Something that most people don’t think about on a regular basis is balance problems. Often times we think that it comes with age, which is true, but there are younger people that also suffer from balance problems, and I think it is important that we all understand what causes them and how it feel for those who have them.
A Guide To Balance Problems – Part One Read More »
If you have been reading my blog you’ll know that the other week I wrote part one of a two part series about ankle fractures. In A Guide To Ankle Fractures – Part One I talked about the different kinds of fractures and how to recognize each. In this blog I want to focus on how physical therapy can help, and what the different treatment options are.
How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
When you go to visit your physical therapist after your injury and an ankle fracture is suspected, your physical therapist will do the following:
– Instruct you in how to take care of the injury using rest, ice, compression, and elevation – the RICE formula.
– Immobilize your ankle by wrapping it with a wrap, or applying a brace to limit motion and control the swelling.
– Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
– Instruct you to keep your ankle elevated to control swelling.
– Help you choose the right walking aid so that you are not putting weight on the injured ankle.
– Make recommendations for additional care with an orthopedic physician or emergency department.
A Guide To Ankle Fractures – Part Two Read More »
As much as it is important to know what a physical therapist can do to help an injury I think it is just important to understand the injury itself. Part of clients being an active part of their own recovery is knowledge, so I decided to write a two part series about ankle fractures.
With that being said let’s dive right in!
What is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture is what happens when you completely or partially break a bone on one or both sides of your ankle joint. There are several types of ankle fractures, and 1, 2, or 3 bones may be fractured in each case.
A Guide To Ankle Fractures – Part One Read More »
It is not surprising to hear that after a major injury or illness, you might need some help with walking and moving around in general – especially if you’ve had surgery, fractured a bone or are generally feeling weak.
Those things, along with balance issues, will cause you to lose normal use of your legs, which is where a mobility device may be necessary. It is important for you to know what your options are so that you can continue to live life comfortably and maintain your independence.
That being said I thought it would be beneficial to talk a little bit about the different kinds of mobility devices that are used in physical therapy.
Common Mobility Devices Used in Physical Therapy Read More »
This post might be a little different than what I normally write about, but I thought it was an interesting topic to discuss because not a lot of people who what proprioceptive exercises are! I always believe that knowledge is power – so with that being said, what are proprioceptive exercises, and why do they matter to athletes?
Definition: Proprioception is the sense of knowing where a body part is in space. The concept can be difficult to grasp until you lose it because so much proprioception occurs without out conscious much thought. Proprioception abilities can be injured when joints are injured, such as with an ankle sprain or ACL tear.
What are proprioceptive exercises? Read More »
One of the most common injuries in the elderly is broken bones, even more so in those with thinning bones. Hip fractures are actually the most common broken bone that leads to hospitalization, and effects approximately 300,000 people every year.
Before I get started I think it is important that I clarify one thing – a “broken hip” and a “hip fracture” are the same thing.
Hip fractures in the elderly are most often caused by falling, and is usually a seemingly insignificant fall. If the patient is young (with stronger bones) causes of hip fractures are usually high-energy activities, such as a car accident. Hip fractures can also happen when bones are weakened from tumor or infection, which is called a pathologic fracture.
What Seniors Need to Know About Hip Fractures Read More »
Falls in the elderly are the leading cause of fatal as well as non-fatal injuries. Thirty percent of people over the age of 65 will fall each year – which is why I feel it necessary to share some ways that you can decrease the chances of falls in your (or your loved ones) home.
Did you know that the U.S. spends approximately $20.2 billion every year to treat the injuries of older people after falls, and that the majority of the cost is for hip fracture care? The most common types of injuries sustained after falls include: hip, spine, and wrist fractures as well as head trauma. These types of injuries can result in serious disabilities as well as lengthy rehabilitation.
It is absolutely crucial for anyone living with the elderly, or on their own, to be aware of this situation and do everything in their power to prevent falls in the home. The best thing you can do to reduce the possibility of falls is to safe your living environment (or the environment of the person you’re worried about).
Preventing Falls in The Home Read More »
Walking aids are helpful for patients who have chronic problems, including hip and knee arthritis, as well as those who have acute injuries, such as ankle sprains and leg fractures. It is important to find which aid will best suit your particular situation.
Here are the 5 main types along with some information about each:
Single-Point Cane: A single-point cane is helpful for conditions where a little bit of extra support can help to alleviate pain and discomfort. A single-point cane is the easiest way to support to the leg, but is not an appropriate option if weight must be completely removed from the extremity.
5 Effective Types of Walking Aids Read More »
Low back pain is the most common diagnosis seen in physical therapy clinics, affects 85-90% of Americans, and is the second leading cause of visits to a doctor. So, considering all of that I think it is important for you to be educated.
What You Need to Know About Low Back Pain Read More »
I am sure that you are well aware that the barefoot running shoes have received a lot of attention in the media over the past few years – but despite the attention only 25%-30% of runners have reported using minimalist
Information About Minimalist Running Read More »
