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Suggest Treatment For Muscle Stiffness, Neck Pain And Occasional Headache
Question: I'm a young 82, and travel by auto several months each summer, visiting family. Last few years my right foot,ankle and heel have experienced increasing Numbness, some pain in the arch and toward the big toe, and I have some difficulty keeping that foot comfortable at night...Have tried using heat pad, occasional pedicures (with the usual lower leg/foot massage), exercise programs at our work-out center...(I work-out about 1 1/2 hrs @ 4 to 5 times weekly...)...Recent reading reveals that there are laser, electro stimulation, etc treatments...especially right here in SW Florida (Ft Myers) ..what-to-do??
The only other complaints are : 1. Usual stiffness, neck pain and occasional headache; despite the fact that I do frequent turning, stretching, etc as rec by PT People in past yrs.....also 2. In recent years increasing stiffness in fingers, especially right hand, with some swelling ...I work on this by heat packs at night, flexing, and working them--also occasional hot bath ....also use a sauna for 10-15 minutes @ 3-4 times weekly...
The only other complaints are : 1. Usual stiffness, neck pain and occasional headache; despite the fact that I do frequent turning, stretching, etc as rec by PT People in past yrs.....also 2. In recent years increasing stiffness in fingers, especially right hand, with some swelling ...I work on this by heat packs at night, flexing, and working them--also occasional hot bath ....also use a sauna for 10-15 minutes @ 3-4 times weekly...
Brief Answer:
Get tests done and send me the reports.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have read your query.
You are right in doing physical therapy, but be cautious about work out. You need only muscle strengthening exercises and that too start only once pain subsides. So I advise you to take rest for at-least 7 days and if the pain subsides then only start muscle strengthening exercises. You should wear cervical collar with chin support throughout the day and remove it at night. For pain and pain in foot ankle and great toe you should try to avoid prolong standing, climbing stairs, pushing and pulling heavy objects as much as you can.
You should get your blood tests including serum uric acid, E.S.R, C.R.P, fasting blood sugar and R.A factor quantitative and send me the report so that I can help you in a better way.
You can go for laser, electro stimulation, they will definitely help you. But you should remember you should first get your pain relieved by medication.
I also advise you to get your x-ray of cervical spine and lumbosacral spine done in AP and Lateral view and send me the report I want to see the present condition of you inter-vertebral space.
I hope it helps.
You are welcome to ask further health related queries.
Thanks.
Dr.Singh.
Get tests done and send me the reports.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have read your query.
You are right in doing physical therapy, but be cautious about work out. You need only muscle strengthening exercises and that too start only once pain subsides. So I advise you to take rest for at-least 7 days and if the pain subsides then only start muscle strengthening exercises. You should wear cervical collar with chin support throughout the day and remove it at night. For pain and pain in foot ankle and great toe you should try to avoid prolong standing, climbing stairs, pushing and pulling heavy objects as much as you can.
You should get your blood tests including serum uric acid, E.S.R, C.R.P, fasting blood sugar and R.A factor quantitative and send me the report so that I can help you in a better way.
You can go for laser, electro stimulation, they will definitely help you. But you should remember you should first get your pain relieved by medication.
I also advise you to get your x-ray of cervical spine and lumbosacral spine done in AP and Lateral view and send me the report I want to see the present condition of you inter-vertebral space.
I hope it helps.
You are welcome to ask further health related queries.
Thanks.
Dr.Singh.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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