Pain involving the ligaments and muscles is often seen in athletic injuries. When the ligament is torn, the injury is called a sprain. This often occurs in the ankle, the knee, the low back, or shoulder. Muscles that are bruised often become painful and when the injury is considerable, that is called a strain. These small ligaments and muscle fibers may actually be torn, but heal without any residual weakness, after a short period of rest. Inflammation of the bursa (bursitis) may occur as the result of trauma, arthritis, infection or other disorders. Common locations include the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow and heel. Severe local pain and tenderness is often present. Sometimes calcium deposits are seen on x-ray. Immediate application of cold in the form of snow or an ice bag is one of the most helpful remedies, followed by mild exercise and gentle hot and cold compresses, after the acute inflammation subsides.
The tendon sheath of the hand or wrist may become inflamed, Some of these are due to constriction of tendons or nerves, and may require surgery. In the wrist this is called carpal tunnel syndrome. Others are seen in conjunction with rheumatoid arthritis, discussed in chapter five. A number of metabolic problems can produce skeletal pain, muscle cramps, or deep visceral pain. The sudden restriction of oxygen supply, disorders of the adrenal glands, and the so-called autoimmune diseases, may produce severe weakness or muscle pain.
Three forms of vascular obstruction particularly deserve mention. Arteriosclerosis of the large and medium sized arteries is the most common vascular disease of man. This often leads to pain in the muscles, particularly in the legs induced by exercise (intermittent claudication). Diabetic patients are particularly susceptible. Often the pulses in the lower extremities are reduced.
Changes occur in the skin with hair loss, deterioration of the nails, and even gangrene. Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a disease of young and middle-aged male cigarette smokers. This hypersensitivity to tobacco produces spasm in the small vessels of the hands and feet. Sometimes a smoker is so addicted to nicotine, that he continues to pursue the habit, in
spite of progressive gangrene and amputation of fingers, feet, legs, and even hands. I have often seen these unnecessarily handicapped patients suffering the terrible sequels of nicotine addiction. Raynaud’s disease is often caused by cold. Women are most commonly afflicted. With exposure to cold, their fingers become white, then blue, and finally red. Pain and tingling are common during this crisis, due to the lack of blood supply. Exercising by whirling the arm in a windmill motion can help to bring blood to the involved areas. Another occupational complication of a similar nature may produce ulceration in fingertips or toes. These are more commonly seen in smokers and those with auto-immune disorders. Obstruction of the lymphatic return may produce a type of edema, associated with pain. Also, thrombosis of the veins is usually painful,
involving the overlying skin with redness and swelling. When larger veins are involved, the muscle and entire extremity is very painful. Most of these pain syndromes can be approached effectively by the intelligent home health observer. With a knowledge of anatomy and
physiology, and a few simple remedies, they can bring relief to many cases. It is important first to ascertain the cause of these pain responses. Wrong habits may need to be corrected. Then nature is assisted in her efforts to restore right conditions within the nerves, muscles, and other involved organs. The relief of pain will always evoke profound gratitude from chronic sufferers. Its study can challenge the layman or specialist for at least a lifetime.
The tendon sheath of the hand or wrist may become inflamed, Some of these are due to constriction of tendons or nerves, and may require surgery. In the wrist this is called carpal tunnel syndrome. Others are seen in conjunction with rheumatoid arthritis, discussed in chapter five. A number of metabolic problems can produce skeletal pain, muscle cramps, or deep visceral pain. The sudden restriction of oxygen supply, disorders of the adrenal glands, and the so-called autoimmune diseases, may produce severe weakness or muscle pain.
Three forms of vascular obstruction particularly deserve mention. Arteriosclerosis of the large and medium sized arteries is the most common vascular disease of man. This often leads to pain in the muscles, particularly in the legs induced by exercise (intermittent claudication). Diabetic patients are particularly susceptible. Often the pulses in the lower extremities are reduced.
Changes occur in the skin with hair loss, deterioration of the nails, and even gangrene. Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a disease of young and middle-aged male cigarette smokers. This hypersensitivity to tobacco produces spasm in the small vessels of the hands and feet. Sometimes a smoker is so addicted to nicotine, that he continues to pursue the habit, in
spite of progressive gangrene and amputation of fingers, feet, legs, and even hands. I have often seen these unnecessarily handicapped patients suffering the terrible sequels of nicotine addiction. Raynaud’s disease is often caused by cold. Women are most commonly afflicted. With exposure to cold, their fingers become white, then blue, and finally red. Pain and tingling are common during this crisis, due to the lack of blood supply. Exercising by whirling the arm in a windmill motion can help to bring blood to the involved areas. Another occupational complication of a similar nature may produce ulceration in fingertips or toes. These are more commonly seen in smokers and those with auto-immune disorders. Obstruction of the lymphatic return may produce a type of edema, associated with pain. Also, thrombosis of the veins is usually painful,
involving the overlying skin with redness and swelling. When larger veins are involved, the muscle and entire extremity is very painful. Most of these pain syndromes can be approached effectively by the intelligent home health observer. With a knowledge of anatomy and
physiology, and a few simple remedies, they can bring relief to many cases. It is important first to ascertain the cause of these pain responses. Wrong habits may need to be corrected. Then nature is assisted in her efforts to restore right conditions within the nerves, muscles, and other involved organs. The relief of pain will always evoke profound gratitude from chronic sufferers. Its study can challenge the layman or specialist for at least a lifetime.
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