Understanding Hip Bursitis And Chiropractic

The term bursitis simply means inflammation of the bursa. A bursa is a fluid filled sac that provides a smooth motion for structures with uneven surfaces. There are a few different bursas found in the hip, the one that is injured the most often is the trochanteric bursa. This bursa is located between the bony structure on the outside of the hip or greater trochanter and the tendons that pass over this structure.

This bursa can become injured in various ways. It may be the result of direct trauma such as a fall or through repetitive friction from overuse or misaligned joints. Biomechanical problems such as a misaligned hip joint can result in abnormal tracking of the tendons over the bursa. If the foot is turned out, it can also affect the hip and result in bursitis.

Bursitis of the hip is often noticed when running, climbing up a hill or getting in and out of the car. The symptoms will frequently get worse over time. Pain is usually felt when pushing on the outside of the hip. The pain may also radiate down the outside of the thigh when the tendons and muscles of the leg become involved.

Poor posture, abnormal foot bio-mechanics, misaligned joints, tight muscles and nerve irritation may all play a role in bursitis of the hip. If treatment is not effective, one or more of these factors may need to be looked at more closely. If left untreated, scar tissue may develop over time which can complicate the problem.

The cause of hip bursitis may stem from a misaligned pelvis, hip or joint in the leg or foot which can alter the proper biomechanics of the hip. These can lead to functional changes of the hip resulting in inflammation of the bursa. Using cryotherapy or ice is important to help minimize the inflammation of the bursa. Rest is also important to allow healing and preventing more injury. Runners should avoid running on hard or uneven surfaces which may result in pressure on the bursa. Orthotics can help provide support for the feet and help to avoid abnormal bio-mechanics in the leg which leads to hip problems.

Chiropractors can provide a variety of effective treatment options to effectively manage the various root causes of hip bursitis. Chiropractic adjustments are effective to correct misaligned joints to help restore normal bio-mechanics in the leg and hip. This will help take abnormal pressure off the bursa and restore normal function.

Challenges in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Hip and Knee

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is the one typically associated with aging. According to data compiled by the National Institutes of Health (NIAMS), OA affects more than 20 million Americans.

OA is a disease due to abnormal cartilage metabolism. Cartilage is the connective tissue that lines the ends of long bones. It is tough gristly material consisting of a matrix of proteoglycans and collagen. Within this framework, cells, called chondrocytes, manufacture the matrix.

OA can be a result of genetics (there is often a family history), injury to the joint, and aging.

Weight bearing areas such as the spine, hips, knees, and the base of the thumb are the most common areas affected.

Symptoms of OA include joint pain, swelling, limited range of motion of the joint, and stiffness.

Treatment of this disorder has been largely aimed at symptom reduction. Among the various treatments used have been analgesics (pain killers), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), which help reduce swelling and inflammation, injections of corticosteroid and viscosupplements (lubricants), physical therapy, and eventually joint surgery.

Different types of alternative therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicines, and supplements have also been used.

These treatments, while helpful for symptoms, do nothing to restore cartilage. The end result is that patients end up needing joint replacement.

More recently, there have been attempts to heal cartilage defects. Procedures that have been employed include:

1. Autologous chondrocyte implantation. In this procedure, cartilage cells are removed from a non-weight bearing part of the joint, arthroscopically, grown in a lab, and then re-implanted into the cartilage defect.

2. Mosaicplasty. Multiple cartilage plugs are harvested from a non weight-bearing part of the joint and inserted into the cartilage defect.

3. Microfracture. The cartilage defect has multiple small holes drilled into it to allow blood and a few stem cells escape into the defect and ostensibly grow cartilage.

While these procedures have been used for small isolated cartilage defects- mostly in athletes- none of these procedures has been used extensively for osteoarthritis. In addition, long term data regarding efficacy has been mixed.

So the problem remains... What can be done to restore cartilage?

The most promising approach appears to be the use of autologous stem cell transplantation. In this procedure, bone marrow harvested from the posterior iliac crest of the patient is concentrated to isolate stem cells. Then using a combination of platelet-derived growth factors, subcutaneous fat, and a few other ingredients, the stem cells are reapplied in a regional manner to treat the osteoarthritic joint.

It must be mentioned that the pain of OA is not due directly to cartilage loss. Rather the pain is a result of several factors including irritation of the joint capsule due to bony spurs, called osteophytes, as well as inflammation of the synovium, the lining of the joint.

However, there are significant barriers when it comes to the used of stem cells. First, patients need to be at or near ideal weight. Second, they must be in good physical condition. And lastly there are biomechanical factors that must be considered. For instance, the knee is not just a hinge joint that bends back and forth. There is also a gliding component as well as a rotation component with normal knee range of motion.

The hip is a joint that is capable of significant range of motion. Most osteoarthritis develops in the superior portion of the joint and that also makes the treatment approach difficult since there is a tremendous amount of load strain that accompanies weight bearing.

The upshot is that with cartilage deterioration, there are altered biomechanics that need to be taken into account when treating an osteoarthritic joint, whether it's the knee or the hip.

Limited weight-bearing after the procedure is critical and an early program of directed physical therapy is also required.

Attempts to normalize the abnormal biomechanics are critical.

While the early data for stem cell transplantation looks promising, longer term data, and continued improvements in techniques should improve the long term outlook for patients.

Hip Replacement Surgery - Helpful Gadgets That Help With Mobility Challenges

Hip replacement surgery is no fun, especially the fifth time around. Let me explain. At first my husband had his right hip replaced. After surgery, he went to rehab for a couple of weeks and when he came home he was fairly self-sufficient. A year later he had the left hip replaced. Having been through surgery just a year prior he knew what to do to speed up his recovery. We were happy to have the surgeries behind us and glad we did them. My husband could walk without the terrible pain in his hips. We of course thought this was the end of hip surgeries.

Approximately 8 years later my husband called me from work because he had terrible chills and wanted me to bring him a sweater. By the time I got to him he was not making much sense so I took him directly to the emergency room of our local hospital. After several hours it was determined he had a serious staph infection ( not MRSA fortunately) in his left hip. The doctors still don't know what caused it. He needed to have the left prostheses removed and be on antibiotics for 6 weeks. This surgery left him without a hip joint and he was unable to move his left leg. Also, being 8 years older than when he had his first surgery, he was not quite as strong as he was back then. He could not get around as well by himself as the first time around. We needed additional gadgets to help with every day tasks.

Getting in and out of the car was an ordeal because he had to twist and bend to get onto the seat. At first we put a plastic bag on the seat to make it more slippery but it kept crumbling up and falling on the floor. I finally discovered a seat that swivels and a handy bar gadget to put in the car door frame to hold on to as an aid in getting into the car (both inexpensive). Getting in and out of the car became easier and less painful.

After three months we scheduled surgery to get a new hip joint. Unfortunately the infection came back, and he had to have surgery again to wash out the infection and wait four more months for surgery without a hip joint.

Finally he had surgery, but had to wear a brace for 3 months which again limited his mobility. During that time I embarked on a search for inexpensive products to help improve his mobility and give me a break. I also found some entertaining things to do to maintain our sanity during nine months of constant togetherness. Today, he is walking with the use of a walker and the brace will be removed next month. Meanwhile, the arthritis in my hands is causing me some issues, so I think I need to find some nifty little gadgets to help me out!

If you have found yourself in a situation whereby you need a little bit of help with mobility challenges, please visit my website where you will find unique, inexpensive gadgets to help get in and out of the car, help in the bedroom and bathroom and some fun things to do.

Top Tips To Treat And Prevent Hip Pain

This century was not kind to the hip. From the hula hoop to hip-hop, boogie-woogie to break dancing, the joint was jumping, bumping, and grinding at a mind-swiveling pace. If anything we can do like, swinging your hips on the dance floor, walking to the post office, or just doing a few stretching exercises every day helps keep the muscles and bones of the joint strong. But we have gotten away from doing those things. The majority of Americans have become couch potatoes, and they are paying a price for it later in life in the form of thinner, weaker bones and an increased potential for hip fractures. But it is never too late to ease hip pain, strengthen weak bones, and reduce your susceptibility to hip fractures. Here are some of the ways that can be easily treated with these simple methods.

Take away some pounds. There is proving evidence that you will take two or three pounds of pressure off your hips for each pound you lose. Therefore, getting rid of excess body weight can help to relieve the strain on your hips. As you get older, it becomes more difficult for your muscles to offset your increased weight. As a result, your joints bear more and more load, and they degenerate. So keeping your weigh down and staying fit are two of the best things you can do to preserve your hips.

Use heat. Occasionally you may feel pain in your hip, consider using heat. Try placing an electric heating pad over your hip for 20 minutes three or four times a day. If you do not have a heating pad, try to soak a towel in hot water and wiring it out.

Use an assistance device. A cane or walker can be your best friend if it eases your hip pain and helps you to stay independent. If you need a cane or walker for stability, be sure that it is the right size. If not, then this device will increase your hip pain, rather than relieving it. Ask your doctor to recommend a medical supply store where you can be properly measured and outfitted with an appropriate cane or walker.

Use ice. If heat is not helping, apply ice where you feel hip pain to help reduce pain and swelling. At the same time, to help to protect your skin, put a towel between your skin and the ice. Ice may be used fro 15 to 20 minutes every one to two waking hours.

Be more able with a cane. When you use a cane, hold it in the hand opposite the injured hip. Move it forward at the same time that you step out with your injured hip, so you are distributing weight away from your bad hip and onto the cane. Then move your good hip forward as you take another stride.

Look for reliable relief. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can reduce the swelling and ease the hip pain caused by arthritis, and other muscle or joint injuries. Make sure to alert you doctor if the recommended dosage on the label does not help at all. You may have a hip fracture or another serious underlying problem that should be evaluated.

Relieve the ache. When getting out of a car, lift and swing both legs out of the door before standing. By rotating on your rear instead of twisting your pelvis, you will lessen the strain on your back and hips. If you step out of the vehicle one leg at a time, you will put yourself in a position that will aggravate your hips.

Fighting Osteoarthritis: An All Natural Approach to Relief

Osteoarthritis is a form of joint disease that develops when cartilage deteriorates. Over time, the space between bones narrows and the surface of the bones change shape, leading eventually to friction and joint damage. Osteoarthritis can affect more than one joint in the body, but affects some more than others.

There are numerous causes of osteoarthritis. Some examples include:

Endocrine: Diabetes a disorder of the endocrine system may promote osteoarthritis. Other endocrine disorders also may increase risk, including acromegaly, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, and obesity. Diabetes can also cause nerve problems which cause loss of sensation in the limbs and joints, causing the body not to recognize when it is injured.

Inflammatory joint disease: This includes infected joints, chronic gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid disease.

Congenital: Abnormal anatomy such as unequal leg length may cause osteoarthritis.
Metabolic: Diseases causing errors of metabolism may cause osteoarthritis. Examples include Paget's disease and Wilson disease.

Genetic: A genetic defect may promote breakdown of cartilage. Examples include collagen disturbances such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Posttraumatic: There are many traumatic injuries of the joint that can promote osteoarthritis, such as a broken bone that heal out of alignment causing loss of stability, or damage to the joint cartilage. Microtraumas that occur over time, such as repetitive movements, or overuse can contribute to osteoarthritis.

Other causes include nutritional problems, hemophilia, and sickle cell.

Treatment of osteoarthritis begins by eliminating risk factors, early diagnosis and monitoring progression of the disease, and treatment of pain. Regaining mobility is important. The common course of treatment includes physical and occupational therapy, weight reduction, exercise, assistive devices (orthoses) drug therapy, and surgery.

Osteoarthritis increases aggregate health care expenditures by $186 billion annually. Osteoarthritis raised aggregate annual medical care expenditures in the U.S. by $185.5 billion according to researchers from Stony Brook University. The cost of Medication and surgery for osteoarthritis is significant. The average annual medication cost per individual is $4,434.50. Out-of-pocket medication expense averages $1,036.50 per person annually. These averages do not include the cost of office visits.

There are over 100 medications for osteoarthritis. However, most of these possess harmful side effects that are often worse than the symptoms of osteoarthritis. One of the most popular of these is Celebrex. On the Celebrex page of the website Rx List (rxlist.com), the first thing you are hit with are these two health warning associated with Celebrex:

WARNING

CARDIOVASCULAR AND GASTROINTESTINAL RISKS

Cardiovascular Risk

CELEBREX (celecoxib) may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. All nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may have a similar risk. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk.

CELEBREX (celecoxib) is contraindicated for the treatment of perioperative pain in the setting of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Gastrointestinal Risk

NSAIDs, including CELEBREX (celecoxib), cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious gastrointestinal events.

See rxlist.com/celebrex-drug.htm

According to rxlist.com the following is not a COMPLETE list of side effects associated with Celebrex.

Possible side effects of Celebrex

Serious side effects:

Chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; black, bloody, or tarry stools; coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; swelling or rapid weight gain; urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; or bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, and muscle weakness.

Less serious side effects may include:

Upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; dizziness, nervousness, headache; skin rash, itching; blurred vision; or ringing in your ears.

OTHER WARNINGS:
Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Another factor to consider in treating osteoarthritis with Celebrex and other similar drugs is the toxicity that builds up in our bodies from the use of prescription medication.

Due to the high number of side effects and other health risks, millions are now turning away from modern healthcare and turning to natural health alternatives, which provide a much safer treatment alternative.

What alternatives exist for osteoarthritis sufferers? In recent years the popularity of Glucosamine and Chondroitin products, such as Schiff Glucosamine Plus MSM 1500mg or a blend such as Doctor's Best Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM has continued to increase substantially.

Results from several well-designed scientific studies suggest that glucosamine supplements may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, particularly osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. In general, these studies suggest that glucosamine reduces pain, improves function in people with hip or knee osteoarthritis, reduces joint swelling and stiffness, and provides relief from osteoarthritis symptoms for up to 3 months after treatment is stopped. Most studies have shown that glucosamine needs to be taken for 2 - 4 months before it is effective, although you may feel some improvement sooner. Glucosamine and chondroitin can be used along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat osteoarthritis.

Other natural alternatives include:

Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids come in many forms, such as, but not limited to, Chinook salmon, sardines, cooked soybeans, baked or broiled halibut, steamed or broiled shrimp, raw tofu, baked or broiled snapper, and baked or broiled scallops. However, when your diet just doesn't contain enough of these omega-3 rich foods, there are numerous supplements available, such as Trident Krill Oil, 1000 mg, or Schiff MegaRed Omega-3 Krill Oil 300 mg.

Avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASU): A few preliminary studies suggest that this natural vegetable extract may help reduce the symptoms of OA and possible even slow progression of the disease. ASU is available in supplements such as, ASU300-Avocado Soy Unsaponifiables, w/SierraSil, Nutramax Laboratories Incorporated - Avoca Asu, and Cosamin ASU Active People Capsule.

Devil's Claw: Several studies support the use of Devils claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as an anti-inflammatory to relieve pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee, hip, and back. Devil's Claw is a desert plant found in the South African desert. For centuries the native people of the South African desert dried this root to treat pain. The most popular Devil's Claw supplements include: Nature's Way - Se Devil's Claw, 350 mg, and Nature's Answer Devil's Claw Root, 1-Ounce liquid.

Other natural alternatives include: Ginger, Willow Bark, Capsaicin cream, and boswellia. There are several natural cream blends such as Now Foods Joint Support Cream.

Take back control of your health by learning more about natural health alternatives today.

CCL Knee Surgery and Rehabilitation

A dog's cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL ligament in humans, when torn may need repaired by an orthopedic surgeon. The following information relates to recent experiences with the tightrope technique of repair.

Our 4 year old Doberman tore her CCL running up and down a steep hill at top speeds and quickly coming to a stop and turning to run back in the other direction. The first signs of a problem were slight limping. She appeared as if she hurt a muscle in her leg and needed to rest it. After a day or two of not running, she no longer exhibited any symptoms. As the summer went on, the limping happened more frequently. We took her to a vet that x-rayed her hips to see if dysplasia was the issue. Her left side showed a slight irregularity in the hip joint so the prognosis was the pain was coming from that and she was given some pain medicine and put on joint supplements. The instructions were to let her run and use her joints just like when a human has a sore joint it is better to utilize the joint to keep it strong. Unfortunately the more she ran, the more problems she exhibited. Upon taking her to a different vet, they began looking at her knees and that the problem might lie there noticing a slight bulge next to her knee joint. We were then sent to a surgeon specializing in this area. Upon testing, they were immediately aware it was related to her CCL and we were presented with the surgery options.

We selected a relatively new procedure called a tightrope. This is less evasive than the metal bone plate implant with teeth like claws that go into the bone and requires part of the bone be cut. The tightrope wraps around the joint, through a small hole in the bone, and is tied in a knot. The knot does not protrude through the skin as it is tucked under the muscle. The main incision along the knee is approximately 6" in length with another small incision on the inside of the knee of 2", both held in place with staples.

After surgery, there is a long 8 week rehabilitation time. For the first 2 weeks an e-collar is required in order for the dog not to lick the incision to eliminate possible infection. The surgeon stated that if the incision becomes infected, it could get inside the leg and once that happens, it would adhere to the implant and there would be no way to get rid of it and the implant would have to be removed and replaced. Also for the first 2 weeks, the dog needs to be confined to a small area that has solid footing. The risk of slipping needs to be eliminated due to if the dog slips and falls prior to complete healing, the implant could be damaged. Also, they are not to go up and down stairs during this time as well. When it's time to go outside, the dog must be on a lead and during the first 2 weeks a sling is utilized. The sling is placed under the dog's belly and held with straps along with the lead. The sling is not used to pick up the dog and not allow them to utilize their repaired knee, but instead is in place to be a source to prevent them from falling allowing you to catch them should they slip.

The instructions for the entire 8 weeks is that your dog cannot go outside by themselves off lead. After the initial 2 weeks, they can be let into other areas of the home to walk around with you. However, there are still issues with slipping and falling which should be addressed. Consider laying down throw rugs if you have wood or tile floors to prevent slipping. Even though your dog may appear to be feeling better, she is still not completely healed so we need to be cautious and attempt to eliminate possible hazards.

After 2 weeks, we took her back to the surgeon to have the staples removed. At this time, the rehabilitation begins. For the first week after staple removal, we were instructed the dog can be taken on one 15-minute walk a day. The next week the walk is to be increased to one 20-minute walk a day. The next week and the remaining time the walks are increased to two walks per day of 15-20 minutes each. It is recommended if there are any hills along the path, it would be good to allow them to walk up and down those to help build strength. There are also exercises you can do with the affected leg to assist with range of motion. A physical therapist can also be used and one of the techniques they may utilize is a water treadmill.

The most difficult part of this process is the dog cannot rationalize the situation and that being kept in one room of the home with limited access is good for them. Even just into the recovery, my dog wanted to play, was anxious to be let out of the living room, and was bored. Even though she appeared healed, there was evidence she was not fully utilizing her repaired leg. The majority of her weight for several weeks was on three legs. This was evident by her "tapping" her repaired leg. When standing, she would tap her foot on the floor thereby not placing full weight on it. The surgeon stated this is common and that over time with rehabilitation, she would gain the strength back and be back to normal placing equal weight on all four legs.

The above information is what I experienced following the procedure which might provide some insight if you are considering the surgery for your dog. However, for specific medical details, advice from your veterinarian or a specialist is critical.

Eucalyptus Oil Benefits: Helps With Pain and Inflammation

Eucalyptus oil comes from the Eucalyptus tree, which grows naturally in Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and parts of the Philippines. With more than 700 species of Eucalyptus, many types are cultivated all over the world. Eucalyptus oil is steam distilled from the leaves of the tree, and is used in numerous types of products for many different purposes. It has a mint-like quality that makes it popular for candy, throat drops, toothpaste, and some cough medicines, especially those for pain relief. In addition to that, it has insect-repellent properties that make it a great natural option for outdoor use.

Benefits

There are many, many different benefits of this oil. It works to help heal infections, including respiratory tract infections, staphylococcus, and streptococcus. It's very helpful for asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis and whooping cough. It also helps settle upset stomachs, helps reduce and prevent acne, treats fungal infections, stimulates the appetite, and is great for the liver, gallbladder, and to stimulate blood flow. One of the most important Eucalyptus oil benefits is pain relief, especially for individuals who suffer from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint pain.

Cineole

One of the most important things found in Eucalyptus Oil is Cineole. This substance is antimicrobial, and works to kill (and guard against) bacteria like Candida, Staph, and Strep. Cineole may be what is responsible for helping Eucalyptus oil break up chest congestion and heal respiratory illnesses. The species Eucalyptus Polybractea (Blue Mallee Eucalyptus) is found only in Australia, and boasts the highest content of Cineole of any Eucalyptus species. The Eucalyptus oil from this species is particularly good with pain relief as well as soothing the symptoms of joint pain and arthritis.

Combining with Other Oils

Eucalyptus oil is often mixed with other types of oil to combine the medicinal qualities. When this happens, substances in Eucalyptus oil react with those other oils to boost pain-relieving qualities as well as joint stiffness, other arthritis symptoms, cold symptoms, and infections. It's most beneficial when mixed with Tea Tree oil, mint oils such as Spearmint or Peppermint and Vanilla. It's sometimes mixed with lemon for cough and cold solutions and for skin application, it can be mixed with Olive oil or another "carrier" oil to deliver the Eucalyptus oil to the underlying tissue.

When it comes to pain relief, arthritis relief and cough and cold relief, Eucalyptus oil benefits are many. The best thing about it is that it can be used as a natural treatment for those who don't want to rely on a prescription or harsh chemicals that may do more damage than good.

Lower Back Pain - The Role Of Hamstrings

Lower back pain is most commonly from spinal nerve root L5 irritation followed by the S1 nerve root. Both nerve roots are strongly represented in the buttock muscle (gluteus maximus: predominant S1) and the inner thigh muscle (adductor magnus: the lower part L5, S1), hamstring muscles (L5 and S1), gluteus medius (predominant L5) and tensor fascia lata (predominant L5).
There are two parts tto the long hamstring muscles, the outer part (has one lateral muscle) and the inner part has (two medial) muscles. There is also another muscle known as the short hamstring muscle. The long hamstring muscles arise from the pelvic bone area known as the ischial tuberosity (this bone is under the buttock muscle and we place pressure on this bone when we sit). Thus the long hamstring muscles come from above the hip. They end (insert) on the leg bones. The short hamstring muscle arises from below the hip from the thigh bone. The long hamstring muscles receive their nerve supply through the sciatic nerve whereas the short hamstring muscle is supplied by the common peroneal nerve.

Whenever a muscle is tight, you must always consider the balance in strength between the muscles on opposite sides of the joint. In the case with the hamstrings, they act from behind to straighten the hip joint (extend) and bend the knee joint (flex). So the strength of the muscles in the front of the hip that bend the hip and thigh up (flex) and the muscles in the front of the knee that will straighten the knee (extend) are important to balance the action of the hamstrings.
Therefore, if the muscles that straighten the hip joint (extensors) are weak, the muscles that bend the hip and thigh upward (flexors) will be automatically stronger. This itself will make the hip extensors (gluteus maximus, adductor magnus) weaker since they will now be stretched beyond their optimal length.

Hamstring muscles do have an effect on straightening the hip, provided the knee is straight. However, when we are sitting down, the hamstring muscles do not have much effect on straightening the hip (extension). The action of the hamstrings will therefore be most prominent for bending the knee. The sitting position with knees bent thus puts the hamstring muscles to become short and tight behind the knee.

The sitting position also puts the rectus femoris and tensor fascia lata muscle at the front of the knee to be stretched across the knee. Since these muscles straighten the knee, they will be stretched beyond optimal length when the knee is in a bent position such as in sitting. This stretch effect is made worse since both these muscles are already shortened when the person sits since these two muscles are responsible for bending the hip also.

The setting for the tightness of the hamstrings at the knee thus stems from weakness of the lower back muscles and the muscles that surround the hip from behind (gluteus maximus, adductor magnus) and from the outer aspect (gluteus medius and tensor fascia lata).

Therefore tightness of the hamstring muscles cannot be accomplished just by stretching the hamstring muscles. Shortening contractions have to be performed to muscles constantly exposed to lengthening contractions. These include perform shortening contractions to the spinal muscles from neck to the base of the spine. At the hip, shortening contractions have to be performed to the gluteus maximus and adductor magnus muscles which have nerve related muscle weakness in the presence of constant exposure to lengthening contractions.

Shortening contractions have to be performed also for the tensor fascia lata and the rectus femoris muscles. Since these muscles have to be selectively activated, the treatment of choice is motor point stimulation using eToims Twitch Relief method.
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Safe and Affordable Treatments For Dog Hip and Joint Pain

The Dog's Body

A dog's skeleton provides its agility and endurance. The strong front legs bear more than 60% of the animal's weight, yet still permit flexibility and nimbleness. The hind legs, attached to massive muscles, enable powerful acceleration and help to maintain running speed.

The canine skeletal system is a marvel of bones, cartilage and ligaments. It protects the internal organs and provides a full range of motion. The muscles furnish the power to propel the dog into action, but without healthy bones, joints and connective tissue, the muscles cannot do their job.

Joints, the skeletal hinges, give the skeleton flexibility for walking, trotting, running and moving the head and neck to increase field of vision. The joints are lubricated for smooth action by synovial fluid and are stabilizied by tendons and ligaments. When the joints are damaged by injury or disease; arthritis (joint inflammation) can invade the joint.

Causes of Joint Pain: Canine Osteoarthritis and Dysplasia

Dogs of all sizes and breeds may suffer from arthritis. Generally, bigger dogs and larger, more active breeds tend to be more susceptible to arthritis but no specific breed is immune to joint issues. Additionally, it is important to research what sort of ailments a specific breed may be prone to when it becomes clear your dog is experiencing a problem. Certain breeds have tendencies to develop joint pain in specific areas. Dysplasia, for example is common in Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers.

Joint deterioration is a very slow process and excruciating pain does not develop overnight. Rather, the animal will tend to become more and more lethargic over an extended period of time as the dysplasia and/or arthritis worsen. Most veterinarians will look closely at the dog's gait or walking style. The joints in the legs and and hips are usually the first to go and many times a diagnosis can be made within the dog's first few steps. X-rays may be required to get a good idea of what the doing is going through. In more severe cases the dog may actually favor the particular area of their body that is hurting and make an effort not to put any weight on a certain leg or foot. In these cases it is important to consult a professional for a diagnosis, as what seems like arthritis may be a different, more serious problem.

Treating Joint Pain

Rehabilitation/Physical Therapy

Believe it or not, many businesses are now incorporating physical therapy for dogs in their service offerings. Just as physical therapy in people has continued to gain popularity, more and more people are turning to physical therapists to help their dogs work through problems. Many times, a dog may have a flawed walking style or may need a little extra coaxing to lose excess weight that may cause problems down the road. Having an obese dog is a fast track to joint issues. Many of the concepts that apply to humans and the development of arthritis carry over to the health of our animals. It's difficult to guesstimate how expensive these types of services can be as it really depends on the specific issues the animal is dealing with and what will be prescribed (ultrasound, treadmill, swimming, etc).

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be the best option to help restore the dog's lifestyle to its original state. There are a wide range of surgical procedures a Veterinarian may prescribe, ranging from minor arthroscopic work to entire hip replacements. It's not surprising that surgery is by far the most expensive option for handling hip and joint pain. In some cases, it is deemed the only option and there is little choice to be made. The costs of surgery range widely based on the size and breed of the dog as well as the severity and cause of their pain. Surgery used to be much more common treatment, today more and more people are seeking out alternatives.

NSAIDS

NSAIDs stands for "nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs." Just as with people, NSAIDs can provide much needed relief for dogs suffering from pain. The drugs help the animal to deal with pain as well as reduce inflammation and stiffness to thwart some of the pain from becoming an issue in the first place. While NSAIDs can be effective, they can also have some very serious side effects including vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases, death. Some of the newer NSAIDs are considered safer but still have potentially harmful side effects. Here is a good article from About.com that outlines many of the side effects and popular NSAIDs that are commonly prescribed: About.com. Additionally, here is a site that talks specifically about Rimadyl, perhaps the most popular NSAID: Rimadyl Article

Supplements Containing Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine

While it is already present in the body, glucosamine is typically sourced from shellfish, including chitin and lobster.

Widely renowned for its uses as a joint supplement in humans for years, glucosamine is making waves in the veterinary world. Today, glucosamine is still unregulated in the pet care industry but has been recognized by many professionals as helpful in the care of hips and joints. Glucosamine is the most commonly used chondroprotective supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis and glucosamine HCL is the most effective. An amino sugar is incorporated into the joint cartliage where the cartilage cells rapidly take up the glucosamine and helps stimulate the synthesis of joint fluid and the production of glucosaminoglycans in cartilage. Glucosamine is very effective in minimizing inflammation as well as helping cartilage to resist damage and deterioration. However, unlike NSAIDs, glucosamine has absolutely no negative side effects. Most pets supplements that contain glucosamine often commonly contain chondroitin as well.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin exists in many forms. Most forms of chondroitin are sourced from bovine trachea, birds, and sharks. Many sources consider chondroitin sourced from shark to be the highest quality form available. Additionally, the use of chondroitin from bovine trachea bars any chance of Mad Cow Disease from being present in the supplement. Mad Cow is not as much of a concern these days, but is certainly considered by pet supplement manufacturers when formulating new products. Along with glucosamine, chondroitin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound. Chondroitin is the major glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage. It helps slow down the enzymes that are destructive to the joint. Since chondroitin production decreases with age, supplements with this compound may be especially helpful for older pets with arthritis.

Today many supplements are produced for pets with both glucosamine and chondroitin. Most of these supplements can be found at your local store or online

Fallen Arches - Are You at Risk For Developing Arthritis?

It may sound like a cliché but our feet, and in particular the arches of our feet, really are the structural foundations of our body. Fallen arches is a term used to describe complete flattening out of the arch. When the arch flattens out the foot loses much of its biomechanical functioning. In addition the biomechanics of the knee, hip and low back are adversely affected when the arch of the foot loses its structural integrity.

The arch of the foot maintains it structural integrity with the help of the muscles, tendon and ligaments. The proper functioning of the arch depends on the proper functioning of all three of these elements. You actually want the arch to flatten out during walking or running so that the foot can act as a shock absorber. However at the end of the step you need the arch to re-lock and turn the foot back into a firm lever arm for push-off. Excess body weight, excessive running, walking or even standing can lead to stretching of the ligaments, tendons and muscles that keep the arch locked. This can eventually lead to complete flattening of the arch.

When the arch collapses the foot is unable to act as a firm lever arm to push-off and propel you forward during walking or running. As a result the muscles of the lower leg have to work much harder in order to propel you forward. This causes pain and fatigue of the lower leg, pain in the foot and pain on the front of the leg. In addition the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot gets overly stretched and strained leading to the painful condition know as plantar fasciitis.

The foot and lower leg are not the only areas where fallen arches can cause problems. When the arch collapses the rest of the body has to compensate. As a result the other joints become unbalanced and do not function properly. For example, the proper functioning of the knee depends upon the body weight being evenly distributed over the entire joint. When the knee has to compensate for a flattened arch, the outside of the knee is forced to take more of the load than the inside. This overloads the cartilage on that side of the knee, causes pain on that side of the knee and increases the risk for developing arthritis. In addition the muscles, ligaments and tendons on the other side of the knee are stretched and strained which can cause pain and knee instability (for more information see knee pain). We could make similar analysis for the joints of the hip and low back but the point I am trying to make is that the biomechanics of the foot is important for the proper functioning of the rest of the body. Although the explanation of the problem can be somewhat complicated the solution to this problem is relatively simple. A properly designed arch support or custom foot orthotic will hold the correct shape of the arch. This in turn allows the foot to work as a firm lever arm. An arch support will align the joints of the ankle, which in turn balances out the knee, hip and low back. A simple arch support can solve a lot of problems without medications, surgery. Yet it is amazing how many people walk around everyday in pain when the solution is so simple. This simple solution is an arch support.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome

I'm no expert, simply someone who suffered with an injury to my rotator cuff and took a keen interest in it as a result. Understanding the injury was the first step to recovery. Having gone through this painful condition myself and made a full recovery it seemed sensible to write down my experience for others.

The rotator cuff is a band of four muscles that help to move and stabilise the shoulder joint. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint but unlike the hip joint the socket is made up of cartilage rather than bone and the ball of the joint isn't enclosed as it is in the hip joint but sits in a shallow socket, being held in place by the group of muscles that make up the rotator cuff.

This allows the shoulder to go through the wide range of movement that we enjoy but also leaves us open to one of the most common shoulder injuries which is rotator cuff syndrome.

Rotator Cuff Syndrome can effect any of these four muscles, either through general wear and tear as we get older or through a specific injury. In my case it was down to lifting badly and tearing one of the muscles. Because of the damage the tendons of the muscle can become inflamed. As these muscles run under and over the bones of the shoulder this inflammation can cause pain. This is known as shoulder impingement.

Always get a shoulder injury checked out by a doctor as it is important to rule out other problems before arriving at the diagnosis of rotator cuff syndrome.

The injury can take several months to repair and in some cases surgery is recommended to try to repair the damage, usually followed by physiotherapy. Steroid injections and treatment with anti inflammatory drugs can also help. In my case the steroids alleviated the symptoms short term but within about six weeks the pain had returned and I was offered surgery. It was whilst waiting for that surgery that I started to research the subject and discovered that physiotherapy is used in most shoulder injuries as part of the fix. So after a bit more research I started some shoulder specific exercises aimed at strengthening the rotator cuff, which in turn strengthen the whole shoulder joint.

I started with very small shoulder movements, being careful to avoid any pain as this was a sign of possible injury. As the weeks went on I was able to increase the exercises in terms of difficulty and time. After a couple of months I ended up pain free, with full movement and a shoulder that felt as good as new. I have since postponed the surgery to see how my shoulder holds up but three months on I am confident that the surgery will be cancelled.

Labral Tear In The Hip - Braces For Support

1.) What is a Labrum?

The labrum is a term that describes the type of cartilage that surrounds ball and socket joints. This is found in both the shoulder and hip joints. The labrum will form a ring that is located around the edge of the bony socket of either the hip or shoulder joint. It serves to provide stability to the joint by deepening the socket, while also providing the joint with needed flexibility and motion.

2.) Injuries To The Labrum - 2 Types

Injuries that can occur to the labrum have been recognized as a possible source of discomfort and pain. Although labral tears in the shoulder area are more common, labral tears in the hip do occur regularly as well. In general, there are two different kinds of labral tears in the hip.

A.) Degenerative tears: a chronic injury that can occur after repetitive use or activities. These kinds of tears can be seen in the early stages of hip arthritis.

B.) Traumatic injuries: When an individual suffers a traumatic hip labral tear, it is typically an acute injury that is associated with a sports injury, sudden fall, or an accident. Often times, labral tears of this kind are caused by sudden twists that can cause immediate hip pain.

3.) What Are the Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear?

A hip labral tear can be hard to diagnose sometimes because is simliar in its symptoms to other issues like a groin strain, sports hernia or snapping hip syndrome. The following are common symptoms of what could be a labral tear:

• Groin pain
• Clicking and snapping sensations in the hip area
• Limited motion of the hip joint

4.) Braces For Support Before or After Surgery

To support the hip and restrict unwanted movements doctors can deploy the use of a hip abduction brace for their patients. This orthosis (brace) can help to limit motion that will further a hip labral tear and any of its painful symptoms. In this way, hip abduction orthoses (braces) can be the conservative measure of treatment that can help to facilitate the healing process either before or after surgery for a patient.

*Note: This is health information. This is good information, but medical advice on bracing for the hip, due to a labral tear, should be provided to you by your local, licensed orthotist. These individuals are brace specialists and can provide you with the best care possible when it comes to braces for the hip.

Dogs and Arthritis and Other Bone Related Illnesses

Adults aren't the only ones that suffer from arthritis and are seeking treatment for arthritis. Believe it or not, our four legged loyal companions also suffer from chronic arthritis pain that develop from their regular day to day activities of fetching balls, running in the park, jumping after that Frisbee.

Dogs develop arthritis in their joints mainly in their front and hind legs. Some common joint problems are chronic shoulder pain, in dogs it is referred to as Osteochonritis Dissecans. This is caused by a piece of bone becoming loose when they are young and also decreased blood flow to the shoulder joint. It is best to ask your veterinarian for the best shoulder pain treatment for your pet. The other sensitive area for arthritis in dogs are their elbow joints and wrist joints. Common elbow joints problem is elbow Dysplasia which is when bone fragments are in the joint and they fail to join. Those of us who suffer from carpal tunnel pain would be able to sympathize with our canine friends. Their wrist arthritis is caused by deterioration of ligaments that support the back of the wrist, also called carpal hyper-extension. As a result they don't put weight on the wrist, which lead to dog arthritis pain.

The lower part of dogs' limbs, the hip, knee, and ankle and ligament problems can develop into arthritis pain and require treatment for arthritis. A hip joint deformity called hip Dysplasia happens during your pets' growth. With hip Dysplasia the femur, or thigh bone, does not sit properly in the pelvic bone and over time causes pain that lead to arthritis and will require treatment for arthritis. The knee joint, actually similar anatomically to the human knee joint, undergoes similar health problems such as cranial cruciate ligament injury. Only in dogs it is called Caudal Cruciate Ligament Injury. It is a very common condition in dogs. Osteochondritis Dissecans is a common problem in the ankle joint, or hock joint as it is referred to in dogs. This is similar to the shoulder condition where a small piece of bone came loose in a small dog and now causes pain and inflammation.

The inflammatory arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common in people and less so in dogs. Nevertheless, just like in people joint pain should be taken seriously and a cause of pain should be identified. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose the problem and provide treatment for arthritis if it is needed.

Power Yoga to Improve Your Posture and Relieve Back Pain

I started yoga at age 50. It was an eye opener. As a martial artist, I've been beaten to a pulp before but my first power yoga session was a killer. The actual session was amazing and my wife told me to perform the relaxation yoga session take a long hot bath before going to bed.

I totally forgot and woke up the next morning acutely aware of muscles I did not knew I had. My major muscle groups felt the way they did after an intense strength training session, the smaller muscles were screaming. I was surprised to find that my normally aching back was fine. That morning when I got up, there was one area of pain missing from my body. The usual lower back pain that I've experienced over the years was not present.

These days I've become more proficient in yoga and enjoy a variety of postures and styles. Like martial arts, yoga works best when we focus on the basics. By continually working on the essentials, we master them and like driving a car, we begin to separate the physical actions from our mental task list.

Most experienced drivers let their bodies handle the details of driving and can listen to the radio without worry or danger of crashing. The same is true of yoga practitioners who become experienced in poses and postures. This is essential for getting past the physical stage of yoga and developing the mental stage.

I made this discovery when I realized one day that my lower back muscles which were always adversely affected by my bad left hip no longer ached from sitting or standing for long periods. I first attributed it to the prolonged stretching from my yoga sessions. When I mentioned this to another more experienced practitioner, she asked me about my stress level. I told her that I was noticeably less stressed since I started regular yoga sessions and even more so when I became proficient in the breathing exercises.

Yoga practice separates the mastery of the body, mind and emotions. Each area gets a workout in yoga; each is offered its own focus for development. This is one reason why sticking to the development of the basics is so important. The spiritual aspects of yoga came to me after I was able to experience the physical forms and relegate their actions to my muscle memory. Only then was I able to effectively move on to the mental and spiritual aspects of yoga.

As a westerner, I tend to favor the simple names for the poses and one of my favorites is the triangle pose or trikonasana. This pose seems easy when you look at it but you can work the entire body with this pose when executed correctly.

This pose requires balance, flexibility and proper breathing. Start by exhaling, and then raise your arms to about shoulder level. Relax your shoulders and pretend that you are standing against a wall. You can actually practice this pose against a wall to get it right. Turn your palms downward and stretch your fingers.

As you breathe out, move your feet about three and a half feet apart and turn your right foot at a 90 degree angle to your left foot.  Your right foot's heel should be in line with your left foot's instep. Be sure to maintain proper balance throughout this pose.

Now maintain your posture as you open your hips and begin to bend from the waist to the right. As you bend toward the right foot, keep your back flat as if you were against a wall. Control your breathing as you go down. Your eyes are focused on the fingers of your left hand. Keep your neck and head in line with your spine. You are now looking up and breathing in a deep steady rhythm as you extend your spine.

You don't need to touch the floor from this position. As a beginner, you simply want to develop form and posture. At this point your hips are tilted and open but you are still flat. Your right hand can touch the lowest point on your knee or shin. Don't over do it at this time. You can explore this pose and increase its difficulty later.

Relax into the pose and breathe evenly. Explore the posture and pay attention to your form.  Exhale as you come up and slowly take your center position. Reverse the pose and do it from the left side. Do this pose three or four times in each side.

Hip Replacement Timing - Why Delaying May Be the Wrong Choice

My world was split into two. With medication I was pretty well pain-free but unable to concentrate or focus on anything at all. Without it I was in serious pain and my mobility was so reduced that I could barely manage stairs let alone leave the house. Diagnosis - severe osteoarthritis. My life had become focused on my hip and the prospect of surgery.

A hip replacement at 52? No! Surely I was too young. I asked my medical friends, who were unanimous in their answers; "delay having a hip replacement for as long as possible". Okay, I thought stoically, I'll hang on. But for how long? How would I know when I'd reached "as long as possible"? How could I factor in the length of time I'd be spending on a waiting list? How was I going to function until then? And was waiting really the right answer? I entered "hip replacement timing" into Google and started reading.

The first thing I learnt was that all weight bearing implants have a finite life. As the two surfaces rub together they shed minute bits of debris. This debris sets up a reaction in the body which loosens the tight fitting implant. A loose implant is a painful implant. Sooner or later it will need to be replaced.

Wear is not just associated with the length of time we have the implant for, it's also about what we do with it. The more active the patient is the greater the rate of wear and young people tend to be more active than their elders. From my point of view one of my desired outcomes from surgery was to get back to an active life. Maybe a bit more subdued than before (no more rock climbing) but still one where I challenged myself physically from time to time.

I learnt also that weight plays a key role in how quickly a weight bearing joint, such as a hip, lasts. Heavier patients wear out their hips faster than lighter ones. This is true for both the original joint and its replacement. Students of mechanical engineering will understand that 1kg of body weight puts approximately 4kg of pressure on a hip joint.

But did any of this really matter? If a hip replacement is a fairly straightforward, routine operation surely they could just change my implant once it wore out? Sadly that isn't the case.

Revision surgery involves taking out the old implant and replacing it with a new one and is considerably more complex. Second time around (let alone third) there is less bone stock to work with and the tissues surrounding the joint, and holding it together, have lost much of their flexibility. Without that flexibility it is harder to align the new implant optimally and correct alignment is crucial to reduce the rate of wear.

There is also a higher chance of a serious post-operative complications following revision work. These are nasty. They include painful dislocation ( a trip to A&E), infections (possibly necessitating the removal of the new implant to clean out the infection) and deep vein thrombosis (potentially fatal!).

The case seemed to be made - delay surgery - let one implant last a life time.

I was convinced. I was convinced for all of 10 minutes which is when I started to think about what that would mean for me. Years more serious pain and heavy duty medication and an ever dwindling life both inside and outside the home.

I started looking for the other side of the argument. Might the new generation of implants come to my rescue?

With traditional implants the hip side of the replacement joint was made of polyethylene, which wears out relatively quickly. Replacing this to give a metal-on-metal implant worked well and extended the life span of the new joint. Better yet was ceramic-on-ceramic - where both sides of the joint are made from a type of metal oxide known as ceramic. This has a very low rate of wear and unlike its metal-on-metal counterparts isn't associated with potentially hazardous metal ion debris. This form of ceramic is the 2nd hardest substance on the planet - the hardest being diamond. Somehow I doubted that would be available on the NHS. Still 2nd hardest sounded good. How long would that last?

Well the jury is still out on that question, mainly because these new prostheses are still evolving and sufficient time hasn't yet gone by to evaluate their wear rate. It is hoped that they'll last between 25-30 years - about double the life of a traditional implant. A quick calculation and I realised I'd only need one more (unless I was heading for a Guinness Book of Records type of life span).

I was already beginning to swing to the sooner rather than later approach when I found some information discussing the physiological problems associated with delaying surgery. Medics have always acknowledged that delaying surgery meant the patient would have to endure increasing pain and lack of mobility but the approach seemed to be it just had to be endured. Now the consequences of long-term severe pain and limited mobility are being recognised.

Whilst waiting for surgery my hip joint would continue to wear away increasing both the amount of pain I experienced and the need for very strong medication. Furthermore this wear might also gradually deform the joint itself and one consequence of that may be that options for less invasive surgery, such as hip resurfacing, were lost.

But it's not just the affected leg that is being damaged. As the "bad" leg become less able to weight bear the "good" leg must take on more of the work. The danger here is that the additional stress on the "good" leg's hip and knee joints will hasten their decline and may even result in further joint replacement work.

And it didn't stop there. All this pain and decreased mobility would result in weight gain, loss of muscle mass, a deterioration in the quality of life and an inability to carry out activities of daily living such as shopping and socialising. It sounded like a recipe for depression as well.

A survey of younger patients undertaken by hip replacement and recovery.com - a one-stop information shop - showed that almost 30% of younger patients felt they should have had surgery earlier and that delaying surgery had significantly affected their lives. Their most often stated concerns were the loss of quality of life and further damage to their joints. One respondent wrote touchingly about how she had not been able to participate in the lives of her growing family due to pain and immobility.

There is no simple answer as to what is the best time. I believe it is imperative that all hip replacement patients understand the advantages and risks in either going for early surgery or delaying it. Such an understanding will allow an informed discussion with the surgeon. If your surgeon radically disagrees with you and you don't accept his reasoning, then ask to be referred to someone whose views more closely match your own.

Some pointers as to when it might be time for the operation:

• When the pain wakes you at night


• When you are taking opiate based medication daily.


• When you can't walk a mile or carry a bag of shopping.


• When you realise you can't look after yourself


• When you're quality of life is significantly diminished.

So did I wait? Well I tried to put it off a bit. I called my consultant who explained that I was already practically bone-on-bone and the maximum I could hold out for was two years. That, we agreed, wouldn't be worth the pain.

I am now 13 weeks post-op and pretty well pain-free. Yesterday I ran up the stairs. I've started going out - shopping and socially. I've got a life again. I love my new hip.

Seven Tips to Help Relieve Dog Joint Pain

Just as the name implies, Dog joint pain means pain that radiates in your dog from his joints. As your dog ages, he will start to have pain in his joints. This ailment is widespread among most breeds of dogs. Aging dogs also experience dog arthritis that begins in dogs as they advance in age, and causes pain in the joints. Here are a few signs that you need to keep an eye on if you think your aging dog is suffering from joint pain.

As most of the causes and effects of dog joint pain is internal, it may be hard to see by simply looking at your dog. Careful observation is about the only way you will be able to see the effects on your dog. If he begins walking in a peculiar manner, he may have joint pain.

If you notice that your dog's appendages are swollen, he most likely is in pain. If you or your vet has diagnosed your pet to have joint pain or arthritis, here are seven tips that may help relieve some of the pain:

1. Make sure he is getting food rich in nutrients. Vitamin and mineral supplements are available for dogs just as they are for humans. They play an important role in a dog's physical health. This is often the first place to look if your dog is in pain. Adjust their diet and try to limit their intake of unhealthy foods. Overweight dogs have a harder time coping with joint pain, and by losing just a few pounds, some of the pain may be lessened.

2. Out with the stairs/steps: If you have steps or stairs around your home, try installing a ramp for your dog to walk on. It is hard on a dog with joint pain to climb stairs, so a ramp can drastically reduce the amount of pain they feel getting up the porch.

3. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise: A body in motion tends to stay in motion, and an arthritic body is no different. Pain should never become an excuse for your dog to quit exercising. It is up to you to ensure your dog gets the exercise he needs. Don't overdo it though. If he begins to get tired, don't push him to exhaustion. Just because he can't run around or chase balls like he used to does not mean he can't go on a stroll with you down the block.

4. Be sure to make nutrition fun for your dog. If he does well in his exercise, give him a treat that is enriched with vitamins. These help with joint and hip development.

5. Make sure your dog has a comfortable bed to sleep on. They even make special beds for dogs that have arthritis. If you don't have a cushy bed for your pet, you might look into getting one.

6. Massage: Just as massage relieves stress and tension in us, it is beneficial to dogs as well. If his joints are hurting, massage them as you would someone's hand. The more you rub, the more relief your pet may feel. Be gentle when you massage your dog. They may try to bite or pull away from you if you do it too hard and hurt them worse. If they seem to relax, you are helping them. Results may not be immediate, but you should see improvement in your pet's walking and range of movement within a few weeks or months.

7. Have wood or tile floors? Cover them! Tile, wood, or vinyl flooring is usually smooth and often times very slick on the surface. Because of this, your dog may have a hard time getting traction and may slip and slide around on them. When a dog has trouble like this, they normally try to compensate by "running". All this normally accomplishes is the dog falling all over the floor. If you can't cover the floors with area rugs or carpeting, get a pet gate to keep Fido out of these areas if at all possible.

Just like dealing with a child, your dog will require patience when you deal with him. Dog Joint Pain may make your dog so slow or sluggish that you become impatient with him. Just remember, he's in pain and try to be sympathetic. Keep in mind that he won't be able to run and play like he used to.

By following the simple tips listed above, you can be a hero to your pet when it comes to relieving some of his pain. Try to refrain from using over the counter "human" pain relieving medication, as these may cause unwanted side effects, some of which may be severe.

How To Reduce Hip Pain

Hip pain is something that most people commonly associate with advanced age, and most people will recall having seen movies or advertisements showing old people hobbling about while complaining loudly of the agony their hips were causing them. While it is certainly true that pain in the hip is common among older individuals, mostly due to the onset of joint pain from arthritis, there are other causes of such pain. Young people can also experience this type of pain due to physical injuries or simply from overuse.

Physical Therapy

One of the best ways to reduce pain from the hip is through physical therapy. Physical therapy can help you both reduce the pain that you feel and to improve the range of motion and mobility of your hip. This is particularly true in the case of physical injuries, where certain muscles need to be rehabilitated or trained to take over the duties of injured tendons and ligaments. One of the best forms of physical therapy that has consistently shown effective results in providing pain relief is chiropractic treatment.

The very first thing that your chiropractor will do when you schedule your first session will be to go through your medical history in detail. It is important that your chiropractor know the exact cause of your pain, what injuries or medical conditions you may have had, and what treatment you have already had, if any. This will enable your chiropractor to accurately assess the extent of your problem and determine just which type of treatment is appropriate for you.

The most common treatment for pain in the hips is chiropractic adjustment, where the joints are manipulated and adjusted to relieve tension within those joints. This tension is a common contributor to joint pains and by realigning the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the joints, you make it easier and faster for your body to heal itself. You will probably also be prescribed certain exercises or stretches to do on your own at home to keep your body limber and help your hip regain its full range of motion.

Rehabilitative Exercises

One problem that chiropractors and therapists often face is patients not playing their part in their own recovery. Your therapist can only do so much in scheduled sessions with you, and it is really up to you to perform the required exercises at home in order to improve your condition. Some patients give up because these exercises are tiring or cause additional pain, but it is occasionally necessary to endure additional hardships in order to set yourself properly on the road to recovery.

You can also do hip strengthening exercises even if you have not been prescribed such exercises. You should use pain as a guide if you are thinking of doing your own exercises. If an exercise causes you pain, then you should stop immediately and either do a different exercise or consult your chiropractor or therapist first. By combining rehabilitative exercises with proper chiropractic treatment and physical therapy, you maximize your chances of recovering from whatever is causing you hip pain.

SuperFeet Green Insoles Will Make Hiking a Breeze

Problems in your ankles, knees, hip or back may be related to your feet. The health of your feet has a dramatic impact on the health of your body. Many people do not realize that instability in the foot can lead to painful skeletal alignment issues. Feet that are not properly aligned cause the ankles to try and compensate for the misalignment which, in turn, leads to knees trying to compensate for the now improperly aligned ankles, next the hip and back all become misaligned as they all try to compensate for the other misaligned joints.

Because the feet are the foundation of the entire skeletal system, even a slight misalignment can allow the arch to collapse and cause foot pain to spread to the knees, hips, back shoulders and neck. Strained muscles, spinal distortion and poor posture can follow. Without a firm foundation to hold your body's infrastructure in place, the sensation of comfort is only temporary.

IMPROPER ALIGNMENT CAN CAUSE:

• Foot and ankle pain

• Knee stress

• Hip joint stress

• Lower back strain

• Spinal distortion

• Neck strain

While cheap generic cushioned insoles that are made with gel or soft foam that may seem comfortable at first, the lack of firm support will soon become apparent as they fail to adequately support your feet. Non-supportive and gel-based insoles do not effectively align the body, and can increase fatigue and foot pain. Firm support under the foot helps improve the way your shoes fit your feet.

Everybody's feet are different, but everyone can benefit from the support and comfort provided by Superfeet Premium Insoles. Designed using the proven principles of Podiatric medicine, these high quality Insoles provide maximum support and shock absorption and feature Agion簧 antimicrobial top cover treatment to reduce bacteria and help prevent foot odor. All Superfeet Premium Insoles have a patented Encapsulating Stabilizer System簧 [ESS簧] to provide ideal bio-mechanical support, allowing your foot to move easily through its full, healthy range of motion, lowering the risk of fatigue and injury.

Superfeet Green Premium Insoles help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by an unsupported foot during everyday activities, sports and work. The Superfeet Green are recommended for footwear used in running/jogging, walking, hiking, alpine skiing and industrial type footwear. They are ideal for feet with medium to high arches.

For active people, Superfeet Green provide that little extra to keep you safe and comfortable. Proper cushioning and support are key to an injury free hiking trip. Whether you are out for the day, or spending a few weeks backpacking mountainous trails, support and cushioning will help prevent injuries like rolled ankles, and lessen joint aching. These Insoles deliver under the most demanding circumstances.

Green means go, and the Superfeet Green Premium Insoles allow you to go all day long with maximum support. Providing the most stability, shock absorption and support, the Green insoles help reduce over-pronation while stabilizing the mid-foot. For detailed information about these and other fine quality Orthotic Arch Support Insoles, visit The Insole Store today!

Try Feldenkrais For Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term inflammatory disease that affects both tissues and organs, but mainly attacks joints. The disease produces inflammation in the lining of the joint (synovitis), and often leads to the destruction of cartilage and deformity in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce inflammation in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and eyes, and can produce nodules, most commonly in the tissues just under the skin. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, an auto-immune system explanation has the most credibility. A genetic component may also exist. RA is a painful and disabling condition, which causes considerable loss of function and mobility. It is diagnosed by its signs and symptoms, and also with blood tests (rheumatoid factor) and X-rays.

Rheumatoid arthritis pain always shows signs of inflammation, with affected joints being swollen, warm, painful and stiff, particularly on awakening in the morning or following inactivity. With time RA almost always affects multiple joints, most commonly the small joints of the hands, feet, and spine, but larger joints like the hip and knee can also be affected.

Once inflammation occurs, the pain can become chronic, and treatment will likely be necessary. Various treatments are available. Early and effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment can improve the prognosis and may help prevent the joint and bone destruction associated with RA. If physical therapy, orthotics, and diet changes have failed you and you have maxed out your meds, the Feldenkrais Method can be used to treat all problems for which surgery isn't necessary. Feldenkrais uses simple, gentle movements to reorganize posture, flexibility, strength and coordination. Based on the neurological processes by which we learn movement skills, it is a novel approach to rheumatoid pain relief, using the power of the brain to help the body function more efficiently. More efficient use of self creates environments within which chronic pain can heal. Many sufferers are better in a matter of weeks. Let Feldenkrais help you to have fun with life again.

Why Is There Pain In Your Hip Joint?

?Hip joints are in constant movement, they are always involved when it comes to any kind of change in position. That is why you most certainly notice this kind of pain, you just use them all the time. You can feel hip pain around the hip joints and it is quite painful.

The most common cause for hip joint pain is usually age, but it doesn't mean that young people don't experience this sort of pain. When a human being gets older, all the joints, muscles and tendons lose their strength, they become weaker, lose their elasticity and wear off. Although it is more common in people over 40, youngsters may experience hip pain because of various other reasons.

For example, quite common reason for hip pains are hip fractions that are normally due to falls or accidents. This may happen to young people, too!

Nerve irritation or muscle strain are quite common reasons. There is a major nerve that controls lower leg function and this nerve is crossing the hip. That's why you may feel this pain around your hip and going down the leg, if these nerves are irritated. You may have pain because of muscles that help to move the hip. If these muscles are overused, they result into muscle strain.

There are also two medical conditions that cause hip pain such as arthritis and bursitis.

Needless to say that when your hip is hurting, you certainly can't do sports, run, jog etc. You should also avoid jumping and any kind of activities where you have to spread your legs widely.

Also you need to pay attention how you sleep - it is better to sleep on your back or stomach and definitely not on your hurting hip. And it is suggested to avoid long periods of sitting and too much stair climbing.

You probably can not do it anyway because of the pain, but it is suggested to not bend the hurting hip. Also it would be wise to control your bodyweight as overweight people have more mass to put on the hip.

A massage may also help, but if the pain is excessive, see a doctor. If you have some kind of a medical condition, doctors give the treatment. If you have just injured your hip, they usually prescribe you some painkillers, but first they make sure if you haven't any kind of medical condition such as arthritis or something like that. With some patients doctors even decide that they need a hip replacement surgery. It comes up especially with patients who have osteonecrosis or acute arthritis.

To diagnose an arthritis, x-rays are used. It is shown on a x-ray picture where the calcium is deposited.