Ok, I am a veteran of the Army. While I was active duty, I 'sprained' my ankle, which gave me bursitis in my hip. I have been out of the military since 02 and they (VA hospital) say that they can't do anything to them. IS there anything I can get done to stop the pain? surgically?
Also, my wrists are extremely weak and somtimes my hands go numb to my elbows. What could that be?
2006-08-24 12:01:07 · 8 answers · asked by ♥ Callie Ann ♥ 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
I do get comp. 10% for ankle and 10% for hip.
Can a sprained ankle last 4+ years?
2006-08-24 12:05:40 · update #1
If a sprained ankle can't last 4+ years, what else could it be?
2006-08-24 14:23:17 · update #2
I have bursitis also and sometimes warm baths or compresses can help, heating pads, etc.
As far as numbness - that would be some kind of nerve damage which I also have - you should see a neurologist about that and ask about taking a script called Neurontin - it can be used for nerve pain, tingling, numbness, etc - and I have used it and it does help. I would talk to an orthopedist and a neurologist about these problems. I think the bursitis came from something else - like too much stress, activity over a prolonged time - like playing sports when younger and the military I would assume - but it doesn't come from one incident like that. They also make something called a TENS unit that can help with nerve damage and pain and all other types of pain and you can get these through your dr if ur insurance covers this type of thing.
Talk to these doctors and see what ur options are. Feel better!
2006-08-24 12:06:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may want to print this out. Very detailed things to do.
Good luck!
Injuries or Damaged tissue like that can be a very long term issue. If it caused bursitis on your hip it was much more than you were told at the time and you needed Physical therapy for months for that..
You need to see a specialist that the VA may not provide to you for obvious reasons.
Don't cut first-cut last this is that option.
A Doctor of Osteopathy (bones) and they can do a current review of all the joints in question. Since it is in some many "unrelated" areas you may consider Arthritis as an issue as well. [it happens at any age]
Here are the other ways that will work:
To start with, Add YOGA and stretching that is not "hard" on those joints, stretching out those "Pec" muscles that is part of the nerve impingement that causes that extremities to go numb. Strengthing the muscles around those areas and increasing your core and most of all you balance will help you so much.
Get a therapeutic massage on all those areas, let them know about the bursa, so they don't try to manipulate it. I highly recommend that you find one with at least five years experience in sports massages. You will need a full body [head to toes, including your upper chest region] ($60-90 per hour) massage at least once a week for five weeks to make a huge change in your muscle structure. You will be sore, drink lots of water prior and after= a gallon a day. If you can take an advil prior that's cool. NO Heat, only cold packs on sore spots after the sessions.
Try acupuncture for pain management, it really is wonderful and it takes about three weeks (2x's per week) to help this condition. Its not covered by most insurance, yet the practitioner will work out a cash price if prepaid. It doesn't hurt- hey your a vet, that's nothing to you. If you fall asleep on that table even "just a little" its working, keep going.
Chiropractic Adjustment will help all those areas of concern, like the others it takes several times a week for at least 6 weeks for your body to physically make the change. You will feel immediate release from most pain.
Their is no reason why a person your age should be in pain.
I wish you the very best.
2006-08-24 15:06:53 · answer #2 · answered by Denise W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE HIP PROBLEM, SOUNDS TO ME LIKE A REAL BEAR OF A PROBLEM.
AS FOR THE OTHER THING GOING ON IN THE WRISTS, SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS A BIT OF THE OLD CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME GOING ON HERE. THERE IS A FAIRLY SIMPLE OPERATION THAT CAN BE DONE TO THE WRIST TO ELIMINATE THAT . JUST MAKING THE HOLE IN THE WRIST BIGGER TO STOP THE NERVES FROM BEING PINCHED OFF UNTIL THE NUMBNESS OCCURS.
2006-08-24 12:08:30 · answer #3 · answered by BOOMBOOMBILLY 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's possible that you have carpal tunnel in your wrists. It could be problems with your nervous system also. Were you exposed to chemicals in the army?
Here's a link for bursitis....
http://www.premierpodiatry.com/advice-centre/conditions/bursitis.htm
2006-08-24 12:07:02 · answer #4 · answered by bettyboop 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, it can't last, but it is very easy to sprain again. With your wrist, try a magnetic bracelet. They help with pain. maybe you could find something like that for your hip, too
2006-08-24 12:36:39 · answer #5 · answered by Jez 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're not addictive try vikadin, or motrin. Put off surgery, that's the last resort. Have your wrists checked for carpal tunnel syndrome.
2006-08-24 12:10:23 · answer #6 · answered by sluggo1947 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
damn are you getting any kind of disability for your hip? the wrist thing sounds like bad carpal tunnel disease but you should be getting some sort of compensation for your hip. if nobody helps you take it up the chain of command.
2006-08-24 12:03:39 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it possible to get a second opinion? Why not go see another doctor?
2006-08-24 12:06:45 · answer #8 · answered by shoppingontherun 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋