ElevatePT_Hip, Knee, & Leg Pain

ElevatePT_Hip, Knee, & Leg Pain

HEALTH & WELLNESS The Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body

HIP, KNEE & LEG PAIN SPRING OUT OF PAIN

ELEVATEBREVARD.COM

HEALTH & WELLNESS The Newsletter About Your Health and Caring for Your Body

(828) 877-2110 ELEVATEBREVARD.COM

INSIDE:

Hip, Knee & Leg Pain • Gary Harris’s Success Story • Exercise Essentials • How Physical Therapy Can Help • What Patients Are Saying

HIP, KNEE & LEG PAIN SPRING OUT OF PAIN

While some causes are more severe than others, a physician can identify each. As the body ages, joints become inflamed. Cartilage may wear down, reducing the “buffer” between bones. In some cases, limited blood flow may cause bone tissue death, or necrosis. If you’re experiencing redness, inflammation and immobilized joints, the condition may be severe. What Are the Symptoms? While leg pain is noticeable by a slew of symptoms, several stick out. Aching or stiffness around the hip, groin, back or thigh may be a sign of deeper problems. A decreased range of motion can also be a sign of deeper problems which may later result in hip, knee or leg pain. Sometimes, inactivity can contribute to immobility—and later pain. If you’re limping, lurching or are experiencing bad balance, contact a physician. While some hip, knee and leg pains go away, those last-ing longer than several months may be hinting at a deeper issue. Have knee, leg or hip pain that just won’t go away? We want to help! Call us today at (828) 877-2110 or visit us online at elevatebrevard.com.

Your hips, knees, and lower legs are tough—but injuries happen. Your hips and knees are your largest joints, supporting your body’s weight. They work in close coordination, giving us the mobility we need. Between arthritis, injuries and age, however, pain can flare up. If you’re experiencing hip, knee or leg pain, call us to schedule a closer look. Before you do, however, let’s examine the pain itself. What Causes Hip, Knee and Leg Pain? Hip, knee and leg pain are surprisingly common. Thus, their source can come from a variety of things. If you’re experiencing pain in any part of your leg, pinpointing the exact spot can help you determine the cause. Mayo Clinic has pinpointed several leading causes of hip, knee and leg pain. While many causes exist, the most likely are:

· Tendonitis · Pinched nerves · Osteoporosis · Cancer

· Arthritis · Dislocation · Hip fracture · Sprains and strains

GARY HARRIS’S SUCCESS STORY About one year ago, in late June of 2019, Gary Harris and his wife were traveling across the country on an RV trip when Gary began to experience back pain and tingling in his feet. This led to stumbling while walking in grass at the campground. Gary was taken to the ER and given pain meds and muscle relaxers to treat an apparent back issue. Two days later, he collapsed on the floor when getting out of bed—his legs paralyzed! I slowly became completely paralyzed from my toes up to and including my eyes... After four months at ELEVATE, I can walk without assistance, handle stairs, and drive!

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. In its most severe form, GBS is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition must be hospitalized to receive treatment. There is no known cure for GBS, but several treatments can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. The disease is active for 4-6 weeks, and recovery takes six months to two years or longer. Modern medicine has reduced the fatality rate to less than 5%, but 10- 15% of patients are left with some level of disability. Triggers of GBS are commonly flu, flu shot, or other illness prior to symptoms. It is not contagious and can affect anyone of any age, sex, or health. Thankfully GBS is rare (3 in 100,000), but it is a devastating illness.

“After the initial symptoms, over the course of three weeks, I slowly became completely paralyzed from my toes up to and including my eyes—leaving my mind intact but unable to communicate. The pain was so severe that even morphine was not sufficient. I transferred home to Mission Hospital in Asheville, where I was intubated as I lost the ability to breathe. I hadmultiple IV lines and catheters inserted, a stomach tube for feeding, and a tracheostomy. Other autonomic functions such as pulse, blood pressure, and blood sugar went haywire as well. I was weaned off mechanical ventilation at a step-down facility and, at three months, I was transferred to an inpatient rehab hospital for another three months. OT and PT enabled me to regain a minimal level of function for discharge. My wife prepared our house and hired help as I was still a quadriplegic in a wheelchair. I began PT at ELEVATE, being transported by the county wheelchair van three days a week. I started by using a sliding board to transfer to and from the equipment and tables. Eventually, I was able to stand as we worked on strength and flexibility. After two months, I was out of the wheelchair and using a walker, then a cane. After four months at ELEVATE, I canwalkwithout assistance, handle stairs, and drive!” – Gary H.

After trips to two other ER’s, Gary was finally admitted to the ICU at a large hospital in Spokane, WA. Doctors had a difficult time diagnosing Gary as his symptoms presented like a culmination of multiple pathologies. It wasn’t until Gary’s brother, who worked for a medical company and had experience working with patients experiencing neurological symptoms, recommended a spinal tap that Gary was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome.

HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP

OUR SERVICES. . . GET YOU BACK INTO LIFE! Our gentle, evidence-based treatments are used to relieve your pain, regain function, aid in post-surgical care, and provide immediate relief from dizziness and imbalance.

In many cases, physical therapy can help patients increase legmobility. In doing so, they can stretch, flex and strengthen the muscles responsible for support. If a joint appears deformed, or if sudden swelling occurs, contact a physician immediately. A good physical therapy program can assist with post-operation treatment, too. If you’ve undergone treatment for osteoporosis, dislocation or a fracture, your therapist can help you reclaim full mobility—and a healthy lifestyle. Fromstart to finish, we’re dedicated to your ongoing wellness. On every level, physical

therapy serves to enhance the patient’s quality of life. We’re here to help, and we have years of experience backing every therapy option. Contact one of our providers today, and tell us about your symptoms. Take charge of your knee, hip, and leg pain today! Contact ELEVATE Physical Therapy at (828) 877-2110 or visit us online at elevatebrevard.com. We can help get your life back. Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hip-pain/basics/when- to-see-doctor/sym-20050684 https://www.everydayhealth.com/hip-pain/ hip-pain-and-your-body.aspx https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/ knees-and-hips-a-troubleshooting-guide-to-knee-and-hip-pain

• Teletherapy • Myofascial Release • Therapeutic Exercise • Ultrasound • Vestibular Therapy

• Physical Therapy • Electrical Stimulation • Ergonomic Training • Laser Therapy • Manual Therapy

Committed to your health and wellbeing, we are practicing hand washing and/or use of hand sanitizer throughout treatment and in between each patient, along with wiping down tables, equipment, and handrails, doorknobs, and chairs multiple times per hour. We have been spreading patients out among the facility including the gym and private treatment rooms. The front desk is cleaning the counters and sanitizing the waiting area and front doors with the same frequency. Please follow these simple steps to help prevent the spread: KEEPING YOUR HEALTH IN MIND

EXERC I SE ESSENT I AL S US E T H I S E X E RC I S E TO S T R ENGT H EN YOUR H I PS dealing with some of my nagging old sports injuries. ELEVATE Physical Therapy is in a league of their own. I couldn’t have been more impressed during my treatments under Dr. Blakely & Dr. McAllister. They effectively & efficiently helped me become pain free, and gave me a knowledge base to continue on my own after completion of my rehab program. The entire staff is extremely professional, friendly, and caring. The facility is always clean and relevant. The main thing for me was always to become pain free, which I absolutely accomplished, but the real bonus was getting to know the staff and making new friends. It couldn’t have been a more rewarding experience!” - K. F. WHAT PATIENTS ARE SAYING I’ve been to numerous physical therapy clinics over the years, seeking out treatment and knowledge in

Clean Hands Often

Avoid Touching Your Face

HIP HIKES While standing up on a step, lower one leg downward towards the floor by tilting your pelvis to the side. Then return the pelvis/leg back to a leveled position. Repeat 6 times on each side.

Avoid Hugs & Hand Shakes

Stay Home if You Are Sick

Exercises copyright of

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.