Muscle cramps occur when muscles involuntarily get shorter (contract). If you’ve ever experienced cramping muscles, you’ll know that symptoms range from mildly uncomfortable to downright painful. The causes of cramps include dietary choices, medication use, and repetitive motion.
Piriformis syndrome is a condition that contributes to sciatica, nerve irritation that causes pain from the lower back down the leg. Also known as wallet sciatica, piriformis syndrome can result from repeatedly sitting down with a wallet in the back pocket! It may also arise from injury or issues with anatomical structure.
If you have had surgery or treatment for cancer you are at risk for developing lymphedema. Lymphedema occurs when part of your body becomes swollen when there is a disruption of the lymphatic system. The key to keeping the swelling from growing is to know what to look for and how to treat lymphedema.
Although a pulled quad muscle isn’t the most common injury sustained by athletes, it often affects middle-aged or older adults who remain active. When this muscle becomes strained or torn, it causes symptoms that range from minor twinges to full-blown pain. Luckily, most pulled quad muscles are easily treated with home remedies.
Hip bursitis is one of the most common sources of hip pain, and although the condition isn’t usually serious, it can cause discomfort and reduced mobility. If hip bursitis is accompanied by infection, it is much more serious and requires medical attention.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a serious condition that often affects older adults and those who are pregnant, but it can happen to anyone. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein in the body. Because some of the complications of deep vein thrombosis are life-threatening, it’s important that everyone can spot the signs and symptoms of the condition and act fast.
If you’ve experienced widespread pain in your muscles and bones, along with tenderness and general fatigue, you may have fibromyalgia. This chronic condition can be challenging to live with, especially if it interferes with your job or social life. But many treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for those with the illness.
Snapping hip syndrome (SHS), also known as dancer’s hip, is a hip condition that causes a snapping noise or sensation in the hip joint. People with SHS may notice this “snapping” when they get up from an armchair, climb steps, or walk around the block.
Turf toe is a type of toe injury that most commonly affects football players, but almost any athlete can suffer from it. Turf toe occurs when the ligaments around the big toe joint become sprained, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Luckily, there are many ways to treat turf toe, or prevent it from happening in the first instance.
