Clinicians commonly evaluate patients for the cause of chronic pain but do not always diagnose the type of pain. The pathophysiology of pain, if accurately determined, can help in the selection of appropriate treatment.
Injury or major complaint: Progressive bilateral shoulder pain over 2-3 months. No specific mechanism of injury. Job description includes lifting of heavy boxes and general maintenance and cleaning with use of mops.
Injury or major complaint: Complains of progressive nagging bilateral knee pain present over 6 months. Pain is present at rest and worse with increased activity and cycling. The doctors have diagnosed Robert with bilateral knee arthritis in the past.
Injury or major complaint: Michele was running training for a 5 km run and accidentally twisted right ankle. She felt pain on the outside of her right ankle and developed swelling and had difficulty walking. She did not feel it was serious enough to have X-rays and understood that it was just a sprain. She went home and followed the principles of ice, compression and elevation.
Product used: Topical analgesia and ace bandage but with minimal relief