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SYMTOMS
AND DIAGNOSIS |
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| ARTHRITIS |
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| Symptoms |
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Some of the common symptoms include:
- Pain and Stiffness in the joints
- Swelling, heat or redness in a joint, often accompanied
by tenderness or pain
- Continuing or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint
- Difficulty using or moving a joint in a normal manner
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| Diagnoses |
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| X-ray |
| A diagnostic
test, which uses invisible electromagnetic energy, beams to
produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs onto film.
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| Arthrogram |
| Is a x-ray
to view bone structures following an injection of a contrast
fluid into a joint area. When the fluid leaks into an area that
it does not belong, disease or injury may be considered, as
a leak would provide evidence of a tear, opening, or blockage.
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| Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) |
| A diagnostic
procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radio-frequencies,
and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures
within the body. This often helps to determine damage or disease
in a surrounding ligament or muscle. |
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| Computed Tomography
Scan (CT scan) |
| A diagnostic
imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer
technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices),
both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows
detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones,
muscles, fat and organs. |
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| Electromyogram
(EMG) |
| A test to
evaluate nerve and muscle function. |
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| Ultrasound |
| A diagnostic
technique, which uses high frequency sound waves to create an
image of the internal organs. |
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| Blood test |
| Immunological
profile and other tests |
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| Arthroscopy |
| This procedure
uses a small, lighted, optic tube (arthroscope) which is inserted
into the joint through a small incision in the joint. Images
of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen, used
to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the
joint. It also helps to determine the cause of bone pain and
inflammation and to detect bone diseases and tumors. |
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| Myelogram |
| Involves
the injection of a dye or contrast material into the spinal
canal, a specific x-ray study that also allows careful evaluation
of the spinal canal and nerve roots. |
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| Treatment |
| Before a
treatment or rehabilitation protocol can be established, doctor
will first determine the reason for, and source of, your condition.
This typically involves a comprehensive physical examination
and a detailed medical history profile, in addition to a complete
history and description of the symptoms related to your condition.
The treatment plan would be based on keeping in mind some basic
criteria like your age, extent of the disease/injury, your health
etc. |
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Thus,
many treatment plans involve a combination or progression
of the following:
- Medical Counseling
- Medication
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational/Rehabilitative Therapy
- Exercise
- Activity Modifications
- Braces
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For most orthopaedic
disorders and injuries, there is more than one form of treatment
or procedures/surgery, like:
- Arthroscopy
- Joint Replacement
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