A bulging disc in the neck occurs when a spinal disc weakens and encroaches on the spinal cord. In some cases, this can cause pain in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back. Acute injury to the area can cause a bulging disc in the neck. Long-term trauma, such as poor posture or being overweight, can […]
Bones / Orthopedics
This ‘caterpillar fungus’ may help treat osteoarthritis
A parasitic fungus that infects caterpillars and various other insects may hold the key to better treatments for osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in a person’s joints. This, at least, is what new research from the United Kingdom suggests. A parasitic fungus could offer an improved treatment for osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the […]
How to treat a dislocated finger
A dislocated finger occurs when a finger bone slips out of its joint. Sports injuries, falls, and accidents can cause a finger or thumb to dislocate. Dislocating a finger or thumb can be extremely painful and distressing. Although dislocation is not a life-threatening emergency, it is still important to seek prompt medical attention. This article […]
Why does my ankle hurt?
A person’s ankle may hurt for many reasons, from minor injuries to chronic medical conditions such as arthritis. Ankle pain can stem from a variety of injuries to the bones, muscles, and soft tissue structures that support the ankle. Depending on the cause, the pain can feel like sharp, shooting pain, or a dull ache. […]
What to know about muscle strain
Muscle strain occurs when a muscle becomes overstretched or works too hard. People can often treat muscle strains at home and use specific exercises to speed up their recovery. Muscle strains vary in severity depending on how much damage the muscle fibers sustain. Strains range from mild overexertion to a partial or complete tear of […]
Ultrasound scans could boost screenings for osteoporosis
A new study that aimed to advance methods of assessing bone health found that data from ultrasound scans were equal to those gathered using X-ray. Ultrasound imaging could help boost osteoporosis screening. The way we live shapes our bones. There are a lot of things we can do to help keep our bones healthy. Bone […]
What to know about DEXA scans
A DEXA scan usually assesses or measures bone density. It may also have uses in determining body composition, such as the percentage of lean muscle and fat. The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan uses two low-energy X-ray beams, which doctors direct toward the bones. Using dual energy levels separates the images into two components, including […]
Osteoporosis: Some yoga poses may cause bone injuries
Although anecdotal sources and academic studies show that yoga can boost a person’s well-being, some may need to use caution. A new study suggests that certain yoga poses can lead to bone injuries in people with osteoporosis or osteopenia. Do some yoga poses worsen the symptoms of osteoporosis? In the United States, about 24.5 percent […]
What is a TFCC tear?
The triangular fibrocartilage complex is a structure in the wrist. Sustaining an injury or tear to this area can cause pain along the outside of the wrist and limit its range of motion. The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a network of ligaments, tendons, and cartilage that sits between the ulna and radius bones on […]
How to prevent rotator cuff injuries
The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. Four muscles attach to the bones of the shoulder joint, and these form the rotator cuff. Performing certain rotator cuff exercises can help prevent injury to this part of the body. The rotator cuff has many functions. The muscles […]