Upper and Lower Extremity old | Unna Chiropractic Care

Upper and Lower Extremity

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Conditions

Understanding Extremity Conditions

Conditions affecting the upper and lower extremities, including the shoulder, elbow, hands, wrists, hips, knees and feet, can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life.

At Unna Chiropractic Care, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of extremity conditions to provide effective relief and improve mobility.

Causes

Causes of Extremity Conditions

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Sprains, strains, fractures, and overuse injuries can affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones in the arms, hands, legs, and feet.

Nerve Compression

Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, or radiculopathy can lead to nerve compression, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities.

Arthritis and Joint Disorders

Degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or bursitis can cause joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, and limited range of motion.

Postural and Alignment Issues

Poor posture, spinal misalignments, or structural imbalances can contribute to muscle imbalances, nerve irritation, and pain in the upper and lower extremities.

Sports Injuries

Athletic activities, repetitive motions, or sudden impacts can result in acute or chronic injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, stress fractures, or muscle strains.

Common Conditions

Common Conditions in the Upper Extremity

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize and support the shoulder joint. Injuries to the rotator cuff can occur from overuse, trauma, or degenerative changes. Common conditions include rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, and impingement syndrome. Symptoms may include shoulder pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing overhead activities.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a condition characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the shoulder capsule thickens and tightens, restricting movement and causing discomfort. Frozen shoulders often develop gradually and can be triggered by factors such as injury, prolonged immobilization, or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms include difficulty raising the arm, pain with movement, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow. It typically develops due to repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting motions, such as those commonly seen in tennis, hence the name. However, it can also occur in individuals who perform repetitive tasks with their hands and arms. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, weakened grip strength, and discomfort when lifting or bending the arm.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the wrist and hand. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger. Activities that involve repetitive wrist movements or prolonged use of vibrating tools can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Lower Extremity

Common Conditions in the Lower Extremity

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg, becomes compressed or irritated. This compression can result from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or muscle spasm in the lower back. Symptoms of sciatica include sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down the buttocks and legs, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected leg.

Hip Bursitis

Hip bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint. It can result from overuse, trauma, or underlying conditions such as arthritis. Symptoms of hip bursitis include pain on the outside of the hip that may radiate down the thigh, tenderness, swelling, and difficulty with activities like walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged sitting.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that affects the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, causing the bones to rub against each other. Factors such as aging, genetics, previous injuries, and obesity can contribute to the development of knee osteoarthritis. Symptoms include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty with activities like walking, climbing stairs, or kneeling.

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It commonly occurs in runners and athletes who engage in repetitive jumping or sprinting activities. Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include pain and stiffness in the back of the heel or lower calf, swelling, and difficulty walking or participating in physical activities.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain that occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed or irritated. This condition often develops from overuse, wearing improper footwear, or having flat feet or high arches. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest, as well as stiffness and tenderness in the bottom of the foot.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Extremity Conditions

Upper Extremity Symptoms

Pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, tingling, or reduced range of motion in the shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, or hands.

Lower Extremity Symptoms

Pain, swelling, tenderness, instability, numbness, tingling, or difficulty walking in the hips, legs, knees, ankles, or feet.

Functional Limitations

Difficulty performing daily activities, gripping objects, walking, running, or participating in sports due to pain and mobility issues.

Approach

Our Approach to Treatment and Rehabilitation

At Unna Chiropractic Care, we take a comprehensive approach to treating upper and lower extremity conditions, focusing on addressing the root cause of your symptoms and restoring optimal function.

Diagnostic Evaluation

We conduct detailed assessments, including physical exams, orthopedic tests, neurological evaluations, and imaging studies, to accurately diagnose your extremity condition.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Precise spinal and extremity adjustments help realign the musculoskeletal system, reduce pain, inflammation, and nerve irritation, and improve joint mobility and function.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Targeted techniques such as massage therapy, myofascial release, stretching, and trigger point therapy alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing.

Exercise Rehabilitation

Customized exercise programs, therapeutic stretches, strengthening exercises, and functional rehabilitation protocols enhance muscle strength, flexibility, stability, and coordination to support long-term recovery and prevent future injuries.

Lifestyle Modifications

We provide guidance on ergonomic adjustments, postural correction, ergonomic workstation setup, nutritional support, stress management techniques, and injury prevention strategies to optimize your overall health and well-being.

Experience Personalized Care at Unna Chiropractic Care

Don't let extremity conditions limit your mobility, hinder your daily activities, or affect your quality of life. Schedule a consultation with Unna Chiropractic Care today and discover how our integrative approach can help you achieve lasting relief, improved function, and enhanced well-being.

Contact Us to book your appointment or learn more about our services.

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