Ageing and dislocation are some of the reasons that we have the joint pain.
If a cat was to take citalopram, it could potentially kill them. Citalopram is a very strong medication, humans can tolerate it because they're very strong but their strength does us good, where as cats are much smaller, the strength of the medication may be too much for the cat to take, resulting in possible poisoning. If a cat induces citalopram, take them to the vet as soon as possible, even if the cat appears to be well. The following symptoms may occur 20 minutes - 6hrs after a cats ingestion of citalopram: • anger • coma • constipation • cough • death • diarrhoea • fainting or brief loss of consciousness • feeling dizzy • feeling drowsy • indigestion • itching • jointpain • loss of consciousness • muscle weakness • musclepain or tenderness • nausea • panic attacks • sedation including difficulty waking the cat up • stomachpain • tinnitus • tiredness • tremors • vomiting • weakness • yawning
It is very common for the knee to make funny noises as it moves. If there is no pain associated with it, it is nothing to worry about. It is usually caused either by 1) Gas bubbles popping (like bubble wrap) 2) Ligaments/tendons getting stretched and snapping back into place. The theory that it makes you more prone to arthritis is just a myth. See this site for more info
DefinitionTendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. In many cases, tendinosis (tendon degeneration) is also present.Alternative NamesCalcific tendinitis; Bicipital tendinitisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsTendinitis can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. It can also be seen in persons with body-wide (systemic) diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.Tendinitis can occur in any tendon, but some commonly affected sites include the:ElbowHeel (Achilles tendinitis)ShoulderWristSymptomsPain and tenderness along a tendon, usually near a jointPain at nightPain that is worse with movement or activitySigns and testsThe health care provider will perform a physical exam and look for signs of pain and tenderness when the muscle attached to the tendon is used against resistance. There are specific tests for specific tendons.The tendon can be inflamed, and the overlying skin may be warm and red.TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.Rest or immobilization of the affected tendons is helpful for recovery. This may be achieved using a splint or a removable brace. The application of heat or cold to the affected area can help.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can also reduce both pain and inflammation. Steroid injections into the tendon sheath can also be very useful in controlling pain and allowing physical therapy to start.Physical therapy that stretches and strengthens the muscle and tendon is essential. This can restore the tendon's ability to function properly, improve healing, and prevent future injury.Rarely, surgery is needed to physically remove the inflammatory tissue from around the tendon.Expectations (prognosis)Symptoms improve with treatment and rest. If the injury is caused by overuse, a change in work habits may be indicated to prevent recurrence of the problem.ComplicationsLong-term inflammation raises the risk of further injury, such as ruptureTendinitis symptoms returnCalling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of tendinitis occur.PreventionAvoid repetitive motion and overuse of the arms and legs.Keep all your muscles strong and flexible.Warm up by exercising at a relaxed pace before engaging in vigorous activity.ReferencesChoi L. Overuse injuries. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 14.Shea K, Edmonds EW, Chambers H. Skeletal trauma in young athletes. In: Green NE, Swiontkowski MF, eds. Skeletal Trauma in Children. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 20.
DefinitionA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the leg is a noninvasive method to create detailed pictures of the leg, including the ankle, foot, and surrounding tissues.A leg MRI also creates pictures of the knee. However, the knee is discussed in a separate article. See also: MRI of the knee.Unlike x-raysand computed tomographic (CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet. The magnetic field produced by an MRI is about 10 thousand times greater than the earth's.The magnetic field forces hydrogen atoms in the body to line up in a certain way (similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet). When radio waves are sent toward the lined-up hydrogen atoms, they bounce back, and a computer records the signal. Different types of tissues send back different signals.Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces dozens or sometimes hundreds of images.Alternative NamesMRI - lower extremity; Magnetic resonance imaging - leg; Magnetic resonance imaging - lower extremity; MRI - ankle; Magnetic resonance imaging - ankle; MRI - femur; MRI - legHow the test is performedYou may be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothing without metal fasteners (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt). Certain types of metal can cause inaccurate images.You will lie on a narrow table, which slides into the middle of the MRI machine. If you fear confined spaces (have claustrophobia), tell your doctor before the exam.Small devices, called coils, are placed around the leg. These devices help send and receive the radio waves, and improve the quality of the images.Some exams require a special dye (contrast). The dye is usually given before the test through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm. The dye helps the radiologist see certain areas more clearly.During the MRI, the person who operates the machine will watch you from another room. Several sets of images are usually needed, each taking 2 - 15 minutes. Depending on the type of equipment, the exam may take 1 hour or longer.How to prepare for the testYou may be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 - 6 hours before the scan.Before the test, tell the radiologist if you are currently receiving dialysis, as this may affect whether you can have IV contrast.If you fear confined spaces (have claustrophobia), tell your doctor before the exam. You may be given a medicine to help you feel sleepy and less anxious, or your doctor may recommend an "open" MRI, in which the machine is not as close to the body.The strong magnetic fields created during an MRI can interfere with certain implants, particularly pacemakers. Persons with cardiac pacemakers cannot have an MRI and should not enter an MRI area.You may not be able to have an MRI if you have any of the following metallic objects in your body:Brain aneurysm clipsCertain artificial heart valvesInner ear (cochlear) implantsRecently placed artificial jointsSome older types of vascular stentsTell your health care provider if you have one of these devices when scheduling the test, so the exact type of metal can be determined.Before an MRI, sheet metal workers or any person that may have been exposed to small metal fragments should receive a skull x-ray to check for metal in the eyes.Because the MRI contains a magnet, metal-containing objects such as pens, pocketknives, and eyeglasses may fly across the room. This can be dangerous, so they are not allowed into the scanner area.Other metallic objects are also not allowed into the room:Items such as jewelry, watches, credit cards, and hearing aids can be damaged.Pins, hairpins, metal zippers, and similar metallic items can distort the images.Removable dental work should be taken out just before the scan.How the test will feelAn MRI of the leg causes no pain. Some people may become anxious inside the scanner. If you have difficulty lying still or are very anxious, you may be given a mild sedative. Excessive movement can blur MRI images and cause errors.The table may be hard or cold, but you can request a blanket or pillow. The machine produces loud thumping and humming noises when turned on. You can wear ear plugs to help reduce the noise.An intercom in the room allows you to speak to the person operating the scanner at any time. Some MRIs have televisions and special headphones that you can use to help the time pass.There is no recovery time, unless you need sedation. After an MRI scan, you can resume your normal diet, activity, and medications.Why the test is performedThis test provides clear pictures of parts of the leg that are difficult to see clearly on CT scans.Your doctor may order an MRI of the leg if you have:A mass that can be felt on a physical examAn abnormal finding on an x-ray or bone scanBirth defects of the leg, ankle, or footBone infection (osteomyelitis)Bone pain and feverBroken boneDecreased motion of the ankle jointPain, swelling, or redness in a legRedness or swelling of the ankle jointSigns of cancer or a tumorSigns of injury to the leg or ankle muscle, cartilage, or ligamentsUnexplained leg, foot, or ankle pain that does not get better with treatmentYour doctor may also order a leg MRI to:Evaluate an infection or abscessIdentify a mass or tumor, including cancerMonitor your progress after leg, foot, or ankle surgeryNormal ValuesResults are considered normal if the leg structures being examined are normal in appearance.What abnormal results meanResults depend on the nature of the problem. Different types of tissues send back different MRI signals. For example, healthy tissue sends back a slightly different signal than cancerous tissue.Abnormal results may be due to:AbscessAchilles tendonitisArthritisBlood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis)Broken bone or fractureInfection in the boneLigament, tendon, or cartilage injuryMuscle damageOsteonecrosis (avascular necrosis)Plantar fascia rupture (See: Plantar fascitis)Posterior tibial tendon dysfunctionTumor or cancer in the bone, muscle, or soft tissueConsult your health care provider with any questions and concerns.What the risks areMRI contains no ionizing radiation. To date, there have been no documented significant side effects of the magnetic fields and radio waves used on the human body.The most common type of contrast (dye) used is gadolinium. It is very safe. Allergic reactions to the substance rarely occur. The person operating the machine will monitor your heart rate and breathing.MRI is usually not recommended for acute trauma situations, because tractionand life-support equipment cannot safely enter the scanner area and the exam can take quite a bit of time.People have been harmed in MRI machines when they did not remove metal objects from their clothes or when metal objects were left in the room by others.Special considerationsTests that may be done instead of an MRI include:Bone scanCT scan of the legPositron emission tomography (PET) scanX-ray of the legA CT scan may be preferred in emergency cases, since it is faster and usually available right in the emergency room.ReferencesWilkinson ID, Paley MNJ. Magnetic resonance imaging: basic principles. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 5th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:chap 5.Diagnosis of Venous Thromboembolism. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics - Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2007:chap 41.Lyn E, Pallin D, Antosia RE. Knee and Lower Leg. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 54.Ho K, Abu-Laban RB. Ankle and Foot. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 55.Bearcroft PPW. Joint Disease. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 4th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2001:chap 50.Grainger AJ, Davies M. Techniques and Imaging of Soft Tissues. In: Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK, eds. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 4th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2001:chap 45.Sanders, TG. Imaging Techniques. In: DeLee JC, Drez D Jr, Miller MD, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2003:chap 16.