Dyspnea (Shortness of Breath) refers to a sensation of difficulty or discomfort in breathing. It can be caused by various conditions, including lung diseases (like asthma or COPD), heart problems, anxiety, or high-altitude exposure. The severity ranges from mild to severe and may be acute or chronic. Proper diagnosis and management depend on identifying the…
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises focus on deep breathing using the diaphragm rather than shallow chest breathing. This technique enhances lung efficiency, reduces stress, and improves oxygenation. It involves inhaling deeply through the nose, allowing the abdomen to rise while keeping the chest still, and exhaling slowly through the mouth. Common exercises include lying down breathing, seated…
Reactive Arthritis (Reiter’s syndrome): What is it? Reactive Arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that develops in response to an infection, usually in the urinary tract, intestines, or genitals. It commonly affects the knees, ankles, and feet, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Other symptoms may include eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), urinary problems, and skin issues. The…
McKenzie exercises, developed by physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, are a set of movements designed to relieve back pain and improve spinal mobility. They focus on extending the spine to alleviate pressure on discs and nerves, making them particularly effective for conditions like sciatica and disc herniation. Common exercises include prone lying, press-ups, and standing back extensions….
Exercise-induced asthma, also known as exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction(EIB), occurs when physical activity causes your airways to narrow, increasing asthma symptoms. This could involve wheezing, coughing, or dyspnea. You can avoid asthma attacks and expand your airways by warming up, using inhalers, and taking other drugs. What is Exercise-induced Asthma? Breathing becomes difficult during exercise when your airways…
Introduction Post-traumatic elbow stiffness is a condition characterized by reduced range of motion in the elbow joint following an injury, such as fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue damage. It results from scar tissue formation, joint contractures, or heterotopic ossification. Management typically involves physical therapy, stretching, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to restore mobility and…
Definition The Jersey finger, often known as the “rugby finger,” is an avulsion of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon (FDP) from the distal phalanx (zone I), where it is inserted. The most often impacted is the ring finger. In the gripping posture, the ring finger protrudes the farthest, making it more susceptible to FDP avulsion,…
Introduction The common peroneal nerve (also known as the common fibular nerve) is a branch of the sciatic nerve, originating in the lumbosacral plexus (L4-S2). It wraps around the head of the fibula, making it vulnerable to injury. The nerve then divides into the superficial and deep peroneal nerves, innervating the lateral and anterior compartments…
Introduction The anatomical snuffbox, or the radial fossa, is a triangular indent located on the outer side of the back of the hand. It can be found at the level of the wrist bones and is most noticeable when the thumb is extended. Historically, this indent was used to hold snuff (finely ground tobacco) before…
Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test used to assess lung function by measuring the volume and speed of air a person can inhale and exhale. It is widely used to diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other lung disorders. The test involves breathing forcefully into a…
