Why Does My Calf Muscle Hurt?

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There’s a group of muscles on the back of each lower leg that doctors call “calf muscles.” They play a key role in helping you walk and run. Lots of things can make them hurt, from a minor sprain to more serious problems like deep vein thrombosis.

Muscle Cramp

If you work your calf muscle too much, you can get a sudden pain in your leg. A muscle cramp can also happen if you hold a position too long or haven’t had enough water to drink. Most cramps are harmless and improve if you massage yourself, do gentle stretching, and apply a warm towel or heating pad. If it doesn’t get better, call your doctor. Although rare, muscle cramps can be caused by other health issues, like compressed nerves.

Muscle Strain

Stretch too far or put too much pressure on your calf, and you can strain your muscle. If so, you’ll have a dull ache that worsens when you move. Swelling, redness, or a bruise are also common, and it may hurt to rise up on your toes. Rest and ice can help. When you sit, try to raise your calf higher than hip height. You’ll also need to be patient. A pulled muscle can take up to 6 weeks to completely heal.

Baker’s Cyst

Fluid inside your knee helps it move smoothly, but an injury or arthritis can cause too much to build up in the back of your knee. If you have a Baker’s cyst, you’ll notice swelling and may not be able to straighten your knee. Swelling and redness can also spread to your calf. Sometimes, a Baker’s cyst goes away on its own. If not, your doctor may need to look for, and treat, the condition causing it.

Sciatica

If the sciatic nerve in your lower back gets pinched or inflamed, you’ll feel a burning pain down one, or both, of your legs. Sciatica pain can come and go. It may also get worse after you stand or walk. Ice packs, applied 20 minutes at a time, can help, as can over-the-counter pain medicine. You may also try massage, acupuncture, or yoga. If you still hurt, your doctor may suggest a steroid shot.

Chronic Compartment Syndrome

Inside your legs are pockets of muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Excessive activity, like too much running, can cause bleeding or swelling inside them. If you have chronic compartment syndrome, a pressure buildup inside your muscles causes your blood flow to go down. Your calf may cramp or hurt when you move. You may see swelling or a muscle bulge. A break from the activity can help. In severe cases, you might need surgery.

Varicose Veins

If you stand or walk a lot, the pressure on your legs can cause varicose veins in one or both calves. These thick, bulging veins can cause pain, burning, swelling, and itching. Compression stockings can help. So can movement and exercise, which help pump blood from the calf. You can also prop up your leg when you sit, and try not to sit or stand for too long. Your doctor may also treat it by closing up or shrinking the veins.

Bone Infection

Although it’s not common, germs sometimes get into your bones and cause an infection, known as osteomyelitis. When the infection is in a lower leg bone, you’ll notice redness, swelling, and warmth in your calf. You may also have a fever and fatigue. If lab and imaging tests confirm that you have a bone infection, you may need antibiotics for treatment.

Neurogenic Claudication

The most common cause of this problem is spinal stenosis — a narrowing of spaces in your spine that puts pressure on nerves. You can have pain, tingling, or cramps in your legs, as well as your hips and bottom. It could get worse when you stand or walk, but will stop if you sit or lean forward. If you have neurogenic claudication, you may need surgery to ease the pressure on your nerves.

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 Straight Leg Raise Test?

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Article featured on WebMD

Several aspects of your leg’s strength and stability can be determined with a straight leg raise test (SLR). A doctor performs a straightforward leg test by lying the patient flat on a bed and raising their legs while adding light resistance. The purpose of conducting this test is to review muscle and nerve function to get a better picture of the leg’s functionality. This test is popular for patients who suffer lower back pain. Defining part of a patient’s treatment strategy begins with a positive SLR result. Read on to discover some key elements of a straight leg raise test and common questions you should consider asking your physician.

A common test physicians use to identify impairments in disc pathology or lumbosacral nerve irritation, the Straight Leg Raise test or Lasegue test, is also crucial in detecting disc herniation and neural compression. This test can also be used for neurodynamic evaluation and to detect compression or tension on a nerve root. It is performed on people with lower back pain, and there are various conditions for a positive test.

This orthopedic examination test provides essential information to a physician who must decide if a patient should be referred to a specialist. When a physician attempts to determine whether your pain is nerve-related or mechanical (muscle and joint pain), this is often the first orthopedic test they perform and will help them determine the structures causing pain.

Before starting the test, expect your physician to ask you some questions, including when the pain began, how long you’ve had it, how you would describe it, and whether it’s been getting worse or better. Answering these questions honestly and to the best of your ability will provide your physician with a basis to discover the potential cause of your pain. Although physicians typically perform this test on the patient as they’re lying on their back, if this causes discomfort, you should talk to your doctor about changing positions.

While seated or lying down, your physician will check the range of motion on the unaffected side. Next, with your knee straightened, they will passively flex your hip. Both legs are tested individually, and as your physician slowly raises the leg on the side where you experience pain, be sure to advise them when you begin to feel any discomfort. Along with lifting your legs, your physician may ask you to extend your foot and flex your neck to stretch your nerve roots.

Some other tests used to test for lumbar radicular syndrome include:

  • Slump Test
  • Crossed Straight Leg Raise Test
  • Bowstring Test
  • Prone Knee Bending Test
A physician performs a crossed straight leg raise test the same way as a straight leg raise test, the only difference being that the test is only conducted on the unaffected leg. It is considered a positive result if symptoms are reproduced on the other leg while your doctor lifts the opposite leg. The test is negative when no symptoms are felt on the opposite leg.
During a seated straight leg raise test, your physician will have you sit on the exam table with your knees bent to 90 ° and slowly extend one of your knees from that starting point. Until you begin to feel pain, your doctor will continue to gently raise your knee until full extension is reached. Upon maximal extension, the test is negative if no pain is felt.

A reversed SLR test or prone knee bending test is often performed by your physician to check for possible neurological dysfunction in the lumbar spine. During this test, your doctor I’ll ask you to lay on your stomach and then passively flex your knee as far as possible or until your heel rests against your buttock. A positive prone knee bending test suggests that you may be experiencing irritation of nerve roots L2-L3.

Straight Leg Raise Test Positive The aim of adding modifications to this test is to stretch the sciatic nerve to find your source of pain and determine if a compressed or irritated nerve route is causing you to experience sciatic, spinal stenosis, or disc herniation. If doing this makes your pain worse or causes it to go away suddenly, it is generally considered a positive straight leg raise test. Additionally, apart from feeling tightness in your hamstring muscle, any pain you feel below your knee is considered a positive test. Your doctor will make note of the degree of hip flexion where you report pain. It is considered a positive result if you experience a reproduction of your regular symptoms between 30 and 70 degrees.
Straight Leg Raise Test Negative A negative result may indicate to your physician that additional diagnostic is necessary to pinpoint the source of your pain. For instance, you may receive a non-positive result if you are only experiencing lower back pain and aren’t experiencing any pain below your knee. With an SLR, your physician will be able to determine the best treatment for any conditions affecting the function of your quadriceps muscles or a nerve condition. Disruption of the patellar tendon, quadriceps tendon, or kneecaps may result in an inability to perform an SLR test.

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 Benefits of Walking

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Article featured on Healthline

Walking can offer numerous health benefits to people of all ages and fitness levels. It may also help prevent certain diseases and even prolong your life.

Walking is free to do and easy to fit into your daily routine. All you need to start walking is a sturdy pair of walking shoes.

Read on to learn about some of the benefits of walking.

1. Burn calories

Walking can help you burn calories. Burning calories can help you maintain or lose weight.

Your actual calorie burn will depend on several factors, including:

  • walking speed
  • distance covered
  • terrain (you’ll burn more calories walking uphill than you’ll burn on a flat surface)
  • your weight

You can determine your actual calorie burn through a calorie calculator. For a general estimate, you can also refer to this chart.

2. Strengthen the heart

Walking at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week can reduce your risk for coronary heart disease by about 19 percent. And your risk may reduce even more when you increase the duration or distance you walk per day.

3. Can help lower your blood sugar

Taking a short walk after eating may help lower your blood sugar.

A small study found that taking a 15-minute walk three times a day (after breakfast, lunch, and dinner) improved blood sugar levels more than taking a 45-minute walk at another point during the day.

More research is needed to confirm these findings, though.

Consider making a post-meal walk a regular part of your routine. It can also help you fit exercise in throughout the day.

4. Eases joint pain

Walking can help protect the joints, including your knees and hips. That’s because it helps lubricate and strengthen the muscles that support the joints.

Walking may also provide benefits for people living with arthritis, such as reducing pain. And walking 5 to 6 miles a week may also help prevent arthritis.

5. Boosts immune function

Walking may reduce your risk for developing a cold or the flu.

One study tracked 1,000 adults during flu season. Those who walked at a moderate pace for 30 to 45 minutes a day had 43 percent fewer sick days and fewer upper respiratory tract infections overall.

Their symptoms were also lessened if they did get sick. That was compared to adults in the study who were sedentary.

Try to get in a daily walk to experience these benefits. If you live in a cold climate, you can try to walk on a treadmill or around an indoor mall.

6. Boost your energy

Going for a walk when you’re tired may be a more effective energy boost than grabbing a cup of coffee.

Walking increases oxygen flow through the body. It can also increase levels of cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. Those are the hormones that help elevate energy levels.

7. Improve your mood

Walking can help your mental health. StudiesTrusted Source show it can help reduce anxiety, depression, and a negative mood. It can also boost self-esteem and reduce symptoms of social withdrawal.

To experience these benefits, aim for 30 minutes of brisk walking or other moderate intensity exercise three days a week. You can also break it up into three 10-minute walks.

8. Extend your life

Walking at a faster pace could extend your life. Researchers found that walking at an average pace compared to a slow pace resulted in a 20 percent reduced risk of overall death.

But walking at a brisk or fast pace (at least 4 miles per hour) reduced the risk by 24 percent. The study looked at the association of walking at a faster pace with factors like overall causes of death, cardiovascular disease, and death from cancer.

The takeaway

Walking can fulfill daily recommended exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Consider getting a pedometer or other fitness tracker to keep track of your daily steps.

Choose a walking route and daily step goal that’s appropriate for your age and fitness level.

Warm and cool down before walking to avoid injury. Always speak to your doctor before starting a new fitness routine.

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

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Foot Pain

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Article featured on Mass General BrighamAthletes generally don’t hesitate to seek medical attention for acute (sudden) foot injuries. But it may be tempting to ignore pain that lingers or pain that comes and goes. This type of chronic pain often occurs with overuse.

Persistent foot pain or pain accompanied by certain other symptoms should be assessed by a specialist.

Foot pain causes

Overuse foot pain can occur in a wide variety of sports, particularly those that involve a lot of running. The most common overuse injuries in the foot are:

  • Achilles tendonitis: The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Tendonitis is a common condition that involves irritation and inflammation of a tendon. Untreated, Achilles tendonitis can lead to a tendon tear or rupture.
  • Morton’s neuroma: Also called intermetatarsal neuroma, this condition affects the ball of the foot. The nerve tissue thickens, causing pain in that specific area. It may feel like burning, tingling, or like you’re walking on a pebble.
  • Plantar fasciitis: This condition happens when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot, becomes inflamed. Also called plantar heel, it causes heel pain and stiffness.
  • Sever’s disease: This condition involves inflammation in the growth plate in the back of the heel. It is a common cause of heel pain, particularly in children who play sports or exercise regularly.
  • Stress fracture: A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone. It occurs when too much repetitive pressure is put on a bone over time. Stress fractures can become full fractures if they are not allowed to heal.
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome: This condition involves the posterior tibial nerve, located on the inside of the ankle. If the nerve is compressed (squeezed), it can cause painful feelings like electrical shocks in your ankle and foot.

Early treatment for better outcomes

Some athletes hesitate to seek treatment because they don’t want to hear that they need a procedure or rest. An overuse injury can get worse over time and eventually prevent you from participating in the things you love.

Nobody wants to sideline you from your sport. But a quick checkup on an injury can often prevent you from missing months of your sport, instead of just missing a week or two for rest.

Many overuse injuries can be treated with short-term, non-surgical approaches, such as:

  • Activity modifications or a few weeks of rest
  • Advice on how to minimize risk factors for foot and ankle pain
  • Cast or boot rather than surgery
  • Cross-training, such as limiting high-impact movements to a few days a week and adding effective low-impact options
  • Corrections to form, such as adjustments to the way you jump or run
  • Physical therapy or nutrition counseling for musculoskeletal health
  • Proper footwear, such as a different shoe or a corrective insert

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

Take Care of Your Knees

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Article featured on UCSF Health

Five Steps to Improve Strength and Flexibility

Although collateral ligament injuries often occur during sports and are difficult to avoid, there are several steps you can take to improve the overall strength and flexibility of your knees:

  • Manage your weight: Every pound in excess of your normal weight puts three or four additional pounds of pressure on your knee every time you take a step.
  • Keep your legs strong: The hamstrings, in the back of the thigh, and the quadriceps, the muscles in the front of the thigh, are crucial shock and impact absorbers. These muscles must be kept strong and flexible to protect the joint surfaces in your knee.
  • Stretch your muscles: Stretching before exercising should be a regular part of your warm-up; however, it is important not to over-stretch. Never push or pull on your leg with your hands while you are stretching, and avoid squatting during your warm-up, which can put stress on your knee joint.
  • Wear proper shoes: Well-cushioned, well-fitting athletic shoes can reduce the impact of the load exerted on the knees.
  • Ease into shape: If your activities require twisting and turning such as racket sports, skiing, soccer and basketball, don’t assume you can play yourself into shape. Make sure you are in good physical shape before you play.

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

Prehabilitation: An Essential for Successful Orthopedic Surgery Outcomes

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Article featured on Movement Orthopedics

As you prepare for an orthopedic surgery, such as joint replacement or spinal fusion, you may be seeking ways to maximize your chances of a successful outcome and a smooth recovery process. An often overlooked but critical component of surgery preparation is prehabilitation – a proactive approach to enhancing your physical condition, mental well-being, and overall readiness before undergoing the procedure. By engaging in targeted exercises, improving your nutrition, and addressing any mental or emotional concerns, prehabilitation can contribute significantly to a successful surgery and recovery experience.

As you embark on your journey towards orthopedic surgery, understanding the value of prehabilitation and its role in your treatment plan can profoundly impact your overall experience and success. Our team at

Key Components of a Comprehensive Prehabilitation Program

Prehabilitation is an individualized process that addresses multiple dimensions of physical and mental well-being to optimally prepare patients for their upcoming orthopedic surgery. Essential components of a comprehensive prehabilitation program include:

  1. Targeted Exercise Regimens: By incorporating specific exercise routines into your daily routine, you can improve your overall strength, flexibility, and endurance before undergoing surgery. These exercises may focus on the affected area, surrounding muscles, and the full range of motion to ensure you are in the best possible shape when entering the operating room.
  2. Nutritional Support: Proper nutrition plays a critical role in overall health and can significantly impact your recovery from surgery. By optimizing your diet with the guidance of a dietitian, you can ensure you are meeting your body’s essential needs for nutrients, vitamins, and minerals necessary for healing and rebuilding strength.
  3. Mental and Emotional Preparation: As you approach your surgery date, addressing any mental or emotional concerns can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve your overall mental preparedness for the procedure. Tools such as mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and discussing your concerns with healthcare providers can be invaluable in this preparation process.
  4. Patient Education and Support: Understanding the details of your specific surgery, your role and responsibilities in the recovery process, and having access to essential resources and support can significantly contribute to the success of your prehabilitation efforts.

The Multiple Benefits of Prehabilitation in Orthopedic Surgery

Incorporating a proactive prehabilitation program into your surgery preparation has several benefits, including:

  1. Reduced Complications: Patients who participate in prehabilitation programs often experience fewer postoperative complications, such as infections, blood clots, or excessive bleeding, due to their optimized pre-surgery physical state.
  2. Improved Surgical Outcomes: By entering surgery in the best possible condition, patients have the potential to achieve better outcomes. Enhanced strength, flexibility, and mental preparedness can result in shorter procedural times and greater overall surgical success.
  3. Expedited Recovery: Prehabilitation can also accelerate your post-surgery recovery timeline, allowing you to regain strength, mobility, and function more rapidly than unprepared patients. Having a strong foundation before surgery gives you a head start on the rehabilitation process and can get you back to your normal activities with greater ease.
  4. Increased Confidence and Emotional Resilience: Being better prepared, both physically and mentally, for your upcoming surgery can increase your level of confidence in the process and your ability to handle any challenges that may arise during recovery. This emotional resilience is invaluable in navigating the post-surgery journey with a positive outlook and determination.

Real-World Applications for Various Orthopedic Procedures

Prehabilitation can be applied to a wide range of orthopedic surgery types, including:

  1. Joint Replacement Surgery: For patients undergoing joint replacement procedures, such as total hip or knee arthroplasty, prehabilitation can enhance mobility, flexibility, strength, and stamina before surgery, contributing to improved clinical outcomes and recovery.
  2. Spinal Surgery: Those preparing for spinal surgery, such as spinal fusion or discectomy, can significantly benefit from targeting their core strength, flexibility, and overall preparedness as they enter the operating room.
  3. Arthroscopic Surgery: For individuals undergoing arthroscopic procedures to address sports injuries, degenerative conditions, or other joint issues, prehabilitation can fortify the muscles surrounding the affected joint and enhance overall recovery.
  4. Orthopedic Trauma and Fracture Surgery: Patients recovering from fractures or orthopedic trauma can also benefit from prehabilitation programs focused on regaining strength, mobility, and function before surgery, leading to improved postoperative outcomes and quality of life.

Conclusion

Prehabilitation is a crucial element in optimizing your orthopedic surgery outcomes and expediting your recovery journey. By embracing a proactive and holistic approach to your physical and mental preparedness, you can take confident strides toward improved orthopedic health and overall well-being.

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

Why Go See a Podiatrist?

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Article featured on Northwest Extremity SpecialistsWhen your feet and ankles are tired, in pain, or not working as they should, everything else grinds to a halt. An 8-hour workday feels like 80. Daily chores, exercise, and activities that used to be fun now seem difficult to even contemplate, let alone enjoy.

You could go see your primary care physician, but there are several reasons why you should consider seeing a podiatrist—that is, a foot and ankle specialist—instead.

  • Podiatrists work exclusively on the feet and ankles, and receive extensive training in all aspects of foot and ankle care. If you’re experiencing significant foot pain, would you rather receive care from someone who treats feet once in a while, or someone who works on them all day, every day?
  • Rather than specializing in one just one area of medicine (nerves, bones, etc.), podiatrists are multi-disciplinary doctors trained to “do it all” when it comes to foot and ankle pain and conditions—everything from fungal infections to tendinitis to neuropathy to arthritis to surgery. You are more likely to get a quick and accurate diagnosis from a podiatrist than a generalist.
  • Feet are complex—they have 26 bones and 33 joints each, along with an intricate layering of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels. Fully a quarter of your bones are at the ankle level and below!

So, now you have an idea of why a podiatrist is the best choice to provide your foot and ankle care. But how do you know when it’s time to go? How do you separate a minor ache or pain from something you should talk to a doctor about?

There are no firm rules, but any of the following scenarios would be solid grounds for booking an appointment as soon as possible:

  • You are experiencing foot pain or motion loss that is affecting your daily life in a negative way.
  • Symptoms are lingering or getting worse over time, rather than better.
  • You notice any changes to the structure or appearance of your feet—bunion, hammertoes, flattening arches, etc.
  • You notice discoloration, swelling, or pain in and around the toenails.
  • You struggle with persistent skin problems or irritation along the feet, such as corns, calluses, or chronically dry and cracked skin.
  • You have diabetes. (Because of the risks to foot health, people with diabetes should see a foot specialist at least once per year.)
  • You experienced an injury (traumatic or overuse) to your lower limb, such as an ankle sprain or Achilles tendinitis.

In short—if your feet are causing you any kind of problem, and you need help, a podiatrist is the person you want to call.

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 Plantar Fasciitis

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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

Signs Your Leg Pain May Require Spine Surgery

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Article featured on Arkansas Surgical Hospital

Most people experience pain in their legs at some point in their lives, whether it’s caused by an injury or wear and tear on the muscles and tendons. Usually, the pain goes away as the underlying issue heals or improves over time—but sometimes, spine surgery may be necessary to alleviate the pain in your legs. Here are some signs that you should see a specialist about your leg pain.

Types of Leg Pain Caused by Spine Issues

Common symptoms affecting the leg that are caused by spinal issues include:

  • Pain that radiates down your leg
  • Muscle weakness in your legs
  • Numbness, burning, or tingling sensations down your leg
  • Pain in only one leg
  • A feeling like an electric shock traveling down your leg
  • Difficulty walking

There are many reasons someone may experience these symptoms, so it’s important to see a doctor to determine the cause and if spinal surgery is needed.

Spine Conditions That Cause Leg Pain

Sciatica

If you experience a sharp, shooting pain in your leg that gets worse when you sit or stand, it could be sciatica. A herniated disc can cause this condition in your spine by pressing on the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs.

In addition to leg pain, you may also have tingling, numbness, or weakness in your leg. It’s important to see a doctor if you experience these symptoms because they can lead to more serious problems.

Spinal Stenosis

One of the most common causes of leg pain is spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of spaces in your spine. This can put pressure on your nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness in your legs.

If you have spinal stenosis, you may notice that your pain worsens when you stand or walk for long periods. Sitting down or bending forward may help relieve your pain. Serious cases of spinal stenosis may require surgery to widen the space where the nerve is being compressed. While this doesn’t always eliminate pain, it typically makes it more manageable.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease can include numbness, tingling, and pain that shoots from the lower back down to your legs. If you experience these symptoms, consult a spine specialist for an examination. The specialist will use an x-ray and/or MRI to rule out a spinal fracture or other issues before diagnosing you with degenerative disc disease. Surgery may be needed if the cause is not detected early enough.

Treatment Options for Leg Pain Caused by Spine Issues

A few options are available if you are dealing with leg pain. Depending on the severity of your pain, you may find relief with over-the-counter medication, physical therapy, or steroid injections.

Spine surgery may be an option if your pain is severe and does not respond to these conservative treatments. Before pursuing surgery, talk to your doctor about your treatment options and get a second opinion from a spine specialist.

Surgery for Leg Pain Caused by Spine Issues

There are a few spine surgeries that can be performed. Some of the most common include:

  • Laminectomy, which removes bony growths from the spinal canal to relieve pressure on compressed nerve roots
  • Discectomy, which removes (and sometimes replaces) a herniated disc
  • Vertebral fusion, which stabilizes vertebrae in your spine by fusing them together

Is Your Leg Pain Caused by a Spine Problem?

If you’ve had leg pain for an extended period of time, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis and speak with your doctor about the best treatment options for your condition. Spinal surgery might be necessary if your symptoms worsen quickly without relief or increase in intensity without any known cause.

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 Golfers Elbow?

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Article featured on Montana Bones

Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow, is a painful condition in which the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow have become damaged due to injury or overuse. Previously thought to be a form of tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon, medial epicondylitis is now considered to be a form of tendonosis in which the collagen fibers making up the tendon have deteriorated. Patients with this condition experience pain on the inside of the elbow that may radiate into the forearm. This pain results when the epicondyle puts pressure on the ulnar nerve, a nerve in the forearm. Most often, medial epicondylitis can be treated successfully by simple measures like resting the arm and applying ice. In some cases, however, it requires surgical correction.

While it may be caused by a single injury, medial epicondylitis is usually caused by repetitive gripping, flexing and swinging of the arm. These actions, common in golfers, cause the targeted tendons to stretch and tear. Medial epicondylitis is also frequently diagnosed in baseball pitchers, bowlers, tennis players, swimmers and individuals who do painting, raking or hammering since all of these activities involve similar arm motions. This condition is much more common in men than in women, but much less common in either than tennis elbow.The difference between the two conditions is that tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow while golfer’s elbow occurs on the inside.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS OF MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS

Symptoms of medial epicondylitis may appear suddenly or gradually. These symptoms may include:

  • Pain on the inside of the elbow or forearm
  • Weakness or stiffness in the wrists and hands
  • Tingling or numbness in the hand or fingers, particularly the ring finger or pinkie

The pain of medial epicondylitis may worsen with certain actions, such as swinging the arm, squeezing the hand, turning a doorknob or lifting something heavy, especially when the palm is facing downward.

DIAGNOSIS OF MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS

Medial Epicondylitis is diagnosed through physical examination, the use of X-rays and, on occasion, other diagnostic tests such as MRIs or ultrasound.

TREATMENT OF MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS

There are several simple treatment options for medial epicondylitis. The treatments for medial epicondylitis may include:

  • Resting the arm
  • Wearing a bandage or splint on the wrist or elbow
  • Icing the affected region
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Doing therapeutic exercises
  • Receiving electrical stimulation treatments
  • Taking prescribed corticosteroids orally or by injection
  • Receiving shock wave treatments of the area

The symptoms of medial epicondylitis may resolve in weeks or may persist for months. As the pain subsides, a physical or occupational therapist may suggest different ways of moving the arm to avoid a recurrence of symptoms. If the condition lasts more than 3 to 6 months, becoming chronic, surgery may be considered.

SURGICAL REPAIR OF MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS

There are several types of surgery performed to repair medial epicondylitis. Such surgeries may be performed arthroscopically or as open surgery and are normally done outpatient with a local anesthetic. They usually take between 3 and 4 hours to complete. Most patients may return to a relatively normal routine in about 4 weeks, but may have residual discomfort, weakness or numbness for several months following surgery. Post-surgical physical therapy is usually required. Types of procedures used for surgical repair of medial epicondylitis may include:

Tendon Debridement – in which only the affected tissues within the tendon are removed, or debrided

Medial Epicondyle Release or Epicondylectomy and Ulnar Nerve Release – in which the medial epicondyle is removed, allowing the ulnar nerve to glide freely, releasing it from what is known as ulnar nerve entrapment

Ulnar Nerve Transposition – in which the forearm muscles are cut and temporarily disconnected from the epicondyle so that the ulnar nerve can be moved from behind the elbow to in front of it

RISKS OF SURGICAL REPAIR OF MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS

While the surgical procedures discussed are considered safe, there are potential risks with any surgery which may include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications
  • Post-surgical infection
  • Breathing problems

Risks of the specific surgeries discussed may include a condition known as chronic regional pain syndrome, or CRPS. This complication, which is rare, may cause ongoing swelling, pain, skin discoloration and stiffness.

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