Treating Injuries and Conditions

Strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon that may present in small or larger tears or stretching of the fibres.

Causes

A muscle strain can be caused by a trauma or accident, muscle overuse or dysfunctional movement. Strains can be either acute (develops suddenly and lasts a short time) or chronic (an ongoing and potentially worsening issue), and typically happens as a result of the muscle or tendon being stretched or torn. For example, a muscle or tendon can be strained by the acceleration of the head in an accident, or by sustaining poor posture at work.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the mechanism of injury, or if it is an acute strain versus a chronic strain. However, common symptoms include pain, swelling, muscle spasms and limited range of motion.

Sprain is an injury to a ligament that may present in small or larger tears or stretching of the fibres.

Causes

A ligament sprain can be caused by a trauma or accident, overextension of the ligament or severely stressing the joint. Strains can be either acute or chronic.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms can vary depending on the mechanism of injury, or if it is an acute sprain versus a chronic strain. However, common symptoms include pain, swelling, muscle spasms and limited range of motion. Some people may also hear or feel a “pop” around the joint.

Examples: Facet joint irritation, sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Causes

Joint dysfunction, commonly presenting as joint pain or discomfort, can occur in the joints of the body.  Joint dysfunction can be caused by degenerative joint disease, joint laxity (too much motion in the joint) or as a result of an injury or trauma.

Symptoms

Symptoms include pain and discomfort locally and/or referred, meaning the pain travels. It can also cause limitations in movement as well as light swelling and redness.

Joint degeneration can be referred to as degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It can typically occur in most people as they age.

Causes

Degeneration of the joint surface, for example, can be accompanied by an overgrowth of bone, narrowing of the joint space and deformity of the joint. Osteoarthritis is a form of joint degeneration and may present in numerous joints of the body including the spine, hips and knees.

There are various factors that have been associated with joint degeneration, such as osteoarthritis, including heredity, injury, fractures and overuse. However, certain conditions can also play a role including metabolic disorders and gout. Furthermore, obesity or being overweight has been associated with a greater risk to develop osteoarthritis of the knee.

Symptoms

The presentation of signs and symptoms can vary greatly depending on the affected joint and area of the body. Generally symptoms may include:

• Pain and discomfort
• Swelling and tenderness to touch
• Joint may be warm to touch
• Prolonged joint stiffness which may follow activity
• Pain worsened by activity or when weight-bearing
• Limitation of motion
• When progressed, crepitus (e.g., creaking or cracking)

Nerve entrapment occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons.

Causes

Nerve entrapment can occur when pressure is applied to a nerve by a structure or tissue including bone, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness or weakness. Yet, entrapment can also be secondary to other factors such as pregnancy due to the increase in water retention and swelling.

Symptoms

The presentation of signs and symptoms can vary greatly depending on the affected joint and area of the body. Generally symptoms may include:

• Sharp, shooting, aching or burning pain
• Numbness or decreased sensation
• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
• Muscle weakness