Article featured on Medical News Today
Muscle strain occurs when a muscle becomes overstretched or works too hard. People can often treat muscle strains at home and use specific exercises to speed up their recovery.
Muscle strains vary in severity depending on how much damage the muscle fibers sustain. Strains range from mild overexertion to a partial or complete tear of the muscle.
In many cases, home care and exercises can heal a muscle strain, but severe strains may need medical treatment.
People can get muscle strains from playing sports, doing physical work, or just taking part in everyday activities. Early identification and treatment of the injury will speed up recovery.
Symptoms
Muscle strains can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
- bruising
- muscle cramps
- difficulty moving the muscle
- muscle spasms
- muscle weakness
- pain, which usually worsens with movement
- swelling
A person may also hear an audible snapping or popping when the muscle strains.
Causes
A strained muscle occurs when a person stretches a muscle excessively, overuses a muscle, or experiences an accident, such as a fall.
People with tight, inflexible muscles and those who do not warm up properly before exercise may have a higher risk of muscle strain.
Some people whose job requires them to do repetitive movements, such as heavy lifting or sports, may develop chronic muscle strain injuries.
Diagnosis
If a doctor suspects a muscle strain, they will perform a physical examination and ask a person about their symptom history. They may also order imaging studies, such as X-rays, to make sure that the bone has not broken.
As part of the diagnosis, a doctor will usually designate the injury as a grade 1, 2, or 3 strain. A grade 1 strain is mild and should heal quickly, while a grade 3 strain is a severe muscle tear.
How to treat muscle strain
Even if a person’s muscle strain does not require medical attention, it is important to rest the muscle and allow time for recovery. A strained muscle is more susceptible to re-injury.
Home remedies
Several home treatments can help promote muscle healing. One of the most effective approaches to muscle strain recovery is the RICE technique.
RICE stands for:
- Rest: Resting the injured muscle gives the body time to repair.
- Ice: Applying a cloth-covered ice pack to the damaged muscle for 10 to 15 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Compression: If possible, apply a compression bandage to reduce swelling. People can use cloth or elastic bandages from drug stores or online stores to wrap up an injured foot, ankle, leg, wrist, or arm.
- Elevation: Elevating an injured arm or leg can help reduce swelling and allow fluid to flow back toward the heart.
In addition to using the RICE method, a person can take medication to control pain and reduce swelling or inflammation.
Over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, reduce both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen can relieve pain, but it does not have the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs.
Medical treatments
If OTC medications are insufficient to relieve pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or pain-relieving medicines.
Massage therapy may also help relax injured muscles and enhance a person’s range of motion
Recovery exercises
If a doctor clears a person to engage in regular exercise after their injury, they can usually benefit from doing stretching exercises. It is important to talk to a doctor before trying recovery exercises, as overexerting an already injured muscle can cause extra damage.
A person should never stretch to the extent that it causes pain and discomfort.
The specific stretches will depend on the injured area, but a person should always repeat the stretch two or three times. Examples of these stretches include:
- Hamstring stretch
- Tight hamstrings can make walking and running difficult and increase injury risk. To stretch the hamstrings, stand with the feet hip-width apart, and bend at the waist to lean forward. There should be a mild stretch along the back of the legs.
- Hip flexor stretch
- For a strained muscle in the hip, lie flat on the back and pull the right knee to the chest. Hold it there for 10 to 15 seconds before straightening the leg out again. Repeat with the left leg, feeling a stretch in the upper thigh and hips.
- Neck stretches
- For a strained neck muscle, lean the head forward to try to touch the chin to the chest. Next, lean the head first to the left and then to the right, trying to touch the ear to the shoulder.
Prevention
People may be able to prevent muscle strains by warming up the muscles before doing physical activity and by avoiding overstretching the muscles.
Following the guidance below may help prevent muscle strains:
- Walk at a moderate pace for 3 to 5 minutes before doing any sports or other physical activities. Doing this will warm up the muscles and prepare them for an increase in the intensity of the activity.
- Follow a healthful diet and exercise program to maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put additional stress on the muscles, making muscle strains more likely to occur.
- Lift heavy objects or items with care and always use the correct technique. It is vital to lift with the legs rather than the back and to carry any heavy loads with the torso to avoid straining the arm or back muscles.
- Wear shoes that provide stability and ensure that any other protective equipment fits appropriately and is in good condition.
Some people may benefit from working with a physical therapist or a strength and conditioning professional to help improve their exercise technique and allow them to build strength and flexibility safely.
Recovery times
The duration of recovery after a muscle strain will depend on the severity of the injury.
Most soft tissue injuries take a few weeks to heal, but severe strains may take much longer.
Trying to return to normal activities too soon can cause further injury, so always follow a doctor’s instructions and start gently.
If a person’s injury requires surgery, the recovery time will depend on the nature of the procedure. A doctor will be able to provide information on the likely timeframe of recovery after surgery.
When to see a doctor
It is important to see a doctor for any painful muscle strain to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If a person hears a popping sound when the injury occurs, this can indicate a muscle tear. A tear is a severe strain that will need medical attention.
If the pain from an injury gets worse instead of better, this can signify that a person should seek medical attention.
Other symptoms that indicate the need to visit a doctor include:
- severe swelling that makes it difficult to move the injured area
- difficulty bending or straightening the affected area
- significant bruising
People should see a doctor if their injury keeps them from completing their usual physical activities.
Outlook
Muscle strains can range from mild to severe. Taking time to rest and rehabilitate the strained muscle can help a person recover and return to their previous physical activity level. Performing some simple stretching exercises, with a doctor’s approval, may also be beneficial.
If the pain worsens or gets in the way of everyday activities, it is best to see a doctor.
What to Know About Muscle Strains
in MusculoskeletalArticle featured on Medical News Today
Muscle strain occurs when a muscle becomes overstretched or works too hard. People can often treat muscle strains at home and use specific exercises to speed up their recovery.
Muscle strains vary in severity depending on how much damage the muscle fibers sustain. Strains range from mild overexertion to a partial or complete tear of the muscle.
In many cases, home care and exercises can heal a muscle strain, but severe strains may need medical treatment.
People can get muscle strains from playing sports, doing physical work, or just taking part in everyday activities. Early identification and treatment of the injury will speed up recovery.
Symptoms
Muscle strains can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
A person may also hear an audible snapping or popping when the muscle strains.
Causes
A strained muscle occurs when a person stretches a muscle excessively, overuses a muscle, or experiences an accident, such as a fall.
People with tight, inflexible muscles and those who do not warm up properly before exercise may have a higher risk of muscle strain.
Some people whose job requires them to do repetitive movements, such as heavy lifting or sports, may develop chronic muscle strain injuries.
Diagnosis
If a doctor suspects a muscle strain, they will perform a physical examination and ask a person about their symptom history. They may also order imaging studies, such as X-rays, to make sure that the bone has not broken.
As part of the diagnosis, a doctor will usually designate the injury as a grade 1, 2, or 3 strain. A grade 1 strain is mild and should heal quickly, while a grade 3 strain is a severe muscle tear.
How to treat muscle strain
Even if a person’s muscle strain does not require medical attention, it is important to rest the muscle and allow time for recovery. A strained muscle is more susceptible to re-injury.
Home remedies
Several home treatments can help promote muscle healing. One of the most effective approaches to muscle strain recovery is the RICE technique.
RICE stands for:
In addition to using the RICE method, a person can take medication to control pain and reduce swelling or inflammation.
Over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, reduce both pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen can relieve pain, but it does not have the anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs.
Medical treatments
If OTC medications are insufficient to relieve pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or pain-relieving medicines.
Massage therapy may also help relax injured muscles and enhance a person’s range of motion
Recovery exercises
If a doctor clears a person to engage in regular exercise after their injury, they can usually benefit from doing stretching exercises. It is important to talk to a doctor before trying recovery exercises, as overexerting an already injured muscle can cause extra damage.
A person should never stretch to the extent that it causes pain and discomfort.
The specific stretches will depend on the injured area, but a person should always repeat the stretch two or three times. Examples of these stretches include:
Prevention
People may be able to prevent muscle strains by warming up the muscles before doing physical activity and by avoiding overstretching the muscles.
Following the guidance below may help prevent muscle strains:
Some people may benefit from working with a physical therapist or a strength and conditioning professional to help improve their exercise technique and allow them to build strength and flexibility safely.
Recovery times
The duration of recovery after a muscle strain will depend on the severity of the injury.
Most soft tissue injuries take a few weeks to heal, but severe strains may take much longer.
Trying to return to normal activities too soon can cause further injury, so always follow a doctor’s instructions and start gently.
If a person’s injury requires surgery, the recovery time will depend on the nature of the procedure. A doctor will be able to provide information on the likely timeframe of recovery after surgery.
When to see a doctor
It is important to see a doctor for any painful muscle strain to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
If a person hears a popping sound when the injury occurs, this can indicate a muscle tear. A tear is a severe strain that will need medical attention.
If the pain from an injury gets worse instead of better, this can signify that a person should seek medical attention.
Other symptoms that indicate the need to visit a doctor include:
People should see a doctor if their injury keeps them from completing their usual physical activities.
Outlook
Muscle strains can range from mild to severe. Taking time to rest and rehabilitate the strained muscle can help a person recover and return to their previous physical activity level. Performing some simple stretching exercises, with a doctor’s approval, may also be beneficial.
If the pain worsens or gets in the way of everyday activities, it is best to see a doctor.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Common Dance Injuries and Prevention Tips
in Ankle Injuries, Foot Pain, Joint Pain, Knee Injuries, Sports Related InjuriesArticle featured on Johns Hopkins Medicine
Dance may look effortless, but it requires a lot of strength, flexibility and stamina. It also comes with a high risk of injuries. Whether you are a dancer, the parent of a dancer or a dance teacher, you should be aware of the most common dance injuries and learn how to avoid them.
Johns Hopkins performing arts physical therapists Andrea Lasner and Amanda Greene share valuable information about dance injury treatments and prevention tips. Lasner and Greene, both dancers, have turned their love for the art into a means of helping injured dancers.
What are some common dance injuries?
A few studies that looked into dance injuries found that injuries from using your joints and muscles too much (overuse injuries) are the most common in dancers. The majority of these overuse injuries involve an ankle, leg, foot or lower back. Some common dance injuries are:
Generally, dancers have a much lower rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries than other athletes. One explanation could be that dance training involves much more intense jumping from an earlier age than other sports, which helps improve muscle control.
How do I know if the pain is from an injury?
In most cases, the pain you experience after dancing is muscle soreness that usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes, it takes a few days for muscles to get sore, which is also normal. However, if you experience the following types of pain, you may have suffered an injury:
If you experience such pain, consult with a medical specialist — preferably a physical therapist or physician with experience in treating dancers. They will be able to determine whether additional testing is needed and will formulate an appropriate treatment plan.
Why do dance injuries happen?
Dance is a physically demanding activity. Dancers perform repetitive movements for several hours a day. Studies have shown that dancing five hours a day or longer leads to an increased risk of stress fractures and other injuries.
On top of the intensive training, many dancers get little time to recover between the sessions and have no “offseason.” Restrictive diets and unhealthy body weights may also contribute to dance injuries. Proper nutrition is important for dancers of all ages.
How do dancers get ankle sprains?
Ankle sprains are the number one traumatic injury in dancers. Traumatic injuries are different from overuse injuries as they happen unexpectedly. When an ankle is sprained, ligaments on the inside or outside of your foot get twisted or overstretched and may experience tears. Ankle sprains often happen due to improper landing from a jump, misaligned ankles (when they roll in or out) or poorly fitted shoes. Torn ligaments never heal to their preinjury condition. Once you’ve sprained your ankle, you are at risk of doing it again. It’s important to build muscle strength to prevent further injuries.
Dance Injury Prevention
How can dance injuries be prevented?
The majority of overuse injuries and even some traumatic dance injuries can be prevented. Follow these guidelines to reduce your risk of injury:
When injuries happen, address them immediately and get advice from a doctor or physical therapist.
What are good cross-training exercises for dancers?
Core and hip strengthening exercises like Pilates and stability-based yoga are great for dancers. And so are aerobic and cardiovascular activities, such as running, swimming or biking. They get your heart rate up and help build stamina for long performances.
Many dancers don’t do enough cardio during their regular training. Just 30 minutes three to four times a week is usually enough to improve your endurance. As always, do this in moderation and in short intervals to avoid stressing your joints. Being screened by a physical therapist with experience treating dancers will help you identify individual areas of weakness to address with specific exercises.
How much rest should a dancer get?
While many experts stress the importance of proper rest, there are no specific guidelines on the frequency and amount of rest. However, we know that dancing five hours a day or longer is linked to an increased risk of injury. It is also known that intense activity leads to microdamage, which peaks in recovery 12 to 14 hours after a workout. So it would make sense to take the next day off after a high-intensity activity. Dancers should work at their highest intensity a couple of times per week and then take at least two days off, preferably in a row. Also, a three- to four-week period of rest after the season is ideal for recovery.
Dance Injury Treatment
Should I ice or heat after a dance injury?
If it’s a sudden injury, it’s best to apply ice first to reduce swelling and inflammation. RICE treatment is a common approach that involves rest, ice, compression and elevation. After a few days, you can switch to heat to increase blood flow to the area and promote healing. However, every person is different. If you feel that ice helps you better than heat, then there is nothing wrong with continuing to ice. But be careful not to ice before dancing or stretching, because you want those muscles to be warmed up to prevent re-injury.
What are my treatment options for a dance injury?
It depends on the type of injury, your level as a dancer and many other factors. For example, for traumatic injuries like ankle sprains, your doctor may recommend RICE, joint protection and physical therapy. For stress fractures you may need to limit weight on your foot by using crutches, wearing a leg brace or walking boots. Surgery is typically used as the last resort. It is best to discuss your treatment options with a doctor who specializes in dance injuries. And if you are working with a physical therapist, make sure he or she is experienced in treating dancers. A big part of physical therapy is correcting the training technique that led to the injury. Otherwise, you risk hurting yourself again by making the same mistake.
What should be in the first aid kit for dance injuries?
Your regular first aid kit might already have many of the essentials for handling a medical emergency. However, when it comes to common dance injuries, you may want to include a few additional items, such as:
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Joints Most Commonly Affected by Arthritis
in Arthritis, Joint PainArticle featured on Healthgrades
Arthritis is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes joint inflammation. When you’re living with arthritis, a simple task, such as tying your shoe or buttoning your shirt can become a challenging one. Not only does the swelling and aching interfere with work and daily living activities, it can also be painful and sometimes debilitating.
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common include rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease) and osteoarthritis (a “wear-and-tear” condition related to aging, injury or obesity). Both cause joint stiffness, pain and decreased range of motion, and can affect many different joints throughout the body.
1. Knee
The knee is one of the most common joints affected by osteoarthritis. This happens when there’s a breakdown of cartilage, which cushions the ends of the bones where they meet the joints. Symptoms of knee arthritis include stiffness, swelling, and pain, which can make it hard to walk and get in and out of chairs and bed. In severe cases, osteoarthritis in the knees can lead to disability.
2. Hand
When you have arthritis in your hands, it usually includes aching, stiffness or numbness in the fingers or at the base of the thumb joint, making it difficult to pinch or grip items. Small, bony knobs may appear on the middle or end joints (those closest to the fingernails) of the fingers, which can become enlarged and gnarled. This type of arthritis in the hands seems to run in families.
3. Hip
The hip is also a common arthritis site. You may have pain and stiffness in your hip joint, but some people also notice pain in the groin, buttocks, lower back, or front or inner thigh. Or they may have pain in only one of these areas. This type of hip arthritis can affect your ability to move or bend, and make daily activities a challenge.
4. Spine, Neck and Back
Arthritis in the spine usually results in stiffness and pain in the neck or lower back, but in some cases, it may not lead to any pain at all. Arthritis changes can also cause pressure on the nerves where they exit the spinal column, leading to weakness, tingling or numbness of the arms and legs. Since these symptoms can often seem like other health conditions, always check with your doctor for a diagnosis.
5. Foot and Ankle
Arthritis can also cause swelling and pain in the foot and ankle. It most often affects the joint at the base of the big toe, which can make walking difficult. The swelling can also lead to bunions on the toes, which can sometimes make the pain and deformity of the foot worse. With rheumatoid arthritis, the same joints on both sides of the body (such as both feet or both ankles) are usually affected.
6. Elbow
Joint inflammation can also be to blame for elbow pain or loss of function. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the elbow, and if one elbow is affected, the other likely will be, too. While elbow osteoarthritis is more common in weight-bearing joints, such as the knee and hip, it can also occur in the elbow, and is often the result of overuse or an injury, such as in the case of a tennis or baseball player.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
What is Chronic Ankle Instability?
in Ankle InjuriesArticle featured on Foot Health Facts
What Is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring giving way of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. Usually, the giving way occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen when you’re just standing. Many athletes, as well as others, suffer from chronic ankle instability.
People with chronic ankle instability often complain of:
Causes of Chronic Ankle Instability
Chronic ankle instability usually develops following an ankle sprain that has not adequately healed or was not rehabilitated completely. When you sprain your ankle, the connective tissues (ligaments) are stretched or torn. The ability to balance is often affected. Proper rehabilitation is needed to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and retrain the tissues within the ankle that affect balance. Failure to do so may result in repeated ankle sprains.
Repeated ankle sprains often cause—and perpetuate—chronic ankle instability. Each subsequent sprain leads to further weakening (or stretching) of the ligaments, resulting in greater instability and the likelihood of developing additional problems in the ankle.
Diagnosis of Chronic Ankle Instability
In evaluating and diagnosing your condition, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask you about any previous ankle injuries and instability. Then s/he will examine your ankle to check for tender areas, signs of swelling and instability of your ankle as shown in the illustration. X-rays or other imaging studies may be helpful in further evaluating the ankle.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Treatment for chronic ankle instability is based on the results of the examination and tests, as well as on the patient’s level of activity. Nonsurgical treatment may include:
When Is Surgery Needed?
In some cases, the foot and ankle surgeon will recommend surgery based on the degree of instability or lack of response to nonsurgical approaches. Surgery usually involves repair or reconstruction of the damaged ligament(s). The surgeon will select the surgical procedure best suited for your case based on the severity of the instability and your activity level. The length of the recovery period will vary, depending on the procedure or procedures performed.
Why choose a foot and ankle surgeon?
Foot and ankle surgeons are the leading experts in foot and ankle care today. As doctors of podiatric medicine – also known as podiatrists, DPMs or occasionally “foot and ankle doctors” – they are the board-certified surgical specialists of the podiatric profession. Foot and ankle surgeons have more education and training specific to the foot and ankle than any other healthcare provider.
Foot and ankle surgeons treat all conditions affecting the foot and ankle, from the simple to the complex, in patients of all ages including chronic ankle instability. Their intensive education and training qualify foot and ankle surgeons to perform a wide range of surgeries, including any surgery that may be indicated for chronic ankle instability.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Causes of Arch Pain
in Foot PainArticle featured on News-Medical
Arch pain, also known by the medical term plantar pain, refers to pain in the arch at the bottom of the foot. This pain can present as a result of various causes, usually following activities that involve significant stress to the arch of the foot.
The arches of the feet are a principle structure of the foot, which play an important role to absorb and return the force between the body and the ground, supporting bodily movement when people are on their feet. However, when the arches are put under excessive stress due to intense movements or extended periods of time standing on their feet, injury and pain to the area can present.
Plantar Fasciitis
The most common cause of arch pain is a condition known as plantar fasciitis, which involves inflammation of the plantar fascia connective tissue along the arch of the foot. This usually follows excessive stress to the area from activities such as extended periods of time spent on feet at work or after sporting activities.
Injury to the arch of the foot can occur due to direct force trauma can result in pain and inflammation. This may include:
Activities that are most likely to cause damage to the foot arch include those that involve a significant amount or extended period of stress to the feet. This includes intense sport activities, long distance running and simply standing on the feet all day in a workplace environment.
Foot Deformity
Some deformities of the foot, such as hammertoe or clubfoot, may also cause arch pain. Additionally, people with abnormal arches of the feet are more likely to be affected by arch pain, including both people with flat feet and those with high arches.
Sudden Weight Changes
Drastic changes in weight that occur over a short period of time can be responsible for causing stress to the arch of the foot and result in arch pain.
In particular, people who are obese, have Type 2 diabetes mellitus, or are pregnant are more likely to be affected by excess stress on their feet and report symptoms of arch pain.
Footwear
Inappropriate footwear that is ill-fitting or does not provide adequate support to the food and may lead to pain and inflammation in the arch of the foot. The sole of the shoe is of particular importance and those with poor arch support or soft soles are most likely to cause problems.
Diagnosis
The structure of the foot is very complex and, for this reason, an individual that is experiencing arch pain should be referred to a podiatrist who will make the relevant investigations as to the cause of the condition.
This usually begins with a physical examination of the foot and a consultation about the medical history and events recent that may have caused the pain. There is often evidence of a lump or bruise in the arch of the foot that is evidence of damage to the connective tissue.
Other tests that may be used to determine the cause of the arch pain include X-ray imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
What Exactly Is Arthritis?
in ArthritisArticle featured on Movement Orthopedics
“Arthritis” is used to describe joint pain and inflammation. There are many different types of arthritis. It can occur at any joint in the body, including the hip, knee, and shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, as well as the foot and ankle. It most often occurs in the hands, hips, and knees.
Arthritis tends to cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint.
The most common types of arthritis are:
Who Is Prone to Arthritis?
Those who may be at an increased risk of developing arthritis include:
Treating Arthritis
There are numerous conservative methods used to treat symptomatic arthritis, including:
Lifestyle approaches that can help include weight loss and engaging in regular, joint-friendly exercise, such as swimming, bicycling, walking, or dancing.
Your Surgical Options
Should conservative measures fail to relieve your symptoms, or if these measures stop working for you, the orthopedic specialists at Movement Orthopedics are experts in the use state-of-the-art surgical techniques to help you return to your usual activities, free from the pain of arthritis.
In many cases, this may mean minimally invasive joint replacement, reconstruction, or repair – including robotic-assisted surgery – to improve your mobility and decrease pain and inflammation.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Arthritis of the Ankle
in Ankle Injuries, ArthritisArticle featured on University of Michigan Health
Ankle arthritis occurs when there is a breakdown of cartilage in the ankle joint. It can result from a variety of causes, including trauma (such as a car accident), autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or infection. In most cases, ankle arthritis is due to the degeneration of the cartilage from an old injury.
If you have – or suspect you have – ankle arthritis, we can provide you with a complete diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Experience is crucial in treating ankle arthritis, and we see many patients with complicated foot and ankle conditions.
Ankle Arthritis Symptoms
Ankle Arthritis Diagnosis
So we can understand your condition, during your office visit:
Ankle Arthritis Treatments
Your individualized treatment plan is based on any previous treatments you have had, your current level of disability, the presence of other medical conditions, and our findings from your health history, exam and X-rays.
Non-Surgical Treatments
We always look at non-surgical treatments first, especially if you have never received any other treatments. Treatments can include:
Surgery
Surgery is only considered if all appropriate non-surgery treatments have failed. The types of surgeries we do include:
Our surgeons will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of surgery, and to let you know if they think surgery is the best option for you.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
The Common Joint Reconstruction Surgeries
in Joint Replacement, Surgery RecoveryArticle featured on Movement Orthopedics
Aching and tired joints can be due to the natural aging process, playing sports, repetitive-motion injury from work or a hobby, or even from previous injuries. Degradation of the protective cartilage in a joint (osteoarthritis) and/or reduction of the lubricating synovial fluid (usually caused by rheumatoid arthritis) can cause stiff, achy, and swollen joints. This often occurs in the neck, back, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees, or feet.
When less-invasive treatments – like pain-relief injections and physical therapy – do not work to relieve your joint pain, then your orthopedic doctor may recommend joint reconstruction surgery. There are different types of joint reconstruction surgery that can be performed to repair or replace the painful tissues and structures of the joint, and bio-grade prosthetic materials may be implemented to replace damaged areas of the joint.
Popular Types of Joint Reconstruction Surgery
Orthopedic medicine is constantly improving with new innovations and techniques. These are the most common joint reconstruction surgeries:
Joint Replacement Surgery
Joint replacement surgery is an orthopedic surgery that is performed to remove and replace an arthritic or otherwise damaged joint with prosthetic parts. An orthopedic doctor may conduct a partial or total joint replacement, depending on the severity of the injury or damage.
Surgeons today can perform many types of total joint replacements as an outpatient procedure, especially with the knees and hips. Total joint replacement is most often done on the shoulder, elbow, finger, hip, knee, and ankle.
Joint Resurfacing Surgery
Joint resurfacing is often recommended for younger patients who may not benefit from a total joint replacement. Orthopedic surgeons usually perform this on the hip joint, where an injury tends to accelerate damage to the joint surfaces. This is done mainly where the ends of the hip bones rub against one another and move awkwardly.
Hip joint resurfacing surgery includes filing down part of the femoral head, which is the curved top of the femur (upper leg bone) which fits into the hip socket. The orthopedic surgeon then removes the socket area and replaces it with a metal prosthetic socket to support bone integrity.
Osteotomy
Osteotomy, or bone cutting and repairing, is the process of removing a specific section of bone – usually to straighten it or to make it even with the other limb or joint. The procedure is usually performed by orthopedic surgeons on the knees, hips, or legs of younger patients, and it is often an alternative to joint replacement surgery.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Common Injuries in Baseball and How to Treat Them
in Sports Related InjuriesArticle featured on NY Orthopedics
While it doesn’t share the same level of physical intensity as football or hockey, there are still several common baseball injuries that can place you on the bench indefinitely.
Explore some of the most common injuries in baseball to look out for and how our qualified specialists can help you take the field at 100%!
Torn Rotator Cuff
Your rotator cuff helps stabilize and control movement in your shoulder. Throwing a baseball over and over puts a lot of stress on the muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff. While this injury is most common in pitchers, any player is at risk of a tear.
Small tears can cause significant shoulder pain in your rotator cuff, making it difficult to throw a ball properly. More extreme tears can lead to severe immobility and pain that can put you out for a season – or your entire career – so it’s important to address these types of tears early.
Surgery is often required to address rotator cuff tears. Debridement, a surgical procedure that removes dead or damaged tissue, is a common way to address partial tears. For more severe tears, a sports medicine specialist may need to reattach the torn tendon to the upper arm. Recover time for this type of procedure takes around 6-12 weeks.
Labrum Tear
Tearing of the labrum, the thin layer of cartilage that covers your shoulder socket, is one of the most common baseball injuries that affect players. This is another injury you can sustain by repeatedly throwing a ball over time. As a result, pitchers tend to be the most at risk.
Minor labrum tears won’t often cause too much discomfort. However, major tears can lead to shoulder pain, swelling, instability and difficulty throwing a ball. Often, minor tears will rectify on their own with plenty of rest and anti-inflammatories. Several different surgical procedures are designed to repair more severe tears, which consist of removing any damaged tissue and, in some cases, reattaching the torn labrum back to the bone. Labrum tear surgeries tend to have a log recovery time, around 3-6 months.
Thrower’s Elbow
Thrower’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, occurs when there’s damage to the tendons that connect the wrist to the palm. Damage occurs when players repeatedly flex and extend their forearm, which is common when throwing a baseball. Players that experience this condition will undergo pain along the inside of the elbow and forearm.
In most cases, Thrower’s Elbow will resolve itself with rest and anti-inflammatories. More severe cases may require steroid injections or surgery where a specialist will cut the tendon and remove any scar tissue. It may take around 4-6 months to return to the game.
UCL Sprains
The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is situated in the inner part of the elbow and helps to provide stability – especially when throwing a baseball. UCL tears are one of the most common baseball injuries that affect pitchers since repeatedly throwing a baseball at high-velocity places stress on the UCL. Over time, the UCL will weaken, causing small to large tears that can hinder movement and affect the accuracy of throws.
Surgical reconstruction is often the best way to rectify both major and minor tears, as minor ones often take very long to heal on their own. UCL reconstruction is so common in professional baseball, they nicknamed the procedure “Tommy John surgery,” after the famous pitcher who played in the MLB for 26 seasons and underwent the surgery in 1974. Recovery times for this procedure can be extensive, taking as long as 2 years before you can get back to your peak performance.
Hand & Wrist Injuries
While many don’t consider baseball a high-contact sport, wrists and hands are still prone to impacts that can cause injuries like dislocations, sprains, bruising and more. Hand and wrist pain associated with these injuries can range from mild to severe.
Rest and icing the area should be enough for the vast majority of these types of injuries. For injured fingers, it’s best to see a qualified sport medicine specialist so they can tape and stabilize the injury properly. Most common injuries will heal within 2-10 weeks.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
What is Turf Toe?
in Foot Pain, Toe InjuriesArticle featured on Mercy Health
What is turf toe?
Turf toe is a sprain in the ligaments around the big toe joint. Turf toe often happens suddenly when the toe becomes hyperextended.
Athletes, such as football players, are the most likely group of people to develop turf toe.
Causes of turf toe
Turf toe can be caused by the following:
Risk factors for turf toe
Athletes who play sports involving their feet including football, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and dance are at a higher risk for developing turf toe.
Also, people who wear shoes that are not supportive in the toe box are also at higher risk for turf toe. These soft-soled shoes do not provide protection in the case of sudden force.
Symptoms of turf toe
Turf toe can be categorized in 3 grades:
Diagnosis of turf toe
Turf toe is diagnosed under the care of your primary care doctor, podiatrist or sports medicine physician.
The physician will perform a full medical exam as well as work with you to understand your medical history. The physician may order an x-ray to determine if there has been a bone fracture or an MRI to confirm turf toe (MRIs provide images of structures that are not bones).
Treatments for turf toe
Early medical intervention for turf toe is important to avoid long term repercussions from the injury. Athletes especially need quick treatment in order to get back to play as quickly as possible.
For mild cases of turf toe (grade 1), the first line therapy is rest, ice, elevation, and compression in conjunction with anti-inflammatory medication and immobilization.
For moderate cases of turf toe (grade 2), patients should take a minimum of 3 days away from sporting activity in conjunction with all the treatments from grade 1.
For severe turf toe cases patients will need to develop a customized treatment plan with their physician that may include:
Recovery from turf toe
Recovering from turf toe can be quick for grade 1 cases or can take many months for a grade 3 case.
It is imperative to follow your physician’s instructions in order to get back to normal activity as quickly as possible.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm