Sinus Tarsi Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome (STS) is a type of foot pathology, resulting either from the traumatic injury or recurrent injuries or sprain to the ankle during running or walking on a flat foot. It mostly hits athletes or dancers whose professions require a lot of jumping, sudden or quick movements and sudden stops.

 What do we mean by Sinus Tarsi Syndrome (STS)?

The word ‘sinus’ commonly refers to cavity in the bone. The cavity, Sinus Tarsi, is a small cylindrical cavity outside the ankle between the talus and calcaneous bones. Swelling around the Sinus Tarsi region or injury to any of the surrounding ligaments results in Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.

What are the common symptoms associated with Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?

Symptoms related with Sinus Tarsi Syndrome arise gradually over a period of time. Its symptoms are worse during morning but start improving as you warm up. Its symptoms include:

• Sharp and pinching pain at the top and/or outer side of foot and ankle
• Pain worsens during the activities like; walking or jumping
• Stiffness in the ankle
• Instability is felt while walking or running on uneven ground or slopes and during jumping or changing directions
• Sinus Tarsi region may be felt tender when touched
• Pain during ankle movements; especially when you move the sole of foot inwards or downwards
• Pain intensifies with weight-bearing

What are the causes of Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?

The exact reason of Sinus Tarsi Syndrome is still a matter of debate. Trauma to the ankle is considered to be the most common cause of this pathological condition. Other than this, below mentioned factors give arise to Sinus Tarsi Syndrome:

• An inversion injury to the foot that is not treated properly
• Over growth of nerve or fat tissues in the cavity
• Deviations in bone structures
• Bone Spurs
• Arthritis and Bone bridges
• Ganglion Cysts
• Foot Deformities (like Flat Foot)
• Sitting with your feet tucked under you
• Poor foot Bio-mechanics
• Inappropriate Footwear
• Poor flexibility and muscle weakness

How can Sinus Tarsi Syndrome be treated?

Physical Therapy treatment under the guidance and surveillance of expert Physical Therapist is the best treatment option available to treat Sinus Tarsi Syndrome. Therapeutic techniques employed by Physical Therapists not only speed up the recovery but also reduce the chances of recurrence. A complete Physical Therapy Treatment plan consists of:

• Initially, RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) therapy is advised to to reduce and eliminate pain and to help tissues to heal
• Activity triggering pain and swelling is identified and eliminated to reduce muscle tension
• Stable shoes, an ankle sleeve or brace and over the counter or special orthotics are recommended
• Electrotherapy, laser therapy and cryotherapy is employed

After the pain and swelling are subsided, physical therapists perform following exercises to enable the patient to return to normal activities:

• Joint mobilisation exercises  are performed to reduce stiffness
• Stretching exercises including; calf stretches and strengthening exercises are performed
• Balance Training is provided to prevent  instability
• Bio-mechanical correction is advised
• Flexion exercises are administered to strengthen the muscles

 Contact Active Physical Therapy for the state-of-art and effective treatment of any of your musculoskeletal problem and disorders. Our proficient physical therapists create and develop customized treatment plans while taking into view your needs and urgencies.

What do we mean by Turf Toe?

Turf Toe is the condition referring to the sprain of ligaments around the big toe joint. The injury is referred to as ‘Turf Toe’ as it generally affects the athletes who play on the artificial turf like; football, soccer or baseball players. It is also a common form of injury among the dancers.

But it does not imply that Turf Toe happens to athletes only; anyone whose big toe gets stubbed or jammed suddenly with enough force can develop this condition.

What are the causes leading to Turf Toe?

This injury occurs, when an athlete jams his toe forcefully into the ground or repeatedly pushes it off or bends it backward beyond the normal limits. Apart from these, another contributing factors to Turf Toe Include:

• Jamming of the foot on the ground, while rest of the body is pushed forward.
• Wearing soft-soled foot wears, offering little or no protection to the fore foot.
• Running and jumping on the hard artificial fields lead to the jamming of big toe and hence to the turf toe.
• Repeated sprain over the ligaments with enough sudden force can lead to turf toe.
• Body weight of the person
• Direct injury that damages the bone under the cartilage.
• Previous toe or fore foot injuries
• Positioning of the body while playing sports
• Yours ankle’s range of motion

What are the symptoms of Turf Toe?

The symptoms of Turf Toe include:

• Pain at the base of the big toe
• Tenderness in the ball of foot and big toe
• Swelling of toe and ball of foot
• Popping sound can be heard at the time of injury
• Decreased mobility
• Bruising of ball of foot and big toe
• Inefficiency to put weight on the ball of injured foot
• Failure to push off on the big toe

What are the treatment methods prescribed for Turf Toe?

The best way to treat Turf Toe is to keep the weight or pressure off the toe during the healing process. Treatment methods may include:

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) therapy may be administered to reduce the swelling and pain in the affected area.
• Athletes are advised to use orthotics or wear stiff soled shoes to secure the toe from more sprain or hyperextension.
• Strapping or taping of the injured toe to the other toes to provide support and stability.
• Doctors may immobilize the injured foot in a cast or special walking boot, in order to protect the affected joint

 After a period of immobility and rest, to re-establish the functioning of affected toe; physical therapists practice the following rehabilitation exercises:

• Passive range of motion exercises are performed to regain function and mobility
• Flexion and Extension exercises are performed
• Strengthening exercises like; toe raises, calf raises, squats and lunges are performed
• Conditioning and Agility exercises are performed

Contact Active Physical Therapy for the proficient treatment of any of your musculoskeletal problems or injuries. Our proficient and eminent physical therapists create customized treatment plans to help you to regain your health and agility.

What do you mean by DeQuervain’s Tendonitis?

DeQuervain’s Tendonitis is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons running from the back of your thumb down the side of your wrist get swollen and irritated. This swelling in turn, constricts the canal at the base of your wrist. So, every time when you turn your wrist to hold something or make a fist, it starts aching or hurting.

What are the causes of DeQuervain’s Tendonitis?

DeQuervain’s Tendonitis occurs when you continue with the activities which put strain on your tendons at back / outer aspect of thumb. Factors and activities listed below lead to DeQuervain’s Tendonitis:

• Sports activities like; golf, ten pin bowling, rowing
• Manual work like; painting, chopping wood, sewing, knitting, use of vibrating machinery
• Constant lifting of children
• Direct injury to wrist tendon
• A fall or forceful movement
• Injury to thumb, wrist elbow, neck, shoulder and upper back
• Excessive training
• Weakness of muscles
• Muscle Stiffness
• Tightening of joints
• Faulty sporting technique
• Bad posture
• Poor ergonomic set up
• Insufficient warm up

 What are the potential signs and symptoms of DeQuervain’s Tendonitis?

Following factors can be stated as potential symptoms of DeQuervain’s Tendonitis:

• Ache or tightness at the back of thumb or wrist
• Swollen tendon
• Feeling of pain when tendon is touched
• Occasional pins and needles feeling in the thumb
• Weakness in the wrist, hand and thumb
• Numbness in the Index finger
• Movement of thumb and wrist is hindered due to pain and inflammation

How physical Therapy can help to treat DeQuervain’s Tendonitis?

DeQuervain’s Tendonitis is treated using medications, physical or occupational therapy. Discontinuing the activities that affect and worsen your condition, can also help a lot to cure and heal the ailment. Following techniques are employed by the physical therapists to treat DeQuervain’s Tendonitis:

• Initially, the physical therapist will advice to rest your thumb and wrist to reduce inflammation. At times, splint and braces are used to keep them straight.
• Manual hands- on therapy is used to treat DeQuervain’s Tendonitis.
• Soft tissues massage, Trigger point releases, Joint mobilization therapies are administered to improve functioning and relieve strain on tendons.
• Flexion, Extension and Rotation exercises are performed to strengthen the tendons.
• Range of motion exercises are administered to loosen and mobilize the stiff tendon.
• Strengthening exercises are performed to restore functioning and promote healing as well.
• Stretches are administered to improve the flexibility of the affected tendon.

 At Active Physical Therapy, our eminent and skilled physical therapists are always ready to help you out with any of your musculoskeletal ailments and disorders. Your wellbeing is our top most priority. We are always ready to serve you with best of the treatment plans as per your needs and requirements.

Lumbar Stabilization: Physical Therapy  Treatment & Management

Lumbar Stabilization is an exercise based program including variety of strengthening and flexibility exercises to heighten a person’s range of motion and as well to strengthen his muscles to support spine. This technique not only improvises his current physical conditions and symptoms but also acknowledge him about efficient movement and safe postures. Lumbar Stabilization program further helps you to find and maintain neutral spine position.

Role of a Physical Therapist

 Before planning and designing a well suited Lumbar Stabilization program, a physical therapist along with your referring physician; thoroughly examines and evaluates you, as the conditions of each individual are unique and specific. Thereafter a multi- dimensional program including strengthening, training, flexibility and endurance exercises is prescribed accordingly to the individual.

Objectives or Goals of Lumbar Stabilization Program :

• To attain a neutral spine position
• To lower or lessen low back pain
• To cure soft tissue injury like muscle strain
• To lessen or eliminate lower back injuries that occur due to sudden jerks or movements
• To exercise control over the forces acting on spine
• To promote and heighten functional stability

Exercises involved in Lumbar Stabilization Program

During all the exercises performed under Lumbar stabilization program, a neutral spine position is attempted to attain and maintain. As the patient learns to maintain a neutral spine position during current exercise, he is progressed to the next exercise. All the exercises performed under Lumbar Stabilization are patient specific. Following exercises may be recommended under Lumbar Stabilization program :

• Hamstring Stretch :This is a passive form of exercise, where little muscle effort is used or employed.
• Pelvic Tilt : An active form of exercise making use of abdominal muscles to move the spine.
• Arm or Leg raises : A dynamic exercise form, making use of arm or  leg movements while maintaining neutral spine position.
• Stretching and aerobic exercises are also incorporated in Lumbar Stabilization physical therapy program.
• Flexibility training is promoted to train muscles and to attain neutral position sine position.
• Cardiovascular conditioning is combined with Lumbar Stabilization to promote total body strength and endurance.

At Active Physical Therapy, our professional and trained physical therapists ,plan and co-ordinate treatment modules which are designed according to your preferences, capabilities, needs and urgencies. Our treatment modules will not only heal your current ailment but also poses a check on the further ones.

Hip Replacement: On the Road to Recovery

When the arthritis in the hip begins to deteriorate and damage the hip joint gradually, hip replacement surgery is performed. But only surgery does not make for the normal and successful functioning of the joint. The battle is won completely when with the help of physical therapy muscles around the hip joint along with the muscles of legs are strengthen and your implanted joint becomes mobilize and begins to work like a normal hip joint.

Need of Hip Replacement Therapy

 Initially after surgery, patients feel stiffness and pain in the hip. So minor Physical Therapy begins on the first day after surgery and is recommended and needed to :

• Ease and overcome the surgical pain
• Improve hip’s range of motion
• Strengthen the muscles around the hip joint
• Strengthen the muscles of legs
• Prevent clotting of blood
• Provide patient education regarding fall, preventions and walking without limp
• Prevent the loosening and dislocation of the implant

Patient education provided during Hip Replacement Therapy:

• Patients are advised not to pressurize and stress the hip joint with heavy lifting
• Specific body posturing and sitting techniques are instructed
• Patients are briefed not to cross the operated leg over the other one as it can cause the dislocation of the replaced joint
• Patients are acknowledged about the precautions and safety measures that they should follow while performing the routine activities
• Patients are educated about the available adaptive  and supportive equipment and their usage

 Exercises recommended under Hip Replacement Therapy:

Physical therapists suggest that to accomplish full recovery and to restore normal hip motion, regular exercises should be performed. During initial days, therapists recommend to exercise 20 to 30 minutes for 2-3 times a day. Following exercises may be suggested and administered by the physical therapists  :

• Ankle Pumps: It involves pushing your foot up and down.
• Ankle Rotations: It involves moving your ankle inward and outward the other foot.
• Buttock Contractions: Involves tightening of buttock muscles.
• Hip Extension: Involves contracting your hip muscles without holding your breath.
• Hip Abduction and Adduction: Involves sliding of each leg in and out then back with straight knees and pointed toes.
• Bridging: Includes lifting up the buttock with bent knees and flat feet.
• Standing Exercises: These exercises are administered to help you to regain strength for standing independently.
• Walking, Stair climbing and Descending Exercises: These exercises improvise  strength, mobility and endurance of your knees, hip and legs. Further more, these exercises also help you to regain your balancing skills.

Contact Active Physical Therapy if you are looking forward to the treatment plans that are designed according to your urgencies, preferences and capabilities. Our trained and proficient therapists will provide you with best possible assistance and care and help you to regain your health and well being.