Presentation A patient has fallen on an outstretched hand and has a normal, nonpainful shoulder, wrist, and hand; on careful examination, however, the patient has pain in the elbow joint. Swelling may be noted over the antecubital fossa, and the…
Presentation The patient will come in limping, having suffered a whiplike sting in the calf while stepping off the foot hard or attempting a lunging shot during a game of tennis or similar activity. The patient may have actually heard…
Presentation Patients seek help because of gradually increasing inferior heel pain that has progressed to the point of inhibiting their normal daily activities. This fasciitis can develop in anyone who is ambulatory but appears to be more common in athletes…
Presentation After a direct blow to the medial aspect of the patella or, more commonly, without contact and only after a sudden twisting motion to the opposite side of an outward-pointing planted foot (with a powerful contraction of the quadriceps…
Presentation In myofascial pain syndrome, the patient, who is generally 25 to 50 years of age, will be troubled by the gradual onset of localized or regional unilateral fibromuscular pain that at times can be immobilizing. There may be a…
Presentation Strains are acute injuries to muscle-tendon units that result from overstretching or overexerting. Strains may occur in the trapezius or paravertebral muscles during a motor vehicle collision, with a whiplash-type injury to the neck. A strain can also occur…
Presentation The patient complains of painful, visible, palpable muscle contractions, often affecting the gastrocnemius muscle or small muscles of the foot or hand. Ordinary cramps occur chiefly at rest during the night or after trivial movement but also can occur…
Presentation The patient complains of one joint that has become acutely red, swollen, hot, painful, and stiff, with pain on minimal range of motion (ROM). Rapid onset with fever and local warmth suggests the possibility of septic arthritis. A prominent…
Presentation Suddenly or gradually, after lifting, sneezing, bending, or other movement, the patient develops a steady pain in one or both sides of the lower back. At times, this pain can be severe and incapacitating. It is usually better when…
Presentation The patient, usually with a history of a previous knee injury, and often with previous knee locking, suddenly develops a mechanical inability to extend the knee fully. The knee may flex but not extend and may be causing mild…