Living an Active Life with Osteoarthritis

You have been having joint problems for a while and a recent trip to the doctor confirmed it; you have osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is a result from normal aging and joint use. Osteoarthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling while limiting flexibility and mobility.

You are probably asking yourself, how am I ever going to do the things I love? Gardening, exercising, cooking, writing and so much more can all be affected by your osteoarthritis. While there is no cure to osteoarthritis, there are a number of ways you can make living an active life with osteoarthritis possible.

Engage in Joint-Friendly Exercises

One of the most important things you can do to treat your osteoarthritis is engage in low or non-impact exercises that will help your joints. Even though many that suffer from osteoarthritis feel pain after exercise or activity, when done correctly, movement should reduce pain and increase mobility and range of motion. It’s important to know which exercises you should be engaging in. These activities can all be increased in intensity or time length to create a cardio workout.

Low Impact Exercises

A general rule of thumb is if at least one foot is on the ground at all times, it is probably a low impact activity. Some common low impact exercises include walking, hiking and stair step machines. These activities cause little stress on your joints.

Non-Impact Exercises
The most joint-friendly activities are non-impact exercises because they do no deteriorate your bones whatsoever. These are exercises that don’t cause any jarring impact on the joints and no weight pressure. Non-impact exercises can include activities like aquatic aerobics, swimming, rowing and elliptical training.

Use the Right Equipment

Assistive devices can help you stay comfortable and mobile whether you are exercising or not. One of the easiest and most helpful things you can use is an orthopedic brace. These braces add support helping your joints function properly. You may find canes, walkers and elevated toilet seats helpful as well. Another popular in-home treatment is hot and cold therapy systems. This type of treatment can reduce swelled joints, pain and stiffness. Many people find hot and cold therapy particularly helpful after exercise.

Appreciate a Different Type of Activity

Many aspects of your life will change with osteoarthritis. If you are accustomed to doing a lot of physically strenuous and demanding activities, you may want to try new types of activities. Meeting with old friends, joining a bridge club, traveling more, keeping up with local politics are just a few of the ways you can stay mentally and physically active without straining your joints.

Listen to Your Body & Your Doctor

If you have acute arthritis, be sure to engage in activities that are not too strenuous for that part of your body. Ask your doctor if you’re straining your joints excessively and what he/she recommends.

About the Author: MMAR Medical is a premier online supplier of medical equipment including diabetic shoes, osteoarthritis knee braces, cold therapy systems and more. MMAR Medical offers the highest quality products matched with excellent customer service. From neck pain to foot pain, browse MMAR Medical’s wide selection and fine exactly what you’re looking for.

How to Treat Lower Back Pain

Sharp pains, shooting pains, constant pain and random pain in the lower back are all classified under lower back pain. Pain in your lower back is common because the lower part of the spine bears most of your body’s weight and this delicate area is surrounded by muscles, ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. Since lower back pain is very common amongst people of all ages, there is a good chance you will experience it at some point in your lifetime. However, you can minimize the severity of this pain by following our treatment tips below.

1. Avoid strenuous exercise

Do not work out when you are experiencing severe lower back pain. Working out includes taking your dog on a long walk or lifting heavy boxes, as both of these activities may overexert your hurt back. Rest your back by relaxing in a comfortable chair and only do light movement. You do not need to stay confined to your bed, but you should be extra careful of your actions.

2. Apply ice and heat

Applying ice to the hurt area several times a day is a great way to reduce the severity of pain. You should apply the ice in twenty minute increments or use acold therapy system on the area for maximum results. Rotate heat therapies in with the ice or cold pack, but only once the spasms have stopped. The heat should be applied in a gentle manner, being sure to leave it on for short time periods. If you experience back pain or other muscle aches often, the VitalWrap hot and cold therapy unit is an excellent choice.

3. Take an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication

Over the count pain medication, especially anti-inflammatory medication will help ease the pain. Doctors often recommend taking the recommended dose of ibuprofen, aspirin or Aleve throughout the day while you are experiencing pain. If the pain is severe, a stronger medication may be needed. Schedule an appointment with your doctor so he can prescribe the right thing for you and your needs.

4. Protect your back while you sleep

Make sure your mattress is sturdy and comfortable, so that your back is getting the support it needs. Place a small pillow between your knees if you lie on your side. If you are a back sleeper, place the pillow below under your knees.

5. Wear a lumbar support brace

Purchasing a top of the line lower back brace will help relieve your pain and it will prevent further injury. The kind of brace that you need varies based on your needs, so speak with your doctor about which medical support back brace is right for you. You probably need a quality back brace that provides additional support in the lower lumbar region and supports the delicate bones in your lower spine. Lumbar braces are a often a good fit because they compress the abdomen, which lessens the pressure on your spine and provides relief, allowing healing to take place.

A lower back injury can be frustrating, but following the treatment tips above will help ensure a quicker recovery. Maintain good posture, exercise to promote strength and flexibility of your muscles and maintain a healthy weight to prevent future lower injuries.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is one of North America's premiere medical brace distributors. Based in Houston Texas, MMAR specializes in orthopedic braces, splints and supports, as well as diabetic footwear and cold therapy units.

AC Joint Separation: Understanding Shoulder Separation

The AC joint is the joint located where the collar bone meets the should blade and arm bone (humerus). The clavicle meets the part of the collar bone known as the acromion, forming a socket where the humerus arm bone fits. The joint is held in place by several ligaments, the most important of which is the acromioclavicular ligament.

How does AC Joint Separation Occur?

An AC joint separation occurs whenever the joint between the clavicle and the acromion is damaged. It can be quite painful and inconvenient, but – despite common confusion to the contrary - it is not the same thing as a dislocated shoulder which involves the head of the humerus being forcibly removed from its socket.

Most AC injuries are the result of a strong blow to the shoulder or elbow. They can also be the result of a heavy fall or landing onto the elbow or an outstretched hand. Contact sports and car accidents are common causes of AC joint separation injuries.

What are the different levels or grades of AC Joint Separation?

AC separations are graded according to severity on a scale from 1 to 6, with 6 being the most extreme and rare. Grade 6 injuries involve torn ligaments and a complete disruption of the bones, while grades 1 and 2 are the most common and also the easiest to recover from.

What are the symptoms of an AC Joint Separation Injury?

The primary symptom of an AC injury is notable pain at the moment of impact in the outer end of the clavicle, near the arm. You may also experience pain throughout the shoulder after impact, especially when trying to lift the arms above the shoulders. There is often swelling and bruising, and if quite severe, you will be able to discern a noticeable lump at the tip of the collarbone.

How do you treat an AC Joint Separation?

If you are diagnosed with a lower grade level of shoulder separation, the injury will heal on its own with gentle exercise a few weeks after the injury when the pain has subsided a bit. Gentle exercise with increase range of motion and minimize instances of “frozen shoulder,” a common secondary issue that involves uncomfortable should stiffness. It is also advisable to treat the area with intermittent cold therapy thorough the first week to reduce inflammation. Use ice or a proper cold therapy system on the joint for 15 minutes at a time, every 4 hours. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen will lessen pain and further reduce inflammation.

Higher grade AC separation injuries will require a longer to recovery and should be overseen by a doctor or physiotherapist, who will be able to advice and supervise the recovery process. It is important to manage the pain, gradually resume activities, and eventually build up range of motion and muscle strength. It is likely that you will don a sling or shoulder immobilizer to restrict movement, lessen the pain, and promote healing. The joint may also be taped to further restrict movement. Surgery will almost certainly be necessary for grades 4, 5 and 6 shoulder separations, but these are instances of injury are quite rare.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is one of North America's premiere medical orthopedic brace distributors, carrying a large selection of carpal tunnel braces and rehabilitative cold therapy units. Based in Houston Texas, MMAR also carries a back brace and unloader knee brace selection.

Dealing with Chronic Pain in the Back or Neck – Non Surgical Strategies for Recovery

Chronic pain is often defined as consistent pain that is not resolved within 3 months or more. It can be a tremendously difficult, psychologically-draining state and when chronic pain is in the neck or back, it can be particularly challenging as it affects nearly all body movement.

Dealing with chronic back or spinal pain is not simple but there are a few tips that can help vastly improve your quality of life. The following is a list of common recovery methods and strategies for individuals who opt against invasive back surgery. This list is only intended to inform and it is of critical importance that an injured individual speak with their primary physician or physical therapist in order to decide on a treatment plan that is right for you.

Take Time to Recover

With many back injuries, including bulging disks, taking time off will allow the swelling to subside and permit the spine and surrounding tissue to heal. Swelling after all can be the primary source of pain. Incorporating hot and cold therapy into bed rest can also be highly beneficial. Many individuals report a single week of bed rest can restore the back to its healthy state and relieve chronic pain. Immediately after bed rest, many individuals use a supportive back brace, such as a lumbar support brace or sacroiliac brace, in order to offload weight from the affected area during the initial stages of rehabilitation.

Stay Active

Our bodies are designed to move, so after your recovery period, be sure to incorporate reasonable physical activity back into your daily regimen. The best activities are ones you will actually do on a near daily basis, so find something you enjoy and make it part of a routine. Before deciding on a new physical activity, discuss your options with your physician or physical therapist to ensure the activity will not place undue strain on your injury. Activities like swimming, elliptical machines, and walking are great low impact options for individuals with back injuries. You do not want to pursue a “muscle building” regimen at this time, which requires that muscles be stressed to the point of “breaking down” and “rebuilding”. This may further damage the already injured area. Rather, you want an activity that maintains muscle and prevents atrophy. Rehabilitation can seem slow at times, but it really is necessary for healing the injured areas.

Don’t Ignore Persistent Pain

Many folks – in their eagerness to exercise effectively and thus recover – ignore signs of pain when being active. Don’t. This is a critical time in recovery, and you do not want to push yourself to the point of further injury. Again, it is important to stress that your physical activity is about comfortable movement and muscle maintenance – not muscle building. With time you will be able to build muscle, but recovery is certainly not the optimal time to do so.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of orthopedic braces and supports. From top quality post-operative back braces to a wide selection of hinged, unloader and arthritis knee braces, MMAR Medical has bracing and support solutions for everyone.

Braces for Back Pain

If you are looking for a back brace to help you cope with persistent back pain, it is important to first identify what is causing the pain. If the pain is chronic and has not yet been diagnosed by a medical professional, that should be your next step after reading this article. Typically pain can be traced back to several root causes: over-activity, disc injury, disc degeneration, degenerative spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or scoliosis. In some instances back pain can be attributed to some very dangerous conditions including tumors and arterial disease. For this reason, it is critical you have the cause diagnosed by a medical professional who will be able to use imaging tests such as x-rays and MRI’s to accurately pin-point the underlying issue and rule out life threatening conditions. This is the first step to proper treatment for the back pain.

In most instances a medical back brace is an effective and affordable component of a comprehensive back pain treatment strategy. If you discover that you suffer from a slipped or bulging disc, a brace will not only provide support but it will offload pressure from the disturbed area. For others, if the pain is post-operative, a brace will not only aid with pain management, but it will also promote healing by limiting motion and providing support.

Your spine consists of a spinal code and nerves contained within a series of vertebra, separated by intervertebral discs and facet joints, all of work together, allowing the spine to transfer nerve information to the brain and body parts while also permitting the spine to move. Back pain can typically be attributed to one of these spinal components behaving irregularly, leading to “pinched nerves” or strained muscles / ligaments.

There are two types of back braces that are most commonly used to limit the motion in the spine, and they are rigid braces and corset braces. Rigid braces are exactly that: rigid – as opposed to elastic. A perfect example of a rigid brace would be TLSO braces. These firm, form-fitted braces are your best bet if limiting range of motion is your primary objective. They are typically constructed of stiff plastic and can limit motion by 50% or more, making them perfect fracture and post-operative braces. Because of their rigidity, these braces can be uncomfortable and are typically worn when upright, but not while sleeping. Corset braces are elastic braces which provide support while also allowing more give and their rigid counterparts. They are adjustable via elastic straps or corset styled lacing. Good examples of corset braces include lumbar braces and sacroiliac brace.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of orthopedic medical braces, comfort footwear and hot or cold therapy devices. MMAR offers one of the largest selections of quality medical braces in North America, including carpal tunnel braces and medical braces for pain and postoperative recovery.

Cold Therapy for Post-Operative Rehabilitation & Pain Management

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Tips to Prevent Back Pain

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Diabetic Foot Care

Approximately one fifth of diabetic Americans are hospitalized for foot-related problems at some point in their lives. Many symptoms of diabetes contribute to the risk of foot infection. Diabetics often experience thick calluses which can break and develop into ulcers. Another possible symptom of diabetes is poor circulation which - in turn - impairs the body’s ability to heal, repair and fend off infection. Diabetes can also lead to neuropathy, severe nerve damage that limits sensation in extremities. Because of nerve damage, a diabetic may not even feel the pain of an injury or infection, allowing wounds to go unnoticed and thus worsen. When a wound is left untreated for too long, it can become infected. Medical treatment can include antibiotics, hospitalization, and – in extreme circumstances - amputation. The feet are particularly vulnerable as they are often out of sight and difficult to inspect. For these many reasons, it is vitally importance that diabetics practice thoughtful, rigorous foot care.

The following are recommended tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy!

• Always wear appropriate diabetic shoes or slippers and NEVER walk around barefoot. Choosing the right footwear is critical to foot health as the majority of diabetic foot injuries are the result of poor fitting shoes. Shoes for diabetics should not be too tight or narrow. They should be constructed from comfortable, breathable material and feature mesh vents to ventilate the shoes, decreasing moisture, which tends to bred bacteria. Pair a high quality pair of diabetic shoes with seamless socks or compression stockings.


• Regularly check your feet for any sign of calluses, blisters, sores, or injuries. Make it a daily ritual, perhaps something you complete right after brushing your teeth and before bed. Use a hand mirror to inspect those hard-to-see places. If that doesn’t work, have a family member check your feet for you.


• Wash your feet every day and after rigorous exercise or activity. Use soap and warm water – test the temperature with your elbow if you have difficulty discerning the temperature. Do NOT soak feet. Prolonged soaking can lead to dry, cracked skin.


• After washing your feet, use an emery board carefully file down calluses. Do not over-file as that can lead to sores and bleeding – which is exactly what you are trying to avoid.


• Use a light coat of lotion after you wash and file. Be careful not to slather on lotion or allow it to trap between the toes as this creates an excellent environment for bacteria to breed. Massage in the lotion until it is completely absorbed.


• Trim your nails as needed. Most people find once a week or every other week works best. Shape the nail to the contour of your toes and be careful to not trim them too short. File the edges to prevent snagging nails that can tear.


• Never ignore foot issues of any kind. If you discover a cut, treat it immediately. If you notice as of the following, contain your physician immediately: swelling, cracks around the heel, calluses that bleed, nail issues, open sores, changes in color of the skin, pain in your legs, or changes in skin temperature.


• Visit your doctor for an annual foot check-up. Ask if they have any concerns or can recommend any products for improving your foot care regimen.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, or be taken as medical advice. For more information related to your unique situation, please speak with your personal physician.
About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premier supplier of high quality medical products including a wide selection of diabetic shoes, cold therapy systems and medical orthopedic braces, including arthritis knee braces. To find quality medical shoulder, knee, back braces and more, please visit MMAR Medical online.

ACL Tear Treatments - ACL Surgery

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Coping with Your Child’s Scoliosis

Discovering that your child has been living with an unusual physical condition like scoliosis can be very traumatic for parents. Family members ask themselves, "How did we not know?" "When did this start?" "What could we have done?" While there is a normal feeling of guilt and angst that comes with learning your child has scoliosis, it is important to focus on helping your child physically and emotionally to get through this difficult time.

Understanding Scoliosis

The first thing you should do is learn about your child’s condition. There are a number of resources you can utilize to solidify your understanding of scoliosis. You can browse medical websites, talk to other parents or youths with scoliosis and most importantly, talk to your doctor to obtain credible information about scoliosis. It’s important to realize that scoliosis is not a disease or syndrome – it is a condition. It is a curvature of the spine that becomes evident in adolescents during their growth spurt.

The severity of the curve varies greatly by individual case. This severity is what determines the physical risks your child may have. It is crucial that a medical professional diagnose your child’s severity based on x-rays and monitor its progress. It is important that you as a parent to be involved with your child’s care and medical attention. Ask questions and educate yourself so that you can offer real support to your child.

Emotionally Supporting your Child

Scoliosis can be incredibly hard on your child. This condition occurs normally during puberty, an already confusing and trying time for a child. He or she will need positive support and encouragement as they try to understand this condition they’ve been burdened with. If you approach this condition with an optimistic and prepared attitude, your child will too. Your child may mask feelings of fear, anxiety or anger with unusual outbursts, isolation, moodiness or passiveness. You will need to be ready to offer a shoulder as your child learns to understand and accept their condition.

Proactively Seeking Treatment

The majority of scoliosis cases do not require surgery. Surgery is required when the curvature is very extreme and is putting other organs, like the lungs or heart, at risk. Most likely, if your child is still growing, your doctor may recommend wearing a brace. While wearing a brace will not cure or reverse the condition of your child’s scoliosis, it may prevent worsening of the curve. A brace should be worn as many hours a day as possible.

Most likely, your doctor will recommend a thoracolumbosacral orthosis, or TSLO brace. This is a tight fitting brace unnoticeable under clothes and goes under your arms and around the ribcage. In cases where your doctor believes a TSLO brace would not be enough, he may recommend a CTO brace or Milwaukee brace. This type of brace is a full-torso brace and has rests for the chin and neck.

Regardless of the treatment your child needs, the support and love you show your child are invaluable. This type of condition is difficult for both the patient and his/her loved ones, but it is important to keep the focus on the child as they struggle to fight scoliosis.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of orthopedic braces and supports. From top quality post-operative back braces to a wide selection of arthritis knee braces, MMAR Medical has bracing and support solutions for everyone.