1. The document describes a 13-18 year old female who experienced severe calf pain after playing basketball. She is likely experiencing a muscle sprain in her hamstring muscles from overuse. Treatment includes RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and avoiding further overuse or strain of the muscle. 2. A 26-35 year old female has experienced a week of headaches, neck stiffness, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and throat swelling. She is advised to see a doctor to rule out potential meningitis or upper respiratory infection. 3. A question is asked about whether a doctor can determine if a father has a severed spine without an MRI.

1. Questions Jan 26 2012
1.-Severe calf pain after playing basketball
I just played a basketball game yesterday and got knocked around, hard. i just woke up and my
knee and calf are not even abe to bend up to 70 degrees without having an excruciating pain in
my shin, kneecap, and the back leg of my kneecap where the joint is. I literally CAN'T bend it all
the way or I think i'd cry. What's wrong? What should i do? I have another game, should i play
it? I see it only says 1 question. but this is all on the same thing, and i'd hate to spam the forum
for the same cause.
Age: 13-18 years
Sex: Female
Most likely you are experiencing a muscle sprain which involves the tearing or stretching of the
muscles and/or ligaments beyond their normal capacity, specifically the Hamstring muscles
located in their lower insertion close to the back of the knee. Symptoms of muscle injury
obviously involve pain, however it is not uncommon for the affected area to swell, redden and
become bruised or discolored. All symptoms of muscle injury can range from mild to severe.
Any muscle strain or muscle pull or even a muscle tear implies damage to a muscle or its
attaching tendons. A common cause for this nowadays is the Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs),
these are injuries that happen when too much stress is placed on a part of the body, resulting in
inflammation (pain and swelling), muscle strain, or tissue damage. This stress generally occurs
from repeating the same movements over and over again, with no enough healing time so they
are also called “overuse syndrome”. The concept is that overuse injury is associated with
repeated challenge without sufficient recovery time. The time of healing varies from patient to
patient and also depends on the severity of the injury. The conservative treatment consists of:
initially, protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as the PRICE formula) can
help the affected muscle and also maintaining the strained muscle in a stretched position. Heat
can be applied when the swelling has lessened, anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e.: “Aleve”), rest the
strained muscle and avoid the activities that caused the strain and other activities that are
painful. A Physical Therapy program for 4-6 weeks must be followed and practice at home the
stretching exercises above all. The healing time and conditions for each patient are different.
Avoid overuse and try to do an appropriate warming-up and stretching before significant
physical activity.
2.-Headache, stiff neck nausea,swollen throat for a week
I have had a very stiff, painfull nek with a migraine every day now for a week. Other symptoms
are nausia, dissiness, fatique and my throat feels swolen...do I need to see a doctor, or will it
pass?
Age: 26-35 years
Sex: Female

2. I strongly recommend you to see your doctor, because those symptoms that you described may be
significant of a meningeal (membranes that line the brain) infectious process going on or some other
upper respiratory tract infection that requires immediate treatment. These two have to be rule out
asap.
3.-Spinal Cord Injuries: Overview and Diagnosis
Can a doctor determine if my father has a severed spine even though he has not has an MRI?
Age: 26-35 years
Sex: Female
The spinal cord does not have to be severed for function to be lost. Most people with spinal cord
dysfunction present with the cord intact. Cord injuries usually fall into one of the following categories:
Contusions, compression injuries, lacerations ( from a gunshot , fall or sharp object), central cord
syndrome. When injury occurs and for a time period following, the spinal cord swells. Loss of function
occurs below the level of the injury and may be permanent or temporary. Much depends on the severity
of the injury itself. Spinal cord injury (SCI) is usually first diagnosed when the patient presents with a loss
of function below the level of injury. The initial evaluation includes x-rays, a CT scan, and possibly a MRI.
Fractures are demonstrated on plain radiographs. CT scanning and MRI studies are used to evaluate the
soft tissues in the spinal column. In addition, a myelogram may be performed to identify and evaluate
spinal cord lesions caused by trauma or disease. The neurologic evaluation includes assessment of the
patient's symptoms, which might include loss of motor or sensory function. Other neurologic symptoms
may include pain, numbness, paresthesias (e.g., tingling), muscle spasm, weakness, and bowel/bladder
changes.
4.-Burning pain in my left upper hand
My left upper hand hurts when i rub it like with a towel.its like a burning feeling.i thought it
might be eczema but ive no itch or flaky skin. any idea,s
Age: 46-55 years
Sex: Male
Current Medication: martazapine 15mg inhalers hydrocotisone 1% craam for eczema on my
elbow from chemist
The symptoms that you described may be related to your previous history of eczema or not. In the latter
case it would be important to rule out a peripheral neuropathy, like Carpal tunnel syndrome or a cervical

3. spine compression that may give that kind of sensation symptoms. Also some metabolic issues as
thyroid problems and Diabetes must be rule out.
5.-Fracture of the lateral tibial plateau: what does this mean?
Mildly depressed acute fracture of the lateral tibial plateau ? What exactly does this mean ?
Age: 56-65 years
Sex: Female
The tibial plateau is one of the most critical load-bearing areas in the human body; fractures of the
plateau affect knee alignment, stability, and motion. Early detection and appropriate treatment of these
fractures are critical in minimizing patient disability and reducing the risk of documented complications,
particularly posttraumatic arthritis. All high-energy fractures need to be immediately checked for soft-
tissue integrity and impending compartment syndrome. The overall management can be one of the
following: Joint aspiration, rest, immobilization, compression, elevation, and other antiedema measures,
traction can be used as a temporary or definitive management modality. Open fractures need to be
addressed by surgical debridement of open traumatic wounds within 8 hours of injury. Closed fractures
undergo external fixator placement based on patient stability and operating room availability. Not all
fractures of the tibial plateau require surgery; some may be treated with cast and traction if they are
non-displaced and stable. The follow-up with imaging studies is done every 2 weeks for 6 weeks; with
activity restriction for 4-6 months. Open or arthroscopic-assisted techniques are considered for fractures
with displacement.