Article featured on MedicineNet
Walking your dog gets you moving and out in the fresh air, but head injuries and fractures are very real possibilities, especially for older dog owners, researchers say.
The most common injury from walking a leashed dog that sends folks to the ER is fractured fingers, a new study from Johns Hopkins University found.
But traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the second-most common injury adults suffer while walking a leashed dog. The third most common injury is shoulder sprain or strain.
“According to a 2021-2022 national pet ownership survey, nearly 53% of U.S. households own at least one dog,” said study co-author Ridge Maxson, a third-year medical student.
“Dog ownership also increased significantly in recent years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although dog walking is a common daily activity for many adults, few studies have characterized its injury burden. We saw a need for more comprehensive information about these kinds of incidents,” Maxson said in a university news release.
Women and all adults age 65 and older are more likely than others to sustain serious injuries, the research team found.
Researchers hope doctors will discuss these potential threats with their dog-loving patients.
“Clinicians should be aware of these risks and convey them to patients, especially women and older adults,” said co-author Dr. Edward McFarland, director of the division of shoulder and elbow surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
“We encourage clinicians to screen for pet ownership, assess fracture and fall risk and discuss safe dog walking practices at regular health maintenance visits for these vulnerable groups,” McFarland said in the release. “Despite our findings, we also strongly encourage people to leash their dogs wherever it is legally required.”
For the study, researchers used data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here are some of the findings:
- More than 422,000 adults sought treatment in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries related to dog walking between 2001 and 2020.
- Nearly half of all patients were ages 40 to 64. About 75% of patients were women.
- Most of the injuries happened when they fell after being pulled by, tangled in or tripped by their dog’s leash.
- In adults ages 65 and older, TBI and hip fracture were the two most common injuries.
- Injured women were 50% more likely than men to sustain a fracture.
- Older dog walkers were more than three times as likely to experience a fall. They were also more than twice as likely to have a fracture and 60% more likely to sustain a TBI.
The brain injuries included concussions and non-concussive internal head injuries, which can include a bruise of the brain tissue, bleeding above the brain’s outer membrane and bleeding beneath the brain’s outer membrane.
Annual incidence of injuries due to leashed dog walking more than quadrupled over the 20 years, the study found. Reasons may include increased dog ownership rates and how dog walking is promoted for improving fitness.
This doesn’t mean stop walking your dog, just use precautions and proper footwear and leashes to be careful while you’re out with your dog!
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 to Know About a Quadriceps Tendon Tear
in Tendon InjuriesArticle featured on WebMD
Quadriceps Tendon Anatomy
The quadriceps are a large muscle group located in the top front part of your leg. They help you run, jump, stand up, and keep your balance. There are four muscles in the quadriceps group, and they’re all joined together at the bottom by the quadriceps tendon.
This tendon also links the quadriceps to your bones. It’s located just above your kneecap (patella). The quadriceps tendon helps you straighten your leg.
How a Quadriceps Tendon Tear Can Impact Your Health
You might experience a partial tearing of your tendon or a complete tear. Either way, a torn quadriceps tendon is a painful, limiting injury.
The severity of the injury will determine your treatment plan and recovery time. Even a partial tear will limit your movement significantly, and you’ll typically have to immobilize your leg until it heals. This can take up to six weeks. During this time, you might struggle with regular movements like walking and changing positions (including standing up).
Complete tears are more serious. They almost always require surgery and a longer recovery time.
Causes of Quadriceps Tendon Tears
Quadriceps tendon tears usually affect physically active middle-aged people, often as the result of a sudden impact like jumping and landing on the leg wrong or changing direction too quickly when running. A fall can also result in tendon damage.
Other people may be prone to tendon tears because of certain medical conditions. For instance, people who suffer from inflammation in the tendons (tendinitis) are at risk for tendon rupture in severe cases.
Some antibiotics, as well as steroid use, have also been linked to quadriceps tendon tears.
Quadriceps Tendon Tear Symptoms
Tearing your quadriceps tendon is a painful experience. You might first hear a popping sound and experience a surge of pain. A sensation of ripping or tearing is also common. This is followed by:
Diagnosing a Quadriceps Tendon Tear
A quadriceps tendon tear is easily diagnosable. A doctor will ask you about your medical history and what you were doing at the time of the injury. You may be asked to extend your leg from a bent position or try to move it around.
These will help the doctor to determine the type of injury and may indicate possible complications. It will also show if the tendon tear is partial or complete.
Quadriceps Tendon Tear Treatment
You can use the R.I.C.E. method for immediate management of the injury. This involves:
After you see the doctor, they will decide your treatment plan based on the degree of the tear.
Recovery and Outlook
The most important factor in determining your quadriceps tear recovery time and healing is how quickly you receive treatment. Long-term issues are often associated with delayed treatment. Additionally, physical therapy is an important part of making a full recovery.
Total rehabilitation can take up to six months, depending on the injury. It’s important to patiently wait before resuming certain activities. Otherwise, quadriceps tendon issues can reoccur.
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
Downside of Dog Walking: Fractures and Head Injuries
in Health & Wellness, Sports Related InjuriesArticle featured on MedicineNet
Walking your dog gets you moving and out in the fresh air, but head injuries and fractures are very real possibilities, especially for older dog owners, researchers say.
The most common injury from walking a leashed dog that sends folks to the ER is fractured fingers, a new study from Johns Hopkins University found.
But traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the second-most common injury adults suffer while walking a leashed dog. The third most common injury is shoulder sprain or strain.
“According to a 2021-2022 national pet ownership survey, nearly 53% of U.S. households own at least one dog,” said study co-author Ridge Maxson, a third-year medical student.
“Dog ownership also increased significantly in recent years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although dog walking is a common daily activity for many adults, few studies have characterized its injury burden. We saw a need for more comprehensive information about these kinds of incidents,” Maxson said in a university news release.
Women and all adults age 65 and older are more likely than others to sustain serious injuries, the research team found.
Researchers hope doctors will discuss these potential threats with their dog-loving patients.
“Clinicians should be aware of these risks and convey them to patients, especially women and older adults,” said co-author Dr. Edward McFarland, director of the division of shoulder and elbow surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
“We encourage clinicians to screen for pet ownership, assess fracture and fall risk and discuss safe dog walking practices at regular health maintenance visits for these vulnerable groups,” McFarland said in the release. “Despite our findings, we also strongly encourage people to leash their dogs wherever it is legally required.”
For the study, researchers used data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here are some of the findings:
The brain injuries included concussions and non-concussive internal head injuries, which can include a bruise of the brain tissue, bleeding above the brain’s outer membrane and bleeding beneath the brain’s outer membrane.
Annual incidence of injuries due to leashed dog walking more than quadrupled over the 20 years, the study found. Reasons may include increased dog ownership rates and how dog walking is promoted for improving fitness.
This doesn’t mean stop walking your dog, just use precautions and proper footwear and leashes to be careful while you’re out with your dog!
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
How to Determine if Your Lower Back Pain is Serious
in Back PainArticle featured on Southwest Spine & Sport
Lower back pain affects millions of people worldwide. While most cases of lower back pain are not serious and can be treated with self-care measures, some cases may require medical attention and more advanced treatments.
What are some of the causes of lower back pain?
There are many causes and types of back pain, from acute to chronic.
Common causes of lower back pain include:
What are the signs that my low back pain might be serious and require medical attention?
Low back pain frequently resolves on its own after a short healing period or when you stop engaging in the actions that cause it.
However, some signs indicate that your lower back pain may be serious and require medical attention. These include:
No matter what kind of low back pain symptoms you’re experiencing, Dr. Wolff can evaluate your case, medical history, and overall health to determine the underlying cause and develop a personalized treatment plan for optimal pain relief and improved quality of life.
What can I do to alleviate lower back pain before my appointment?
There are also self-care measures you can use for lower back pain relief, 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
What is a Calcaneal Fracture?
in Foot Pain, FracturesArticle featured on Cedars Cinai
Overview
The calcaneus is the large bone at the heel of the foot. It is usually fractured after a fall from a great height or in a motor vehicle accident.
Symptoms
Some calcaneal fractures are obvious, resulting in an inability to put weight on the heel, swelling of the heel and bruising of the heel and ankle. Pain is usually severe enough to require an emergency room visit. If the fracture is caused by a stress fracture, over time, then symptoms may be far more vague. There may be some pain, increasing throughout the day, often described as being dull and achy. Bruising may or may not be present.
Causes and Risk Factors
Calcaneal fractures are most commonly suffered by roofers and climbers after a fall, although automobile accidents can also cause such fractures to the heel bone. Males between 30 and 50 years old fracture their calcaneal most often of any age group or sex.
Diagnosis
A physical examination followed by X-rays and/or CT scans are generally used to diagnosis calcaeneal fractures. Such diagnostic studies also help determine the extent of the fractures. An MRI can be used to distinguish a calcaneal fracture from plantar fascitis.
Treatment
Calcaneal fractures can be difficult to treat. The heel bone is like an egg with a strong shell and a soft interior. Therefore, the heel bone often shatters when it is traumatized by a fall or accident. Therefore, treatment requires the repair of multiple fractures in the heel bone, as well as restoring the subtalar joint. The subtalar joint connects the calcaneus and the talus, which is the small bone connecting the heel and the leg. Given the joints location, it carries most of the load of the body.
If the fracture has not displaced the bone, rest and partial to complete immobilization can heal the bone. Usually a cast of some sort is used to immobilize the heel. The time required to heal depends on age, degree of fracture and general health of the patient. Some such fractures take more than 6 months to heal.
Some calcaneal fractures can be treated by manipulating the foot while a patient is under anesthesia, but not involving surgery. This procedure is called closed reduction. If such a procedure does not treat the fracture or if the fracture is more extensive, then surgery may be required (called an open reduction). Surgery may be recommended immediately after a fracture or a few weeks later to allow inflammation to decrease. After both closed or open reduction, a patient must avoid putting weight on the foot, usually through the use of a cast or splint.
In severe cases, further surgery may be required to fuse the subtalar joint. If the subtalar joint is severely damaged, fusion is the only option.
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
Achilles Tendon Rupture
in Ankle InjuriesArticle featured on Cleveland Clinic
The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone. It is the largest and longest tendon in your body and is built to handle a lot of stress. But you can rupture your Achilles tendon under extreme stress — like during a sudden start or stop, or if you fall. Sometimes it heals with rest and bracing, but many people need surgery to repair it.
What is an Achilles tendon rupture?
The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone. This thick band of tissue is very strong. In fact the Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. The Achilles tendon gives your leg strength to walk, run and jump.
An Achilles tendon rupture is a full or partial tear of the Achilles tendon. This acute (sudden) injury occurs when the tendon stretches to its breaking point. It happens most frequently while playing sports. Tripping, falling or twisting your ankle can also cause an Achilles tear.
How common are ruptured Achilles tendons?
Achilles tendon ruptures are very common sports injuries. They occur most frequently in people ages 30 to 40 and are more common in men than in women.
People who are “weekend warriors” (usually adults who don’t train regularly, then exercise at a high intensity) are more likely to tear an Achilles tendon than younger, well-trained athletes.
Symptoms and Causes
What causes an Achilles tendon rupture?
Sudden movement that puts stress on the Achilles tendon can lead to a rupture. Typically, people tear the Achilles tendon while playing sports. The biggest culprits are sports with sudden stops, starts and pivots — such as soccer, football, basketball, tennis or squash. Achilles tendon tears aren’t always a sports injury. You can tear your Achilles tendon by tripping, missing a step when going downstairs or accidentally stepping into a hole and twisting your ankle. Some medications — including certain antibiotics and steroid injections in the area — can weaken the Achilles tendon. This can put you at a higher risk for a tear.
What are the symptoms of a torn Achilles tendon?
The classic sign of a ruptured Achilles tendon is feeling (and sometimes hearing) a pop or snap at the back of your ankle. People often mistakenly think something has hit them, but they’re actually feeling the tendon snap.
Other common symptoms include:
What are the complications of an Achilles tendon rupture?
A torn Achilles tendon is a traumatic injury that requires medical attention. Without treatment, an Achilles tendon rupture may not heal properly. This can increase your risk of rupturing it again.
Diagnosis and Tests
Your healthcare provider will physically examine your foot and ankle. They’ll check your ability to move it in various directions and see how you react to pressure on the area. They will also feel for a gap in the tendon that suggests it’s torn.
Your provider may also use imaging tests — such as ultrasound or MRI — to determine the extent of the Achilles tear.
Management and Treatment
How is a ruptured Achilles tendon treated?
Even before you seek medical help, you can reduce pain and swelling to the injured tendon by following the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method:
Full healing of a torn Achilles tendon typically takes about four to six months. Medical treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon may include:
Prevention
How can I prevent a torn Achilles tendon?
You can’t always prevent an accidental injury like tearing your Achilles tendon. But you can take steps to reduce the risk of an Achilles tendon rupture, including:
Outlook/Prognosis
What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with an Achilles tendon rupture?
With proper treatment, most Achilles tendon ruptures fully heal within four to six months.
Having surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon is usually the best option for younger, active people. After surgical repair, you can regain your Achilles tendon’s full strength and function.
When should I call the doctor?
You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my doctor?
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
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
Hip Dislocations: What Are They?
in Hip ConditionsArticle featured on Mercy Health
What are hip dislocations?
A hip dislocation occurs when the femur (thighbone) is forced out of the hip socket in the pelvis. This is a serious medical emergency that needs to be treated ASAP.
Most hip dislocations occur when the thighbone is pushed out of the socket backward, called a posterior dislocation. An anterior dislocation occurs when the thighbone is forced out of the socket in the forward direction.
Causes of hip dislocations
A hip dislocation is typically caused by major trauma, such as a car collision or fall from a substantial height. In hip dislocations caused by car crashes, the knee hits the dashboard and pushes the thigh backwards, driving the femur out of the hip socket.
Risk factors for hip dislocations
Symptoms of hip dislocations
Hip dislocations are very painful. Patients are unable to move the leg and could potentially lose feeling in the foot or ankle due to nerve damage.
Diagnosis of hip dislocations
A hip dislocation is a medical emergency and must be treated right away. Do not move someone with a hip dislocation. Call for medical help and keep the patient as comfortable as possible until they arrive.
Your doctor can typically diagnose a hip dislocation by looking at the position of the leg compared to the body and no other testing is necessary.
Your doctor may also order an x-ray, CT scan or a MRI to determine the full extent of the injury.
Treatments for hip dislocations
If you only have a hip dislocation without other injuries, the physician will manipulate the bones back into place while you are under sedation. The procedure is called a reduction.
Surgery is required in cases where there are loose tissues and fragmented bones in the affected area. In many cases, a hip dislocation will cause other complications such as nerve injury (crushed or stretched nerves that cause pain), osteonecrosis (bone death due to lack of blood supply to the bone) or arthritis (wearing down of cartilage in the hip).
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are often recommended to strength the muscles after this traumatic injury.
Recovery from hip dislocations
Patients can recover from a hip dislocation after two to three months of healing. If there are other fractures, the recovery period could be longer. Patients will use crutches and other walking aids initially and then progress to walking on their own.
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
Ways to Improve Chronic Back Pain
in Back Pain, Chronic PainArticle featured on Orthopaedic Associates
Back pain is a pain to deal with, affecting millions of Americans every day. Those who suffer from back pain daily may find it hard to focus on their daily activities, like going to work or cooking a meal. Unfortunately, back pain tends to be persistent and doesn’t just go away overnight.
If you find your back pain has lasted longer than three months, it’s considered chronic back pain. That being said, chronic back pain doesn’t have to be a life sentence.
Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain typically affects men and women as they age, but it isn’t always correlated with age. Other common reasons patients may experience back pain include:
If you’re unsure what is causing your back pain, it’s important to see a specialist who can properly diagnose you. Diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your back pain can help your physician better treat you and can help you focus on home remedies that best suit your needs. Your physician may recommend an MRI scan or x-ray to establish the source of your back pain.
Many believe the only way to treat their back pain is through surgery, but that is far from the truth. There are several ways you can treat your chronic back pain without using surgical techniques, including the following.
1. Physical Therapy and Exercise
Physical therapy and light exercise are some of the best things you can do to reduce your chronic back pain. Physical therapy sessions and regular exercise will help you strengthen the muscles in your back and around your spine, reducing both inflammation and the straining of the muscles in your affected areas. We encourage you to work with a physical therapist to find which exercises will work best for you and your condition.
2. Injections
Injection-based treatments are minimally invasive and can often be as effective as invasive surgical procedures. Injection-based treatments include nerve blocks, steroid injections, and forms of regenerative medicine like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. These treatments are effective because they directly introduce an anti-inflammatory or regenerative medicine to your affected areas.
3. Lifestyle Changes
When you have chronic back pain, you often have to accept it and adapt. This doesn’t mean giving up hope – rather, it means reducing instances that can worsen your inflammation by making small changes to your lifestyle. Some lifestyle modifications our physicians recommend include making several trips to carry in groceries rather than carrying them in all at once and taking short breaks between long periods of strenuous activities like cleaning the house or mowing the lawn.
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
Meniscus Tears and Surgical Treatments for Sports-Related Injury
in Meniscus Tear, Sports Related InjuriesArticle featured on NY Orthopedics
A torn meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries found in athletes. These types of injuries commonly occur when the athlete twists their knee. Most meniscus tears are primarily found in athletes who perform in contact sports like football and rugby. However, active basketball players, skiers, and volleyball players are also at risk.
Below you’ll find some common symptoms of a torn meniscus, how to treat it, and the best and quickest ways to recover.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus
Your meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between your shinbone and thighbone. It’s often referred to as the knee’s shock absorber, reducing the impact on your joint every time your foot makes contact with the surface.
Patients With a Torn Meniscus Report Experiencing:
Meniscus Tears in Athletes
In many cases, a torn meniscus will heal over time. Rest, medication, and physical therapy can speed recovery times in those cases where surgery is not necessary. In more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to repair the meniscus. This is more common in cases where the knee has locked into place.
Can You Play Sports With a Torn Meniscus
You should not continue to play sports if you are experiencing any torn meniscus symptoms. In fact, you should avoid any activity that may cause the knee to twist. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve listed above, contact one of our qualified knee specialists for an examination as soon as possible to determine if they are related to a meniscus tear.
What Natural Methods Can I Perform to Heal a Torn Meniscus?
If your doctor chooses a non-surgical approach to heal your meniscus tear, they will likely recommend a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, otherwise known as R.I.C.E.
What is the Recovery Time for Non-Surgical Torn Meniscus Treatments?
With any treatments, recovery can last around six to eight weeks; however, even minor tears may take longer to heal.
Torn Meniscus Surgery
In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. There are three main procedures a specialist may perform.
What is the Recovery Time For Torn Meniscus Surgery?
Recovery times can vary depending on the extent of the surgery. However, a healthy estimate is anywhere from six weeks to three months.
What are the Best Exercises After Meniscus Tear Surgery?
Your doctor will likely recommend light exercises to promote healing and improve your range of motion as you fully heal from your meniscus surgery. Here is just a sample of the types of torn meniscus exercises your doctor may recommend:
Hamstring Contractions:
Lie on your back with your knees bent and pull your heels in, tightening the muscles behind your thigh. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times.
Straight Leg Raises:
Lying on your back, lift your outstretched leg about six inches off the ground. Hold for five seconds before lowering. Repeat ten times.
Standing Leg Raises:
Stand up using a railing or table for support. Slowly lift your leg forward, raising it about four to six inches off the ground. Gently lower your leg. Repeat ten times.
Can I Still Play Sports After Meniscus Surgery?
While each meniscus tear is different, the vast majority of patients who receive treatment will experience full mobility after treatment is complete. Athletes can continue playing the sports they love and stay competitive.
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
Total Shoulder Replacement: What is it?
in Shoulder Injuries, Total Joint ReplacementArticle featured on Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics
Total shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that treats severe shoulder osteoarthritis that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment options.
At The Orthopaedic Institute Brielle Orthopaedics our Shoulder Specialists have extensive experience and utilize the latest technology in performing shoulder replacement procedures.
The procedure is effective because it removes osteoarthritic bone and cartilage and replaces it with functional metal and plastic components that serve as a “new shoulder”. After recovery and physical therapy, patients experience tremendous pain relief and live normal lives with minimal restrictions.
Important procedure steps are:
Total procedure time is usually 1 hour depending on osteoarthritis severity and shoulder anatomy.
A short hospital stay is necessary for pain management, infection prevention and physical therapy purposes. In some cases, a partial total replacement (one bone is replaced) or reverse total shoulder (implant positions are reversed) replacement are performed.
It is always best to receive a shoulder osteoarthritis diagnosis as soon as possible. Early treatment relieves symptoms and prevents the chronic condition from becoming worse.
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 Different Types of Knee Pain Mean
in Knee PainArticle featured on Healthgrades
If you’ve ever experienced pain in one or both of your knees, you’re not alone. About one-third of all Americans have felt pain in this major joint at some point in their lives. Women are slightly more likely than men to be affected by it (about 20% of women versus 15 to 20% of men).
Yet the millions of people with this pain don’t all feel the same thing. Knee pain can be sharp or dull, burning or excruciating, accompanied by strange noises or silent. What does your knee pain tell you about what’s wrong?
1. Knee pain with a ‘crunch’
Sometimes knees creak, crack or crunch when you bend them. These sounds—called ‘crepitus’—may be alarming, but don’t necessarily signify a problem, unless your knee hurts at the same time.
If that happens, you could have an injury, such as a torn meniscus (a type of cartilage in your knee) or a dislocated kneecap. The sounds together with pain also could indicate osteoarthritis. Your doctor should check for the source of both your painful sensations and strange sounds.
2. Knee pain when running
If you have a dull pain in and around your kneecap when you run or are doing other activities, you may have ‘runner’s knee,’ also called patellofemoral pain syndrome. Other symptoms include kneecap tenderness, pain when you sit for a long time with your knees bent, and rubbing, grinding or clicking sounds when you bend or straighten your knee.
This syndrome can be caused by running and overuse, as well as structural defects in the knee, shoes that aren’t supportive enough, walking or running with your feet positioned improperly (such as turning in), and injury.
3. Knee pain in the morning
If you wake up with a painful and stiff knee, but find that the aching eases over the course of the day, you may have rheumatoid arthritis. This is an inflammatory disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks joints, such as the knee. Other autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, also can cause similar symptoms.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, contact your doctor, especially if you are experiencing pain and stiffness in other joints. Left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint disfigurement.
4. Knee pain when climbing stairs
One of the first signs of osteoarthritis is pain in the knee when going up or down stairs. This pain tends to get worse throughout the day. While osteoarthritis knee pain is usually achy, it can also sometimes be sharp or burning. Other symptoms include swelling, stiffness and feeling like your knee is grinding or may give way.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which protective cartilage at the end of your leg bones wears down. This can ultimately result in bones rubbing against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion.
5. Knee pain with a pop
One common type of knee injury is a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, which connects your thigh bone to your shin and helps keep your knee stable. When the injury happens, you’ll likely hear a loud pop or else feel a popping inside, along with severe pain.
A damaged ACL is likely to leave you with rapid, significant swelling; difficulty fully straightening your leg or bending your knee; and pain when you try to put weight on it. You may feel like the knee is going to give way. In some cases, surgery to repair the ligament may be necessary.
6. Knee pain that’s sudden and severe
If you experience a sudden onset of severe knee pain along with redness, warmth and swelling, especially in the early morning, you might have gout, an arthritic condition that is most commonly seen in the big toe. However, gout also can strike other joints, especially in the leg. Gout can recur and should be treated to help prevent permanent joint damage.
Another reason for sudden severe pain and swelling in a knee is Lyme disease. Children are especially likely to have this symptom of Lyme disease, an infection caused by bacteria from an infected tick. If you suspect Lyme disease, promptly seek care to reduce the risk for complications associated with the disease.
7. Knee pain with bending and kneeling
People in professions that require repetitive kneeling, such as roofers, floor installers, plumbers, coal miners, gardeners and maids, are most at risk for bursitis of the knee. Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursal sacs of fluid that are around joints.
Repeated bending and kneeling, especially on hard surfaces, can irritate the bursa in the knees, causing gradually worsening symptoms. These symptoms include pain, redness, warmth, swelling, joint stiffness, and sometimes fever, which is a sign of infection. Notify your doctor for a full evaluation and to rule out infection. Bursitis also can be caused by an injury, but this is less common.
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