拗柴（足踝扭傷）係咩？ What is a sprained ankle?

足踝係人體下肢一個精密關節，負責支撐步行、跳躍同跑步等日常活動。當關節承受過大壓力或超出活動幅度時，就會導致拗柴，損傷韌帶或關節囊，引致劇痛同活動受限，需要立即處理。The ankle is a complex and delicate structure, instrumental to movement in the lower part of the human body. 

The joint capsule holds the ankle together and provides stability that allows us to perform daily activities including walking, jumping and running.

Excessive stress or movement beyond the body’s natural limitations can result in a sprained ankle causing damage to the joint, the joint capsule or the ligaments in the ankle.

A person’s movements are significantly restricted and immediate medical attention is highly recommended.

拗柴症狀 Symptoms Sprained Ankle

• 關節突然刺痛（常見於「踩凹腳」動作後）
• 患處腫脹、瘀血（可能伴隨內出血）
• 輕微拗柴可透過休息同護具穩定復原
• 嚴重個案或需專業治療，否則可能引發關節退化

A sprained ankle or a rolling of the foot can cause the joint capsule to tear. The individual often experiences a sharp stabbing pain in the joint.

Often, there is accompanied bleeding and edema in the injured region. Bruising is also a typical sign of serious damage and may suggest underlying complications.

In mild cases, ample rest and stabilization through orthosis can restore the joint capsule back to normal function.

However, in severe cases, there could be serious underlying complications that need to be addressed by a health professional with targeted healing. If left unchecked, it could lead to degeneration of the joint.

拗柴診斷 Diagnosis Sprained Ankle

醫生會透過臨床檢查同MRI/X光評估傷勢。急性期後，建議配合物理治療同足踝護具加速康復。

Practitioners rely on detailed physical examinations and sophisticated medical technology, like MRI and X-ray imaging, to determine the severity of the injury.

Sufficient prescribed physiotherapy, after the acute stage, in conjunction with the use of an ankle orthosis is highly recommended for a speedy and smooth recovery. 

拗柴急救與治療 Sprained Ankle Treatment

即時處理（RICE原則）

• 休息 (Rest)：立即停止活動
• 冰敷 (Ice)：用毛巾包冰袋減腫
• 加壓 (Compression)：使用彈性繃帶或醫療護踝
• 抬高 (Elevation)：將腳抬高過心臟水平

2. 物理治療

• 處方消炎藥減輕痛楚
• 復康運動強化關節穩定性
• 水療或按摩改善腫脹瘀血

3. 醫療護踝

推薦使用Bauerfeind護踝（如 MalleoLoc）：

• 提供醫學級加壓同支撐
• 降低韌帶僵硬風險
• 增強本體感覺，防止二次受傷

Injury to the ankle is fairly common and treatment of an overturned foot is mostly conservative i.e. non-surgical. The primary course of treatment involves relieving stress from the joint and the joint capsule immediately.

• First Aid

Immediate first aid measures are highly recommended after trauma. A good guideline to follow is the RICE rule:

• Rest: The injured joint should be immobilized immediately. Rest should be prioritized, and no stress should be applied to the joint.
• Ice: Cooling the joint is recommended. To prevent and minimize swelling, an ice pack, wrapped in a cloth, should be applied immediately after an injury. 
• Compression: Compression bandages, alongside medical ankle braces, can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. These provide support and prevent excessive stress and movement of the ankle joint.
• Elevation: Elevation of the injured foot above heart level, preferably mounted, prevents further complications by managing and preventing edema.

• Prescribed physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Anti-inflammatory and pain medications can be taken to help alleviate pain and discomfort of a foot overturn injury. Prescribed rehabilitation exercises are highly recommended in order to strengthen the joint and stabilize the capsule after the acute stage.

Remedial massage and hydrotherapy can be instrumental in managing the associated symptoms of edema and bruising. Physiotherapy is also very beneficial in the process of recovering the ankle’s strength and mobility. 

• Medical ankle braces 
  • Ankle braces are helpful in smooth and effective recovery of a sprained ankle. After an injury, the joint capsule is compromised and is at a higher risk of further injury.
  • A sprained ankle can be very painful and treatment is a long process but crucial in restoring joint stability. An ankle brace can help in avoiding further shortening or stiffening of the ankle ligaments and muscles by boosting healing. 
  • Wearing a Bauerfeind brace, like the MalleoLoc ankle brace, can minimize the chances of further injury by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and medical-grade compression. 
• Surgical Intervention

Contrary to belief, surgical paths of treatment are only necessary in cases of complications. In cases of a ruptured capsule, there could be internal complications like bone fragments from the injury, which would require surgery. 

預防拗柴 

Treatment and Prevention of Sprained Ankle Through the Use of Braces

• 運動時穿著合適鞋履
• 避免凹凸不平地面

立即選用專業護踝，加速康復兼預防再傷！

A sprained ankle is fairly common in sporting activities such as Soccer and Basketball sand can be easily avoided by taking a few precautionary measures.

Better awareness of the natural limitations of our joints and better proprioception can help avoid abnormal movements of the joint, thus preventing trauma.

Ensuring appropriate footwear and practicing care on uneven surfaces are also some helpful ways of reducing the risk of a sprained ankle injury. However, one of the most effective measures is the use of medical ankle braces.

Orthoses can help in facilitating healthy proprioception (body movement and posture) during strenuous activities like in sports and running. In cases of a tear in the joint capsule, an ankle brace is highly recommended for both prevention and recovery. 

佩戴足踝護具 Braces for Sprained Ankle Treatment

佩戴足踝護具（如 MalleoTrain Plus）：

• • 3D編織技術貼合腳形
  • 緩震軟墊減痛消腫
  • 防扭傷設計，適合籃球、足球等高風險運動

The MalleoTrain Plus is a lightweight ankle brace that stabilizes the foot following twists or sprains. It helps in preventing twisted ankles. The brace features:

• Three-dimensional active knit – for a perfect fit.
• Anatomical shape – Conforms to your body for gentle compression that keeps the ankle in place and improves circulation.
• Viscoelastic cushions – Increase your comfort with soft pads while stabilizing the ankle and reducing pain and swelling.

護踝支架點樣預防拗柴後遺症

Orthosis for preventing Ankle Damage from Sprained Ankles

Bauerfeind MalleoLoc L 足踝支架專為急性拗柴設計，能穩定關節、減輕痛楚，並防止不當動作造成二次傷害。Bauerfeind’s MalleoLoc L ankle brace stabilizes the joint, relieves pain in the ankle joint and prevents it from careless movements, particularly in the acute phase of the condition.

產品特點：

 硬殼保護設計：

• 符合足踝外側解剖形狀嘅塑膠外殼

• 提供內外側強力支撐，防止關節過度翻轉

 急性期防護：

• 特別適合剛扭傷時使用，限制不穩動作

• 減少韌帶再次拉傷風險

 醫學級穩定：

• 有效預防「慣性拗柴」，幫助關節正確癒合

The brace features a plastic shell which is anatomically shaped to conform to the outer side of the foot. This shell provides a high degree of medial and lateral stabilization, helps in preventing sprains and rolling out movements of the foot.

Reading next

Ankle Arthritis: Ankle Joint Pain, Swelling, Deformity, & Instability

The ankle is a complex structure that carries the body’s weight. The joint and the ligament connections facilitate movement and are crucial for daily activities like walking, running and jumping. 

Trauma from accidents or sports-related injuries can lead to the development of ankle arthritis. A patient suffering from this condition will experience pain while performing basic movements of the ankle, thus severely restricting mobility.

In most cases of minor injuries, sufficient rest and conservative medical treatment can help heal the ankle.

However, chronic cases of repeated trauma or long term degeneration can lead to severe complications that require non-conservative, i.e. surgical treatment.  

Ankle Arthritis Symptoms

The ligaments in the ankle joint serve as shock absorbers and bear our weight during movement. Unconventional movement or trauma can lead to ankle arthritis. It is a sign of wear and tear that leads to long term degradation and reduction in the joint space. 

Some of the commonly associated symptoms include:

• Pain from stressing the ankle, for example standing up or walking.
• Radiating pain in the foot and lower leg.
• Stinging pain when walking on uneven terrain and when tipping sideways.
• Stiffening in the ankle.

In chronic cases, the cartilage between the upper and lower ankle bones is worn out completely and the buffer between the bones is lost. This causes the bones to rub against each other.

A patient’s joint is severely compromised and lacks stability. The skin in the area turns red and this can be associated with inflammation. In some cases, new bone forms on the edge of the joint which leads to movement restrictions as the disease progresses.

Immediate professional medical attention is highly advised. 

*Note: Ankle Arthrosis is not a sign of aging. It is most commonly a delayed consequence of an injury to the ankle, such as a supination trauma which was not treated properly. In some rare cases, metabolic diseases such as gout or rheumatism can lead to ankle arthrosis. 

Diagnosis of Ankle Arthritis

A complete medical examination by a professional orthopedist is the best course of action in case of ankle arthritis. The physician begins with a complete history of the circumstances of the accident and injury.

Sophisticated imaging technology like X-rays and MRI’s can be used to detect the true extent of injury to the individual parts of the ankle joint and to detect bone extensions.

A quick synovial fluid test can check for the presence of free joint bodies as well as cartilage fragments. 

It is crucial to understand the extent of the trauma and the progression of the degeneration to formulate the most efficient treatment path.

Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Ankle arthritis treatment is mostly conservative i.e. non-surgical in the early stages of the condition. In case of direct trauma to the ankle joint, treatment begins with addressing the primary symptoms of the condition with relieving stress and providing ample rest. 

• Immobilization

Lifting pressure off the injured foot is the best first measure in case of trauma. It prevents excess stress on the injury. Ample rest and suspension of the ankle using a medical ankle is highly recommended and can facilitate a swift recovery. 

• Cooling

Applying a cool surface like an ice pack is highly effective in managing the edema caused by the injury. It soothes the joint and can provide relief to the patient.

• Prescription Painkillers

Patients with ankle arthritis experience pain and discomfort due to the condition. Prescribed painkillers like Ibuprofen can help manage the pain and provide some relief. However, as with many medications, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.

• Prescribed Physiotherapy

In cases of ankle arthritis, rehabilitation is very important to ensure complete healing and to manage the long term consequences of the condition.

Prescribed physiotherapy, with the use of ankle braces, help strengthen the ligaments in the ankle that have lost stability. The aim is to delay the wear and tear of the joint and potentially repair the damage.

In cases of degeneration of muscle due to long periods of fixation like in a plaster, physiotherapy helps a patient regain mobility.

• Surgical Intervention

In patients with advanced symptoms, cortisone injections alongside surgical intervention sometimes become necessary. The compromised ligaments can no longer act as an efficient buffer between the bones in the ankle and might need surgery to facilitate healing. Surgery might be required if there are bone growths in the joint.  

• Medical Ankle Braces

Ligaments and muscles need several months of ample rest and support to regain strength and stability. During this time, a medical ankle brace supports the ankle.

They are crucial in the immobilization phase of treatment and provide much-needed support to the compromised joint. The brace helps reduce the strain on the ankle as well as reduces the formation of edema.  

ORTHOSIS: Prevention of Ankle Arthritis

Ankle braces are valuable tools in both the complete healing of the ankle joint after injury or trauma, as well as prevention of the progression of long term osteoarthritis.

Braces like the MalleoTrain help secure the ankle and provide much-needed support and stability. The brace encourages good proprioception and helps prevent unnatural stress on the ankle making it crucial in managing the condition.

The MalleoTrain features two pads that massage the ankle and provide relief from pain. The medical-grade compression stimulates blood circulation and reduces the formation of edema. The breathable, hypoallergenic material is flexible, making it comfortable and supportive to wear for extended periods. 

SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS: OMARTHROSIS

The shoulder joint connects our shoulder blade to the upper arm bone, the humerus. Bending and stretching of the joint allows us to move our arms, lift and carry objects alongside other complex movements.

Long term wear and tear of the shoulder joint can result in the degenerative disease known as (shoulder osteoarthritis).

A patient suffering from this condition usually experiences pain in the shoulder under any stress and feels stiffness, leading to restricted mobility. 

Conservative therapy is usually sufficient to manage the mild cases of shoulder osteoarthritis, however, in chronic cases, more direct surgical measures may be necessary. 

CAUSES OF SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

Shoulder osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease. The damage is irreversible and generally progresses with time and age. Based on the root of the disease there are two distinct types: Primary (Internal) and Secondary (External). 

PRIMARY SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

Primary OA is rather mysterious. The true root of the disease is unknown; however, scientists suspect that pre-existing conditions and a hereditary disposition could be the trigger. Not all carriers of the gene manifest symptoms.  

SECONDARY SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

Secondary OA is easier to diagnose and has a clear origin. Risk factors for developing secondary OA include:

• Sporting accidents or physical trauma to the shoulder.
• High-intensity physical activity like manual labor.
• Disease of the cartilage (Chondromatosis)
• History of a fractured or dislocated shoulder.
• Physical deformations that lead to the inherent instability of the joint.
• Long term wears and tears due to natural ageing. 

SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of shoulder osteoarthritis depend on the stage of the disease. As the disease progresses, the symptoms tend to get more severe. Some of the most commonly known symptoms include:

• Pain in the shoulder after long periods of inactivity, for example after a night’s sleep.
• Pain and increased discomfort when moving the shoulder sideways and rotating the arm. In mild cases, the pain subsides and is temporary, however, the underlying condition remains untreated.
• Long term neglect can lead to a noticeable loss in strength of the arm. The shoulder joint becomes stiff and a patient’s mobility is restricted. 
• Crunching or cracking sounds on movement can be heard.

In chronic cases:

• The ligament between the shoulder blade and the humerus can be worn out completely, causing the bones to rub against each other.
• There are significant pain and discomfort in the shoulder. The skin around the area turns red and feels heated.
• In the worst-case scenario, bone growths (Osteophytes) can appear between the bones and can change the structure of the joint, further stiffening it.

Shoulder osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease and cannot be cured completely. A timely diagnosis can lead to an effective treatment path to slow the progression of the disease. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis!

*Note: Primary omarthrosis (shoulder osteoarthritis) often remains undetected in the initial stage. The pain doesn’t significantly impact the quality of life and typically results in a late diagnosis.

DIAGNOSIS OF SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

A professional orthopedist is the best person to determine an effective treatment path. Diagnosis begins with complete patient history and physical examination.

SHOULDER ARTHRITIS X-RAY

The physician checks the mobility of the joint and uses sophisticated imaging technology, like X-Rays and MRI’s, to get a clear idea of the progression of the disease. 

X-rays and MRI’s are highly effective in detecting the presence of osteophytes and damage to the cartilage in the joint space.

TREATMENT OF SHOULDER OSTEOARTHRITIS

Treatment of the condition is mostly conservative. Only in chronic cases does surgery become a viable option. The best treatment course involves managing the progression of the disease and effective pain management. A good guideline to follow is:

• LIFESTYLE CHANGES

Lifestyle changes in the early stages of the condition can help slow the progression. Avoiding stressful activities, like intensive manual work and lifting heavy loads, is a proven effective measure a patient can take in their daily life.

• REHABILITATION AND PHYSIOTHERAPY

Regulated physiotherapy helps with targeted muscle training and is a proven effective treatment path. The exercises can help promote the reorganization of the muscles and are the most effective option to curb the disease.

Encouraging healthy proprioception and strengthening of the muscles helps prevent long term degeneration and can slow the progression of shoulder osteoarthritis.

• PRESCRIBED PAINKILLERS

Medication, such as Ibuprofen or Panadol, can be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort in patients. Importantly, painkillers only temporarily treat the pain without addressing the underlying condition. In addition, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.

• MEDICAL SHOULDER BRACES

It is highly recommended that ample support to the shoulder is provided by using a medical shoulder brace. The targeted compression that braces provide helps boost circulation and reduce the possibility of effusions and edema. 

Wearing a Bauerfeind shoulder brace, like the OmoTrain, can minimize your chances of injury by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and medical-grade compression. This is not found in simple neoprene sleeves and braces and can be instrumental in managing shoulder arthritis pain. 

• SURGICAL INTERVENTION

Operative surgery is considered only in more severe cases where symptoms are persistent, and all conservative treatments have been exhausted. In chronic conditions of bone growth, surgery might be needed to restore mobility.

A surgeon typically performs an arthroscopy (keyhole surgery), which is proven effective in alleviating symptoms. The surgery is minimally invasive and allows the surgeon to smoothen the cartilage and is proven to improve joint mobility. 

In the worst-case scenario, a shoulder replacement (endoprosthesis) could be the final resort if all other measures fail to provide relief. A patient should make an informed decision after discussing with a physician and weighing up the costs and benefits of surgery. 

HOW CAN A SHOULDER BRACE HELP WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN?

Medical shoulder braces can be instrumental in managing the progression of shoulder arthritis. 

Bauerfeind’s OmoTrain Shoulder Brace helps relieve stress and stabilize the shoulder joint. A special belt system is featured, which is strapped around the back and across the lower chest region, to take the load off the shoulder joint and center the upper arm. Additionally, the special belt system helps keep the brace in place particularly with the shoulders relatively flexible range of movement.

The OmoTrain shoulder brace also includes a massaging gel pad, with frictional nubs, which massages the tendons and soft tissue around the shoulder joint region during movement.

This pad helps to improve joint proprioception and provide pain relief. The OmoTrain is highly effective in both conservative and post-operative treatment paths.

What is Hip Arthritis (Osteoarthritis/ Coxarthroses)?

Long Term Degeneration of the Hip Joint

The hip joint connects our pelvis to the upper femur (upper leg bone). This joint facilitates the transfer of power from the upper body to the lower body, which allows for movement. Long term degeneration of the hip joint can lead to hip osteoarthritis or coxarthrosis. 

In mild cases of this condition, a patient may experience pain in the hip and groin regions when walking, bending or descending stairs. Conservative therapy can help manage the progression of the disease.

However, in chronic cases where long term degeneration is apparent, surgical intervention might become necessary.

Causes of Hip Arthritis

Contrary to belief, osteoarthritis of the hip is not exclusively a disease of aging. Other risk factors that can lead to the development of the disease include:

• Physical trauma from an accident or sporting injury.
• Excessive repeated strain on the hip from rigorous physical activity through unhealthy exercise or manual labor. 
• Inherent malpositions in the structure of the hip joint, as seen in hip dysplasia. 
• Pre-existing conditions, such as inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatism or gout disease. 
• Metabolic and weight-related diseases like obesity.

Hip Arthritis Symptoms

Hip Arthritis is a serious condition that progresses with time and age. The symptoms typically get worse and need more drastic measures to keep the hip joint from deteriorating further. Associated symptoms of hip arthritis consist of:

• The patient increasingly suffers from pain in the hip and groin area when the joint is stressed. 
• The initial symptoms are limited to being painful under stress but soon progresses from episodic to constant sharp pain.
• A patient’s mobility is severely restricted and any movement like walking, bending or descending stairs is very painful. 
• Swelling may occur in the hip joint. 

Chronic Case Symptoms of Hip Arthritis

In chronic cases, the long-term wear and tear of the cartilage reduce the joint gap between the pelvis and the femur. This eventuates to the bones grinding against each other, and in the worst-case scenario, the entire cartilage can be compromised.

Bony growths, called osteophytes, may develop in the gap and alter the structure of the joint entirely. Consequently, the hip becomes very stiff and the patient will experience pain in both the hip and groin regions.

How to diagnose arthritis in your hip?

The diagnosis of hip arthritis is difficult in its early stages and is often neglected. Delayed treatment can cause irreversible damage to the hip. Thus, it is highly recommended to seek professional medical treatment as soon as possible. 

Hip Arthritis X-Ray

• A physician begins with a complete patient history and a thorough physical examination. Sophisticated imaging technology, like X-rays and MRI’s, can help detect abnormalities in the structure of the hip joint and also get a clear idea of the progression of the disease.

In later stages of hip arthritis, changes in the joint structures are visible in these images. An effective treatment path can be decided once a deeper understanding of the severity of the condition is gained. 

Hip Arthritis Treatment

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip depends on the severity and the progression of the disease. 

In the case of inherent malpositions, these are typical:

For infants, corrections are made when malpositions are detected at birth. A splint is used to realign the structure and is proven effective in fixing the hip at an early age. The fixed hip does not bother the baby and is perfectly safe.

For adults, treatment for malpositions is handled through stabilization and strengthening the muscles of the hip. Hip Arthritis treatment aims to slow the progression of degeneration and alleviate pain.

A good plan of action involves: 

• Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes in the early stages can help slow the progression of the condition. Avoiding stressful activities, like intensive manual labor and vigorous exercise, is an effective measure a patient can take in their daily life. 

Healthy nutrition and weight can help reduce the weight resting on the hip joint and is beneficial in managing arthrosis.

• Rehabilitation And Physiotherapy

Regulated physiotherapy helps with weight loss and targeted muscle building and is a proven effective treatment path. The prescribed exercises can help promote reorganization within the muscles and are the most effective option to curb the disease. Encouraging healthy proprioception and muscle strengthening helps prevent long term degeneration and can slow the progression of coxarthrosis. It is crucial to involve exercise and physiotherapy for a complete treatment path.

• Heat Application

Applying heat, through the use of heat pads, has shown to alleviate pain in the muscles around the hip joint. Heat application, in combination with remedial massage and hydrotherapy, can be effective in managing pain and swelling.

• Prescribed Pain Medication for arthritis in the hip

Medication, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, can be used to help alleviate pain and swelling caused by coxarthrosis. Anti-inflammatory medication can be used to effectively manage the symptoms however only temporarily treat the pain without addressing the underlying condition. In addition, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.

• Medical Hip Orthosis and Braces

It is highly recommended that ample support to the hip region is provided through the use of a medical back brace. The targeted compression and support that braces provide can help boost stability and muscle activation and reduce the possibility of further injury. Additionally a comfortable and well designed back brace should also reduce the need for reliance on painkillers with medical studies* showing by up to 52% as well as 4.8 fewer sick days due to back pain. Bauerfeind’s back braces, like the SofTec Coxa, help to compensate for the weak hip and provide much-needed stability. 

• Surgical Intervention

Operative surgery is considered only in extreme cases where symptoms are persistent, and all conservative treatments have been exhausted.

In chronic conditions, the pain experienced by patients is constant and permanent. The cartilage fails to act as an effective buffer between the bones and there is a loss of joint space. The bones rub against each other and cause severe discomfort and pain (especially in the groin area).  

In severe degenerative cases, a surgical procedure called a total hip replacement surgery may be performed. The replacement has a lifespan of 15-25 years and has proven to be very beneficial. The surgery carries some risk and should be carefully evaluated.

What is the best support brace for hip arthritis?

The CoxaTrain is the perfect brace for hip arthritis, combining the most state of the art technology with slimline lightweight comfort.

Using a pelvic support that stabilizes and unloads the pelvis, it has added cushioning to gently massage the muscles around the hip, reducing pain. Meanwhile the thigh support is connected by a dynamic hinge that follows your anatomical movement to improve your gait and unload the hip itself, alleviating the pain and discomfort that comes with hip arthritis.

An ergonomic design that’s easy to put on and take off, it’s ideal for being worn under clothes so you can get about your day without thinking about it. 

Ideal for sports, exercise and daily life, anyone with hip issues doesn’t need to look any further than the CoxaTrain.

• Relieves pain in the lumbar-pelvis-hip region  with the gluteal pad and the two friction pads

• Relaxes the musculature performing the movement  by means of an eccentric joint with a trochanter pad
• Immediately relieves the pelvis and sacroiliac joints  through circular compression using individually adjustable tension straps
• Height-adjustable thigh bandage  via the joint splint
• High level of therapy  compliance thanks to breathable materials and the flat height

Easy to put on  thanks to practical finger loops

To support your back after hip pain, we recommend wearing Bauerfeind’s LumboTrain Back Brace which features a gel pad with massaging nubs, which helps to relieve pain in the lumbar region during movement. Produced from a light and breathable material, this back support is fitted to the spine’s natural curvature to provide all day comfort and help with postural adjustment. 

References:

* “Controlled trial of a back support (LumboTrain) in patients with non-specific low back pain”, Valle-Jones J., C.; Walsh H.; O´Hara J.; O`Hara H.; Davey N., B.; Medical Consulting Centre; Essex (1992)

Knee Osteoarthritis: Arthritis of the Knee Joint

What is Knee Osteoarthritis? 

The knee joint is a complex structure consisting of bone, ligaments and cartilage. It facilitates movement and allows us to walk, run and jump. Long term wear and tear of the joint leads to the development of knee osteoarthritis. 

Knee Osteoarthritis refers to the condition where there is inflammation due to arthritis. It is usually accompanied by pain and swelling. 

What is the difference between Gonarthrosis and Knee Osteoarthritis?

The degeneration of the knee joint, due to this long term wear and tear, is often referred to as gonarthrosis. Knee Gonarthrosis is a non-inflammatory condition related to the aging population. 

In mild cases, a patient experiences episodic pain after long periods of inactivity, like a long day seated at work. Gonarthrosis is fairly common in elderly adults but is not exclusively a disease of old age.

In chronic cases, the entire knee joint can be compromised and in the worst-case scenario, a knee replacement may become necessary. 

Causes & Types of Knee Osteoarthritis 

Knee Osteoarthritis (medically known as Gonarthrosis) is described as the damage to the cartilage inside the knee joint. The damage is irreversible and can significantly restrict one’s mobility.

Based on the root of the disease, there are two distinct types:

• Primary (Internal) and
• Secondary (External).

Primary Knee Osteoarthritis is rather mysterious. The true root of the disease is unknown; however, scientists suspect that pre-existing conditions and a hereditary disposition could be the trigger. Not all carriers of the gene manifest symptoms. Lifestyle choices, including lack of exercise and obesity, are also suspected triggers. 

Secondary Knee Osteoarthritis is easier to diagnose and has a clear origin. Risk factors for developing secondary gonarthrosis include:

• Sporting accidents or physical trauma to the knee.
• High-intensity physical activity, which laborers and tilers experience.
• Long periods of inactivity like in long hours at a desk job.

Osteoarthritis Knee Symptoms

Osteoarthritis in the knee joint is caused due to a defect of the cartilage covering inside the knee joint. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber and allows us to smoothly bend and stretch the knee. 

Some of the common symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee include:

• Knee pain when climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain
• Increased discomfort when carrying heavy objects
• Episodic pain that subsides
• Pain behind the kneecap after long periods of sitting
• Increased sensitivity in wet and cold weather
• Crunching noises when the affected knee moves

Mild Osteoarthritis Knee Symptoms 

• Even in mild cases, the underlying condition still exists. Immediate treatment is highly recommended to stop the progression of the disease. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis! 
• If left untreated, the gradual wear and tear of the cartilage reduce the joint gap. Long term wear and tear of the buffer causes the upper and lower leg bones to grind against each other.
• The patient consequently experiences pain and discomfort. The skin around the knee then begins to turn red and there may be swelling present.

Chronic Osteoarthritis Knee Symptoms

• In chronic cases, bony tips, called osteophytes, begin to grow on the edge of the knee joint.
• As a result of the knee becoming stiff and immobile, the patient experiences sharp pain and severely restricted mobility.
• The joint is compromised and requires external support to avoid buckling. In the worst-case scenario, a patient might need a complete knee replacement. 

Diagnosing Osteoarthritis of the Knee

Effective diagnosis begins with a comprehensive physical examination by a doctor. The physician examines the knee joint and the surrounding area to check for pressure-sensitive and swollen areas. A complete history is also taken to check for the possibility of pain from bad proprioception.

Osteoarthritis Knee X-ray

• The physician conducts a joint mobility test to study the extent of stiffness in the knee.
• Sophisticated technology, like X-ray imaging, allows the physician to check the distance between the articular surfaces of the knee joint (the joint gap).
• Ultrasound and MRI’s can also be used to easily identify damaged muscles, cartilage and tendons. 

Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis) Treatment

Knee Osteoarthritis or Gonarthrosis is irreversible and the best treatment course involves managing the pain as the disease progresses. A good guideline to follow is:

• Lifestyle Changes – A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
  • Lifestyle changes in the early stages of the condition can help slow the progression.
  • Avoiding stressful activities, like intensive manual work and walking on uneven terrain, is a proven effective measure a patient can take in their daily life.
  • Healthy nutrition and weight loss significantly help to reduce the strain on our knees and is also beneficial in managing gonarthrosis.
• Rehabilitation And Physiotherapy Exercises for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
  • Regulated physiotherapy helps with targeted muscle training and is a proven effective treatment path.
  • The exercises can help promote the reorganization of the muscles and are the most effective option to curb the disease.
  • Encouraging healthy proprioception and strengthening of the muscles helps prevent long term degeneration and can slow the progression of gonarthrosis.
• Prescribed Painkillers
  • Medication, such as Ibuprofen or Panadol, can be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort in patients suffering from gonarthritis.
  • Pain, however, is a crucial indicator of the injury. Painkillers merely mask the pain without addressing the underlying condition.
  • Long term use of painkillers has side-effects and can be counterproductive.

• Medical Knee Braces for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain
  • It is highly recommended that ample support is provided to the knee joint through the use of a medical knee brace.
  • The targeted compression that braces provide help to boost circulation and reduce the possibility of effusions and edema. 
  • Wearing a Bauerfeind knee brace, like the GenuTrain OA or SecuTec OA, can minimize chances of injury by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and medical-grade compression. These benefits are not found in simple neoprene sleeves and braces.
• Surgical Intervention
  • Operative surgery is considered only in extreme cases where symptoms are persistent, and all conservative treatments have been exhausted.
  • In chronic conditions of bone growth, surgery might be needed to restore mobility.
  • In the worst-case scenario, a knee replacement could be a final resort if all other measures fail to provide relief.

How to fix Osteoarthritis in the knee using Orthosis? 

Exercise and restrengthening is a tried and tested remedy in treating gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) pain.

• A medical knee brace, like Bauerfeind’s GenuTrain OA, is instrumental in a speedy recovery as it provides the knee with support and stability.
• Developed specifically for knee osteoarthritis, the GenuTrain OA knee brace features an unloading and stabilizing system which noticeably reduces the pain experienced within the knee joint.
• With the addition of the Boa closure system, the patient can easily adjust the amount of unloading required to adapt to a wide range of daily activities, including walking or hiking.

What is the best knee brace for chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis? 

Bauerfeind’s SecuTec OA knee brace is suitable for patients suffering from severe gonarthroses or chronic knee osteoarthritis.

The brace features customizable bands that can be adjusted for a perfect fit.

This hinged brace protects the joint and allows for varus and valgus adjustments to help support the knee and aid mobility and muscle-building exercises.

In chronic cases of gonarthrosis, the SecuTec OA helps unload the joint and relieve the irritated areas of the knee.

The design of the brace distributes the load in the knee joint evenly over the lower leg and significantly reduces the pain when moving.

Slowing joint wear and alleviating pain

Owing to people’s constantly increasing life expectancy, the number of degenerative conditions also increases. When this kind of ongoing wear affects the joints, the condition is referred to as osteoarthritis. However, other factors can also advance joint wear, meaning that, this condition is not solely a sign of aging. For those affected, the protective layers of cartilage in the joints break down – the knee and hip are affected most often.

Joint osteoarthritis may not be curable but its progression can be slowed down with different non-surgical treatment options.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is commonly known as joint wear. As you can see in the above image, the undamaged area of the cartilage layer, which is responsible for protecting the contact areas of the bones, reduces. The progressing cartilage breakdown causes pain and restriction of movement. In the final stages of joint osteoarthritis, the cartilage disappears completely in some areas and the bones rub directly against each other.

How does osteoarthritis develop?

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage that surrounds the contact surfaces of the bones in joints wears away. Over time, this causes pain, and movements become less fluid. This change occurs more frequently in elderly people, often without any recognizable cause, and is known as primary osteoarthritis. Secondary osteoarthritis, which can also occur in younger patients, is caused by external factors, such as obesity, misalignments, genetic predisposition, and excessive strain. “Activated osteoarthritis” is particularly critical for patients, as it is characterized by inflammatory episodes within the joint capsule, which release substances that often cause the condition of the cartilage to deteriorate rapidly.

Can osteoarthritis be cured?

Osteoarthritis is a condition that develops slowly and for which there is no complete cure. However, receiving treatment – and the earlier the better – is a very effective way to stop it from getting worse. There is no magic cure for osteoarthritis but the combination of different conservative treatment options can help delay surgery and reduce joint pain: the reduction of excess weight, for example, provides the joints with noticeable relief. A healthy diet that is suitable for osteoarthritis not only helps with weight loss but can also contribute to inhibiting inflammatory processes in the joints. Regular targeted exercise with moderate exertion, in particular, is indispensable for osteoarthritis patients to supply the joint cartilage with essential nutrients and preserve joint function. Our braces and orthoses will help you during physiotherapy and sports that are gentle on your joints.

Frequently Asked Questions about Osteoarthritis

How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?

The first symptoms of osteoarthritis often appear in the form of pain when moving after long periods of inactivity, such as after getting up in the mornings. If the pain continues for several days, you should consult a doctor. The doctor will carefully examine the affected joint and determine how mobile it is, where the painful areas are, and whether there are any swellings or warmer areas. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT) will reveal the precise condition of the joint. An arthroscopy is the best diagnostic tool, although there are some risks associated with the procedure, such as vascular or nerve damage.

What helps with osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a process where the cartilage in the joint reduces. There is currently no treatment with medication that can restore the joint cartilage. However, there are options for treating the symptoms in order to counteract deterioration. Of course, the treatment strongly depends on where the osteoarthritis has developed. Do not subject your joints to consistently high strain; wear a brace or orthosis during demanding activities to stabilize the joint. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy can also reduce pain and restrictions of movement. Cooling reduces joint pain, while heat relaxes the joint-stabilizing muscles and stimulates circulation. If the quality of life decreases drastically because of osteoarthritis, only surgery can help in some cases, such as arthroscopy or the implant of a joint endoprosthesis.

When is surgery needed in cases of osteoarthritis?

In some cases, non-surgical treatment may not be enough: the affected joint continues to hurt and the osteoarthritis progresses. This is when surgery, for example, an arthroscopy with cartilage replacement, cannot be avoided any longer. If osteoarthritis is in a particularly advanced stage, only an artificial joint replacement will help to restore the patient’s mobility.

Is there medication for osteoarthritis?

There is currently no medication to restore the cartilage. That is why the treatment of symptoms is the focus in cases of osteoarthritis. Pain-reducing medication and creams as well as physiotherapy and occupational therapy can also help alleviate pain, as does wearing a brace or orthosis. At the same time, these measures can counteract deterioration.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?

Joint pain can be caused by osteoarthritis and arthritis – the difference can be found in the symptoms: while cartilage damage causes pain in cases of joint osteoarthritis, arthritis refers to temporary joint inflammation. The first signs are joint stiffness in the morning and pain when subjected to strain as well as reddening and swelling. The affected area also feels warm.

Which brace or orthosis is suitable for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can occur in different joints and cause various symptoms. Depending on the degree of severity, a brace or orthosis has to provide relief, guidance, and stabilization, and correct or limit movement. At the same time, muscles can be activated, the metabolism stimulated, or tissue massaged. As you can see, it’s impossible to give a general recommendation if you want to ideally support the joint affected by osteoarthritis.

Can exercise help with osteoarthritis?

When you’re suffering from osteoarthritis and your joints hurt, every movement is a challenge. But resting too much can actually make the condition worse. Gentle exercise is important for joint function and helps prevent the vicious osteoarthritis cycle of pain and restriction of movement. Sports that are gentle on your joints, such as yoga or swimming, are suitable. Developing muscles is also important in cases of osteoarthritis to actively stabilize the joints. No matter what exercise you do, we recommend you wear a brace or an orthosis to provide your joint with additional protection and stabilization.

Exploring unfamiliar cities and foreign countries, meeting new people, experiencing adventures… Traveling is amazing! But if the destination is far away, a long journey by plane, train, bus, or car is required. This is a challenge even for healthy veins, yet riskier for vein weaknesses. But don’t let that put you off discovering the world! If you bear some small details in mind, you will be able to fully enjoy a carefree vacation.

Why is traveling tough on your veins?

As you may already know, during movement, the muscles in your legs ensure that your veins are working properly. If you sit down and remain inactive for extended periods of time, this muscle support is lacking. This inactivity applies particularly to long trips by plane, train, or cars, where you can spend many hours confined to a small space. Circulation is reduced as blood is transported toward the heart more slowly. In some cases the blood cannot flow properly at all.

Now add dehydration to that equation. Usually, the air in a plane or a car with air conditioning is quite dry. If you haven’t had much to drink, your blood can become thicker, making it harder to pump, which puts additional strain on your veins. Traveling in high temperatures can also worsen vein problems because the vessels expand in the heat, making it harder for the venous valves to close properly. The result: heavy, aching legs after a flight or a long journey.

Please don’t treat these risks lightly. Without appropriate countermeasures, especially with an existing vein disease, there can be further complications such as swollen legs (edema) or deep vein thrombosis. In this condition, a blood vessel is partly or fully clogged with a blood clot, which, in the worst-case scenario, can lead to a pulmonary embolism.

But it doesn’t have to come to that. There are things you can do during a long flight or drive, to prevent thrombosis and promote vein health in general.

Medical Compression is Essential

You’ve probably heard that compression stockings should be worn during a flight. And in fact, compression is critical if you want to prevent deep-vein thrombosis. If you suffer from an existing vein disease, such as varicose veins, compression stockings are essential.

Compression stockings exert external pressure on your veins. This provides them with relief and added support to help them perform more effectively. The blood flow in the veins is stimulated, your venous valves are able to properly close, and your legs will feel light instead of heavy after a long flight or drive. Compression is also beneficial for thrombosis prevention.

Pay Attention To Quality!

Although simple support or travel stockings also exert pressure on the veins, they have a significantly lower compression effect. In addition, they are not subject to any medical standards. Medical compression stockings, on the other hand, are manufactured in compliance with strict regulations. If you have been diagnosed with a vein disease or are looking for adequate prevention, you should ensure that your stockings have a medical grade of compression.

Positive effect plus wearing comfort

You may think it’s odd to wear tight, high stockings on a trip. In the summer especially, when temperatures are rising, you might prefer loose, airy clothing. With our VenoTrain® compression stockings, however, you don’t need to worry about comfort: the high-quality knitted fabric has been designed for optimal compression effectiveness, while at the same time providing excellent wearing comfort.

The specific materials used in Bauerfeind compression stockings are breathable, gentle and skin friendly. There are many different versions, styles, and colors in our VenoTrain® portfolio. Therefore, you will definitely find the compression stockings that will provide the ideal effect for your individual requirements – and highlight your personal style.

Six Tips For Vein Health On Your Trip

With the help of compression stockings you are well equipped for a flight or long journey by car or train. If you also follow these tips, you will not only do something beneficial for your veins but also be fit and relaxed when you arrive at your destination.

1. Stay Hydrated

Water keeps your blood liquid and relieves your veins. Better to say no to alcohol or coffee – both are diuretics, and alcohol expands the vessels.

2. Light Meals

Hearty meals are not recommended before or during long journeys. If possible, choose light meals with vegetables and fruit. That’s not just beneficial for your veins; your whole body will feel more energetic and lighter.

3. A Little Massage

Even when there is limited space, you can try to gently massage your lower legs. Always move from your foot toward the knee.

4. Sit Comfortably

Avoid tight pants, skirts, and shoes; they constrict your body unnecessarily. Do not stow luggage by your feet and don’t cross your legs.

5. Stay Active

Get up every now and then and walk along the plane aisle. Or use the break during a car journey to walk a few steps. It’s also beneficial to stand on tip toes, then slowly lower your heels. Repeat this a few times, and your veins will be thankful.

6. Leg Exercises

You can also work on activating your muscles when you’re sitting down. Circle your feet (once to the left and once to the right, then again in the opposite direction), pull your toes upward, then the heels, and tap your feet.

When it comes to vein health, the right diet plays an important role, in addition to exercise and compression. You can achieve a lot with your choice of food, especially when suffering from vein disorders, such as weak veins or inflammation of the veins. We will show you why, and which food is good for your vein health.

How does your diet influence the venous system?

Your veins are constantly pumping blood back toward the heart. The thin vascular walls and the venous valves have a big job and put up with the stress of a lot of external factors. In order to help them function correctly, the veins need sufficient nutrients. The following serves as a basic rule: something that is generally good for the overall health of your body, is also good for your veins.

A balanced diet rich in nutrients is a crucial component of your vein health.

Another advantage of a healthy diet: you feel fitter, vital, and energetic, meaning you can enjoy an active life. This also leads to an increase in energy which can help make exercising easier and more fun, which is essential in cases of weak veins.

Strengthen veins with a healthy diet

On the list of foods that strengthen veins you will find all the health classics: fruit, vegetables, and whole grains. They supply the body with crucial vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important to maintain the elasticity of the veins. Fish, avocados, linseed, and walnuts are all good sources.

Another important tip to remember: the more colorful your plate, the better. Since some types of fruit contain a lot of fructose, you should aim to eat more vegetables than fruit on average. Be curious and try something new every now and then; be creative and sprinkle seeds or grains over your salad, or discover new spice mixes to vary your dishes. To ensure a strong blood flow, sufficient hydration is required: try to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water or unsweetened tea per day. This will support your venous blood flow, especially in the summer when it’s hot.

Nutrition for your veins: key tips

• A balanced diet rich in fiber
• Whole grain instead of white flour
• A lot of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Go easy on the fat and sugar
• Fish, nuts, avocados, and linseed for Omega-3
• Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate
• Small quantities of meat (especially red meat)
• Hardly any, ideally no alcohol
• No nicotine!

Be kind to yourself!

A healthy diet will do a lot to strengthen your veins. But there’s more that you can do: in cases of weak veins, the importance of exercise cannot be underestimated. After all, the leg muscles have a direct impact on the veins, and the musculovenous pump system is what helps drive the blood flow up towards the heart. You should therefore try to incorporate as much activity as possible into your everyday life, this includes short sessions of targeted exercise for your leg muscles.

To complete the triad of vein health, compression is absolutely essential. High-quality medical compression stockings promote venous blood flow and support vein function. This provides relief to the veins, alleviates symptoms, and slows progression of the venous disease, so don’t hesitate and don’t delay wearing compression stockings. And don’t worry: Bauerfeind compression stockings not only come in numerous models for different requirements but also a variety of styles, from subtle stockings for the office to multiple colors to match your favorite outfit. Whichever style you choose: medical compression stockings will provide you with maximum wearing comfort and the best possible support for your veins.

Do you enjoy going to work and are passionate about your job? That’s great for your mental health! But if you’re spending most of your time sitting or standing still at work then your vein health may be suffering. Long periods of inactivity from a sedentary lifestyle can eventually manifest themselves as heavy, aching legs. We’ll show you why this is important to avoid how you can do something good for your legs at work with a few simple tricks.

Vein health and exercise at work

Whether at the office, in the home office, at reception or at a cash register: many jobs today are unfortunately causing us to lead more sedentary lifestyles. Overtime, these increasing levels of inactivity and lack or exercise can causes problems for the veins in your legs. During movement, such as walking, or exercising, the muscles in the legs exert alternating pressure on the leg veins. This alternating pressure, specifically from the calf muscles, is what helps pump the blood upwards toward the heart.

Sitting or standing for long periods of time, however, reduces the activation effect of this musculovenous pump system, the veins then lose their driving force and it becomes increasingly more difficult to transport blood up toward the heart. In addition, when the body is at rest, the blood flows more slowly, this reduces overall circulation and puts more pressure on the veins which can weaken or damage them.

These long periods of inactivity result in poor circulation, and less blood being transported towards the heart. The blood then begins to pool in the superficial veins of the legs and congestion, swelling, and an undersupply of blood to the tissues can occur. Unfortunately, this is something that many people are forced to deal with daily and painful legs at rest are not uncommon.

A constant lack of exercise will affect your overall health sooner or later. If your legs and feet hurt, feel heavy, or are swollen after work, these can be early signs of inactivity causing a more serious vein problem. Thankfully, once you recognize the warning signs and identify the cause, there is a lot that you can do to improve your overall well-being and vein health! While making changes and taking action may seem daunting, you don’t have to completely change your everyday work routine to start seeing improvements. Keep reading for quick tips on small easy steps to improve your vein health that you can implement into your daily routine!

Tips for fit, healthy legs

1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

Make sure your work clothes and shoes aren’t too tight. If your pants or belt is too tight, not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also have a negative effect on your blood circulation and vein activity. For the same reason, it is also important that your shoes are not too tight. Keep in mind that your feet naturally swell slightly throughout the day. If your shoes are already feeling tight in the morning, it’s better to wear a different, more comfortable pair to work.

High heels or shoes with rigid, flat soles limit the natural rolling movement of the feet when walking. This means more difficult conditions for the muscles in the feet to be properly activated. Save the appropriate styles for special occasions. In everyday life, comfortable shoes are your first choice for improving vein health.

2. Elevate or massage your legs

If your legs feel increasingly heavy or sore after long periods of standing or sitting, try elevating your legs for a few minutes. Elevating your legs and feet helps the blood to flow back out of your legs, thus relieving the pressure on your veins. A small leg massage in between is also good for your legs. You can use a tool like a hedgehog or a fascia ball, but your hands will also do. Simply start at the feet and slowly massage each muscle, working your way up toward the knees.

3. Stay hydrated

An essential building block for your vein health is adequate hydration. It’s best to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day. Drinking enough water keeps your blood hydrated and thus thins it out, making it easy for your body to circulate. This reduces the risk of thrombosis. It also keeps the muscles surrounding your veins strong and the vein walls themselves healthy.

Water is the best choice to keep your veins healthy. You should be careful with sugary drinks such as sodas, as well as alcohol after work, which can affect the proper dilation of the vessels. If you’re craving something with more flavor, it’s best to go for sugar-free teas or a juice spritzer (with plenty of water).

4. Support veins with compression

Medical compression stockings are an important component of vein disorder therapy. Even before the onset of significant symptoms, you can make a big contribution to the prevention of vein disease and support of your veins through compression.

When you wear medical compression stockings at work, a graduated pressure is exerted on your legs, aiding in circulation and supporting the function of the veins. This external compression ensures more effective blood transport and contributes to less fluid build-up in the tissues. With compression socks, you can effectively relieve your legs and counteract swelling – for light, active legs, even after a long day of sitting or standing.

Depending on the degree of discomfort, there are many different models of compression stockings designed to meet your specific needs. For example, if you want to support your veins at work because you are not getting enough exercise, then support stockings with light compression are a useful way to keep your legs feeling light. Or in the case that you have already been diagnosed with a vein disease, your doctor might give you a prescription for compression stockings with a higher grade of compression. Regardless of the style of the level of compression, the following always applies: For optimal effectiveness, a perfect fit is crucial. Visiting a medical retailer trained to properly measure and fit compression stocking is vital.

You can find a certified dealer of Bauerfeind Medical Compression Stockings here!

By the way: Don’t let common misconceptions bother you. High-quality medical compression stockings offer a comfortable fit and unrestricted freedom of movement. In addition, they are available in a variety of different designs, colors and patterns – whether discreet for work in the office or in your favorite color to match your outfit.

5. Don’t forget to exercise!

You’ve probably guessed it: movement is a must for vein health – at work, too. You should therefore try to develop routines to incorporate more activity into your work day. Not only does this help with pain and heavy legs after work, but also reduces stress. Why not go for a small stroll in the fresh air during your lunch break? You should also try to change your sitting position regularly, and get up and go see a colleague rather than calling them.

Even during periods of high workload, you should try to ensure you stand up and take a few steps or relax your legs every now and then. A step counter can provide additional motivation and help you stay active. And if you take the bus or train to work, you can – time permitting – get off a few stops earlier on the way home and walk the rest of the way.

6. Exercises at work

There are various exercises you can do that activate your leg muscles and relieve your veins. You can do some of those in the workplace, others are more suitable if you work from home. Try to incorporate as many different exercises as possible into your work day.

• Get your legs moving: march in place and alternately raise your knees up to your chest, while gently swinging your arms.
• Stand up straight. Lift one leg a few centimeters off the floor. Draw a figure-of-eight in the air with your foot. Repeat five to ten times and then simply switch sides.
• Lie flat on your back with your arms stretched out close to the body, also on the ground. Now lift your legs up and perform pedaling movements for 30 seconds as if you were riding a bike.
• Stand up straight. Keep your feet as close together as possible. Now stand on your tiptoes until you feel pressure in your calf muscles, then lower your heels slowly. Repeat this sequence 15 times.
• Sit in a chair and place your feet on the ground. Raise and lower your toes slowly. Repeat this sequence 15 times per foot.

7. More health in the home office

Do you work from home a lot? Then you may find some of the tips easier to implement, such as putting your feet up every now and then or wearing comfortable clothing. But working from home poses the risk of moving even less than going in to work. You must therefore make sure you stay active. Incorporate regular home workouts into your day and ensure your workplace at home is ergonomic. This counteracts tired, heavy legs after work, and you will also stay healthy when working from home.

8. After work: exercise and wellness

There’s more to life than just work. After a long day’s standing or sitting, you may be tempted to relax on the couch all night. And yes, putting your feet up is beneficial for the veins – particularly if your legs are painful and heavy after a long day at work: elevation relaxes your legs and supports the work of the veins. You can enhance the effect even more with a leg massage – always moving from the feet toward the heart.

However, your body – and your mind – do enjoy the benefits that exercise provides when you have finished work. Going for a little walk in the park, incorporating regular moderate exercise, or going hiking or cycling on the weekend are all good ways to incorporate more movement.

If you’re not a big fan of working out or often feel tired after work, don’t be discouraged. Start with small changes and think about little ways you can integrate more movement into your everyday life – every bit counts!  Being more active is not only good for your veins but also strengthens your physical and mental well-being, make time for yourself and your health!

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: Low Back And Leg Pain

The sacroiliac joint, also known as the SI joint, connects the lower spine to the pelvis. Alongside robust ligaments, the joint facilitates the transfer of power along our back and supports us to perform complex movements like weight-bearing, walking, and running.

By nature, the SI joint is not very flexible. Damage or degeneration of the SI joint can be significantly detrimental to a patient’s quality of life.

Mild cases can be resolved with conservative treatment. However, in cases of long term wear and tear, severe degeneration of the joint can lead to a serious loss in the lower back’s stability and mobility. 

Causes of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

There are a few known factors that can lead to pain in the back, specifically in the sacroiliac joint. Some of them include:

• Injury in an accident or trauma which can displace the SI joint and lead to immense pain.
• Poor proprioception adds excess pressure onto the SI joint and ligaments, which can lead to overloading of the joint.
• Sudden forceful exertion on the SI joint, typical of high-intensity contact sports like football and rugby, increases the risk of SI blockage.

Chronic pain in the sacroiliac joint is more commonly associated with:

• Long term wear and tear of the SI joint, also called arthrosis, leading to weakening of the joint and surrounding ligaments. 
• Loosening of the symphysis during pregnancy, leading to instability of the pelvic girdle and increased risk of developing pain in the SI joint.
• Infections and associated inherent pre-existing conditions, like rheumatic diseases, can make certain patients more susceptible to symptoms.

Note: Bechtrew’s disease is a rheumatic disease that leads to chronic inflammation in the SI joint at a young age. The first symptom of this condition is pain in the back while sleeping.

• Broken bones or herniated discs can result in weakening of the muscles, which increases the chances of degeneration of the SI joint.

SI Joint Dysfunction Symptoms

Patients typically suffer from a range of symptoms, most commonly including:

• Intense pain in the area of the SI (lower back).
• Radiating pain in the lumbar spine and legs.
• Feelings of paralysis or numbness in the legs.
• Patients often complain of bladder and bowel emptying disorders.
• Severely restricted mobility – a patient’s back is stiff and the intensity of the pain significantly increases, with movement, during the day. 
• Pain initially occurs upon exertion. However, in chronic cases, the pain can become consistent and debilitating to a patient’s quality of life.
• In the long term, this eventuates into osteoarthritic pain and can persist even when the body is at rest.

Early detection of the condition is often the best prognosis as it can significantly improve outcomes. Immediate medical treatment is highly advised.

Diagnosis of Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

A complete patient history and physical examination provide critical information. A medical professional can conduct typical tests to detect stress in the sacroiliac joint and also indicate the possible involvement of the sciatic nerve.

A blood test may be conducted if ankylosing spondylitis, which is a type of spinal inflammatory arthritis, is suspected. Sophisticated imaging technology, such as X-rays and CT scans, can detect possible herniated discs, vertebral fractures or spinal dislocations. These can also be instrumental in studying the long term progression of the condition.

SI Joint Dysfunction Treatment

Treatment typically involves relieving the pain and inflammation and managing the symptoms of the disease. The ultimate goal is to curb the progression of the disease and prevent long term wear and tear of the SI joint.

• Rehabilitation And Physiotherapy
  • Regulated physiotherapy helps with targeted muscle training and is a proven effective treatment path.
  • The prescribed exercises can help promote the reorganization of the muscles and are the most effective option to slow the progression of the disease. 
  • Encouraging healthy proprioception and strengthening of the lower back muscles helps prevent long term degeneration and manage the pain.

• Prescribed Painkillers
  • Painkillers, such as Ibuprofen or Panadol, can be used to alleviate pain and discomfort in patients.
  • In cases of inflammation, a professional may prescribe the patient with anti-inflammatory medication.
  • In advanced patients, localized cortisone injections may be necessary to prevent excess pressure build-up due to the inflammation.
  • Importantly, painkillers only temporarily treat the pain without addressing the underlying condition. In addition, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.
• Heat And Infrared Application

Used regularly, heat and infrared therapy on the lower back can aid treatment and provide relief. Heat is often applied to relieve the pain in the sciatica.

• SI Blockage Therapy

Doctors or physiotherapists will often use one of two methods to relieve SI blockages in the spine.

• Mobilization – Carefully stretching the joint to improve mobility.
• Manipulation – Releasing the blockage briefly by exerting force on the affected joint.
• Medical Back Braces

It is highly recommended that ample support to the SI joint is provided through the use of a medical back brace. The targeted compression, that braces provide, boosts circulation and reduces the possibility of effusions and edema. 

Wearing a Bauerfeind brace, like the SacroLoc, can be instrumental in treatment, by providing enhanced stability, proprioception and medical-grade compression. This is not found in simple neoprene braces and has proven to be more effective. 

ORTHOSIS: Pain Relief for Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Bauerfeind’s SacroLoc back brace effectively stabilizes the sacroiliac joint and supports the pelvic region. The brace features a two-part gel cushion which massages the trigger points around the sacroiliac joints and the muscles surrounding it.

The compression helps to increase blood circulation and boost recovery. As a result of supporting the pelvic region, the brace also relieves the lower back and reduces the pain experienced by patients.

Unique and adjustable tensioning straps are featured on the SacroLoc to allow patients to straighten the pelvis and ensures that the brace is fitted perfectly to the contours of the patient’s body.

The brace is anatomically designed to adapt to everyday movement and can be easily worn under everyday clothing. Daily use of a medical back brace is proven to be effective in prognosis and managing long term progression.

In more severe cases, A LumboLoc Forte with the sacral insert can help alleviate more severe cases of pain