Article featured on CareNow Urgent Care
As the weather warms up and the flowers begin to bloom, many people are eager to spend more time outdoors and engage in activities that they may have put on hold during the winter months.
While spring is a time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up some vitamin D, it also comes with its fair share of risks, including the potential for injuries. From gardening mishaps to sports-related accidents, there are a variety of injuries that tend to be more common during the spring season.
We’re exploring some of the most common spring injuries, along with tips for prevention and treatment. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the spring weather, it’s important to be aware of these common injuries so that you can take steps to stay safe and healthy.
What are the most common spring injuries?
There are certain injuries that typically occur more this time of year than any other season. Educating yourself on these injuries is the first step in learning how to prevent them. Here’s a look at the injuries most common during springtime:
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are common injuries that affect the soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. A sprain occurs when a ligament, the tissue that connects bone to bone, is stretched or torn.
This can happen due to a sudden twist or turn of the joint, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.
On the other hand, a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is inflamed, usually as a result of overuse or repetitive motion. Symptoms of a strain include pain, swelling, muscle spasm, and weakness.
Both sprains and strains can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, along with physical therapy and pain management techniques. However, severe cases may require surgery to repair the damaged tissue.
Fractures
Fractures, or broken bones, can happen any time of year, but they are particularly common during the spring season. With the arrival of warmer weather, many people become more active, and this can increase the risk of falls, collisions, and other accidents that can result in fractures.
Common spring activities such as biking, skateboarding, and playing sports can also increase the risk of fractures. It’s important to take steps to prevent fractures, such as wearing proper protective gear and taking precautions to avoid falls.
Sunburn and heat-related illness
With warmer temperatures and longer days, many people spend more time outdoors during the spring season. However, spending too much time in the sun can increase the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
Sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable, and it also increases the risk of skin cancer. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be serious and even life-threatening.
It’s important to take steps to protect yourself from the sun and heat, such as wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, staying hydrated, and taking breaks in the shade or indoors. By being proactive, you can enjoy the outdoors safely during the spring season.
Bites and stings
Bites and stings from insects can be a common occurrence during the spring season, especially as people spend more time outdoors. While many insect bites and stings are harmless and cause only mild irritation, others can be more serious and lead to an allergic reaction or infection.
When possible, take steps to avoid insect bites and stings, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. If a bite or sting does occur, it’s important to monitor the area for signs of infection or allergic reaction and seek medical attention if necessary.
Overuse injuries
Spring is a popular time for people to ramp up their exercise routines after a long winter, but overdoing it can lead to overuse injuries like tendonitis, shin splints, and stress fractures. It’s important to gradually increase your activity level and listen to your body to avoid these types of injuries.
How to prevent common spring injuries
Preventing injuries is always better than treating them after the fact. When it comes to spring injuries, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of getting hurt.
First, it’s important to stay active throughout the year, rather than suddenly jumping into strenuous activities once the weather warms up. This helps your body adjust to the increased activity level and reduces the risk of injury. Warming up before physical activity, wearing protective gear, and staying hydrated can all help prevent injuries.
Another way to prevent spring injuries is to be aware of potential hazards and take steps to avoid them. For example, wearing the right footwear and being aware when you walk on uneven surfaces can help prevent ankle sprains and other foot injuries.
Taking precautions to avoid insect bites, such as using bug spray and wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, can also help reduce the risk of allergic reactions and other insect-related injuries.
Finally, you should always seek medical attention if you experience an injury rather than trying to tough it out or self-diagnose it. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications and a longer recovery time. By taking these preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of injury and enjoy the gorgeous spring weather.
What is a Frozen Shoulder?
in Shoulder InjuriesArticle featured on UCSF Health
Frozen shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a common condition usually affecting people over 40, and women more often than men. Statistics suggest that 5 percent to 20 percent of the population will experience an episode of frozen shoulder. Individuals with a history of diabetes, thyroid problems, Parkinson’s disease or heart disease are at particular risk. Patients with frozen shoulder experience a progressive increase in pain and loss in range of motion.
To understand the condition, it helps to understand the shoulder’s structure. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, yet the shoulder’s anatomy allows for an amazing amount of flexibility. The head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is a ball that sits in the glenoid fossa (shallow socket) of the shoulder blade. (Picture a golf ball on a tee.) Because the socket is so shallow, the shoulder relies on the surrounding soft tissues for stability. The labrum (cartilage lining the socket) and capsule (containing joint fluid and several ligaments) provide a majority of the shoulder’s stability. The muscles of the rotator cuff and shoulder blade also help.
Signs & symptoms
Patients with frozen shoulder usually have increasing pain as their shoulder loses mobility. Quick shoulder motions often exacerbate the pain. Worsening stiffness can even make it difficult for other people, such as a doctor performing an exam, to move the shoulder. Frozen shoulder has been divided into three stages (note that the condition typically improves as it moves through the stages):
The freezing stage can last from one to nine months; the frozen stage, four to nine months; and the thawing stage, five months to two years.
Diagnosis
A doctor can usually make the diagnosis by doing a physical exam, but sometimes imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, are useful for ruling out other problems.
Treatments
Frozen shoulder will usually get better on its own, although it takes considerable time – sometimes two or three years. The goals of treatment are controlling pain and restoring motion.
Physical therapy
The mainstay of frozen shoulder treatment is aggressive physical therapy. Techniques include stretching and range-of-motion exercises, followed by applying heat or ice to the area. As with any physical therapy regime, a good home program is essential.
Medications
Taken orally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as naproxen and ibuprofen) can relieve pain, especially during the first (“freezing”) stage.
Injections
A corticosteroid injection into the shoulder joint may foster a more rapid recovery, especially when done early in the disease process, as the shoulder is getting stiff. The procedure is performed in the office, often using ultrasound imaging to ensure the injection is placed accurately.
Surgery
More than 90 percent of patients improve without surgery. For those who don’t get better with physical therapy and time, surgical intervention can be considered. In the arthroscopic (minimally invasive) procedure, the surgeon uses specialized instruments to view and release the tissue that has contracted around the shoulder joint and to break up any other adhesions (damaged tissues that have grown together). Patients can usually go home the same day, and physical therapy begins a few days later. Recovery varies from six weeks to four months.
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
4 Signs You May Have Nociplastic Pain
in pain reliefThe four signs that you have nociplastic pain include:
Symptoms Are Long-Standing
The disordered sensory processing seen with nociplastic pain develops over time. Symptoms are present for longer than 3 months, often lasting years. An injury or stressful event may trigger the pain, but abnormal pain processing perpetuates it.
A common example is a disk herniation in the back. The disk herniation may heal after 6 months, but sensitization can perpetuate the pain after the injury has healed.
Symptoms Spread Beyond the Expected Area of Injury
The pain area spreads to involve a greater region of the body. For example, instead of a small area of the back hurting, you feel discomfort across your back and into the legs. Someone with a pinched nerve in their neck may feel their entire arm is numb instead of just the area supplied by the nerve.
Increased Sensitivity to Painful Stimuli
A lowered threshold for feeling pain develops. You feel pain more easily than those without sensitization. For example, let’s look at two people, one with sensitization and the other without it. They both lift a 50-pound box and feel a pull in the back. The person without sensitization reports the pain as a “3 out of 10.” Meanwhile, the person with sensitization reports the pain as a “7 out of 10.” The nerves are telling the brain it hurts more than what a person without the condition feels. It’s not the person overreacting; the intensity is very real. The sensation is because the nerves are hypersensitive.
Non-Pain Symptoms
In addition to affecting how pain is experienced, sensitization causes symptoms that affect the entire body. These are called “non-pain symptoms.” They include fatigue, poor sleep, and thinking difficulties (brain fog).
The fatigue can be severe, with a much lower energy level compared to others of the same age and health. Fatigue sets in sooner and recovery takes longer. For example, after an hour of exercise, someone with sensitization may need to rest for the remainder of the day or 2 days.
The environment is full of sensory inputs, and sensitization magnifies these stimuli, too. The impact of harsh lights, loud noise, and odors is amplified. These stimuli may provoke headaches, nausea, or dizziness.
If you recognize the four signs in yourself, talk with your provider about nociplastic pain. The treatment approach for this pain type is different from others, making a correct diagnosis imperative. Get the right diagnosis, so you receive the right treatment.
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
Arthrodesis of the Ankle
in Ankle InjuriesArticle featured on Mercy Health
What is arthrodesis/surgical fusion of the ankle?
Arthrodesis/surgical fusion is the surgery that joins the bones in your ankle to form a single unit and eliminate movement. You may need this surgery if you have arthritis or another condition where moving your ankle joint is painful. By eliminating the movement, you eliminate the pain.
The bones in your ankle joint are the tibia, fibula and talus. The tibia and fibula are the bones in your lower leg. The talus is the bone that sits right above the heel bone. It acts as a hinge. Arthrodesis fuses the tibia to the talus.
Your doctor opts for arthrodesis over an artificial joint because a fused ankle joint doesn’t wear out. This surgery is a permanent solution and lasts for the rest of your life.
What to expect from arthrodesis/surgical fusion of the ankle
Doctors perform arthrodesis both arthroscopically and as open surgery. Which one your doctor chooses depends on your personal needs. The surgeries are similar in both situations. The main difference is the incisions are smaller in an arthroscopic surgery.
You need general anesthesia for this surgery. That means you’re asleep and don’t feel any pain. Your doctor makes an incision in your skin to access the ankle joint.
The doctor uses a saw or rotary tool to remove cartilage from the surfaces on both sides of your ankle joint. By doing this, your body can fuse the bones together during healing — much like bone heals after a break.
Your doctor inserts screws or metal plates into the joint to hold the bones in the right position so they heal properly. These screws stay in place permanently. They may start to cause pain or affect the joint later on. If that happens, your doctor removes them.
You wear a cast in the first few weeks following the surgery. You need to keep your ankle elevated to prevent swelling and reduce pain, also. The doctor may give you crutches. They’ll also advise you to avoid putting weight on your ankle while the joint heals.
After up to 12 weeks, your doctor removes the cast and replaces it with a brace. As the joint heals, you can put more weight on the ankle. During this time, you work with a physical therapist to learn how to walk with a fused ankle joint.
Shoe modifications and special shoes make walking easier. Though you won’t be able to run normally again, you can walk with a normal gait following arthrodesis.
Common ankle conditions requiring arthrodesis/surgical fusion
If you have severe pain, inflammation and stiffness in your ankle joint due to arthritis, your doctor may recommend arthrodesis. The main types of arthritis that affect your ankle are:
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
Scoliosis in Children
in Back Pain, SpineWhat Is Scoliosis In Children?
Scoliosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). It’s when the spine has a side-to-side curve. The curve of the spine measures 10 degrees or more.
A normal spine appears straight when looked at from behind. But a child with scoliosis has a spine with an S or C shape. The child may look like they’re leaning to one side. The curve can happen on the right or left side of the spine. Or it can happen on both sides in different sections. Both the middle (thoracic) and lower (lumbar) spine may be affected.
What Causes Scoliosis In A Child?
In most cases, the cause of scoliosis isn’t known. A child may be born with it. Or they can develop it later in life. It’s most often seen in children ages 10 to 18. It tends to affect more girls than boys.
Possible causes of scoliosis include:
What Are The Symptoms Of Scoliosis In A Child?
These are the most common symptoms of scoliosis:
These symptoms may seem like other back problems. Or they may be a result of an injury or infection. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How Is Scoliosis Diagnosed In A Child?
Your child’s healthcare provider can diagnose scoliosis with a complete health history of your child and a physical exam. Your child may also need these tests:
Finding scoliosis early is important for treatment. If left untreated, scoliosis can cause problems with heart and lung function. Healthcare providers, and even some school programs, routinely look for signs of scoliosis in children.
How Is Scoliosis Treated In A Child?
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It’ll also depend on how bad the condition is.
The goal of treatment is to stop the curve from getting worse and prevent deformity. Treatment may include:
Key Points About Scoliosis In Children
Next Steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s 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
Is It Possible to Prevent Arthritis?
in ArthritisArticle featured on Harvard Health Publishing
Q. So many of my relatives and friends have arthritis. I have been fortunate so far. Is there any proven way to prevent it?
A. You may be able to lower your risk for three of the most common types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Here’s a brief description of each and how to possibly prevent them.
Osteoarthritis, the most common type, occurs when the cartilage of a joint erodes (breaks down). Bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain and difficulty moving the joint. It’s also the most common reason for knee and hip replacements. Take these steps to lower your risk:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness, and swelling in joints. Over time, the affected joints may become misshapen, misaligned, and damaged. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand has it, the other usually does, too. Ways to reduce your risk of rheumatoid arthritis include avoiding tobacco and improving your oral health. Gum inflammation (gingivitis) caused by certain bacteria has been linked to many health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. Good oral hygiene and regular dental care may lower the risk.
Gout occurs when crystals of uric acid get deposited in one or more joints and trigger inflammation that causes pain, swelling, and redness. You can reduce your risk by doing the following:
If you notice joint pain, joint swelling, or difficulty doing activities, see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your future joint 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
Cycling Vs. Walking: Which is the Better Workout for You?
in walking, Wellness TipsArticle featured on Healthline
Aerobic exercise is an important way to maintain your health and vitality. If you’re new to exercising or have an injury or health condition that’s forcing you to change your exercise routine, you may wonder what type of aerobic exercise to choose.
Cycling and walking are two of the most popular types of aerobic activity. Both can be adapted for beginners or people with injuries or other health conditions.
They both provide a lower impact activity than other aerobic activities, such as running or jumping rope. Also, you can do them both outdoors or indoors, making them accessible no matter what the weather is like.
However, they tend to differ in terms of cost. Cycling obviously requires a bike, while all you need to start walking is a pair of shoes (or not) and the will to move.
Still, you may wonder which is the better workout and which is better for your health.
Which burns more calories?
How many calories you burn with cycling and walking depends on your workout intensity. The following table shows approximately how many calories a 150-pound (68-kg) person would burn in a 30-minute session.
Thus, cycling tends to burn more calories for the same category of intensity during the same time period. You can think of the intensity as the rate of perceived exertion.
If you want to burn calories and you’re short on time, cycling may be the better option.
Which works muscles better?
Cycling and walking involve using many of the same muscles to produce force to move. The gluteal muscles of the hip and hamstrings are involved in power production in both walking and cycling.
These muscles increase their activation when you increase your speed during cycling, especially when you stand up to pedal. In addition, gluteal activation increases when you walk uphill or up stairs.
The quadriceps (knee extensors) are involved to a larger extent in cycling compared with walking. They are larger producers of force during the power or push-down phase of cycling when you’re sitting down.
Finally, the calf muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius) play an important role in both cycling and walking. They are the muscles that propel you in the push phase of cycling and the push-off phase of walking (mid-stance to pre-swing phases).
Thus, both activities work the same muscles, but cycling tends to require the muscles to exert more force.
Cycling and walking use many of the same muscles to produce force and movement. However, cycling tends to work your muscles harder.
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
Most Common Spring Injuries
in Health & WellnessArticle featured on CareNow Urgent Care
As the weather warms up and the flowers begin to bloom, many people are eager to spend more time outdoors and engage in activities that they may have put on hold during the winter months.
While spring is a time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up some vitamin D, it also comes with its fair share of risks, including the potential for injuries. From gardening mishaps to sports-related accidents, there are a variety of injuries that tend to be more common during the spring season.
We’re exploring some of the most common spring injuries, along with tips for prevention and treatment. Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the spring weather, it’s important to be aware of these common injuries so that you can take steps to stay safe and healthy.
What are the most common spring injuries?
There are certain injuries that typically occur more this time of year than any other season. Educating yourself on these injuries is the first step in learning how to prevent them. Here’s a look at the injuries most common during springtime:
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are common injuries that affect the soft tissues in the body, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. A sprain occurs when a ligament, the tissue that connects bone to bone, is stretched or torn.
This can happen due to a sudden twist or turn of the joint, resulting in pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.
On the other hand, a strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is inflamed, usually as a result of overuse or repetitive motion. Symptoms of a strain include pain, swelling, muscle spasm, and weakness.
Both sprains and strains can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, along with physical therapy and pain management techniques. However, severe cases may require surgery to repair the damaged tissue.
Fractures
Fractures, or broken bones, can happen any time of year, but they are particularly common during the spring season. With the arrival of warmer weather, many people become more active, and this can increase the risk of falls, collisions, and other accidents that can result in fractures.
Common spring activities such as biking, skateboarding, and playing sports can also increase the risk of fractures. It’s important to take steps to prevent fractures, such as wearing proper protective gear and taking precautions to avoid falls.
Sunburn and heat-related illness
With warmer temperatures and longer days, many people spend more time outdoors during the spring season. However, spending too much time in the sun can increase the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
Sunburn can be painful and uncomfortable, and it also increases the risk of skin cancer. Heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be serious and even life-threatening.
It’s important to take steps to protect yourself from the sun and heat, such as wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, staying hydrated, and taking breaks in the shade or indoors. By being proactive, you can enjoy the outdoors safely during the spring season.
Bites and stings
Bites and stings from insects can be a common occurrence during the spring season, especially as people spend more time outdoors. While many insect bites and stings are harmless and cause only mild irritation, others can be more serious and lead to an allergic reaction or infection.
When possible, take steps to avoid insect bites and stings, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent. If a bite or sting does occur, it’s important to monitor the area for signs of infection or allergic reaction and seek medical attention if necessary.
Overuse injuries
Spring is a popular time for people to ramp up their exercise routines after a long winter, but overdoing it can lead to overuse injuries like tendonitis, shin splints, and stress fractures. It’s important to gradually increase your activity level and listen to your body to avoid these types of injuries.
How to prevent common spring injuries
Preventing injuries is always better than treating them after the fact. When it comes to spring injuries, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of getting hurt.
First, it’s important to stay active throughout the year, rather than suddenly jumping into strenuous activities once the weather warms up. This helps your body adjust to the increased activity level and reduces the risk of injury. Warming up before physical activity, wearing protective gear, and staying hydrated can all help prevent injuries.
Another way to prevent spring injuries is to be aware of potential hazards and take steps to avoid them. For example, wearing the right footwear and being aware when you walk on uneven surfaces can help prevent ankle sprains and other foot injuries.
Taking precautions to avoid insect bites, such as using bug spray and wearing long sleeves and pants in wooded areas, can also help reduce the risk of allergic reactions and other insect-related injuries.
Finally, you should always seek medical attention if you experience an injury rather than trying to tough it out or self-diagnose it. Delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications and a longer recovery time. By taking these preventative measures, you can reduce the risk of injury and enjoy the gorgeous spring weather.
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
Sports & Pain
in Sports Medicine, Sports Related InjuriesGradual Return to Activity
For musculoskeletal injuries, a gradual return to exercise is key. This involves:
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
Torn MCL Average Recovery Time
in Knee Injuries, Knee Pain, Knee SurgeryArticle featured on Summit Orthopedics
MCL stands for medial collateral ligament. It’s a ligament on the inside of the knee. Like all ligaments, the MCL is a strong, tough band of tissue that connects one bone to another bone. Physical Therapist, Josh Feeney talks about the recovery time for a MCL tear and whether surgery is needed.
What is an MCL tear?
Although an MCL tear can happen to anyone, athletes are most at risk. It can happen when an athlete suddenly twists or changes direction. It can also happen when something hits the athlete’s knee. Sports like football, basketball, rugby, volleyball, and skiing can result in MCL tears. MCL tears are the most common knee ligament injury.
MCL tears are classified as “partial” or “complete.” In a partial MCL tear, the ligament has torn partway, but some of the ligament’s fibers remain attached. In a complete tear, the ligament has snapped, fully separating into two pieces.
What are the symptoms of an MCL tear?
Symptoms of an MCL tear include:
What is a torn MCL treatment and recovery time?
If you suspect you’ve torn or damaged your MCL, the first thing to do is to get it evaluated by an orthopedic specialist. Your provider will conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests, like an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.
Surgery is not always required, and in fact, many people recover from a torn MCL with conservative measures. Treatment options for a torn MCL include:
“Because MCL tears can take some time to heal, the flexibility and strength of the knee may begin to decrease. This is when PT can play a larger part in not only giving you ways to combat this, but also to identify what areas may be weak or tight,” said physical therapist Josh Feeney, DPT, OCS, CGFI.
“Many times, we think of an MCL as just needing to heal and then we return to sport or activity. But what happens in those weeks of recovery when you aren’t able to be as active?”
MCL tear recovery time varies depending on how severe the tear is and whether or not you had surgery to repair the tear:
“You want your knee to be strong and flexible when your MCL heals, so you can return back to activity without as much fear of reinjury,” Feeney said. “PT can significantly improve this outcome.” Your specific recovery time will depend on your unique injury.
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
Can Surgery Help Your Knee Arthritis?
in Arthritis, Knee Injuries, Knee PainArticle featured on Arkansas Surgical Hospital
Knee arthritis is a common condition that typically leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the knee joint. If your knee arthritis has caused substantial damage to the cartilage or bone, you may need surgery. An orthopedic surgeon can take out the damaged portions of the knee joint, remove bone spurs, and repair torn ligaments.
What Causes Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint. Cartilage damage can be caused by injury or wear and tear from aging, also known as osteoarthritis. It can also result from diseases that cause painful swelling in your joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis.
When the cartilage in your knee breaks down, it leaves the bones in the joint unprotected. This can result in swelling, pain, and stiffness in your knee. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you have severe symptoms that haven’t responded well to other treatments.
Symptoms of Knee Arthritis
The symptoms of knee arthritis can vary from person to person, but often include:
Pain from knee arthritis can be felt in different areas of your knee, depending on where your joint is affected. Treatment for knee arthritis depends on the extent and location of the damage to your cartilage.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Knee Arthritis
There are a number of non-surgical treatments for knee arthritis. These include:
Discuss your options with your doctor to decide which treatment for knee arthritis is best for your situation.
Surgery for Knee Arthritis
While non-surgical treatments may improve function and provide pain relief in some cases of knee arthritis, surgery is sometimes necessary.
There are three main types of surgery for knee arthritis:
Your surgeon will determine which procedure is best for reducing your symptoms and improving your knee function. The specific procedure you undergo will depend on the severity of your arthritis and where the damage is located in your knee.
During a surgery for knee arthritis, your surgeon will make an incision over or near the site of the damage to perform any necessary repairs or removal of inflamed tissue. In some cases, your surgeon may use arthroscopic equipment to view and fix the damage in your knee.
Recovering from Surgery for Knee Arthritis
Depending on your surgeon’s recommendation and how bad your arthritis is, you may require six weeks or more off work after a major knee surgery. How long you’ll need to use crutches or a walker/cane depends on the severity of the damage to your knee and any other medical concerns you have that might affect your recovery.
Rehabilitation after knee surgery typically lasts between three to six months. It includes physical therapy and exercise to get you back to your previous levels of strength and mobility. If you don’t stick with rehabilitation, there’s a chance your pain could come back, so it’s important to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions as you recover.
Do You Need Surgery for Knee Arthritis?
Severe knee pain can make simple tasks difficult to complete and keep you from doing things you enjoy. If you’re living with knee arthritis, it might be time to call your doctor and see the best treatment options for you.
The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.
Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.
Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.
If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.
Phone:
503-224-8399
Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209
Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm