blog - Page 14 of 48 - Orthopedic & Sports Medicine

Common Bicycling Safety Training & Injuries

Article featured on UPMC

Bicycling Injuries

Kids usually get their first taste of freedom when they learn to ride a bicycle. But ill-fitting equipment and traffic put riders at risk for falls, sprains, strains, and more serious cycling injuries.

Simple adjustments to their bikes and helmets, plus learning the rules of the road and other important bicycle safety tips, can help your young riders avoid injury.

Common Bicycling Injuries and Statistics

70 percent of children, ages 5 to 14, ride bikes regularly — making up 50 percent of all biking-related injuries.
Almost half of the young people hospitalized from bike-related accidents suffer traumatic brain injuries.
Estimates show that young riders use bicycle helmets just 15 to 25 percent of the time.
Choosing not to wear a helmet also makes a rider 14 times more likely, than one with a helmet, to be involved in a fatal crash.
Riders can reduce their risk of serious head injuries by 85 percent by wearing a bike helmet.

Bicycle injuries caused by overuse

If a bike isn’t the correct size — either too high or too low — cyclists can suffer repetitive or overuse injuries in the:

Lower legs
Ankles
Knees

Common bicycling overuse injuries include tendonitis of the knee and strains to the calf muscles.

Preventing Bicycling Injuries

A good-fitting helmet

In order to prevent head injuries, a helmet must fit properly and follow the eyes, ears, and mouth rule:

Eyes
- Position the helmet on your child’s head, and when the child looks up, he or she should see the bottom rim of the helmet.
- The rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
Ears
- Make sure that the straps, when buckled, form a “V” under the ears.
- The straps should be snug but comfortable.
Mouth
- Have your young riders open their mouths as wide as possible and be sure the buckle is flat against the skin.
- Can they feel the helmet “hugging” their heads? If not, tighten the straps.

The right bike

Proper fit doesn’t stop with the helmet. The bike must fit the rider, too.

One of the more common mistakes is buying a bike a child can “grow in to,” which may be economical, but it’s not safe. The young rider will have a tough time controlling a bike that’s too large.

There should be one to two inches of clearance between the rider’s crotch and the bicycle’s top tube when the rider is straddling the bike flat-footed. For a girl’s bike, imagine that there is a top tube extending horizontally from the front of the bike and measure from there.

Strong legs

In addition to having properly fitting equipment, all bikers can benefit from hip, thigh, and calf strengthening to prevent wear and tear on muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Bicycling safety tips and rules

These rules will help you ensure the safety of your young bike rider. Always model and teach proper behavior. Learn the rules of the road and obey traffic laws.

Ride on the right side of the road with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible and use proper hand signals.
Obey traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and traffic lights.
Stop and look left, right, and then left again before entering a street or crossing an intersection. Prior to turning left, look back and yield to traffic coming from behind.
Don’t allow your child to ride in traffic until he or she displays good riding and traffic skills and solid judgment.
Don’t allow your child to ride after dark, in fog, or in other low-visibility conditions. Those who must ride at dusk, dawn, or in the evening should have reflectors and lights on their bikes.
Add reflective materials to clothes and accessories to make riders more visible to motorists.

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

Back Pain in Teens & Kids

in Back Pain

Article featured on Spine-Health

There are several unique aspects to consider when back pain occurs in a child or teenager. In rare cases, back pain may be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Back pain in children and adolescents may increase with age and typically affects girls more than boys.

This article provides comprehensive information about back pain in children and teens, including the probable causes, diagnostic considerations, and available treatment options, to help parents and caregivers understand and support kids with this symptom.

Common Risk Factors for Back Pain in Kids and Teens

The most common risk factors for back pain in children and teens include sports participation; obesity; a sedentary lifestyle; and a family history of lower back pain, smoking, and/or psychological stress. For example, children and teens with a positive family history of lower back pain are almost twice as likely to experience back pain in childhood or adolescence versus their counterparts with no relevant family history. Evidence suggests that those with lower back pain in childhood are at higher risk of developing lower back pain in adulthood.

School-age children who complain of back pain typically also have high levels of psychosocial difficulties, such as emotional distress and problems with behavior and/or everyday functions.

Typical Characteristics of Back Pain in Children and Adolescents

Depending on the underlying cause, pain may be restricted to a localized area of the back or may include the entire upper and/or lower back region. The common, benign causes of back pain in kids and teens generally have the following characteristics:

In the initial stages, back pain in childhood and adolescence typically occurs with low intensity, and the pain commonly lasts for less than a week.
There is usually a high rate of recurrence of back pain within this specific age group.
When the pain recurs, it typically resurges with greater intensity.

There may be limitations in carrying out daily activities, missed school days, and the reduction of or hesitancy in performing physical activity.

Types of Back Pain in Kids and Teens

Based on the underlying cause, a few types of back pain experienced by children may include ¹ :

Acute pain. A sharp, stabbing, and/or shooting pain may occur in event of an injury, trauma, fracture of the vertebra or vertebral growth plate, or herniated disc.
Chronic pain. A constant ache, pain that comes and goes, or posture-related pain may occur due to inflammatory spondyloarthropathies, psychological issues, or developmental problems, such as Scheuermann’s disease.
Pain that worsens with spinal movement. Flexion (forward bending) increases pressure on the front part of the spinal bones, aggravating pain from conditions such as a herniated disc, discitis, osteomyelitis, or vertebral body tumor.Extension (backward bending) of the spine increases the strain on the posterior part of the spinal bones, including the facet joints, pars interarticularis, and pedicles. A lesion or injury, such as an osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, or spondylolysis, in this area can cause pain while bending backward.
Night-time pain. Frequent pain that occurs at night and awakens the child is typically associated with tumors or infections, such as osteomyelitis, discitis, osteoid osteoma, osteoblastoma, eosinophilic granuloma, aneurysmal bone cyst, leukemia, Ewing’s sarcoma, or spinal cord tumors.

Night-time back pain in children and teens warrants immediate medical attention.

Backpacks and Back Pain

There is some evidence to suggest that heavy backpacks may cause back pain in children.

Habitually carrying heavy backpacks over one shoulder may cause the muscles in the area to strain in order to compensate for the uneven weight, resulting in localized or one-sided pain in the shoulder and upper back.
Heavy backpacks may strain the neck muscles, contributing to or worsening existing back pain, shoulder pain, and arm pain.
Improperly loading a backpack and stooping forward while walking can distribute weight unevenly within the bag, causing strain on the back muscles.

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ most recent non-evidence-based guidelines recommend that the optimal weight of a child’s backpack may be restricted to 10% to 20% of the child’s body weight. Certainly if a child or teen complains about back pain after carrying their backpack, it is reasonable to try reducing the weight of the backpack, use a rolling pack, or explore other remedies.

Back Pain in Children and Adolescents Must Be Evaluated at the Earliest

Any complaint by a child or teenager about acute back pain or chronic back pain is taken seriously by pediatricians and is usually followed up with a detailed consultation that will include a review of the child’s medical history, an in-depth physical exam, and a psychological evaluation, if warranted.

If the medical history and physical examination suggest an underlying condition, a series of tests may be conducted. These tests typically include blood tests and radiographic imaging studies, with a possible referral to a specialist for further examination and diagnostic tests.

When Back Pain in Kids and Teens May Be Serious

Back pain, specifically severe pain in the lower back region in children under 10 years of age and particularly in those younger than 4 years, should be considered a red flag for serious underlying pathologies, which may include:

Vertebral fracture
Spinal tumors
Infectious diseases
Cauda equina syndrome

Spinal tumors and fractures may be associated with additional symptoms, such as fatigue, stiffness in the spine upon waking in the morning, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and/or local tenderness on the spine. Night pain, pain that awakens the child from sleep, and pain at rest may be specific to tumors.

Mild to moderate back pain in kids and teens may occur due to a sudden, direct hit to the back or as a result of a fall (such as while playing on a playground or participating in sports), and usually resolves within a few days with self-care and/or over-the-counter medications. Persistent, progressive, and/or severe back pain may indicate a serious medical condition and it is advisable to get medical help right away.

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

Chronic vs. Acute Sports Injuries

in Chronic Pain, Sports Related Injuries

Article featured on Summit Orthopedics

You may have heard the terms acute sports injury and chronic sports injury. But what is the difference between acute vs chronic sports injuries?

What is an acute sports injury?

Acute injuries happen in a single moment. In sports, they could be the result of a collision, abnormal twisting, landing wrong after a jump, or some other kind of traumatic injury.

In short, when you experience an acute injury during sports, you’ll know it. You may hear a “pop” or feel a tearing sensation, and it will generally be painful, with swelling, bruising, or deformity after the injury.

How do you diagnose and treat an acute sports injury?

Acute injuries should get evaluated urgently, within a week if not on the day of injury itself. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, but getting an X-ray and an evaluation right away is always a good idea. When the injury is acute, it’s important to get it treated quickly to make sure it heals properly.

If surgery is needed, we should do it quickly, so the bones and ligaments can be lined up right away. That gives the athlete the best chance of getting back to sports as soon as possible. Planning for a return to sports should be part of an athlete’s discussion with a sports medicine provider after an acute injury.

What about chronic sports injuries?

Many active and athletic people can relate to a long-term, nagging soreness or stiffness in the body whether it’s a baseball pitcher’s aching shoulder or a runner’s sore knees. These are the kinds of symptoms associated with chronic sports injuries.

Chronic injuries happen over time, generally with overuse. They happen when a joint, tendon, or other structure wears out over time. Examples include tendinitis and rotator cuff injuries with microtears that build up over years.

In sports, loading a joint or other structure the wrong way or with too much force for too long can lead to that structure getting too thin and eventually giving out. Our bodies are designed to withstand force, but if an athlete goes above and beyond that force threshold repetitively, it can set the stage for a chronic sports injury.

How are chronic sports injuries treated?

For chronic injuries, time is less of a component, because the injury is long term. With a chronic injury, we can try nonoperative treatments like physical therapy, RICE, and anti-inflammatories. Even if surgery is recommended, it doesn’t have to happen right away.

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 Little League Elbow?

in Elbow Injuries, Sports Related Injuries

Article featured on Nationwide Children’s

Little league elbow is a painful inflammation of the bony bump on the inside of the elbow.

This spot is the attachment site where the tendons of the muscles that bend your wrist and fingers are located.

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

Tips to Maintain Athletic Performance

in General Orthopedics, Health & Wellness, Wellness Tips

Article featured on Coastal Orthopedics

In order to ensure you are performing at your peak performance it’s important to take care of your body. The following tips will help you get the most out of your fitness and keep you healthy for the days to come.

Get Sleep

Making sure you get plenty of sleep at night is essential in ensuring a healthy recovery from any physical activity or workout. Your muscles’ only time to recover is while you sleep. Seven to eight hours of sleep each night is the recommended amount of time to ensure your body is properly recovered, and you get the best workout the next day. If you are finding it difficult to get enough sleep at night, take a 20- to 30-minute nap after your workout, this can aid in recovery.

Try Cardio Outside

It is easy to get into a routine almost as easy as it is to get out of one. If you find yourself in the gym for every workout, we recommend exercising outside every so often. The possibilities are exciting; You can bike, sprint, or even rollerblade. Try the beach – attack the dunes! You will be amazed at the progress you make! Not only will you notice improvement, but the diversity will help in injury prevention.

Eat Right

We are sure you know about this one – but we had to touch on it. A proper diet will give you power on the field, in the gym, or on the track. Make sure your diet has the proper balance of protein, carbohydrates, unsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals. Hydration is just as crucial as your diet because your body loses a lot of water during workouts. You need to drink more than eight 8-ounce glasses of water required for adults. Athletes should drink more water than average since they lose even more water from intense exercise. For intense workouts, it’s recommended that you should drink 16-20 ounces per pound of body weight lost during the workout.

Treat Your Injuries

When your body starts giving you warning signs, it’s important to listen. We know that this can be very frustrating, especially if you keep getting injuries. However, you need to back off until you get examined, and the injury is healed. Listening to your body is the best way to break the injury cycle.

Respect the Rest Day

After getting in the habit of exercising or working out almost every day, it can be hard to break it up and take a day off; in fact, it may seem counter-intuitive. Taking a day off is important as it allows for your body to repair itself and build back stronger. If you continually refuse to rest, you are only losing performance but putting yourself at a higher risk for injury

Pre and Post Stretching

It is recommended that athletes incorporate a stretch routine into workouts — even when you’re not preparing for a big event. Stretching your muscles regularly (before and after a workout) has many benefits that can help protect your musculoskeletal system and keep you performing at your best.

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

Treating Hand Arthritis Without Surgery

in Arthritis, Hand Injuries

Article featured on American Society for Surgery of the Hand

What is arthritis?

A joint is where two or more bones meet each other. The ends of these bones are covered with a smooth substance called cartilage which allows the bones to slide past each other smoothly. This cartilage layer can be worn away with time or due to other things, and when this occurs the rough bone ends start to rub against each other. This is arthritis. Sometimes arthritis does not cause any problems, but sometimes it can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity.

What causes arthritis?

The most common causes of arthritis are different for different locations in the body. The normal arthritis that often comes along with age is called osteoarthritis. This is simply arthritis that occurs due to normal wear and tear on the body as we get older. Often this type of arthritis is partially hereditary, meaning that if your parents or grandparents had arthritis, you may be more likely to have it. Other things can cause arthritis as well. These include major joint injuries or infections, and certain medical conditions.

Just because you have arthritis doesn’t mean it’s necessarily a problem. Many people have arthritis that they don’t even know about. Arthritis only needs treatment if it bothers you or causes issues in the body.

My hand arthritis hurts! How can I treat it?

Once arthritis is present, it will always be there. This is because the body can’t regrow the type of cartilage found in the joints. But there is good news: just because arthritis is in the body doesn’t mean it will always cause pain or other issues. Even if arthritis causes pain, the pain may not be there all the time- it can often come and go. There are many things we can do to try to improve arthritis symptoms when they occur. Conservative management of arthritis- meaning treatment without surgery- is almost always the first step. There are many options to try. Usually these treatments work best when they are used all together over several weeks or months.

Splints: resting the inflamed joint with a splint, also called a brace or “orthosis”, can be very helpful in improving arthritis symptoms in certain places in the hand, especially arthritis in the base of the thumb. Splints may be “pre-fabricated”, meaning that you can buy them at the store or online and they are designed to fit most people. Other splints can be custom molded to your hand by a hand therapist.
Rest: avoiding activities that flare up the arthritis pain can make the pain less intense or less frequent.
Ice or heat: using ice on the skin over an arthritic joint before and after any activities that worsen the pain can improve discomfort. Heat applied with warm compresses, warm water, or wax baths may also improve symptoms. Experiment with both ice and heat to see if either helps.
Medications: anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen may help improve pain. Acetominophen can also be helpful. If you have medical problems or take medications, check with your primary care provider to make sure it is safe for you to take these medicines.
Rub-on creams: Some creams and lotions rubbed into the skin over an arthritic joint can be helpful in decreasing pain there. There are multiple options which may be worth trying, most of which can be bought at your local drug store or online. Try one for a few days or weeks, and if it doesn’t help then try another.
Injections: In some arthritic joints, certain substances can be injected into the joint with a needle which can decrease pain. Depending on the location, receiving a needle injection may be temporarily painful, but can provide good pain relief for months or longer. Many hand doctors provide injections of steroid, a substance that is thought to decrease inflammation in a joint which may be able to improve pain for several months. Some hand doctors may also consider injections of hyaluronate, a substance which may temporarily allow roughened bone ends to slip past each other more comfortably. However, hyaluronate injections are less commonly used than steroid injections and may be more expensive.
Hand therapy: Working with a hand therapist on motion exercises and strengthening of the hand may help improve some people’s arthritis pain, but the scientific studies on therapy for arthritis do not prove that it helps a great deal.

What if none of these treatments work to improve my arthritis pain?

There are surgeries that can help make hand arthritis pain better. However, most people with hand arthritis never need to move forward with surgery- this is a personal decision that should be made after discussion with a hand surgeon. The safest and best plan is usually to try to maximize all non-surgery treatments to make arthritis feel better. If none of these treatments give you good relief from your arthritis symptoms, see a hand surgeon to discuss whether a surgical procedure could benefit 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

What Causes Neck Pain in Seniors?

in Health & Wellness, Neck Injuries, Neck Pain

Article featured on MedicineNet

Understanding the anatomy of the neck

Most people will have neck pain at some point. Injuries and certain illnesses can cause neck pain, but the most common cause is holding your neck in the same position for a long time. More serious symptoms can come from changes in the upper spine that come with aging. These changes often cause neck pain in seniors.

The neck contains seven bones called vertebrae that enclose the spinal cord. Other nerves branch out from the spinal cord. Disks between the bones act as shock absorbers. They have a tough outer coating and a jellylike interior. Muscles and ligaments bind the vertebrae together, providing both flexibility and support. Injury to any of these parts can cause neck pain.

Pressure on the spinal cord in the neck can be serious because most of the nerves that serve the body pass through the neck. Problems in the neck can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms, chest, abdomen, or legs. Many organs rely on the nerves that pass through the neck for proper function.

What are the effects of neck pain?

Neck pain can affect your employment, social life, and personal relationships. When neck pain causes you to avoid certain activities, both your physical and mental health can suffer. Sometimes, it may seem that doctors and family members don’t believe that you are having real neck pain as you age. You may become angry, anxious, or depressed.

Neck pain can get worse through the pain cycle:

Pain causes you to reduce movement.
Reduced movement causes the muscles to get weaker.
Weaker muscles get tired faster.
Tired muscles result in increased pain.

How is neck pain diagnosed?

A muscle spasm or sprain can cause neck pain. Doctors can often diagnose this type of neck pain with a physical examination. Doctors use X-rays to diagnose neck pain caused by arthritis. If your symptoms suggest nerve problems, doctors will often use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) to diagnose it.

What causes muscle pain in the neck?

Poor posture that results in muscle strain is a common cause of neck pain. You can prevent this type of neck pain by taking these steps:

Keep your neck in alignment by not using too many pillows when you sleep.
During the day, don’t stay in the same position for too long. A fitness tracker can remind you to get up and move.
Be aware of your position, especially when using electronics. Avoid text neck. Change your computer setup to make it more ergonomic.
If you wear glasses, be sure your prescription is correct so that you’re not craning your neck to see over your glasses or through a certain section of your lens.
Don’t take on more than you can handle. Get help for big jobs that involve the arms, shoulders, and neck.

You can treat muscular pain in the neck with over-the-counter pain relievers and with heat and cold. You may have to modify your activities for a while, but you should try to stay active.

What are the other causes of neck pain?

Many older people have osteoarthritis, which can cause neck pain. The joints of the neck are subject to wear and tear just like other joints in the body. In conjunction with this, aging can cause these three conditions:

Cervical spondylosis. This term covers the changes that occur in the neck with aging. Cartilage may wear away. Disks can become thin and dry so they don’t cushion the bones. Your body may try to compensate by growing extra bone in the form of bone spurs. These changes in the neck may cause pain from pinched nerves.

Cervical spinal stenosis. Changes in the neck cause the spinal canal to narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and other nerves. Besides neck pain, people with spinal stenosis often have symptoms in their extremities. They may have numbness, weakness, or poor coordination in the arms, legs, feet, and hands.

Disk problems. Changes in the disks between the vertebrae can cause neck pain. Disks that are squeezed between two of the bones in the neck can rupture. The disk may bulge out through the tear, a condition called herniated disk. Damaged disks can press on the nerves and even compress the spinal cord.

How is neck pain treated?

Treatments for neck pain can be nonsurgical or surgical.

Nonsurgical treatments include:

Steroids
Injections of various types
Physical therapy
Manipulation of the neck
Acupuncture
Cervical collar
Cervical traction

Doctors may suggest surgery, though, if more conservative treatments don’t help or if symptoms get worse. To be a candidate for surgery, you must be in good health.

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

Top 5 Most Common Causes of Summertime Injuries

in Prevention, Sports Related Injuries

Article featured on Complete Care

Summer is a time for sunshine, stress relief…and sometimes, summertime injuries. Although most people spend their summers slowing down, spending more time with loved ones, and enjoying leisurely days by the pool, it’s also the time of year when injuries are the most common. The best way to enjoy your summertime outdoor activities is to try your best to prevent injuries from happening and seek medical attention right away when necessary.

We want to do whatever we can to ensure that you and your family are safe all summer long. If tragedy does strike, we are here to take complete care of you. Here are the top 5 most common causes of summertime injuries.

1. Sports injuries

What is the most common summertime injury? Most summertime injuries occur while playing sports. While sports are a great way for the kids to exercise and spent more time outdoors, this does make them more susceptible to injuries such as:

Sprains and strains
Fractures
Concussions
Broken bones
Dislocations

Common sports injuries are usually caused by inadequate stretching or warmups before an activity, not wearing the proper protective gear, improper training, or overtraining.

2. Heat-related illness

There’s nothing quite like basking in the warmth of the summer sun. Unfortunately, your fun in the sun can be cut short if you come down with a heat-related illness. Prolonged sun exposure can lead to a vast number of heat-related illnesses including sunburn, sun sickness, heat stroke, and dehydration that can result in severe symptoms such as:

Hot or red skin
Fatigue
Muscle cramps
Migraines
Dizziness or confusion
Nausea and vomiting

If you or a loved one begin to show these symptoms, move inside to an air-conditioned room. If that’s not available, move to a shaded area and drink water. Failing to do so could lead to a heat stroke, which could be life-threatening. If you’re experiencing any heat-related illnesses, head to your nearest emergency room where you receive quality heat exhaustion and sunburn treatment.

If you’re planning a day of outdoor activities, be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing, drink plenty of water, and limit your time in direct sunlight.

3. Bicycle injuries

Biking is an incredibly popular outdoor activity during the summertime. Not only is biking an effective form of exercise, but it is also a great way to bond with friends and family. However, accidents do happen and bicycle injuries are very common for both adults and children. Bicycle injuries are usually caused by:

Falling off of the bike
Poorly constructed bike paths, sidewalks, and roads
Getting into an accident with a car
Swerving to avoid obstacles

If you’re unsure what to do after a bike fall, it’s important to assess your or your child’s current condition and locate any injuries. If you have a concussion, stay put and call someone for help. Once you have done proper first-aid, seek medical attention for the injuries.

4. Playground injuries

Although the playground is a fun place for children to play, playground injuries are all too common. Minor bumps and scrapes can turn into broken bones or sprains. Playground injuries can be caused by:

Misuse of playground equipment
Poorly maintained playground equipment
Falling from equipment (monkey bars, jungle gyms, slides, etc.)
Roughhousing with other children

As a parent, it’s important to remember that playtime can be unpredictable at times. As long as you have eyes on your child at all times, you can potentially prevent an injury from happening or catch it right as it happens.

5. Swimming pool injuries

The swimming pool can be your child’s favorite place to be during the summertime —which can be very worrisome for parents. Not only is there a high risk for injury, there is also a high risk of drowning. Swimming pool injuries like slips and falls and drownings can be caused by a few factors:

Slippery areas around the pool
Lack of safety equipment
Lack of adequate supervision
Lack of signage around the pool

The pool is meant to be a fun and safe place for children and adults to relax, have fun, and cool off from the summer heat. The best way to avoid swimming pool injuries or drownings is to learn CPR, provide your children with arm floats or other flotation devices, and never leave them unattended.

Take complete care of your summertime injuries

Outdoor activities, although fun, require caution to prevent summertime injuries from occurring. Whether you get a grill burn at a 4th of July barbecue or are experiencing smoke inhalation symptoms from a summer bonfire, knowing where to get quality care can make all of the difference.

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

Benefits of Seeing an Orthopedic Doctor

in General Orthopedics, Health & Wellness, Musculoskeletal, Wellness Tips

Article featured on Movement Orthopedics

Orthopedic doctors are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries and conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Often, people seek a doctor when the pain becomes unbearable. This is not a good idea, because getting a diagnosis and treatment early on can often save you from a lot of suffering and make your recovery period shorter.

Here are a few benefits of seeing an orthopedic doctor.

Reduce or Eliminate Pain

By far, the most common reason why people seek orthopedic care is to reduce or eliminate pain. Whether the pain is caused by an injury or condition, an orthopedic doctor can diagnose you and recommend an effective treatment plan. One of the most common reasons for chronic pain is osteoarthritis. An orthopedic doctor can provide options for pain management that focus on bringing down inflammation, which is detrimental to your joint health. Pain management therapies include bracing, injection therapy, viscosupplementation, and physical therapy.

Restore Normal Joint Function

Following an injury or due to a condition like arthritis, you may experience stiffness and limited range of motion when you try to move an affected joint. Being unable to use your body to the full extent possible can significantly affect your daily life. As such, orthopedic doctors diagnose such issues and recommend treatments to improve functionality.

Enhance Your Exercise and Sports Performance

Many orthopedic doctors are also trained in sports medicine, which means they have the unique training and skills required to not just diagnose and treat injuries for the average person, but also for physically active individuals. What makes these individuals so different? Physically active individuals and athletes are susceptible to different types of injuries and conditions, and their recovery often needs to be completed sooner and well enough to not affect their athletic performance.

Sports medicine specialists can help professional athletes, amateur athletes, and weekend warriors perform at the best level possible. If you want excellent results that enhance your athletic performance, seeing an orthopedic doctor specializing in sports medicine is the best way to go. They can create a personalized plan that boosts your performance while minimizing negative long-term effects of rigorous physical activity on the body.

Receive Surgical Treatment If And When Necessary

Orthopedic doctors trained in surgery provide comprehensive services, including surgery. This means, while every attempt will be made to treat you through conservative treatments first, if you don’t achieve the results you want, surgery options will be explored. Orthopedic surgeons are experts in fixing musculoskeletal issues through surgery, so you can rest assured you will recover and return to normal function as soon as possible. Orthopedic surgeons often perform a lot of advanced surgeries in an outpatient setting, allowing you to recover at home on the same day as the procedure.

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

Benefits of Stretching Before & After Your Workout

in Health & Wellness, Wellness Tips

Article featured on ProTailored Physical Therapy

Regular exercise is an excellent way to improve and maintain good health. However, if you don’t stretch before and after your workout, you’re not getting the most out of your workout routine.

Stretching exercises are an important part of physical therapy for a variety of reasons.

In fact, stretching before and after a workout has several distinct advantages.

Stretching and better health

Stretching has numerous advantages for helping your body stay healthy. One of the most important is stress reduction.

Everyday life presents numerous challenges, and the resulting stress can be stored in your muscles. Tightness, spasms, and chronic discomforts such as headaches and neck pain result. Stress also causes your body to release “fight or flight” hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

These imbalances can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to viruses and other diseases. Another dangerous side effect of chronic stress is hypertension.

Stretching on a regular basis allows your body to release pent-up stress. By relaxing and loosening your muscles, you can keep your blood pressure under control, avoid chronic muscle pain, and keep your immune system prepared for anything.

Stretching and PT

It’s critical that you stretch properly before and after your workout.

A physical therapist can design an exercise program tailored to your specific needs. Physical therapy can help you make the most of your activities, whether you’re playing tennis, training for a mini-marathon, or simply walking around the neighborhood.

A physical therapist can advise you on which stretches are best for your current physical condition and the activities you’re involved in.

It’s also critical to ensure that you’re doing the right exercises in the right order. You should consult with a physical therapist to determine which stretches are best for you.

Physical therapy can assist you in getting the most out of your workouts and improving your overall health.

What are the various types of stretches?

There are several types of stretches that can be done before and after a workout.

It’s critical to understand which types are best for you and when to use them in a workout.

Ballistic. Ballistic stretching is characterized by bouncing movements that push muscles beyond their normal range of motion.
Dynamic. These are non-held active movements that cause muscles to stretch. These are frequently performed to prepare your muscles for movement.
Static. This entails holding a specific stretch for 10 to 20 seconds. This type of stretch should be done after a workout and should feel comfortable.

How will stretching after my workout help me?

After a workout, you may be tempted to immediately relax.

However, even a few minutes of stretching post exercise is essential. There are several specific advantages to stretching after your workout. These include:

Relaxation. Slowing down gradually benefits both the body and the mind. When you stretch after a workout, you allow yourself to gradually wind down.
Reduces pain and the likelihood of injury. Muscles that remain tight after a workout are more likely to be injured. According to PT in Motion, the right kind of stretching exercises can help to reduce pain throughout the body. Loosening your muscles will also lower your risk of injury.
Lactic acid elimination. When you exercise, you produce lactic acid. This substance can cause muscle aches and fatigue. Stretching can help reduce the amount of lactic acid in your system.

How will stretching before my workout help me?

Always begin your workout with a series of stretching exercises.

Stretching for 5 to 10 minutes should suffice for most activities. It is, however, critical to stretch all of the muscles you will be using.

When you stretch properly before your workout, you will gain several specific benefits, including:

Improved performance. Increased blood flow, flexibility, and range of motion will all improve overall performance.
Better flexibility and range of motion. Stretching correctly will loosen your muscles and tendons. This will improve your workout flexibility and range of motion.
Increased blood flow. When blood flow to your muscles is increased, this prepares them for strenuous activity.

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