Yearly Archives: 2011


Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Common Source of Knee Pain

Iliotibial band syndrome is a common knee injury. The most common symptom is lateral knee pain caused by inflammation of the distal portion of the iliotibial band. The iliotibial band is a thick band of fascia that crosses the hip joint and extends distally to insert on the patella, tibia, and biceps femoris tendon. In […]


Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. These disorders are often incorrectly called TMJ, which stands for temporomandibular joint.   What Is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge joint that connects the […]


Participating in Clinical Trials

Understanding Clinical Trials Choosing to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision. The following frequently asked questions provide detailed information about clinical trials. In addition, it is often helpful to talk to a physician, family members, or friends about deciding to join a trial. After identifying some trial options, the next step […]


Headaches – Causes and Treatment

What is a headache? A Headache is defined as a pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes. How are headaches classified? Headaches have numerous causes, and in 2007 the International Headache Society agreed upon an updated classification system […]


Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain Overview Pain in the lower back or low back pain is a common concern, affecting up to 90% of Americans at some point in their lifetime. Up to 50% will have more than one episode. Low back pain is not a specific disease, rather it is a symptom that may occur from […]


Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which a person has long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, and anxiety. Causes, incidence, and risk factors The cause is unknown. Possible causes or triggers of fibromyalgia include: Physical or […]


Achilles Tendon Injuries

The Achilles tendon injury is one of the more serious sports injuries, for professional and amateur athletes alike. The Achilles tendon is one of the longer tendons in your body, stretching from the bones of your heel to your calf muscles. You can feel it — a springy band of tissue at the back of […]


Plantar Fasciitis

What is plantar fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed). Then your heel […]


Shingles Pain and Treatment

Shingles, a viral infection of the nerve roots, affects 500,000 people in the U.S each year. Most people recover from their bout, but for as many as 20%-30% of them, the pain doesn’t go away. It can last for months, years, or even the rest of their lives. These people have what’s called postherpetic neuralgia […]


Ankle Injuries: Causes and Treatments

Ankle injuries are often thought of as sports injuries. But you don’t have to be an athlete or even a “weekend warrior” to turn your ankle and hurt it. Something as simple as walking on an uneven surface can cause a painful, debilitating sprain. Ankle injuries can happen to anyone at any age. Every day […]