Achilles tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the Achilles tendon (the tendon that connects the muscles of the calf to the heel).

Causes

There are two large muscles in the calf: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscles generate the power for pushing off with the foot or going up on the toes. The large Achilles tendon connects these muscles to the heel.

These are important muscles for walking. This tendon can become inflamed, most commonly as a result of overuse or arthritis, although inflammation can also be associated with trauma and infection.

Tendinitis due to overuse is most common in younger individuals and can occur in walkers, runners, or other athletes, especially in sports like basketball that involve jumping. Jumping places a large amount of stress on the Achilles tendon.

Tendinitis from arthritis is more common in the middle-aged and elderly population.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually include pain in the heel when walking or running. The tendon is usually painful to touch and the skin over the tendon may be swollen and warm.

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam and look for tenderness along the tendon and for pain in the area of the tendon when you stand on your toes.

Imaging studies can also be helpful. X-rays can help diagnose arthritis, and an MRI will show inflammation in the tendon.
Treatment

Treatment usually involves:

* Ice
* Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
* Rest
* Physical therapy
*acupuncture

You should limit any activities that make the symptoms worse.

Occasionally, a cast, brace, or boot may be used to keep the heel still and allow the swelling to go down.

If these treatments fail to improve symptoms, surgery may be needed to remove inflamed tissue and abnormal areas of the tendon.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your pain and tendinitis, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about knee pain and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

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By Dr win Huang

Mr wheeler has a bad pain on neck and shoulder for two months. two months ago he sprained his neck when lifting heavy things，he felt terrible pain on neck，so could not move his head，because of the pain。The pain radiated to shoulder and arm（L），and numbness on L fingers. he saw doctor who suggested him to see physiotherapist. He could not feel the effect after several treatment of physiotherapy. Still felt pain on neck and shoulder and numbness on fingers，so his friend reminder him to try Chinese medicine. So he come our clinic to do acupuncture.

He has a acupuncture in our clinic and cupping .firstly I choose one point on hand ， let him move shoulder and neck after acupuncture ，then acupuncture on neck and shoulder，lastly doing cupping on his back，he fells better gradually day to day，now he only fells little numbness on fingers and tight on neck and shoulder after 10 session treatment，he keeps his treatment for recovery of the injury.

Mr wheeler satisfies our treatment，and recommend chinese medicine and our clinic to people who have some problem.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

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Knee pain usually results from overuse, poor form during physical activity, not warming up or cooling down, or inadequate stretching. Simple causes of knee pain often clear up on their own with self care. Being overweight can put you at greater risk for knee problems.

Knee pain can be caused by:

* Anterior knee pain
* Arthritis — including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout
* Baker’s cyst — a fluid-filled swelling behind the knee that may accompany inflammation from other causes, like arthritis
* Bursitis — inflammation from repeated pressure on the knee, such as kneeling for long periods of time, overuse, or injury
* Connective tissue disorders such as lupus
* Dislocation of the kneecap
* Iliotibial band syndrome — a hip disorder related to injury of the thick band that runs from your hip to the outside of your knee
* Infection in the joint
* Knee injuries — an anterior cruciate ligament injury or medial collateral ligament injury may cause bleeding into your knee, which makes the pain worse
* Tendinitis — a pain in the front of your knee that gets worse when going up and down stairs or inclines
* Torn cartilage (a meniscus tear) — pain felt on the inside or outside of the knee joint
* Torn ligament (ACL tear) — leads to pain and instability of the knee
* Strain or sprain — minor injuries to the ligaments caused by sudden or unnatural twisting

Less common conditions that can lead to knee pain include the following:

* Bone tumors
* Osgood-Schlatter disease

Home Care

Many causes of knee pain, especially those related to overuse or physical activity, respond well to self-care:

* Rest and avoid activities that aggravate the pain, especially weight bearing activities.
* Apply ice. First, apply it every hour for up to 15 minutes. After the first day, apply it at least 4 times per day.
* Keep your knee elevated as much as possible to bring any swelling down.
* Gently compress the knee by wearing an ace bandage or elastic sleeve. Either can be purchased at most pharmacies. This may reduce swelling and provide support.
* Take acetaminophen for pain or ibuprofen for pain and swelling.
* Sleep with a pillow underneath or between your knees.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your knee pain, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about knee pain and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

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The specific structure in your back responsible for your pain is hardly ever identified. Whether identified or not, there are several possible sources of low back pain:
• Muscle spasm (very tense muscles that remain contracted)
• Other medical conditions like fibromyalgia
• Ruptured or herniated disk
• Small fractures to the spine from osteoporosis
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Spine curvatures (like scoliosis or kyphosis), which may be inherited and seen in children or teens
• Strain or tears to the muscles or ligaments supporting the back
• Infection of the spine (osteomyelitis, diskitis, abscess)
• Cancer that involves the spine
Back pain may also be due to:
• An abnormal aortic aneurysm that is leaking
• Arthritis conditions, such as osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Kidney infection or kidney stones
• Problems related to pregnancy
• Medical conditions that affect the female reproductive organs, including endometriosis, ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, or uterine fibroids
• Testicular torsion (twisted testicle)

Exams and Tests

When you first see your doctor, you will be asked questions about your back pain, including how often it occurs and how severe it is. Your doctor will try to determine the cause of your back pain and whether it is likely to quickly get better with simple measures such as ice, mild painkillers, physical therapy, and proper exercises. Most of the time, back pain will get better using these approaches.
Questions will include:
• Is your pain on one side only or both sides?
• What does the pain feel like? Is it dull, sharp, throbbing, or burning?
• Is this the first time you have had back pain?
• When did the pain begin? Did it start suddenly?
• Did you have a particular injury or accident?
• What were you doing just before the pain began? Were you lifting or bending? Sitting at your computer? Driving a long distance?
• If you have had back pain before, is this pain similar or different? In what way is it different?
• Do you know the cause of previous episodes of back pain?
• How long does each episode of back pain usually last?
• Do you feel the pain anywhere other than your back, like your hip, thigh, leg or feet?
• Do you have any numbness or tingling? Any weakness or loss of function in your leg or elsewhere?
• What makes the pain worse? Lifting, twisting, standing, or sitting for long periods of time?
• What makes you feel better?
• Are there any other symptoms present? Weight loss? Fever? Change in urination? Change in bowel habits?

Here are some tips for how to handle pain early on:

• Stop normal physical activity for the first few days. This helps calm your symptoms and reduce inflammation.
• Apply heat or ice to the painful area. Try ice for the first 48-72 hours, then use heat.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• While sleeping, try lying in a curled-up, fetal position with a pillow between your legs. If you usually sleep on your back, place a pillow or rolled towel under your knees to relieve pressure.

acupuncture is a good way to relief the acute pain of low back,sometime the pain is gone immediately after only one session treating.

Tips for Finding an Acupuncturist

When seeking out a professional acupuncturist, it is important to ensure that the acupuncturist is licensed and certified. Sterilising procedures should be used and more often than not, your acupuncturist will likely use disposable needles. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, an acupuncturist may provide alternatives such as herbal methods, magnetic needles and ear cups. These are thought to provide similar results although are not considered as effective as acupuncture that utilises needles.
Whatever path you take to treating your low back pain, you can be relieved to know that you have many options, particularly alternative ones such as acupuncture. Hopefully, you will find a qualified acupuncturist who can listen to your concerns about low back pain and begin a treatment plan that provides effective relief.

If you would like to make an appointment please call us on (09) 5296185, or if you require more information you may e-mail us at hwenchuan@sina.com

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