Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Osteoarthritis?

It is a common type of arthritis that involves wear and tear of joints particularly weight bearing joints of the body.

• Causes:

Secondary to long standing/strenuous jobs
Obesity
Diabetes Mellitus
High Cholesterol levels
Heredity

• Symptoms:

Pain, swelling, decreased range of motion and strength, difficulty in walking and stair climbing.

• Management

Medicines for initial pain management.
Physiotherapy-exercises are to be done to improve joint range of motion and strength.
Most important is to target the underlying cause or risk factor for osteoarthritis.
Surgery-recommended by surgeons when there is joint damage beyond the ability of the body to cope with the daily stresses.

One must avoid prolonged periods of standing, sitting cross legged. Also minimize or stop using Indian toilet and use a western toilet or commode chair.
Which is better for my knees-cycling or walking? Walking is not recommended when there is acute pain to minimize damage to joints. Cycling is preferable to maintain joint mobility and overall leg strength. Also it helps in reducing weight.

• What is it?

It is a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint.

• Causes:

Commonly occurs in patients with diabetes and after injuries to the shoulder that requires long standing immobilization.

• Management

Frozen shoulder usually resolves by itself variable between duration of 6-18 months.
Medicines may be prescribed to reduce pain and discomfort during early stages.
Physiotherapy is recommended to reduce pain, improve joint mobility and muscle strength. Also certain posture and ergonomic advice is given.

It is not recommended to lift heavy weights during shoulder pain unless advised by a Physiotherapist during exercise sessions.

• What is it?

Inflammation of a thick tissue present in the sole of the foot that connects the heel to the toes is called as plantar fasciitis.

• Causes

Common in individuals standing for a long period of time or sitting or walking as well.

• Management

Medicines may be prescribed in case of severe pain and swelling.
Physical therapy is advised to improve flexibility of the calf muscles and the plantar fascia.
Appropriate shoes may be prescribed to reduce pressure on your feet.
Also work specific to home or office may require modifications to prevent future episodes.

Shoes or footwear with thick sole/cushion. Heels must be avoided.

Walking or running is not advisable during the acute or painful phases of the condition.

Your Physiotherapist may examine you and advise you appropriate exercises.

• What is it?

Neck pain is common among individuals of all age groups with primary reasons being posture, poor office set ups, poor shoulder strength, constant positions and/or trauma.

• Symptoms

Pain and tingling around neck, hands, fingers; ; guidiness and muscle spasm.

• Management

Medicines may be prescribed for initial pain and discomfort.
Physiotherapy is advised to improve muscle flexibility and strength.
A Physiotherapist may also guide you through proper ergonomic practices and precautions to be taken to prevent neck pain.

Muscles around your neck become tight or painful which radiates pain to your head as they are connected. Once the muscles are relaxed and strengthened headache will reduce.

Depends from individual to individual. But once changes have occurred to the bones and tissues around the spine, they cannot be reversed. One can maintain his health through appropriate Physiotherapy.

This again depends on the condition. In severe cases of pain, you may be advised to wear a neck collar/belt but it is highly advisable to avoid any such supports in the long run as there is dependency and loss of muscle strength.

• What is it?

Low back pain may be defined as pain and discomfort around the buttocks and surrounding areas.
There may be multiple reasons for low back pain more commonly muscle injuries, disc protrusion, age related changes and/or incorrect posture.

• Symptoms

Pain in back, hip or leg; tingling numbness; muscle spasm; difficulty in daily activities.

• Management

Medicines may be prescribed for initial pain and discomfort.
Physiotherapy is advised to improve muscle flexibility and strength.
A Physiotherapist may also guide you through proper ergonomic practices and precautions to be taken to prevent low back pain.

Sleeping with a pillow under the knees when sleeping on the back is recommended. Those with severe pain may be advised to sleep on one side or on tummy.

Primary reasons are:

• Slipped disc and nerve compression
• Muscle tightness
• Joint inflammation
• Incorrect posture

It is not recommended to do gym exercises unless advised by a Physiotherapist.