Have you ever wondered why some parts of your body hurt? Sometimes, the pain can be because of conditions that end in “itis” or “osis.” Let’s explore what these words mean and how we can treat these conditions, including a cool treatment called extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
What Does “Itis” Mean?
When you see a word that ends in “itis,” it means there is inflammation or swelling in that part of the body. For example:
Tendonitis: This means the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, are swollen.
Arthritis: This is when the joints, where two bones meet, are inflamed.
Bursitis: This happens when the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles are irritated.
What Does “Osis” Mean?
On the other hand, “osis” means a condition of degeneration or deterioration, which often occurs over time. Examples include:
Tendinosis: This is a condition where the tendons break down over time without much inflammation.
Arthrosis: This refers to the wear and tear of the joints, also known as osteoarthritis.
Treatments for “Itis” and “Osis” Conditions
When dealing with “itis” and “osis” conditions, there are several treatment options to help relieve pain and improve function. These treatments can include:
Rest and Ice: Giving the affected area time to heal and using ice to reduce swelling.
Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles and improve movement.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and swelling.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): A non-invasive treatment that uses soundwaves to promote healing.
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, or ESWT, is a treatment that uses sound waves to help heal injured areas of the body. The word “extracorporeal” means “outside the body.” During ESWT, a device sends shockwaves through the skin to the injured area. The intention of the therapy is to reduce inflammation, break up scar tissue, bring blood blow to the area (necessary for healing), and recruit the body’s own stem cells to participate in the healing.
Conditions Treated by ESWT
ESWT can treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Plantar Fasciitis: Pain in the heel and bottom of the foot.
Tennis Elbow: Pain on the outside of the elbow.
Calcific Tendonitis: Calcium deposits in the tendons causing pain.
Achilles Tendonitis: Pain in the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel.
Knee pain – pain caused by arthritis, bursitis, partial tears of meniscus or ligaments
Shoulder (Rotator Cuff) injuries – pain caused by overuse, small tears in muscle or ligaments and tendons
Benefits of ESWT
There are many benefits to using ESWT for treating musculoskeletal conditions:
Non-invasive: No surgery is required, which means no cuts or scars.
Quick Treatment: Each session usually takes about 5-15 minutes.
Minimal Side Effects: There are few side effects, and most people can resume normal activities right away.
Effective: Many people experience pain relief and improved function after ESWT.
In conclusion, understanding “itis” and “osis” conditions can help us better address the pain and discomfort they cause. Treatments like extracorporeal shockwave therapy offer effective, non-invasive solutions to help us feel better and get back to our daily activities. If you’re experiencing pain from a musculoskeletal condition, it might be worth discussing ESWT with your doctor.
If you are curious if ESWT can help you, email me at DrMaura@WellBeingsMedicine.com.
