Bones and joints Archive

Many professional athletes and celebrities swear by the therapeutic benefits of ice bathing, which involves briefly immersing one's body in cold water. The science around possible health benefits is thin. Still, fans say the practice makes them feel mentally and physically invigorated and reduces muscle soreness. People can try ice baths by filling their tub with cold water and immersing themselves as completely as possible for several seconds to a few minutes.

Putting excessive stress on muscles can overstretch or tear muscle fibers. The resulting injury is called a muscle strain. The damage could be a small nick or lesion on muscle tissue. In severe cases, the muscle can rip into two separate pieces. If pain isn't severe, it helps to take a break from intense activity, massage the muscle or use topical creams containing menthol, take over-the-counter painkillers, stretch the muscle gently, get enough sleep, eat protein at every meal, and consume lots of fluids. If pain persists, it's best to see a doctor.

Like kayaking or canoeing, paddleboarding provides a serious workout. But before you head out on the water, you'll want to get some key muscle groups in shape, especially ones that probably have not been used much during winter.

Doctors have three ways to treat Dupuytren's contracture, a condition that pulls one or more fingers toward the palm. A needle aponeurotomy breaks up the thick collagen tissue sticking to the tendons. A collagenase injection contains an enzyme that eats up and dissolves the collagen. Surgery involves the removal of the collagen tissue. With all three procedures, the condition can return. The procedure that's right for someone depends on the condition's severity and the location of the collagen.

Most people experience occasional acute musculoskeletal pain as part of daily living, such as an injury caused by exercising or a minor household accident. Acute pain is short-term and often becomes manageable with home remedies and over-the-counter medication. However, when symptoms persist there is greater chance that it will become chronic pain, which lasts two to three months or longer. That's when medical advice is needed.

One condition affecting the hands and fingers is Dupuytren's contracture, where one or more fingers become curled, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. Dupuytren's affects one in 20 Americans, so what do people need to know about it?

The typical causes of cramps in the hands include dehydration and straining the muscles with repeated motions like typing. Low calcium or magnesium or a compressed nerve in the wrist may also cause cramping. Stretching the fingers may help.