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Sprained Ankle

Sprained Ankle

by | May 14, 2020 | Informational, Injury

The Sprained Ankle Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options: A Helpful Guide

Do you think you may be suffering from a sprained ankle, but aren’t quite sure?

Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries in the US. In fact, over 25,000 people in the US sprain their ankle every day, and over 1 million people visit the emergency room each year because of an ankle injury.

But, even though sprained ankles are very common, not everyone knows when a sprained ankle looks like or feels like. If you’re looking to learn more about sprained ankles, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to learn about sprained ankle signs, symptoms, treatments, and more in this helpful guide.

What is a Sprained Ankle? 

Before we dive into the symptoms, we first need to answer the question, “What is a sprained ankle?”

A sprained ankle occurs when there is an injury to the ligaments (tough bands of tissue) that surround and connect the bones of your leg to your foot. This type of injury typically happens when you turn or twist your ankle in an unnatural manner. This can cause the ligaments that hold your bones and joints together to twist and tear.

Sprained Ankle Symptoms 

You know you’ve injured your ankle, but you’re not quite sure if it’s sprained. How can you tell? Here are the symptoms to look out for:

  • Swelling, tenderness, and pain
  • Bruising or discoloration
  • Trouble moving your ankle
  • Inability to put your full weight on your ankle
  • Stiffness

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should see your doctor, as they’ll be able to properly diagnose the injury. During your visit, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam to figure out which ligaments have been torn. They may also order image testing, such as X-rays, to rule out bone fractures.

Degrees of Sprained Ankles 

Sprained ankles fall into different grades depending on the severity of the injury. Sprained ankles are classified as:

  • Grade 1: This occurs when the ankle is in pain, but there is little loss of function and ligament damage
  • Grade 2: This occurs when there’s moderate damage to the ligaments and the ankle joint is a bit loose
  • Grade 3: This occurs when one or more ligament is torn and the ankle is extremely unstable or loose

Treatment Options 

How you treat your ankle will depend on the severity of your sprain. In general, the first phase of treatment focuses on RICE. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

You should rest your ankle and avoid putting weight on it. You should also ice it for 20 to 30 minutes at a time every few hours. You should use an elastic wrap to apply compression to your ankle, and elevate it when sitting.

If your sprain is more severe, then you may need to wear a brace for extra stability and protection. Or, you may need to use crutches.

Some people also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate the pain.

You may also want to seek chiropractic care, as a chiropractor can help you get your ankle back in shape.

Sprained Ankle Signs: Are You Ready to Care for Your Sprained Ankle?

Now that you’ve read all about sprained ankle signs, symptoms, and treatment, you should have a better idea as to whether or not you have a sprained ankle.

If you’re seeking chiropractic care for your sprained ankle, contact us today.

 

 

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options: A Helpful Guide

Do you think you may be suffering from a sprained ankle, but aren’t quite sure?

This particular sprain is one of the most common injuries in the US. In fact, over 25,000 people in the US sprain their ankle every day, and over 1 million people visit the emergency room each year because of this type of injury.

But, even though they are very common, not everyone knows what a it feels looks or feels like. If you’re looking to learn more about sprained ankles, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on to learn about the signs, symptoms, treatments, and more in this helpful guide.

What is a Sprain? 

This occurs when there is an injury to the ligaments (tough bands of tissue) that surround and connect the bones of your leg to your foot. This type of injury typically happens when you turn or twist your ankle in an unnatural manner. This can cause the ligaments that hold your bones and joints together to twist and tear.

Symptoms 

You know you’ve injured your ankle, but you’re not quite sure if it’s sprained. How can you tell? Here are the symptoms to look out for:

  • Swelling, tenderness, and pain
  • Bruising or discoloration
  • Trouble moving your ankle
  • Inability to put your full weight on your ankle
  • Stiffness

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you should see your doctor, as they’ll be able to properly diagnose the injury. During your visit, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam to figure out which ligaments have been torn. They may also order image testing, such as X-rays, to rule out bone fractures.

The degrees are classified as:

  • Grade 1: This occurs when the ankle is in pain, but there is little loss of function and ligament damage
  • Grade 2: This occurs when there’s moderate damage to the ligaments and the ankle joint is a bit loose
  • Grade 3: This occurs when one or more ligament is torn and the ankle is extremely unstable or loose

Treatment Options 

How you treat your ankle will depend on the severity of your sprain. In general, the first phase of treatment focuses on RICE. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

You should rest your ankle and avoid putting weight on it. You should also ice it for 20 to 30 minutes at a time every few hours. You should use an elastic wrap to apply compression to your ankle, and elevate it when sitting.

If your sprain is more severe, then you may need to wear a brace for extra stability and protection. Or, you may need to use crutches.

Some people also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate the pain.

You may also want to seek chiropractic care, as a chiropractor can help you get your ankle back in shape.

Are You Ready For Care?

Now that you’ve read all about the signs, symptoms, and treatment, you should have a better idea as to whether or not you have this type of injury.

If you’re seeking chiropractic care for your sprained ankle, contact us today.

Knee Pain

Knee Pain

by | May 14, 2020 | Advice, Informational, Injury

Why Do My Knees Ache? The Causes, Types, and Treatments Explained

Often times, we are asked in our clinic why do knees ache and if it’s something to worry about? According to the CDC, by 2040, about 78 million US adults 18 and older will be diagnosed with arthritis.

In this article, we will cover the different types of knee pain and when you should come into our office. Read on to figure out why your knees ache, and find relief in Mill Creek, Washington!

What Causes Knee Pain?

Your knee consists of 3 bones:

  • Kneecap
  • The upper part of the shinbone
  • The lower part of the thighbone

Your knees also have tendons and strong ligaments that support these 3 bones. Below the kneecap and between the bones, you can find cartilage. The cartilage acts as stabilization for your knees. When you experience a disease or damage to your knee, this can lead to pain.

Some different causes are:

  • Bone tumors
  • Chondromalacia patella (damaged cartilage)
  • Baker’s cyst
  • Gout
  • Bursitis
  • Torn ligament
  • Meniscus tear
  • Dislocation
  • Tendinitis

Types of Knee Pain

From inner knee pain when walking to overweight knee pain, we’ve heard it all in our office in Mill Creek, Washington. A common type of knee pain is actually knee arthritis.

There are 2 types of knee joint arthritis:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Knee osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease since your immune system attacks many joints in the body. You might experience warmth, redness, swelling, and pain if this is the case.

Rheumatoid arthritis can get better with activity.

Knee osteoarthritis is caused when there’s damage to the cartilage in your knee. It’s most common in those 50 years and older.

Knee Strengthening Exercises

Certain exercises can help alleviate knee pain since it improves your range of motion and flexibility. If you’re not moving your knee, that can make the pain worse since it can stiffen.

1. Heel and Calf Stretch

This is a great stretch for your lower leg and calf muscles.

First, stand and face a wall. Next, have your hands on the wall and have one leg forward. Ensure you have your feet and toes facing forward and your heels flat.

Make sure you have a slight bend in your knees. Lean into this stretch and hold it for 30 seconds. If done correctly, you should feel a stretch in your back leg.

Next, change legs and repeat the above 2x on each side.

2. Hamstring Stretch

This exercise will stretch out the muscles in the back of your thigh.

Make sure you have a mat handy to lay on and have your legs straight. Practice lifting one leg off the floor at a time.

Next, have your hands behind your thigh and below your knee. Pull your knee toward your chest for a slight stretch. Hold this for 30 seconds. Then, lower and switch your legs. Repeat this 2x on each side.

Knee Pain Treatment

Are you wondering how to get rid of knee pain? Also, how to prevent knee pain?

Besides the exercises above that’ll help alleviate some of the pain, you can also try yoga poses. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water will hydrate the ligaments around your knee.

Call your chiropractic knee specialist today if you:

  • Can’t flex your knee
  • Can’t fully extend your knee
  • Have a deformity in your knee or leg
  • Severe knee pain from an injury
  • Have a fever along with redness and swelling
  • Can’t have weight on your knee
  • Swollen knee

When you visit your specialist in Mill Creek, Washington, you might have an MRI, CT scan, X-ray, or Ultrasound done. We will also check for any swelling, warmth, and check the structure of your knee.

Knees Ache Treatment

Now that you’ve explored this guide on different reasons for knees ache you should have a better idea of what’s going on.

Are you ready to finally have relief from your knee pain? Call us today at (425) 737-5343 or fill out our form below and we will come up with a plan specific for you at our office in Mill Creek, Washington. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Knee Pain

Jumpers Knee

by | May 14, 2020 | Informational, Injury

Jumper’s Knee: Things You Need to Know About Patellar Tendonitis

The knee is the largest joint in the body. Not only that, but it’s also the most complex. For one thing, it’s made up of three bones—the femur, tibia, and patella.

At the same time, however, it’s also the joint that’s most likely to be injured. Take ACL injuries, for example—they occur when you tear or sprain one of the ligaments that keep your knee in place.

Patellar tendinitis aka jumper’s knee is another example. Instead of the ligaments, however, it affects the tendons.

What causes it? How can you treat it? Keep reading to find out!

What is Patellar Tendonitis?

Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition in which the patellar tendon becomes inflamed. Generally speaking, it occurs just below the kneecap.

In the initial stages, the pain may be sporadic; swelling may also be present. As the tendon becomes more damaged, however, it can progressively get worse. For example, it’s not uncommon for it to interfere with daily activities such as sitting or climbing stairs.

Causes For Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis occurs when there’s repeated stress on the knee. Ultimately, it’s this stress that causes tears in the tendon.

More often than not, it’s due to sports or exercise. Certain things can also contribute to the condition such as obesity, improperly fitted shoes, misaligned feet, or uneven leg strength.

Note: Athletes tend to be at a higher risk due to their long training sessions.

Natural Treatments for Patellar Tendonitis

It’s possible to treat jumper’s knee without any medication. For example, you can apply ice. Not only will it alleviate the pain, but it’ll also bring down the swelling.

Don’t apply the ice directly to your knee, though. Instead, wrap it in a towel so that it won’t come into direct contact with your skin.

Aside from that, there are stretching exercises that you can do that’ll help. Ultimately, the goal is to lengthen the muscle-tendon unit so that there will be fewer muscle spasms.

Chiropractic Treatment for Patellar Tendonitis

There are a few different ways that a chiropractor can treat jumper’s knee. For instance, they can use electrical muscle stimulation to loosen the tendon, which will relieve pain.

From there, they can manipulate the joint once the inflammation goes down. Depending on the severity, they may also recommend physical or massage therapy.

On top of that, there are strengthening exercises that they can teach you that’ll help strengthen the knee joint.

Treating Jumper’s Knee

Hopefully, that gives you a better understanding of how to treat jumper’s knee. As you can see, there are different methods that you can use to relieve the pain—chiropractic care being one of them!

Looking for a chiropractor in the Mill Creek area? Feel free to contact us to set up an appointment!

Heel Spurs

Heel Spurs

by | May 14, 2020 | Informational, Injury, Orthotics

Do you have a sharp pain in your heel when you stand or walk? Can you feel a small, bony lump underneath foot when you try to investigate the cause of your pain? If you can feel a small lump protruding from the bottom of your foot, then you might have a heel spur or other wise known as an Achilles spur. What is a heel spur, and what heel spur treatment options are available? Here’s what we want you to know about living with foot pain.

What is a Heel Spur?

A heel spur is a calcium deposit on the underside of your heel. The deposit causes your bone to stick out, which can cause significant pain when you put pressure on it when you stand or walk.

Although heel spurs aren’t uncommon among younger people, they become more common as you get older.

What Are the Symptoms of Heel Spurs?

If you have a heel spur, you’ll experience pain all day – beginning when you stand up in the morning. It won’t take overuse to flare up. Your pain will be sharp in the morning and simmer as a dull ache until you go to sleep at night.

You may also experience heat radiating from the area. In some cases, you can even see the spur sticking out from your heel.

While heel spurs are best associated with heel pain, only 50% of people who have heel spurs experience any pain at all. It’s not uncommon for people to live with heel spurs for years and never realize it.

What Causes Heel Spurs?

The calcium deposits that cause heel spurs usually take several months to build up and cause you any grief. But what causes those deposits to occur in the first place?

Your foot is a complex web of tendons, muscles, ligaments, and bones. When any one of them becomes injured, inflamed, or irritated, it can wreak havoc on your whole foot. Some of the common causes can be:

  • Long periods of standing
  • Standing on hard ground
  • Repetitive stress
  • Injuries
  • Age-related shrinkage of the fat around the heel
  • Poorly-fit shoes

If you experience a heel spur, the most likely cause is a strain on your plantar fascia or another muscle and ligament around your heel. It can also be caused when you repeatedly tear the membrane over your heel bone.

Because heel spurs are so closely linked to the plantar fascia, it’s not uncommon to confuse heel spurs with plantar fasciitis.

Can Chiropractic Care Treat Spurs?

Chiropractic care can help you deal with both heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. As chiropractors, we ensure that your foot’s biomechanics operates the way it should. Chiropractic care can help stretch your calf muscles, provide taping to protect the fascia, and prescribe custom foot orthotics for arch support.

You Don’t Have to Live with Painful Feet

Chiropractic care can help relieve your pain and keep you walking right.

Are you ready to walk without pain? Get in touch to learn how Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness can help you put your best foot forward.

 

Foot Pain

Foot Pain

by | May 14, 2020 | Advice, Informational, Injury, Orthotics

Do You Have Foot Pain? Here’s What It Could Mean

Our feet probably don’t get the appreciation that they truly deserve. They have to bear weight whenever we stand and they help us get to where we want to go. Due to all this strain and stress, foot pain is fairly common.

When you experience foot pain, that means that you’re feeling discomfort or pain in one or more parts of your foot. Those parts can include the heels, soles, arches, and toes.

The pain can be severe or mild. It can also last for a short time or it can be an ongoing issue. Constant feet pain can be a major burden but that doesn’t mean the pain can’t be relieved.

Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about foot pain.

Causes of Foot Pain

Foot pain can occur due to a medical condition or certain lifestyle choices. Wearing shoes that don’t fit properly is one of the most common causes of foot pain. High-heeled shoes can also lead to foot pain because they put a good amount of pressure on the toes.

Injuries from sports and high-impact activities, like aerobics or jogging, can also lead to foot pain.

If you have arthritis, you may very likely experience foot pain. There are 33 joints in your foot, and arthritis can impact any of them. And people who have diabetes may end up with nerve damage or ulcers in their feet.

You’re also more at risk for experiencing constant feet pain if you have a foot injury, are pregnant, or have obesity.

Symptoms of Foot Pain

Foot pain can lead you to limp or have an unsteady gait. You can also experience paresthesia, which is a burning or tingling sensation in the affected area. Sometimes, the pain can be so severe that you can’t move it at all.

Home Remedies for Foot Pain

The home remedy that will best help you will depend on the cause of your pain and how severe it is. With that said, applying ice to the affected area can usually help.

You also might want to take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Make sure that you rest your foot as much as possible and keep it elevated. In order to prevent rubbing on the affected area, you can use footpads.

How Chiropractic Can Help Foot Pain

A chiropractor understands the importance of body mechanics in daily life. They take into account your strength, flexibility, stability, and mobility when they look to find the true cause of your foot pain.

The feet are the foundation of the body. If they’re not working properly, it can lead to a whole bunch of other problems in the body.

A chiropractor can examine your posture and form. They can even make crucial assessments just from the way you walk. Sometimes, a chiropractor can simply pull on your foot in a specific way and relieve a great deal of your pain.

If you’re experiencing persistent pain in your feet, it’s important that you consult a chiropractor before things get any worse.

The Importance of Treating Constant Feet Pain

As we can see, people who experience constant feet pain should not hesitate to resolve the issue. If you’re experiencing pain in your feet or other areas of the body, we can help. Contact us today and see what we can do for you!

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back Pain During Pregnancy

by | May 14, 2020 | Advice, Informational, Injury, Pregnancy

Chiropractic Relief for Pregnancy Back Pain

Pregnancy is one of the happiest times for a couple to experience.  There is the excitement of a new baby, the anticipation of the changes he or she will bring, and the hopefulness of a growing family.  As part of the changes a woman’s body will go through, back pain during pregnancy is quite common but chiropractic care can help through out the pregnancy to relief the aches and pains.

What Are the Causes of Pregnancy Back Pain? 

If you think about it, it’s no wonder you are experiencing discomfort…you are gaining weight in an isolated area very quickly, your center of gravity is shifting, and you are undergoing hormonal changes meant to assist in the birthing process.  Usually starting in the second half of pregnancy, many women begin to feel pain in their lower back and pelvis at the sacroiliac joint.

This pain can begin after periods of standing or sitting with no breaks, following a restless night of sleep, or during stressful times and is caused by:

  • Weight gain—a woman usually gains between 25 and 35 pounds during her pregnancy with most of it carried in the belly area putting additional stress on the lower back.
  • Shifting gravity—a woman’s “center of gravity” is in a constant state of flux during pregnancy as each day brings new weight gain, shifting posture, and possibly an altered gait.
  • Hormonal changes—Relaxing, a hormone meant to aid childbirth, causes muscles and ligaments in the pelvic region to loosen and relax so that the baby can be born more easily. This often causes pain in the back and spine as the relaxing muscles aren’t providing adequate support.

How to Relieve Back Pain

Understanding that back pain is common and isn’t an indication of something abnormal is a good first step in relieving unnecessary stress during a pregnancy.  Here are some good techniques to maintain back strength and help make the new Mom comfortable throughout her pregnancy:

  • Practice Using Good Posture
    • Stand straight
    • Keep your shoulders back
    • Use a wide stance for the best support
    • Sit using a chair that supports your back
    • Forget the high heels for now
    • Use good body mechanics when lifting
    • Sleep on your side
  • Gentle, moderate exercise helps by strengthening the back muscles and increasing flexibility—yoga is an excellent choice for pregnancy
  • Wearing a belly belt to support the weight
  • Warm baths and ice packs intermittently
  • Alternative therapies such as chiropractic care and massage

Chiropractic Care and Back Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, chiropractic care can be beneficial in a number of ways, including alleviating back pain, as well as pain in the hips and joints.  Used in conjunction with massage and exercise, chiropractic care during pregnancy seamlessly harmonizes with whatever birthing method and care team you have chosen, i.e., traditional OB-GYN, midwifery.

Regular chiropractic visits can promote and establish pelvic balance and alignment creating a healthier environment for the baby and less pain for the mother during pregnancy.  In fact, there is research that suggests chiropractic care improves a woman’s ability to have a successful natural birth and reduce the time she is in labor.

In Mill Creek, Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness has compassionate and experienced providers available to answer your questions and to discuss a pregnancy-supportive care plan, including alleviating back, hip, and pelvic pain brought on by the pregnancy itself.  If you are seeking relief for the discomfort of back pain brought on by pregnancy, consider the benefits of managing that pain through chiropractic care.

All of us at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness wish you a safe and happy pregnancy with terrific health and freedom of movement.  Please contact us at our Mill Creek location to discuss the natural and healthy benefits of chiropractic care during and after your pregnancy.