Inflammation

Inflammation is a protective biological response in the body to any injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. Inflammation occurs when the immune cells are activated to eliminate the cause of cell injury, clear out damaged cells and tissues, and initiate tissue repair.

This inflammatory response in your body may result in pain, swelling, bruising, or redness. Although it is a crucial defense mechanism in the human body, prolonged or chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of various health conditions.

If you're dealing with persistent or severe symptoms of inflammation, seeking medical help is essential. At Forever Young, we offer comprehensive treatment to address inflammation and various related conditions.

Our team focuses on identifying the underlying cause and recommends a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and conditions.

Types of Inflammation

Inflammation can be acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is a quick and short-lived response to any injury or infection. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is a prolonged and sustained reaction that can last for weeks, months, or even years.

Acute inflammation is a normal and necessary response of your immune system to injury or infection and plays a crucial role in the healing process. However, chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions and can be triggered by prolonged infections and autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms of Inflammation

Inflammation can occur in different tissues and organs throughout your body, including joints, skin, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract. Based on the location of the inflammation, you may experience different symptoms.

Common symptoms of inflammation include:

Redness in the affected area
Heat and warmth in the affected region due to the increased blood flow
Swelling at the site of inflammation
Pain and discomfort in the affected area
Loss of function or impaired movement due to pain and swelling

Chronic and severe cases of inflammation may lead to additional symptoms including:

Fatigue
Insomnia
Fever
Joint pain or stiffness
Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety

Inflammation in Soft Tissues

Soft tissues include your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Inflammation in soft tissues refers to the body's natural response to injury, irritation, or infection affecting the soft tissues of your body.

Common causes of inflammation in soft tissues include:

Repetitive motion and overuse of a particular muscle or tendon
Trauma or injury, such as a fall or impact
Infection in soft tissues
Diseases like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
Poor posture or body mechanics

Inflammation in soft tissues is a common occurrence and can be a result of various health conditions and injuries.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis or tendinitis is an inflammation in your tendons. Tendons are thick fibrous cords that connect your muscles to the bone. The inflammation can occur in various tendons, commonly occurring in your shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

Common types of tendonitis include:

Achilles Tendinitis - Inflammation in the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle.
Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis - Inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow.
Golfer’s Elbow or Medial Epicondylitis - Inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow.
Shoulder Tendinitis - Inflammation in tendons around the shoulder joint
Patellar Tendinitis or Jumper's Knee - Inflammation of the patellar tendon

Tendonitis can cause acute pain and tenderness in the affected area, making it challenging to move the affected joint.

While sudden injuries can cause tendonitis, certain people are more at risk than others. These include:

Athletes and sports personnel, due to repetitive movements or overuse of specific muscle groups
Workers with repetitive motion activities, such as typing, lifting, or assembly line work
Aging people since tendons lose elasticity with age

The management of tendonitis typically includes rest, ice and heat therapy, and the use of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications.

Bursitis

Bursitis is a painful condition in which inflammation occurs in the bursa. A bursa is a closed, fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning between bones, tendons, and muscles near joints.

Inflammation of the bursa can cause tenderness, pain, swelling, and restricted movement in the affected joint. Common types of bursitis include:

Shoulder bursitis
Elbow bursitis
Kneecap bursitis
Hip bursitis
Feet bursitis

Common factors that can lead to inflammation in the bursae and cause bursitis include:

Sudden injury
Repetitive motions
Conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and diabetes
Poor posture
Positions that put pressure on specific parts of the body

Treatment of bursitis usually includes proper rest and avoiding activities that may worsen the condition. Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation can also help.

Treatment for Inflammation at Forever Young

Addressing inflammation involves targeting the underlying cause and managing the symptoms of the condition. Treatment for inflammation may involve lifestyle changes, medications, and other medical interventions to alleviate the symptoms.

At Forever Young, we take a holistic approach to managing inflammation and its symptoms. It includes a thorough assessment of your overall health and symptoms by our healthcare professional. Our team will provide personalized treatment based on the extent and severity of the inflammation.

The treatment plan may include:

Rest: Adequate rest is crucial for recovery and healing. This includes modifying activities that might exacerbate the inflammation. Continuing with regular activities could potentially worsen your symptoms.
Cold Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. This will help reduce the blood flow to the inflamed area and subsequently decrease the inflammation and discomfort.
Medications: Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation and alleviate your symptoms.
Physical Therapy: A tailored exercise regime with specific exercises and movements can help address the pain and improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Corticosteroid Injections: Cortisone shots are given directly into the affected soft tissue to address inflammation. At Forever Young, we utilize cortisone injections as a customized treatment to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation effectively.

Treating Inflammation in Gulfport, MS

Inflammation can cause significant pain and swelling and contribute to various health conditions, adversely impacting your overall quality of life. At Forever Young, we offer comprehensive care and provide cortisone injections as a treatment to manage and alleviate the inflammation.

To schedule an appointment with our providers, reach out to us at 228-363-6623 or request a consultation online.