Whelehans Health News
Knee Pain - A Physio's expert review of the most common causes
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Knee Pain The most common causes from a physiotherapist perspective Kevin Darcy, Chartered Physiotherapist at Whelehans Pharmacy describes the most common reasons for knee pain that he experiences working as a physiotherapist: Ligament sprains or tears: This can happen due to sudden twisting or turning movements, causing the ligaments in the knee to stretch or tear. Meniscus tears: A tear in the cartilage cushions of the knee can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. This is commonly caused by injury or wear and tear. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): This is a condition that causes pain around the...
The perils of Achilles injuries and how to prevent them
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Achilles Stretches Preventing Achilles injuries from a physiotherapist perspective Kevin Darcy, Chartered Physiotherapist at Whelehans Pharmacy describes exercises to prevent Achilles injuries in sport and other activities from his experience working as a physiotherapist. Achilles injuries are a common issue noticed in individuals who do not take proper care while performing physical activities. Stretching exercises can help to prevent such injuries. Here are a few stretches, recommended by physiotherapists, which can help in preventing Achilles injuries: 1) Calf stretch: Stand facing a wall, keep the heel of your affected leg firmly planted on the floor and...
Top tips to prevent hamstring injuries from 1st Contact Physio at Whelehans
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Hamstring Stretches Preventing Hamstring injuries from a physiotherapist perspective Kevin Darcy, Chartered Physiotherapist at Whelehans Pharmacy describes exercises to prevent hamstring injuries in sport and other activities from his experience working as a physiotherapist. Hamstring injuries are one of the most common injuries in sports, especially in activities that require sprinting, jumping or sudden changes of direction such as Gaelic football and hurling, soccer, and rugby. Hamstring strains can range from mild to severe and can take weeks or even months to heal. As a chartered physiotherapist who has experience working with athletes at different levels for over...
1st part of 3 reviewing treatment of Atrial Fibrillation - this week - Medication options
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Atrial fibrillation Treatment Part 1 I discussed causes and symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation (AF) in this column in November 2022; for the next three weeks, I discuss AF treatment. Aims of AF management are to: Relieve symptoms, such as palpitations, tiredness, dizziness, and breathlessness Prevent serious complications, such as stroke and CHF Regulate heart rate Treat the cause of AF where identifiable Medication Medication used to slow the heart rate include: Beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol) Digoxin Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (e.g.) verapamil, diltiazem Amiodarone (less often used due to risk of side effects) Beta blockers...
2nd part of "Biologics - the new treatment for severe asthma" looks at a further 4 treatments and how you can access them
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Biologics for severe Asthma New Asthma Treatment Part 2 Biologics are a new class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies that are licenced for severe asthma. Last week I discussed Omalizumab (Xolair®), this week I discuss other biologics which include: Mepolizumab (Nucala®) Reslizumab (Cinqair®) Benralizumab (Fasenra®) Dupilumab (Dupixent®) European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) guidelines (continued) Mepolizumab Mepolizumab is an IL-5 inhibitor licenced as add-on therapy in adults and children over 6 with severe uncontrolled eosinophilic asthma. The EAACI strongly recommended Mepolizumab to limit exacerbations and taper oral corticosteroids in severe asthma but less strongly recommended...