Category: Pain Management
Are you low on fluid?
Synovial fluid is a thick, straw-colored substance that lubricates your joints.
Like the oil in your car reduces friction in your engine, this synovial fluid minimizes the friction in your joints; it helps your bones glide past each other when you bend, extend, and rotate.
Synovial fluid allows the 300 joints in your body to move smoothly. Its egg-white consistency thickens under pressure to provide shock absorption. But that’s not all it does. Synovial fluid supplies nutrients to the joint and removes waste products created regenerating bone cells.
When your fluid is low, it can stop the movement.
But that […]
Why is my primary care provider sending me to a sports medicine specialist for arthritis pain?
When older people have a hard time walking across the room, they can’t help but wonder why their primary care provider says they should see a sports medicine specialist for treatment.
It sounds odd. Why would a sports medicine doctor be the right fit for a person that has a hard time getting up from his or her chair?
Actually, there’s a good reason.
Sports medicine physicians specialize in the body mechanics needed for pain-free movement. These movement specialists understand the intricate relationship between your body’s ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and your ability to move your arms and legs.
How […]
The Greatest Feeling in the World – Charissa’s Bone & Joint Story
Charissa is passionate about painting. She enjoys it so much; she shares her passion with others. After traveling across the state for work, she enjoys coming home at night and opening the studio to teach her painting classes.
But she almost had to give up her favorite pastime because of a car accident that caused excruciating and chronic neck pain.
While driving, Charissa was rear-ended as she was preparing to turn.
Since Charissa’s neck was turned to the side, the impact of the accident damaged the nerves in the back of […]
What is complex regional pain syndrome?
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) refers to a rare condition causing unexplained pain on one side of the body that lasts 6 months or more in the hands, feet, legs or arms.
The most common type of complex regional pain syndrome typically occurs after an illness or injury. It’s referred to as type 1 or reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome. It affects nerves that were not directly impacted by illness or trauma.
Type 2 complex regional pain syndrome causes the same symptoms, but usually happens after the nerves in the affected area were injured.
There’s no known reason why […]
Exercises to relieve back pain
Your spine is an integral structure within your body. It acts as a support beam that runs from the base of your skull to your pelvis to carry your weight. The unique “S” shape of your vertebrae is designed to offer maximum support while withstanding enormous amounts of stress.
Sudden awkward movements, constant strain, or pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions can undermine this stability and impair the functionality of your spine. Learn more about the spine here.
Each year, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), back pain costs individuals and businesses […]
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Janice was feeling a little off. Her psoriasis was flaring up again, but this time was different.
She felt exhausted. Her elbows hurt and when she looked at her throbbing fingers, they reminded her of breakfast sausages. The pain made it hard to type, cook, or fold laundry.
Janice was suffering from the onset of psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis is a painful autoimmune disease that affects the joints. It is often accompanied by a painful skin rash called psoriasis.
The autoimmune condition can also cause:
• Morning stiffness
• Tiredness
• Finger or toenail changes, like a fungal infection
• Red […]
What is radiofrequency ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as radiofrequency neurotomy, is a procedure used by pain management specialists to reduce pain caused by overactive nerves.
The procedure uses targeted radio waves to heat and disable nerve endings. Using specialized X-rays, the pain management specialist places microelectrodes near the misfiring nerves. Once the electrodes are in place, the pain doctor transmits radio waves through them to heat the areas and interrupt the nerve’s ability to send pain signals to the brain. 
Pain management specialists perform radiofrequency ablation in the office or outpatient […]
What is Dupuytren’s Contracture?
Dupuytren’s disease is a condition described as an overgrowth of collagen in the fascia, the thin layer of connective tissue under the skin. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body that supports bones and connective tissues and provides elasticity for the skin. One-third of the body’s protein is thought to be some type of collagen.
What are the initial symptoms of Dupuytren’s Contracture?
When the condition first appears, symptoms are noticeable but do not cause pain. Small bumps or nodules may appear on the palm close to the base of the ring and small fingers. […]
Meet Matthew Moore, DPT
Matthew Moore, DPT, is a Workers Compensation Therapy Specialist who provides care in Plover and Wausau.
Matthew joined Bone & Joint in Fall 2019 to help people return to work after an illness or injury. Matt provides total joint replacement rehabilitation and functional dry needling. Matt also has the expertise and training to conduct job-site visits and assessments
Matt received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Matt holds certifications as a DSI Work Injury Provider and Clinical Instructor, APTA. He also is certified in functional dry […]
What are growing pains?
Once or twice a month, Janet wakes from a deep sleep when eight-year-old Cindy cries out in the wee hours of the morning.
Cindy is not having a bad dream. She‘s experiencing throbbing pain in her calves. Janet goes into Cindy’s room to rub the backs of her daughter’s legs. It helps relieve the pain. Then, together, they walk to the kitchen for a drink of water and Cindy goes back to bed. Janet makes plans to call the doctor in the morning.
Many children between 3 and 8 years of age experience this type of leg pain, commonly called […]
