Rotator Cuff Pain
Rotator cuff pain is common for people who have jobs that require repetitive overhead motions, such as carpenters and painters. However, many people who experience rotator cuff tears can easily manage their symptoms and return to their daily activities with physical therapy. Aside from dull ache, rotator cuff injury may be accompanied by arm weakness. It can also disturb the injured person’s sleep and make it difficult to reach their back or comb their hair.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a known cause of heel pain due to the inflammation of a thick band of tissue (fascia) across the bottom of the feet. One of its most common symptoms is the stabbing pain that happens during the first steps in the morning. The pain usually disappears as you continue to move, but it may return after long periods of standing or sudden standing up after long hours of sitting. Persons at greater risk of plantar fasciitis are those who have flat feet or high arches, are overweight, often wear high-heeled shoes, have tight Achilles tendons, and spend many hours standing daily.
Carpal Tunnel Pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome starts from the continuous pressure on the median nerve, causing tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands and arms. Once the condition progresses, you may have less grip strength and experience more pain and muscle cramping. Most people at risk for this condition perform repetitive arm, wrist, and hand motions, such as bakers, cashiers, musicians, sewers, and hairstylists. Women are also more at risk of having carpal tunnel syndrome due to having smaller carpal tunnels than men.
Heel Spur
A heel spur is a foot condition where a bony growth called a calcium deposit extends on the underside of the heel bone. It usually starts in the front and underneath the heel but eventually affects the other parts of the foot. Heel spurs are typically painless, but they can cause heel pain. They are primarily associated with plantar fasciitis, but they could also be from excess weight, poorly fitted shoes, running or jogging on hard surfaces, aging, and diabetes. Over-the-counter medications and exercises usually manage pain from heel spurs, but many patients seek acupuncture for longer-lasting pain relief without substance intervention.
Meniscus Tear
Meniscus tear is a common knee injury affecting the knee’s cartilage that protects the bones from wear and tear. It frequently happens to athletes in contact and non-contact sports when they suddenly change their direction while running. Some common symptoms of a meniscus tear include knee pain, swelling, difficulties in bending the leg, and tendencies of the knee getting locked up. Acupuncture can help quicken the recovery from a meniscus tear, especially if it’s incorporated into a current treatment plan.