosis located at the base of a finger or a limb. The rhizarthrosis occurs frequently in women between 40-45 years of age, and is associated with arthrosis of the small wrists of the hand, with the possibility of being bilaterally located.

How is our body affected?

Pain occurs on the radial side of the wrist focused on the joint area with the possible distal reference to the metacarpal or proximal, to the wrist. Pain can be spontaneous, sharp or of varying intensity, extremely painful, when moving the finger, clearly limiting the mobility of the joints. Its pathology is associated with the ligaments encapsulation or softening. They normally experience episodes of acute pain of varying intensity that disappear over time, leaving a deformation behind.

Causes and risks:

It occurs as a result of:

• metabolic disorders
• lesions
• overloading the fingers
• malnutrition

Prevention:

Strains and microtraumas of the wrist should be avoided as much as possible.

Treatment:

Painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs without steroids, rest with a passive immobilization orthosis use is recommended.

Definition:

Arthrosis is a degeneration of the joints; a progressive damage of the joints, and destruction of cartilage. Arthrosis is the most common joint condition and the main cause of disability in the elderly.

How is our body affected?

The first symptom of arthrosis is pain. Pain is a symptom that can occur in any affected joint. It is gradual and it occurs especially when moving the joint, or when the joint is overworked. The pain may become more pronounced throughout the day. Besides pain, many people suffer from joint swelling, especially after a period of rest, or swelling.

As a result of arthrosis, the joint is painful and inflamed with loss of mobility, deformity and displacement. It can affect the joints that support weight.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common and debilitating condition.

Causes and risks:

Although there are many studies, it is not known exactly what is the cause of arthrosis, but several factors that contribute to its appearance have been identified, amongst which an important role is played by the genetic factor, hereditary but also the strain and modifications of joints determined by overweight, sports injuries or the jonts overworking.

Prevention:

It is very important to maintain the body weight within normal range, and menopausal women and patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism present an increased risk of the appearance of arthritis / arthrosis, require more attention towards prevention measures.

Sports medicine and occupational medicine help arthosis prevention, by remedying the effects of repeated trauma, vicious positions and uncontrolled exertion.

Treatment:

In the early stages of arthritis, a large number of measures must be taken towards non-invasive treatments, such as changing unhealthy daily activities, joint immobilization, cold therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Orthosis treatment has a double function, on the one hand immobilizing the joint providing a relaxed natural position, and on the other hand, realigning the joint, avoiding axial deviation that is typical for arthritis.

Muscle atony or atonia is a condition in which a muscle has lost its strength.

Definition:

Bursitis is an irritation or inflammation of once or more bursae. The bursa is a bag filled with lubricating fluid, located between tissues, between bones, muscles, tendons and skin, which decreases friction and irritation of the joints, acting as a protective pillow.  Shoulders, hips, knees, elbows and ankles can suffer from bursitis. Bursitis occurs when the bursae become inflamed.

How is our body affected?

The most common symptom of bursitis is pain. Pain can be gradual or sudden and severe, especially if calcium deposits are present.

When the bursa becomes inflamed, it becomes rigid and no longer works as it should, so the friction process between the tendons occurs, followed by pain, tension feeling, heat, redness and swelling of the affected area.

Unfortunately, the pain radiates around the affected joint as well.

The symptoms worsen if the visit to the doctor is postponed and the activity continues. It was obseved that after performing mild movements, the joint pain can disappear.

Causes and risks:

Bursitis occurs most often in adults over the age of 40, usually caused by a repetitive, minor impact on the area. It can also occur from a sudden, more serious injury. Age also plays an important role. As we get older, the tendons tolerate less stress, become less elastic and thus the damage risk increases.

Overuse or injury of the joint, or during other activities, may also increase the risk of developing a form of bursitis. Examples of high-risk activities include gardening, raking, carpentry, shoveling, painting (large areas), washing (car, industrial), tennis, golf, skiing, etc.

Also, an incorrect posture at work or at home, or physical activities without proper heating and stretching of the joints, can also lead to bursitis.

The abnormal or poorly placed position of some joints or bones (such as length differences of the legs, or arthritis of a joint) can add additional stress to the bursa. Other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disorders or unusual medication reactions may also increase the risk of developing this disease. In addition, an infection can occasionally lead to inflammation of a bursa.

Prevention

First of all, before a physical activity, joints stretching and warming up is recommended for preventing bursitis. It is also important to strengthen the adjacent muscles that are subjected to high pressure.

Another important aspect is to protect the overworked area by using, by using an orthosis to support the areasthat are prone to bursitis.

Don’t forget about rest, that is extremely important because it provides recovery time for the joints!

Treatment

Treatments include rest, ice applications on the affected bursa, and the use of anti-inflammatory medicines.

If they don’t work, than prescribed medicines (such as steroids, cortisone, or anesthetics like lidocaine can be administered into the affected bursa) and can be of real help in eliminating pain.

Vurgently visit the doctor if:

• you have a fever greater than 39 degrees Celsius – possible sign of infection
• the affected area is swollen, red and warm
• you have a general state of illness and multiple painful areas
• you cannot move the affected area.

Unfortunately, bursitis can re-emerge and permanent protection is needed, by wearing orthotics that keep the joint warm, stable and prevent inflammation, also prevent the development of other complications or ailments that can create long-term joint problems.

WebMD.com Sources , AAOS.org

A colostomy is an opening (stoma) in the large intestine (colon), or the surgical procedure that creates one. The opening is formed by drawing the healthy end of the colon through an incision in the anterior abdominal wall and suturing it into place. This opening, often in conjunction with an attached stoma appliance, provides an alternative channel for feces to leave the body, preventing smel leackage. Thus if the natural anus is not available for that job (for example, in cases where it has been removed in the fight against colorectal cancer or ulcerative colitis), an artificial anus takes over. It may be reversible or irreversible, depending on the circumstances.

Symptoms, complications:

There is a risk of abdominal wall breackage, that is causing sorounding muscles weakness, leading to hernia around the stoma, colostomy and ileostomy.

Treatment:

The hernia can be treated by using special orthosis – lombosacral orthosis- designed for each particular situation.

The lombosacral orthosis has a special opening designed to help removing the stoma colleting bag, while tightly supporting the hernia and the weakened abdominal wall.

Represents a structural and functional modification of tissues, produced as a result of a closed trauma, which does not compromise the integrity of the skin and membranes. Following acontusion you can get:

• an ecchymosis (bruising): when  a  superficial contusion   causes  damage to subcutaneous blood  vessels,  causing  changes in skin color: at  first it is  red,  then  it becomes  brown,  blue,  green,  yellow  and    then it  regains    its natural skin tone in 14-21  days
• a hematoma: a build-up  of  blood  in the tissue,  as a  result of damage to    larger blood vessel.

Cold packs applications can reduce the extent of the  lesion.

(incisional hernia, postoperative hernia)

Definition 

Eventration is the externalization of an abdominal visceral covered by parietal peritoneum, under the skin, through an acquired musculo-aponevrotic defect (post-traumatic or postoperative – most commonly). Understandably, eventration is the prominence of the abdominal contents due to an injury or weakness of the abdominal wall, most often caused by trauma, an accident or following  defective healing. 

How is our body affected?

The first thing that can be observed is the appearance of a soft consistency swelling under the skin, under or near the site of the surgical incision. Usually, they are not painful or at most cause deaf pain after physical exertion. 

This swelling or hernia can be pushed back into the abdomen with ease, and in the lying position can disappear completely. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is good to contact your doctor immediately. 

Causes and risks

There are two categories of factors that negatively influence the healing process of the wound following surgery:

1. a) Factors related to the surgical act, such as:

-wound suppuration is the most frequently incriminated factor, often occurring due to the septic nature of the surgical condition (peritonitis, recto-colic surgery);

-immediate postoperative complications, called “minor”, such as acute retention of urine, paralytic ileus, vomiting, cough, etc., which increase intraabdominal pressure, putting suture of the aponevrotic plane into tension. All this can “press” on the incision, not allowing it to be normal healing. 

1. b) Factors related to the biological background of the patient: advanced age, consuming diseases (with hypoproteinemia, anemia), large, or small and repeated physical efforts (cough or defecation), obesity. All of the above are risk factors in the occurrence of postoperative eventration.

 Anatomo-pathological elements are described: aponevrotic is usually found on the line

skin scar. Some events have multiple holes. The hole may be small (1-5 cm) or wide (20-30 cm), but the volume and severity of the event are not always dependent on the size of the hole. 

Prevention 

Since eventration is generally more common in overweight people and pregnant women, maintaining a normal weight considerably reduces the risk of developing an incisional hernia. 

It is also important to maintain a minimum physical condition, so movement of any kind must be part of your daily routine. 

Treatment

Treatment of events is a surgical one, debatable only in patients with fathers, the elderly, who suffer from chronic cough, obese people who are recommended the abdominal belt.

In the strangulated events the surgical intervention is urgent.

Elective surgery is indicated at least six months after the primary operation or the deextinguishing of any parietal suppurative outbreak. Surgical intervention can be classical or laparoscopic.

Advantages of laparoscopic intervention:

• postoperative pain is less
• the return time to daily activities is less
• relapse rates are lower
• Superior aesthetic results
• reduced length of hospital stay
• reduced risk of postoperative infections

The laparoscope is a very small telescope, connected to a video camera, which is inserted through a canola (a small empty tube) and allows the surgeon to view the abdominal cavity on a video screen. Two other cans are entered and allow the doctor to work “inside”. Three mini-incisions are usually required.

A surgical mesh is placed inside the abdomen, at the level of the herniary defect, which is fixed with resorbable clips and transparitetal threads. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.

Article prepared for Ortopedica by Dr. Surgeon Teodor Nitu Stefan from Constanta.

Clinic:

The loss of elasticity of the fatty layer of the heel, leads to losing the ability to absorb the force generated during walking, harming the plantar fascia, accompanied by inflammation and even breaking of the fascia.

Symptoms:

Stiffness of the foot and ankle after rest, accompanied by pain in the heel and toes.

Pain along the fascia and especially in the thumb while walking.

Treatment:

Relaxing the planting fascia and removing tension is the purpose of the treatment. This is achieved by nocturnal orthotics wear in severe cases, or with the help of silicone heels that eliminate tension, reducing the impact of walking on the foot.

Clinical:

The clavicle is a long bone that has a double curve between the sternum trench on one side and the acromion on the other. It works as a crossbar that separates the shoulder from the chest, opposing the contraction forces of the muscles.

When the clavicle is fractured, the muscles involved cause the fractured fragments to move and the shoulder to propel. The clavicle is displaced due to the action of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Symptoms:

Most fractures occur in the middle third of the clavicle due to compression on the shaft, or generally caused by the fall. More special is the fracture of the distal third, caused by a direct hit and even rarer is the fracture of the proximal third, caused by a direct drop on the shoulder. These fractures usually occur during sports activities (cycling, rugby).

Treatment:

Treatment should correct all movements and immobilize the center of the fracture, while allowing free movement of the shoulder.

Surgical treatment is recommended in adults, while for children and young people an eight-shaped bandage is used with proper padding in the armpit area, in order to position the shoulder in retropulsion position.

Clinic:

Fractures of the foot and ankle usually occur more or less violently, due to a forced movement of inversion-eversia whose trauma involves fracture of the bone with lesions of the soft parts above the sindesmosis (suprasindesmotic fracture).

Given the complexity of the ankle joint system, fractures vary and can cause complete sprains with exposure and skin breakage.

Symptoms:

Pain, inflammation, hematoma, breaking of the soft parts and functional incapacity.

Treatment:

Once the fracture is diagnosed at its true magnitude, it will require total immobilization of the foot and ankle in the first stage by compression to reduce edema. In the second stage, once the inflammation has decreased and the fracture has been stabilized, it must remain immobilized for 4 up to 6 weeks. After this, and depending on the severity of the lesions, the orthotic system to be used is established, always recommending non-invasive treatment. Or after surgical treatment, it can be started with an immobilization orthosis and/or with a recovery system that allows walking and controlling the movement of the joint.

Clinical:

Age is an important factor in humerus fractures because they are more common in adults, especially where osteoporosis is present.

Causes: direct trauma, hits, falls that cause transverse fractures.

Indirect trauma, falls on the elbow causing fracture through the curvature with a short oblique fracture line and sometimes with a third fragment. Pathological fractures, osteolytic metastasis, bone dystrophy with a fracture line that is usually transverse or oblique, resulting in immediate or subsequent paralysis.

Symptoms:

Pain, instability, soft tissue lesions and paralysis, and the risk of complications, such as pseudoarthrosis, the formation of calluses, subsequent radial paralysis and joint stiffness.

Treatment:

Surgical treatment with KÜNTSCHER or HACKENTHAL rod, screwing of metal plates or external fastening are frequently used. Non-invasive treatment with abstraction, functional plasters, orthotics with mobility control or humeral support.

Clinic:

Fractures of the foot and ankle usually occur more or less violently, due to a forced movement of inversion-eversia whose trauma involves fracture of the bone with lesions of the soft parts above the sindesmosis (suprasindesmotic fracture).

Given the complexity of the ankle joint system, fractures can be vary and can cause complete sprains with exposure and skin breakage.

Symptoms:

Pain, inflammation, hematoma, splitting of the soft parts and functional incapacity.

Treatment:

Once the fracture is diagnosed at its true magnitude, it will require total immobilization of the foot and ankle in the first stage by, compression in order to reduce edema.

In the second stage, once the inflammation has decreased and the fracture has been stabilized, it must remain immobilized for 4 up to 6 weeks.

After this, and depending on the severity of the lesions, the orthotic system to be used is chosen, always recommending non-invasive treatment. Or after surgical treatment, it can be started with an immobilization orthosis and/or with a recovery system that allows walking and controlling the joint movement.

Definition:

Spinal   injuries  can  range  from mild ligament fractures, to vertebrae fractures  and  dislocations,  and  debilitating spinal cord injuries.

Types of fractures:

Type A –  Crushing  of the  vertebrae  (by impact  with  separation  or  britlleness).

Type B –  Injury  of  the frontal  and  dorsal elements  due to  traction  (with  frontal  or  dorsal rupture).

Type C –  Injury  of  the frontal  and   dorsal elements  with  rotation  (crushing,  rotating traction  or  rotational tearing ).

Compression fractures usually   occur  in the  upper lumbar  area.

When caused by fracture, spondylosis  is  a  stable process,  while  spondylolistesis  shows  a  frontal migration  of  vertebrae  that  can  be  stable  or  unstable.

How is  our  body  affected?

Loss of mobility,  pain,  inflammatory processes,  instability  and  postural activities are  some  of  the  main symptoms  of vertebral fractures.

Causes and  risks:

Car accidents  (45%),  falls  (20%),  sports  (15%),  violence  (15%), as well as  miscellaneous activities  (5%) are the main  causes  of  vertebral fractures. Diseases such  as  osteoporosis  and  spinal tumors also contribute to  the appearance of vertebral fractures.

Prevention:

Bone system health is  particularly important. Osteoporosis  and  fractures  can be  prevented if we lead  an  healthy, balanced lifestyle  and  by  following prevention rules.  

For strengthening the  bone  system  and  preventing  fractures  and    osteoporosis, doctors recommend:

• consumption of foods   containing  natural  calcium  sources, or  administration  of  supplements on doctor’s   recommendation
• a healthy diet  rich  in  vitamin  D
• bone density testing
• practicing a sport regularly.

Treatment:

Treatment for  a  fracture  begins  with  pain management  and  stabilizing  it  to   prevent aggravation of the  lesion.

Corsets and  orthotics  have the following qualities:

1. maintain and correct the spine position;
2. immobilize the spine  during    healing;
3. controls pain by  restricting  movement.

Stable fractures may require only stabilisation with a hyperextension toracolombosacral orthosis, or the use of a stiff lombosacral corset with or without braces. To choose the right solution, please contact your doctor.

Clinical:

Elbow fractures can occur in three areas: the lower third of the humerus, the olecran and the radius head.

Elbow traumas are accompanied by edema and hematomas, with reduced mobility. During palpation, painful areas can be observed, especially in the internal lateral ligament.

Symptoms:

Elbow fractures can be total or partial, and in some cases may be accompanied by vascular lesions, pain, edema and joint instability.

Treatment:

Non-invasive when the fracture is partial or without displacement.

In displacement fractures, surgical intervention will be performed and, given that it is an articular fracture, early immobilization will also be necessary. Later, progressive recovery will begin for preventing joint stiffness and muscle atrophy, through passive and active exercises, with the help of articulated orthotics with mobility control.

Symptoms:

You can feel and even hear a noise, that the knee is “slipping” or loses stability, causing you excruciating pain. This happens especially during physical activities. 

Possible cause:

The ligament laxity that may be innate or acquired as a result of trauma. Basically, ligaments have a weakened ability to protect the joints and there is a high risk of injury from sprains, sprains to ligament fractures, meniscus, etc.

Ortopedica’s solution: We recommend that you see a doctor as soon ass possible from the earliest signs of slipping knee. Caught in early stages the problem can be easily and non-invasively treated. Of real help in this circumstance are the knee supports/orthotics (for cruciate ligaments and collateral ligaments) that provide excellent support and contribute to the healing process.

(runner’s knee, patellar tendinitis)

Symptoms:

 Knees sound like ungreased hinges and snap, squeak or crack especially after a period of inactivity. For example, if after a few hours of sitting at the office or inactivity your knees make strange noises that are heard especially when you climb the stairs, you can consider the cause and solutions below.

Possible cause:

 Although it is commonly called the “runner’s knee”, patellar tendinitis can affect even the most comfortable of us. Women are particularly sensitive to this syndrome because of the particular anatomy of the pelvis which is wider than in men, that pushes the thighs slightly inwards, which means extra pressure on the knees.

Ortopedica’s solutions: First of all, for those who practice high-impact workouts, such as endurance running or tennis, it is good to combine this type of effort with yoga or swimming exercises, gentler on the knee. Also, to protect the joints, it is good to use special plantar supports (insoles) created for shock absorption, for running, sprinting or walking, but especially a knee orthosis, or an elastic knee brace.

Symptoms:

The knee is swollen, stiff, “puffy”, difficult to move.

Possible cause: Osteoarthritis. The protective cartilage of the joints is damaged due to overuse, age, or excess body weight, which means that more fluid is produced into the knee joint than normal.

Ortopedica’s solution: Losing extra weight will remove much of the pressure on the knee and reduce pain by up to 50% according to studies. At your doctor’s recommendation, you can make infiltrations with intaarticular viscoelastic solution of monodose or multiple dose type, and you must protect your joints by using special knee pads/ supports/orthotics, especially before and after the surgical intervention recommended by the orthopaedic surgeon.

Alternative name: lombosciatica, sciatic neuritis, sciatic neuralgia

In Romania, lumbar diseases are one of the most common health problems. According to statistics of the Ministry of Health, about 42% of Romanian employees suffer at least once a year from back pain.

Definition:

It is a rheumatic disease, one of the most common and painful conditions of the spine. The intervertebral disc has an elastic capacity for absorbing and supporting tensions. It consists of a fibrous ring that has a gelatinous substance inside. At the time of excessive tension, the fibers of the ring may break, and in case of repetitive tension, the disc can degenerate, causing arthrosis in the joints of the spine and lumbar blockage (feeling ” a locked back”).

How is our body affected?

The condition is very common, noting that although the disease previously affected mainly men between 25 and 60 years of age, in the last 10 years it affects women and even children alike.

The onset is acute, with intense pain in the lumbar area when experiencing an increased physical effort, or a few hours after it, followed by limitation of mobility and sharp pain when the lumbar vertebrae are touched.

Pain radiates into the lower limbs with the appearance of the so-called lombosciatic.

It can irradiate on the anterior, lateral or posterior area of the thigh, depending on the affected nerve, the patient having trouble regaining their mobility.

Causes and risks:

These ruptures of the intervertebral disc rings may occur during a sudden, wrong movement, following intense physical effort, without protecting the spine; but, more often than not, these ruptures occur as a consequence of sedentary life, or maintaining an incorrect posture over a long period of time, shocks or stress.

Prevention:

The main risk factors are:

   – physical activity too intensive, at work, at home or in the case of performing a performance sport;

   – obesity, because excessive weight presses on the spine;

   – sedentary lifestyle: prolonged sitting on the chair harms the health of the spine;

   – old age;

   – intense vibrations to which the column is subjected;

Treatment:

From locally applied heat, to massage, hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, radiotherapy, there are many treatments that can relieve and even cure this disease.

Also of great help is the immobilization of the spine and the removal of tension from the back area by wearing orthopedic corsets. These orthotics have a design that allows to regulate the degree of immobilization and can be used alone or together with a surgical or non-invasive treatment.

However, the best method of treatment for herniated disc remains prevention. Through light, constant physical activities, but also proper rest and limiting sitting on the chair for very long periods of time, we can prevent this condition.

A decisive factor is to maintain or correct the posture, especially for those who are forced by the nature of their professional activity to sit down for more than 2-3 hours a day. Since this is difficult to control, especially if poor posture is a habit, it is recommended to wear a corset to help maintain a correct position so that the health of the spine is not affected.

Definition:

Inguinal hernia represents the protrusion of an organ from the abdominal cavity (peritoneal cavity), through a weak point, or a rupture of the thin muscle.

How is our body affected?

Inflammation in the groin area increases or decreases in size, depending on the effort made by the patient. The biggest risk is strangulation, which is very painful. Inguinal inflammation is hard and tense to touch and cannot be reintroduced into the abdomen. Normally it is accompanied by vomiting and nausea, digestive disorders, intensified pain to exertion and even cough.

Causes and risks:

In many cases, physical effort is the most common cause. In middle-aged men, hernia occurs in the area near the scrotum. If the hernia is direct, it will show a protrusion of the groin, while an indirect hernia, which occurs in children and young men, may be present from.

Prevention:

The occurrence of this condition in infants cannot be prevented, but in adults it can be prevented if the abdominal muscles are maintained toned, and avoid heavy weights lifting.

Treatment:

Apart from surgical treatment, non-invasive treatment using corseting methods that can be unilateral or bilateral, are a very effective method in patients that, due to age, suffer from serious ailments, making the surgical procedure impossible, due to the associated risks. Wearing special hernia briefs, stiffened suspensor or sacroiliac orthotics can greatly relieve patients’ pain and improve the quality of life.

Muscle tone decrease, responsible for muscle weakness. Hypotonia is observed at the beginning of hemiplegia or as a result of infitrating certain substances (anaesthetics, cure, etc.).

Surgical combination of the digestive tract to the anterior wall of the abdomen, practiced after colic or rectal surgery with ablation of a segment of the intestine. The combined segment can be the colon (colostomy) or ileon (ileostomy). The wall of the colon or ileum is thus opened outwards through an incision of the abdominal wall, thus allowing the evacuation of the stools in an airtight bag (stoma prosthesis system) that does not allow the output of the smell.

Definition

Urinary incontinence is defined as the loss of urine through the urethra as a result of physical effort, or the imperative need to urinate, which cannot be controlled by the patient. 

It is a common condition, 25% of women seem to suffer from this condition, but the percentage is certainly more significant, because women avoid addressing this issue with their doctor, considering the condition normal, as a consequence of natural births. However, incontinence affects men less, regardless of age. 

How is our body affected?

There are two main types: urinary stress incontinence (the most common) and imperious incontinence, two forms that can occur separately, but can also coexist.

Urinary stress incontinence is caused by the weakening of pelvic support structures, especially by the weakening of the muscles and fascias of the pelvic floor, which normally support the urethra. 

Loss of urine occurs as a result of coughing, sneezing, weight lifting and may take mild forms with occasional loss, up to severe forms with loss of urine at any change in position or gait. The incontinence evolution is progressive once triggered, rarely spontaneously improves (passenger forms that occur during pregnancy and disappear in the first weeks of lehusia).

Causes and risks

The causes are pregnancy and childbirth, and all that this involves (prolonged labor, difficult birth, incision or not of the perineum, number of births), but not only, there are other causes: obesity, chronic cough, menopause, smoking.

Often incontinence is a consequence of perineum rupture, but is not necessarily associated with this. Urinary infections, cystitis, lesions of the cervix, tumors of the uterus or cervix are diseases that can produce the same symptom, causing a false incontinence. 

The diagnosis cannot be made if the patient does not addresses this with their doctor. Frequently women do not report this problem out of embarrassment, pudour and therefore, untreated, the condition leads to depression. The unpleasant smell, the use of intimate towels, the limitation of the capacity of social relations, the sexual life impairment lead to a decline in quality of life and have effects on mood and mental heaalth, with varying degrees of depression.

In men, urinary stress incontinence is observed after a surgical intervention on the prostate. 

Prevention

Unfortunately, there are no clinically proven forms for the prevention of urinary incontinence. However, it seems that there are several methods to reduce the risk of developing this condition: 

  –  maintain a healthy weight, 

  –  practice Kegel exercises, especially during pregnancy,

  –  avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine and acidic foods, 

  –  eat more fibre, that can prevent constipation, and promotes incontinence. 

Treatment

Treatment of mild forms of incontinence especially in young women, is conservative – Kegel gymnastics, biofeedback, etc.   

In most cases, treatment is only surgical. There are over 200 surgical techniques, but the risk of relapse is 20-70%. In recent years, revolutionary techniques have emerged, such as: TOT (transobturator tape) and TVT (transvaginal tape), using polypropylene prostheses, also called “bandelettes”, these act as a “hammock” for the urethra, repositioning it and restoring its continence function.

The operation is performed under local or spinal anesthesia, lasts between 15-45 minutes (if associated with other lesions: cystocele, rectocele, etc., the time of intervention is prolonged). The patient is discharged within 24 hours, socio-professional reintegration is immediately possible.

It should also to be noted that this type of “bandelette” is settled by CAS 100%, so that the patient can benefit from them very quickly and FOR FREE. ORTOPEDICA specialists can advise you free of charge in preparing the file for obtaining the CNAS settlement decision. 

For the men affected by urinary incontinence, treatment is mainly medicinal, and in order to give them the opportunity to continue their social life unhindered, urinary condoms with velcro fastening system, along with bags for the day or bags for the night, can be used.  All products can be purchased COMPENSATED through National Health Insurance System, from any ORTOPEDICA store. 

It should be noted that the most important problem is the one related to diagnosis, as patients remain undiagnosed because they do not address the issue with their doctor. 

Early diagnosis and treatment leads to a complete and lasting healing.

Article prepared by Dr. Surgeon Teodor Nitu Stefan from Constanta.

A set of local reactions of the body, against a pathogen agent- can be acute or chronic.

Clinic:

Meniscus is a small structure positioned in the knee joint in the shape of a crescent moon that serves to transmit the forces between the femur and tibia, thus stabilizing the knee, as well as the distribution of synovial fluid through the knee. It has its ability to absorb and decrease impact effects (eg. when jumping), lasting to high compression forces.

Symptoms:

The lesion is caused in particular by the rotational movement, when the foot steps on the ground.

Acute pain, accompanied by inflammation, makes knee flexion-extension very difficult.

When the lesion is chronic, pain and blockage are felt, the patient feels that the knee is stiff and must make serious efforts in order to move it.

Treatment:

Surgical treatment consists of repair or partial resection of the injured area of the meniscus.

10% of cases are treated surgically, the rest can benefit from non-invasive treatment with recovery by avoiding excessive flexion and giving up sports activities.

Meniscus lesions may be associated with ligament ruptures.

Knee mobility control can be achieved with a knee orthosis with joints to control flexion and extension.

Clinic:

Knee ligament injuries can be Grade III sprains, with ruptured fibers, or rupture of bone anchors, causing instability.

Tearing of lateral ligaments, especially internal ligaments is the most common and tolerable lesion.

Cross-ligaments move in a confined space without any other support point for healing. However, the lateral ligaments that are supported by the flat part of the capsule can heal if the rupture degree allows it.

The ligament breaks due to an impact on the knee, or tension movement.

Symptoms:

Generally nonspecific pain that disappears, with inflammation, determines the patient to believe that they have recovered, although they can still feel some pain when they make certain movements.

The inflammation disappears completely in about 48-72 hours.

Cracking/clicking noise occurs when the femur and tibia return to that position after they have exceeded the travel limits.

When the lesion was there for a longer period of time, episodes of instability and blockage may occur due to loose fragments between the femur and tibia.

Treatment

Non-invasive treatment consists of immobilization over a period of 6 weeks with an orthosis, subsequently moving to passive and active mobilization for recovery and the use of a flex-extension-control orthosis.

Lymphedema (lymphatic edema) is a circumscribed form of edema, that occurs, most of the time due to obstructions of the lymphatic vessels followed by transudation of the lymphatic fluid.

The disorder is localized and it mainly affects the limbs.

Lymphaedema is located, almost always, at the extremities, being mainly affected limbs.

When palpating the skin shade turns white, is not painful, and is soft at the beginning.

Definition

Back pain in the lumbar area, usually caused by musculoskeletal syndrome, e.g. disorders of the lumbar vertebrae and soft tissue such as muscles, ligaments, nerves and intervertebral discs.

How is our body affected?

Back pain, depending on the type of lumbago, can irradiate from the lumbar area to the lower limbs and the inside of the thigh, the outer area of the thigh, knee, calf or the back of the calf, leg, heel and foot. Discomfort can occur during prolonged periods of sedentary life, or during walking, exercise or even when we stand up.

Causes and risks

One of the most common causes is stress, postural attitude and physical overload, although there are other pathologies that can cause lower back pain: spondylosis, spondylolistesis, disc hernia, etc.

Risk factors:

• activities, such as driving a vehicle, that generates vibrations along the spine, sitting on the chair for a long period time
• lack of physical activity
• older back injuries
• obesity
• old age

Prevention

Appropriate lifting techniques are important to avoid an injury. These techniques can be improved by using an elastic belt for lumbar support.

Other preventive measures include:

• regular physical activity, including exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles
• breaks during driving or when doing office work
• weight control

Treatment

Administration of analgesics, anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy, temporary immobilization of the affected area with an orthotic or a belt.

Abdominal compression results in an anti-spinal curvature effect in the antero-posterior direction, while the sagittal plane absorbs the mechanical tension from the vertebrae. This can be achieved by using lombosacral orthotics that limit the mobility of the lumbar area. The orthopaedic device for this condition will be selected according to the cause of the disease and its severity, depending on the desired level of compression. The adjustment system will allow compression variation and will help relieve back pain.

Lower back pain accompanied by sciatic neuralgia.

Acute lumbar pain, with sudden appearance, occurring after a wrong movement and caused by a microtrauma affecting an intervertebral disc.

The movements of the spine are very limited, often more in one direction than in another, and the blockage causes for several days an incorrect posture, called anthalgic attitude.

Definition

Luxation is basically a lesion of a joint – i.e. the movement of the bone extremities of a joint from its usual position, accompanied by loss of mobility, when the ends of the bones are forced after shocks or traumas to come out of their physiological positions. This painful lesion temporarily deforms and immobilizes the joint. Luxations can occur in any of the joints, like: shoulder, elbow, fist, hip, knee, ankle, interphalangeal (toe). Luxations are more common in adults, rare in children and the elderly, and are frequently produced by indirect mechanisms (rarely by direct mechanisms).

How is our body affected?

If you suspect that you have suffered a sprain, here are the main symptoms:

• pain: violent at first, then diffuse;
• visible deformation of the affected region – as a rule, you can see a change in the alignment of the joint, that is also swollen;
• swelling or discoloration of the area;
• lack of mobility – it will be difficult and painful to move your joint.

It is also possible to experience tingling or numbness near or under the damaged area – such as in the leg for a dislocated knee or in the hand for a dislocated elbow.

Causes and risks

Luxation can occur in several situations, wgile practicing certain sports (contact sports, football, hockey, skiing, gymnastics or volleyball), accidents (motorcycle, car, etc.), but in medicine the following factors are taken into account as main causes:

• post-traumatic causes- following different accidents or injuries,
• neglected post-traumatic causes, when the reduction has been postponed (reduction = procedure by which the bones displaced from the joint are brought to the correct position):

– irreducible : when the reduction can no longer be carried out except by surgery,

– incoercive : when the right of residence has been lost,

– recurrent (usual) when repeated after minimal trauma or reduced as easily as they occurred.

• that occur in the context of some ailments:

 – congenital : occur as a result of malformations, such as congenital hip sprain

• inflammatory, infectious, TB, poliomyelitis.

Complications of a simple sprain may include:

• breakage of muscles, ligaments and tendons that strengthen the damaged joint,
• affected nerves or blood vessels in or around the joint,
• susceptibility to recurrence of the lesion if you have a severe sprain or repeated sprains,
• the development of arthritis in the affected joint as we age.

If the ligaments or tendons supporting the injured joint have been stretched or broken, or if the surrounding nerves or blood vessels have been damaged, there are cases where you may need surgery in order to repair those tissues.

Prevention

Before any activity involving physical effort, stretching, joints warm-up and light movments are recommended.

It is also important to strengthen the muscles adjacent to the joints that are subjected to high pressure, by repetitive activities or sudden efforts, and to increase mobility as much as possible.

Wearing an appropriate orthosis can prevent sprains:

• shoulder orthosis
• for the elbow: elastic elbow orthosis, neoprene orthosis, gel-padded orthosis, or orthosis with adjustable bands
• for fist (hand-closing): elastic hand orthosis, or neoprene orthosis.
• for the knee : elastic knee orthosis, flexible knee orthosis, lateral support orthosis, or orthosis with pallet support
• for ankle: neoprene orthosis

Treatment

The first therapeutic measure is the reduction, i.e. a procedure performed by the doctor, by which the displaced bones are brought into the correct position. The reduction must be made as soon as possible, under local anesthesia.

There is a classic quote in medicine that states that “a sunrise or sunset must not pass before a sprain is reduced.”

Once it has been returned to the correct position, it must be immobilized, using several methods depending on the affected area:

• classic gypsum, although there are more efficient, economical and hygienic alternatives, like the walker orthotics, which are actually excellent pneumatic immobilizers.
• bandages
• orthotics:

– shoulder: universal orthosis, fabric orthosis, soft-material immobilizing orthosis, fixed shoulder orthosis, or elbow shoulder orthosis

– elbow: fixed orthosis, fabric orthosis, or immobilizing orthosis from soft material

– fist (wrist): stiff-back orthosis, fixed wrist orthosis, open wrist orthosis, open fixed orthosis providing compression, immobilizing orthosis for the wrist and finger, wrist and finger orthosis with adjustable strips, or telescopic elbow orthosis

– for carpal/phalangeal joints (fingers): thumb orthosis, finger orthosis, or the malleable orthosis.

– for the wrist: all-hand orthosis

– knee: neoprene orthosis, movable knee orthosis, fixed knee orthosis, knee orthosis with thermocompression, or 3 TEX orthosis.

– hip: orthosis for congenital sprains in children

Unfortunately, the delay in reducing the sprain can make the sprain irreducible due to its aging. Some sprains are irreducible from the beginning by interposition (tendon, bone). In other situations the reduction is possible but the affected joint will re-sprain during the next traction, or at the slightest movement (unstable luxations). In all these cases, the only way to solve old, irreductible and sometimes unstable sprains is a surgical procedure.

And in the case of irreducible sprains, there are products specially created for the firm immobilization of the affected area, such as: bivalve ankle orthosis, side-thart orthosis, bracelet-type knee orthosis, or flexion and extension control orthosis.

Article created for Ortopedica by Conf.Dr. Paul Sirbu, head of the Orthopaedic Clinic at St Spiridon University Hospital in Iasi.

Clinic:

Ankle sprains are caused by a sudden movement of the foot in pronation or supination.

They can be classified according to the severity of the lesion as follows:

    Grade I: the ligament is stretched or swollen with up to a maximum of 5 broken fibers. The patient can walk, is stable and feels a mild pain.

    Grade II: partial rupture of ligaments 40-50% of fibers, accompanied by pain and mild joint instability, inflammation and inability to walk on the tips of your feet.

    Grade III: total rupture of the ligament accompanied by acute pain and instability, deformity and immediate inflammation. The patient can’t walk or support themselves.

Symptoms:

The sprain degree determines the symptoms that may vary between the inability to walk, pain and inflammation. These will determine the recovery and immobilization period.

Healing takes up to eight weeks for the most serious cases and requires surgery in the extreme ones. Luxation produced successively along the ligament is called recurrent sprain.

Treatment:

Immobilization over a longer or shorter period of time, depending on the severity of the sprain, to be obtained with bandages or orthotic support with stabilizing systems, according to the severity of the sprain and the degree of limitation and stabilization required.

Clinic:

We are talking about sprains when the lesions comprise the capsule and ligaments and present a complete or partial permanent separation of the joint surfaces, depending on the degree of separation – partial or total.

In most cases, it is caused by a predisposition to factors such as patellar or patelofemural dysplasia, or by a     trauma. Luxation can occur in the proximal direction or in the medio-lateral direction, in most cases being lateral. The reduction is normal and relatively easily obtained by total relaxation of the quadriceps by maintaining the foot in total extension and flexion of the quadriceps muscle.

Symptoms:

Patela is moved proximally or laterally in most cases, with pain and functional incapacity requiring compression and stabilization.

Treatment:

Orthotic treatment with the use of an orthotic with patelar support and interruption of sports activities.

Clinic:

Shoulder sprain occurs when the humeral head of the joint dislodges. When the dislocation is partial, it’s also called subluxation. In both cases, it may be accompanied by a fracture of the humeral head.

Symptoms:

The patient experiences acute pain, with the immobilization of the joint characterized by the loss of the natural round contour of the shoulder.

In the case of posterior sprains, the pain is less acute and the absence of visible morphological changes, or the limitation of external rotation can make it unnoticed.

Treatment:

After the sprain has been reduced and immobilized by medical specialized staff, the patient will wear a bandage, with or without waist grip, for 3 weeks, followed by a recovery period.

(hallux valgus)

The bunion is often described as a prominent bump/swelling on the side of the thumb. A visible bunion, however, is more than that, actually reflecting changes in the bone frame of the front of the foot. That is, a deformation of the position and bone ratios occurs by diverting the thumb from the toe to the other fingers.

How is our body affected?

Bunions may be present from birth, but most often occur in adulthood. Structural problems of the foot lead to irritation and deformation of the joint of the thumb.

The joint at the base of the thumb consists of two bones. One extends from the arch of the foot, and the other connects to the thumb.

For some people, the bone at the arch of the foot tends to curve outwards, and the bone of the big toe tends to turn inwards towards the second finger. After several years, the joint becomes irritated, causing the bunion growth. This causes irritation of the soft tissues covering the bones. The whole area becomes inflamed and even swells, while pushing harder and harder into the side of the shoe. The process worsens if wearing tight or heeled shoes, and eventually the bunions become painful, unsightly and create discomfort.

Causes and risks:

Bunions are most often caused by a defective mechanical structure that we inherit genetically. The buion itself is not inherited, but some types of feet are more prone to bunions than others.

This condition is hardly found at all in communities where shoes are not worn, so it can be inferred that one of the favourable causes of the disease is inappropriate footwear. Sharp-tipped shoes, high heels can contribute to the development of bunions, plus other collateral conditions: obesity, rheumatoid diseases, flat foot (platfus).

In general, women are much more affected than men, and pregnancy creates the necessary prerequisites for aggravating this condition.

A high degree of risk is presented by people who have poor circulation or have affected the sensitive function of the feet, and the healing of simple skin lesions (including the simple calluses) is hampered.

For those who suffer from diabetes and have lost their sensory function of the legs, their health should be carefully monitored. Lack of pain can allow an infection to develop unhindered, and in severe cases reaching the bones. In such situations, amputation of the affected limbs to save the patient’s life is the only solution.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent possible inflammation of the foot wearing shoes that support the arch of the foot, and that are sufficiently spacious so that the fingers are not crammed into each other. Frequent wear of sharp-tipped or heeled shoes should be avoided.

There are also plantar supports, orthotics that can keep inflammation of the foot under control and reduce pain by correct positioning and supporting of the foot.

Orthotics created specifically for bunions are useful to reduce pain and maintain constant pressure on the bunion, which prevents its aggravation and maintenance of comfort.

Treatment:

People prone to having bunions should act promptly. The simplest method of treatment and halting the evolution of the bunions is achieved primarily by wearing quality shoes to support the arch of the foot. It is advisable to wear custom orthopaedic shoes to stop the progression of deformation and to ensure increased comfort.

Surgical treatment will be applied only at the indication of an orthopaedic specialist, the chosen technique depending on the clinical degree of deformation. However, if the condition is asymptomatic and the patient has no pain, surgical treatment is not indicated.

As a non-invasive treatment, doctors recommend wearing:

   – beading (planting supports) during the day – to compensate for the mechanical function of the foot

    – correction aorthotics for nocturnal use

   –  protective cushions – that reduce friction, decrease inflammation, relieve pain and correct the deviation of the thumb.

All these medical devices can be used both prophylactically, for correction, and as a post-surgical treatment.

Surse: The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Lectia de Ortopedie.ro, National Health Services Directory UK.

Clinic:

Morton’s neuroma is caused by the compression irritation of the interdigital nerve between the metatarsal ends, and it consists in the degeneration of the plantar digital nerve, accompanied by perineal fibrosis, usually located between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal, although in some cases it occurs between the 2nd and 3^rd metatarsal.

Symptoms:

The patient experiences mechanical pain, similar to an electric shock that decreases in the second part of the day, or after a long period of walking, which accentuates the pain.

Factors such as the type of shoe used or certain movements such as excessive dorsiflexia, can cause an increase in the pain intensity.

Treatment:

As a non-invasive treatment it is recommended to use appropriate footwear, which should be wide enough, with a lined sole, and with the heel not higher than 2.5 cm.

Retrocarpal or metatarsal bar insoles for relieving pressure from metatarsal heads usually provides comfort.

In some cases, the use of a pronator feather for the front of the foot, with a size between 3-5 mm, allows the space opening between metatarsals 3 and 4, thus decreasing compression.

As well prescribed medicines are used.

Clinic:

The pathology of Osgood-Schlatter disease (or Patellar Tendinitis, popularly referred to as the runner’s knee) is the change in the link between the patellar tendon and the apophysis of the tibia tuberosity, when patellar condropation and femuropathic arthrosis occur.

It usually manifests itself in young people who practice sports activities involving jumping or repetitive knee extension movements, that requires a lot of effort, which is why it is also called the runner’s knee.

Symptoms:

Patients experience pain in the tuberosity of the tibia, accompanied by edema. This pain increases during physical activities and decreases when resting. Pain is intermittent in children and young people.

You can easily recognize patellar tendinitis if you feel pain:

1. In front, behind or around the knee,
2. When you bend your knee, such as when you walk, kneel, run or get off your chair
3. When you go up or down.

Treatment:

Critical phase treatment involves immobilization for 6 weeks or infrapatelary bandages during physical activities.

Orthotic treatment is done by an infrapatelar bandage placed under the kneecap and above the tuberosity of the tibia, resulting in compression, which leads to the tension relieve on the insertion of the quadriceps tendon.

Its use is effective during the critical phase, as well as a prophylactic measure and for sports activities.

Alternate name:

Fragile bones disease

Definition:

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases the amount of minerals in the bone, causing brittleness and a high susceptibility to fractures.

How is our body affected?

Bones constantly lose bone mass and regenerate. People reach their maximum bone mass in their 30s. After this age, bone loss slowly begins. This loss, if it becomes severe, can lead to osteoporosis. Bones become thin and brittle and can easily break.

Initially, bone loss occurs very slowly for both women and men. After the age of 65-70, people begin to lose bone mass faster. Women, on the other hand, begin to lose bone mass faster after they reach menopause and the body’s estrogen levels decrease. They can also lose their bone tissue faster if they have their ovaries surgically removed before reaching menopause.

The bone is made up of calcium and protein. The first signs of osteoporosis are observed in spongy bones.

Causes and risks:

One in three women and one in twelve men suffer from osteoporosis. Some factors such as menopause, sedentary lifestyle and other diseases can increase bone damage, leading to osteoporosis. This bone fragility causes numerous fractures, especially of the hip, arms and spine, which ultimately leads to spinal damage and fractures.

Prevention:

Osteoporosis can be prevented by adopting a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, but also in vitamin K. Also, exercise with weights are extremely important for bone health. Jogging, walking and dancing are exercises that stimulate bones, and adding weights as a routine in performing exercises encourages bone formation, creating a stronger frame, thus having less risk of fracture. Moreover, exercise also decreases the risk of falls by improving balance.

Treatment:

Orthotic treatment with dorsolumbar corsets is necessary for the realignment and correction of the dorsolumbar segment, stabilizing the spine and at the same time supporting and limiting excessive movements, which allows safe movement.

These functions of the lombodorsal orthosis are transformed into a protective system, removing the spine tension.

Clinic:

Paralysis can be caused by various reasons such as trauma, congenital, neuro-degenerative diseases etc., resulting in functional incapacity of the foot (fallen foot).

Symptoms:

Symptoms can cause spastic or flaccid paralysis, requiring different orthotic treatments.

In the case of flaccid paralysis, one can observe loss of mobility, sensitivity and an inability to achieve dorsal flexion of the foot, which can very easily turn into the echin leg.

This happens in the case of spastic paralysis where deformation occurs that cannot be reduced, causing deformation of plantar flexion (ecvinism), variation of the back of the foot and supination of the anterior part.

Treatment:

In cases of flaccid paralysis, an active splint will be required to produce dorsal flexion during walking, especially in when lifting the foot from the ground or alternatively, a postural splint for patients who lie in bed for long periods of time in order to avoid unwanted postural activity.

In the case of spastic paralysis, when a device that avoids postural deformation is required, a posture adjustment system with progressive correction is used.

In the case of an orthotic required for walking, an orthosis anchored to the footwear, with active joints to facilitate dorsoflexia and equipped with correction systems for varus valgus, of type Klenzac, will be required.

Clinic:

Bone protrusion that occurs at the base of the heel inwards, due to the continuous and excessive stretching of the plantar fascia that calcifies and forms a spur. It is found in patients with flat foot, leg clavus, overweight and in those who perform slow leg movements.

Symptoms:

Patients experience pain while carrying something, limited movements, most commonly in the early hours of the morning, at the first steps before the start of work. It is often associated with plantar fascitis.

Treatment:

Postural splint for the night, for the plantar fasciitis relaxation. Plantatar supports (insoles) that reduce the stresses in the spur area with retrocapillary padding on the calcaneal protection area.

Clinic:

Also called patellar condromalacia due to cartilage softening and degeneration in patients with Patelofemural Painful Syndrome.

The patellofemoral joint, consisting of the patella and femoral trochlea, is susceptible to displacement, which in many cases is a consequence of the conditions of alignment of the foot and knee, such as crooked leg, genu varum, genu valgum and genu recurvatum, producing a discordance between the forces that control the patellar slip, and affecting the distribution of these forces on the patellar joint, on the patella, on the quadriceps tendons and the soft tissue around.

In most cases, this is caused by a predisposition to factors such as patellar or patellofemural dysplasia, or by trauma. Luxation can occur in the proximal direction, with the patella moving from the femur, or in the medio-lateral direction, in most cases being lateral. The reduction is normal and relatively easily obtained by total relaxation of the quadriceps, by maintaining the foot in total extension and flexion of the quadriceps muscle.

Symptoms:

Pain may occur in front of, around the knee, or bilateral.

Stiffness, pain and inflammation may vary in intensity after sitting for long periods of time, and is located in a circular area around the knee.

Medio-lateral movement or excessive mobility of the patella.

Treatment:

Physiotherapy and recovery exercises have proven to be very efficient.

The patella stabilizing bandages prevent movement, especially the medial rotation during flexion and lateral rotation during extension.

Since patelofemural syndrome is associated with other knee injuries, the patella centering system with silicone cushions is similar as a concept to other orthotics for conditions such as: arthritis, trauma, meniscus lesions, ligament damage, axial deviations, genu recurvatum and genu varum, for which simple orthotics with silicone cushions can be very effective in fixing the patella.

Arthrosis of the vertebrae and joints. Chronic non-inflammatory rheumatism of the vertebrae and their joints.

Surgical technique that consists of putting together two cavitational organs or a cavitary organ with the skin. In this case the term stoma then denotes by extension the result of the intervention, i.e. the flow hole of faeces or urine.

Quervain Tenosynovitis 

Definition:

Quervain tendinitis/tenosynovitis is a condition caused by irritation of the tendons at the base of the thumb, generally caused by overuse and strains.

How is our body affected?

Wrist and thumb pain is the main symptom that can occur gradually or suddenly, and originate in the first dorsal compartment of the wrist and it can move towards the thumb and forearm. The pain increases with movement of the hand and thumb, especially when grabbing an object, or when the wrist is twisted.

Irritation of the nerve in the upper part of the tendon can cause insensitivity of the posterior part of the thumb and index finger.

Causes and risks:

A fracture may be associated with Quervain tendinitis due to high pressure on the tendons. Symptoms may include:

    – Pain or tenderness at the base of the thumb

    – Painful tingling or swelling of the thumb

    – Stiffness

    – Numbness around the index finger

Prevention:

Since the disease generally affects women after their 40s and certain professional categories, it is beneficial if you are in one of the risk categories, to exercise and practice with a tennis ball in your hand, or closing and opening the fist, that can help strengthen the muscles and tendons of the thumb. It is not recommended that such movement be carried out when you experience pain or discomfort in your thumb, hands or wrist.

A beneficial effect is also the consumption of Omega 3 enriched foods, because essential fatty acids are a source of “good” fats, that naturally helps pain relief and inflammation in the body. Salmon, beans, nuts and green leafy vegetables are all excellent resources of Omega 3.

Treatment:

The use of an immobilization splint for the wrist and thumb is recommended by doctors and therapists, in order to reduce irritation and inflammation. In some cases, simply interrupting the activities responsible for causing the problem can lead to healing, and wearing an orthotic will greatly lessen the pain and hasten healing.