CrossFit participants are easy to spot: a lean, fit, enthusiastic group of like-minded fitness devotees who work hard. But CrossFit is considered to carry a higher injury rate than some other exercise programmes. So what are the common CrossFit injuries, and how do we prevent them? What is CrossFit? CrossFit is a high-intensity exercise [...]
Climbing continues to grow in popularity, testing flexibility, strength, control, and problem-solving. But like any demanding sport, it brings injuries — and the fingers take the brunt. These finger injuries are often called a finger pulley injury, or rock climber's finger. So what is climber's finger, and what other injuries affect climbers? Finger pulleys: [...]
Sesamoiditis — inflammation of the sesamoid bones of the big toe — is a common cause of big toe pain in runners. It's important to distinguish it from other problems affecting the big toe, such as big toe arthritis or gout, as well as from a sesamoid stress fracture or a bipartite sesamoid. So [...]
Pain behind the knee is one of the more challenging musculoskeletal problems. The causes are many — muscle tears, tendon injuries, nerve damage, and even blood clots. As with most problems, the key is an early, accurate diagnosis. So what causes pain behind the knee, and how do you find the cause? This is [...]
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of hip arthritis. Cartilage in the joint progressively wears away, exposing bone and causing inflammation and pain. Most cases occur after 50, but some people develop hip arthritis in their 20s and 30s. Simple treatments come first. When they fail, injections for hip arthritis offer real relief without [...]
A torn meniscus in the knee is a common cause of knee pain in active people and older adults. We used to treat most tears with keyhole surgery. But recent evidence shows that most settle with physiotherapy — so how should a torn meniscus be treated? What is the meniscus? The meniscus is a [...]
Arthritis of the knee cap, also called patellofemoral arthritis, is a common cause of pain at the front of the knee. The cartilage behind the knee cap (patella) begins to wear out. When the cartilage is worn out, the bone rubs against the lower leg (femur), causing pain. What is the patellofemoral joint? [...]
Cubital tunnel syndrome is a nerve pressure problem causing pain, numbness, and pins and needles. Many people have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, where the nerve is compressed at the wrist. Cubital tunnel syndrome — sometimes called elbow tunnel syndrome — is caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow. So how [...]
Piriformis syndrome is a chronic condition arising from the piriformis muscle. This muscle causes pain locally in the buttocks. However, given its closeness to the sciatic nerve, we think it also irritates it. So, what is piriformis syndrome, and how can you treat it? Does a piriformis ultrasound injection help? What is the Piriformis [...]
The most common cause of knee arthritis is osteoarthritis — the progressive wearing of cartilage, which exposes bone-on-bone contact and leads to inflammation, pain, and swelling. Lifestyle factors are the most effective treatment: regular exercise, a healthy weight, and a balanced diet. But cortisone has a limited effect and may cause harm, and surgery [...]
