Common Elbow Injuries

Joints are the body’s shocks – they absorb the impact of our falls, runs, jumps and other activities. As the center of articulation between the upper bone of the arm (humerus) and the forearm bones (ulna, radius), the elbow is an important joint for range of motion and mobility; as such, elbow injuries can prove quite a serious hindrance. Those who are at most risk include the elderly and those who are involved in more demanding sports activities such as snowboarding, skiing, mountain climbing, etc.

Dislocation:

Elbow dislocation usually occurs when one falls on an outstretched or extended arm, typically while playing contact sports or during a fall. The resulting injury involves acute pain in the elbow as well as a loss of range of motion and extension, it may also appear as though the elbow is deformed or bent awkwardly.

Dislocation can be remedied by re-aligning the elbow joint correctly, a procedure that should only be performed by a medical provider as the patient will need pain medication and an x-ray.

Fracture

A bone fracture is defined as a break in the continuity of the bone and is usually the result of high force impact or stress. Bone fractures may also be a result of a pre-existing medical condition that weakens the bones such as cancer or osteoporosis.

Much like a dislocation, fractures cause acute, localized pain, swelling, bruising and joint deformity. In the case that you believe you have experienced an elbow fracture, be sure to have it attended to as soon as possible to minimize long term complications. Typically a fracture will need time to heal so the arm may be placed in an arm brace or other elbow support.

Chronic Elbow Injuries

Chronic elbow injuries are conditions that occur over the long term, usually lasting more than 2 weeks, and are accompanied by recurrent pain, stiffness, or loss of motion. These injuries can be the result of repeated injuries, other medical conditions, or previous trauma. One of the most common causes of chronic elbow (and general joint) pain is arthritis. There are three type of arthritis – OA (osteoarthritis), PA (posttraumatic arthritis), and RA (rheumatoid arthritis), all of which may cause recurring elbow pain. Patients with OA may experience a locking or catching sensation in the joint, while those with RA typically experience swelling and joint deformity.

Another familiar chronic elbow injury is tendinitis, the inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are a tough tissue that connect bones to muscles and withstand substantial tension and their inflammation can arise from frequent, physically demanding activity (repetitive motion injury). For example, mountain climbers will typically develop tendinitis in their fingers and elbows while swimmers may develop it in their shoulders. Symptoms of tendinitis can include stiffness, aches, pains and burning around the inflamed tendon. Fortunately, anti-inflammatory medicines and psychical therapy can alleviate pain and injury. Rest, ice, compression and elevation are the four main components to recovery from tendinitis. Using cold therapy to keep swelling and inflammation at bay can alleviate pain and minimize long term damage.

Keep in mind that older adults are at higher risk for elbow injuries and fractures because they lose muscle mass and bone strength as they age. Vision and balance problems may also contribute to falling and injuries.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale medical supplier specializing in diabetic footwear, cold therapy systems and various medical braces. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

Common Ankle Injuries

With springtime rapidly approaching, the days are getting sunnier and warmer, enticing people to play outdoors. During outdoor exercise and activity, the ankle is one of the most vulnerable and easily injured components of the body. The most common ankle injury is the ankle sprain, also known as a rolled ankle, twisted ankle, or ankle ligament injury. An ankle sprain is very common and surprisingly easy to do... but thankfully, it is also very treatable. Here are some of the basic facts about sprained ankles.

A sprained ankle occurs when your ankle moves in a way that it is not supposed to move. This includes jumping and landing on your ankle incorrectly or stepping laterally incorrectly while playing sports. Many basketball players have had this common injury occur because of the lateral motion and jumping that is part of the game. Tennis is another sport that is no stranger to sprained ankles.

There are three types of sprained ankle injuries: inversion, eversion and high ankle sprains. Inversion is when you roll your ankle on the outside of the foot. This is the most common type of sprain with over 90% of sprains consisting of inversion sprains. Eversion is when the ankle rolls on the inside of the foot and high ankle injuries occur from a sudden outward twisting motion of the foot.

Ankle sprains are classified into three classes. Class 1 sprain occurs when the ligaments are only minimally damaged. Class 2 sprains occur when there is some tearing of the ligaments. Class 3 is the classification of the most severe tears and ankle injuries.

A sprained ankle creates swelling and inflammation in the ankle. It might be hard to put pressure on the ankle since the nerves in the ankle become more sensitive.

The best way to treat most sprained ankles is through RICE - rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Rest: try not to use the ankle whenever possible. This includes staying away from sports and exercise.

Ice: Icing the ankle can reduce swelling. You can use cold therapy wraps or professional cold therapy systems. Just make sure you do not ice it for too long - 20 minute increments should suffice.

Compression: Ankle braces are known to improve ankle injuries. Ankle braces range from simple ace bandages to laced ankle braces to even high-tech hinged ankle braces. Braces provide support for the ankle. Compression braces/bandages also help push swelling away from the ankle and toward the body.

Elevation: Elevating the ankle above the heart aids in reducing swelling.

Sprained ankles can be a pain and debilitate a key part of our body. The good thing is that most twisted ankles can be healed but only with proper treatment. Remember, rest, ice, use a ankle brace and your ankle will be healed promptly.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale medical supplier specializing in diabetic footwear, cold therapy systems and various medical braces. Please visit www.mmarmedical.com for more information.

About Osteoarthritis (OA) of the Knee

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Tips for Joint Health

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Is Your Blood Pressure in Check?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions of people every year—including young children and teenagers. Hypertension is also the most common type of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of strokes and a major risk factor for heart attacks. In the US alone, approximately 75 million people have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

What is it?

Simply put, blood pressure refers to the physical force/pressure placed on artery walls as blood is pumped throughout the body. Similar to that of an inflated tire, blood fills arteries to a specific capacity and if this threshold is exceeded damage to the arteries may occur.

How is it measured?

A blood pressure reading consists of two distinct numbers. The first and higher of the two being systolic pressure. Systolic pressure refers to the pressure in the arterial walls when the heart beats and fills them with blood. The second number in a blood pressure reading is the diastolic pressure. Diastolic pressure refers to the pressure within the arterial walls when the heart rests between beats. In general, an individual’s blood pressure will rise steadily as they age from about 90/60 at birth to 120/80 as a healthy adult. However, it's natural for blood pressure to rise and fall when engaging in vigorous activity.

What is considered high?

If your blood pressure readings are frequently 140/90 or higher then you’re considered to have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure remains at this level or continues to rise your physician will most likely put you on a blood pressure treatment. On the other hand, if your blood pressure readings are 200/120 or higher than you may need immediate medical care and you should consult with your primary care physician as soon as possible.

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

Unfortunately, many people who suffer from high blood pressure don’t actually know they have the condition. Hypertension is commonly referred to as the "silent killer," because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms even in extreme cases. Your best option for keeping an eye on your blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. You can have your blood pressure checked at a medical clinic, your neighborhood pharmacy or you can opt to purchase your own personal blood pressure monitor. Home blood pressure monitors come in a number of different sizes and include various features such as easy squeeze inflation bulbs, voice prompting and onboard memory. Digital blood pressure monitors are also fairly inexpensive and may end up saving your life. For more information relating to your specific situation or high blood pressure in general, please speak with your personal physician.

This information is not intended to supplement or replace advice from a medical professional, or to diagnose or treat any condition. If you experience high blood pressure, seek out the care of a medical professional immediately.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of medical devices and comfort footwear, including shoes for diabetics. Whether you are looking for hinged knee braces, back braces or elbow / wrist supports, MMAR Medical has the highest quality products and professional expertise to find you what you need.

Eat this... Not that! Diabetic Safe Food Options

Contrary to popular belief, diabetes does not mean the end of enjoying food. There are plenty of delicious foods that are diabetes friendly. The key is to monitor your diet and replace foods high in sugar and carbohydrates with healthy alternatives. Below is an example of good options and bad options for diabetics.

Breakfast:

Eat this: Reduced fat yogurt with low-fat granola and non-fat or low fat milk.

Not this: doughnuts with apple Juice

It is important to start the day off right to make sure your blood sugar is right on track. Avoid sugary cereals, white bread, bacon and processed juices.

Lunch:

Eat this: Ham sandwich with lettuce, tomato and low fat mayo on whole wheat bread with water or unsweetened ice tea with lemon to drink

Not this: Hamburger with fries and a soda to drink


If you are going to have red meat, ham is one of the best meats that a diabetic can have. It is rich in protein and contains little fat. Additionally, whole wheat bread is a excellent source of fiber. Soda is one of the most sugar-filled items on the market with cans having dozens of grams of sugar per glass so it is an item to try to avoid.

Afternoon Snack:

Eat This: granola bar or beef jerky (both should be sugar free - they sneak it in, so be sure to check!)

Not this: bag of chips


Chips have a high glycemic score and are not ideal for controlling blood sugar. Instead granola bars are a great source of fiber. Be sure to read the label though to make sure granola bars have at least 5 grams of fiber and less than 150 calories per bar. Likewise, sugar-free beef jerky is high in protein and low in calories.

Dinner:

Eat This: Skinless chicken breast seasoned to taste, green bean casserole (made with non or low fat mushroom soup) and water or unsweetened ice tea with lemon.

Not This: Pork chops, butter rolls and alcohol


Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein. Avoid butter because it is high in fat which leads to cardiovascular diseases for diabetics.

Regulating your food intake is very important in your diabetic diet. Be sure to couple a healthy diet with regular exercise, as exercising can help improve your body’s use of insulin and decrease your body fat (which results in improved insulin sensitivity). Even walking a few times a week in diabetic shoes can help put you on the right track.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical braces including a wide selection of hinged knee and ACL braces. MMMAR Medical is also proud to feature a wide selection of diabetic footwear as well as socks for diabetics.

A Quick Guide to Diabetic Foot Care

One fifth of adult diabetics are hospitalized at some point in time for major foot complications. Type 2 diabetes contributes to foot issues in several ways. Diabetics often struggle with poor circulation, which impairs one’s ability to heal wounds and fight infection. Diabetics also frequently experience neuropathy, acute nerve damage, which can diminish their ability to recognize and treat an injury. Small cuts and brittle calluses can become dangerous infections if they go unnoticed. This, in turn, can lead to hospitalization or even, in the most extreme instances, amputation. For these reasons, diabetic must be vigilant when it comes to caring for their feet. The following are the best practices for keeping diabetic feet happy and healthy.

• If you have Type 2 Diabetes, take time everyday to care for your feet.


• Check your feet regularly for sores, blisters, cuts, calluses, or other issues. Never ignore any sort of irritation. If you have trouble seeing your feet, consider purchasing magnifying glasses and place a mirror on the floor or ask a family member check for you.


• Wash your feet thoroughly with lukewarm water, but refrain from soaking them for long periods of time. After washing, file down calluses and corns gently with an emery board. Coat your feet with a thin application of lotion. Avoid putting excess lotion between toes as these sorts of nooks can harbor bacteria.


• Trim your toenails once a week and file away any jagged edges.


• Visit the doctor at least once a month to have a formal foot check-up.


• Always wear comfortable diabetic shoes. This is critical as most foot ailments are rooted in poorly fitting shoes. Make sure they fit correctly and have bacteria-resistant breathable fabric. Always don seamless socks to prevent blisters.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, or be taken as medical advice. ALWAYS report any foot issues to your doctor immediately, especially if you notice swelling, pain, cracks, bleeding calluses, open sores, changes in color of the skin or nail, or distinct changes in skin temperature. For more information related to your unique situation, please speak with your personal physician.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of medical devices and comfort footwear, including shoes for diabetics. Whether you are looking for hinged knee braces, back braces or elbow or wrist supports, MMAR Medical has the highest quality products and professional expertise to find you what you need.

Common Shoulder Injuries

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What to Look for in a Back Brace

A back brace is simply a device that immobilizes, restricts or influences the movement of the spine. Back braces may be worn for a variety of reasons, but they’re commonly used to treat spinal injuries, muscular injuries or degenerative conditions like scoliosis. There are two primary types of back braces used to treat conditions like those previously mentioned.

The first type of back brace is the rigid/hard brace. A rigid back brace is typically constructed from a plastic mold and is form fitted to the contours of the spine. These back braces are designed to greatly restrict spine movement especially in the lumbar (lower) region, if not restrict the movement of the spine entirely. Limiting the motion of the lower spine not only helps in the healing process, but also aids in the reduction of lower back pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, rigid braces also tend to be heavy and cumbersome leading to a general feeling of discomfort for the wearer.

The second and most common type of back brace is the soft back brace which is also commonly referred to as a corset brace. The soft/corset brace typically features a flexible elastic band that limits forward movement of the spine. These types of braces are frequently worn by individuals who are required to lift heavy loads such as construction workers or movers. These braces not only limit the motion of the spine, but they also encourage proper lifting techniques utilizing the muscles of the legs rather than the back.

You may now be asking yourself, which back brace is best for me. This question is best answered by a physician or back specialist, because they will know the details of your specific condition and how to best alleviate the problem. Although rigid and soft back braces are fairly common, many health care providers are likely to recommend back strengthening exercises and stretching as alternatives to a back brace. According to numerous physicians, back bracing can potentially lead to significant muscle loss which is another reason why it’s vital to speak to a health care professional when deciding if a lower back brace is the best option for you.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premier supplier of high quality medical products including a wide selection of orthopedic braces and supports, as well as diabetic and comfort shoes. To find a quality specialty orthopedic braces, such as a hinged knee brace or lumbar brace, please visit MMAR Medical online.

Common Elbow Injuries

Many people at some point in their life will experience an elbow injury. There are countless forms of elbow injuries with varying degrees of severity, but it’s important to know the most common types of elbow injuries and their associated symptoms. The two most common forms of injuries affecting the elbow are elbow bursitis (elbow bruise) and tennis elbow.

Elbow Bursitis (Elbow Bruise)

The most common type of elbow injury is Elbow bursitis. Elbow bursitis is basically the inflammation of the bursa sac. Bursa sacs are fluid filled sacs which provide additional cushioning so as to prevent the ends of our joints from excessive wear. These fluid filled sacs are generally located around every joint in the human body. These particular bursa sacs are referred to as the Olecranon Bursas and they're located on the back of the elbow. Elbow bursitis typically occurs when the elbow is subjected to some form of blunt force trauma, such as a fall where the tip of the elbow comes into direct contact with a hard surface. Generally, if you’re suffering from elbow bursitis your elbow will be swollen and tender. However, if your elbow appears red and is warm to the touch, your elbow bursitis may be due to an infection. If your doctor suspects that your elbow may be infected, he or she may opt to remove the fluid from the swollen area and prescribe an antibiotic. If the bursitis is not from an infection it may be treated in a variety of ways. The most common treatments for elbow bursitis typically include cold therapy, rest and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury that’s typically caused by a repeated twisting motion of the wrist and forearm. This condition is generally associated with playing tennis, hence the name tennis elbow, but it can be caused by any activity that involves the twisting of the arm such as when you use a screwdriver.

Some of the common signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Elbow pain that gradually worsens


• Pain that radiates from the outside of the elbow towards the wrist


• An increase in elbow pain while gripping an object


• A decrease in overall grip strength


• Difficultly when attempting to fully extend your arm

If you’re experiencing any number of the symptoms listed above then you may have tennis elbow, but don’t worry, because there are a variety of ways to treat this condition. Tennis elbow treatments typically include heat therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and/or the use of an elbow brace or other immobilizing device. In order to prevent the injury from occurring again, an elbow strap may be worn during certain activities that aggravate the condition.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of medical products including a wide selection of diabetic shoes, as well as orthopedic braces and supports. For top-of-the-line medical knee braces, a wide elbow brace selection and other quality braces, please visit MMAR Medical online.