What is Cubital Tunnel Syndrome?

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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

 

Walking or Running: Which Is Better for Your Health?

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Article featured on Healthline

Walking and running both provide several health benefits. The best option for you depends on your health goals, mobility, and personal preference. Read on to learn more about both options. Walking and running are both excellent forms of cardiovascular exercise. Neither is necessarily “better” than the other. The choice that’s best for you depends on your fitness and health goals.

If you’re looking to burn more calories or lose weight fast, running is a better choice. But walking can also offer numerous benefits for your health, including helping you maintain a healthy weight.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits, risks, and the types of walking and running that fit your health goals.

Benefits of Cardio

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

Inventive Kyphosis Treatment Through Personalized Plan

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Article featured on Rothman Orthopedics

Kyphosis, commonly referred to as a forward curvature of the spine, is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and affect the quality of life. It can result from various factors, including poor posture, spinal abnormalities, or conditions such as osteoporosis. Fortunately, advancements in medical science and personalized treatment plans are revolutionizing the way we address this condition. In this blog post, we will delve into the journey of kyphosis correction and the pioneering personalized treatment plans that are transforming patient outcomes.

Understanding Kyphosis: More Than Just a Hunch

Kyphosis presents as an exaggerated forward rounding of the upper back, often leading to a noticeable hunch. While mild kyphosis may not cause major issues, severe cases can result in pain, breathing difficulties, and limited physical function. This condition can affect individuals of all ages, though it is particularly prevalent among older adults and adolescents experiencing growth spurts.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is crucial in managing kyphosis effectively. Comprehensive evaluations involving physical examinations, patient history, and imaging studies (like X-rays or MRIs) help in determining the severity and underlying causes of the curvature. Recognizing the condition early allows for timely intervention, which can prevent further progression and complications.

Personalized Treatment Plans: A Game Changer

No two patients are the same, and neither are their kyphosis conditions. Personalized treatment plans consider the individual’s specific condition, overall health, and lifestyle. This tailored approach ensures that each patient receives the most effective and appropriate care. Here’s how personalized treatment plans are transforming kyphosis correction:

  • Holistic Assessment: A thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and specific kyphosis characteristics forms the foundation of a personalized treatment plan. This holistic approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s needs. Factors such as the severity of the curvature, the patient’s age, activity level, and overall health are all considered to create a plan that is uniquely suited to the individual.
  • Non-Surgical Interventions: For many patients, non-surgical options are the first line of defense. These may include physical therapy to strengthen the back muscles, improve posture, and increase flexibility. Bracing can also be effective, especially in younger patients whose bones are still growing. Customized exercise programs and ergonomic adjustments can also play a significant role in managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures: Advances in medical technology have led to the development of minimally invasive procedures that can correct kyphosis with reduced recovery times and fewer complications. Techniques such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty involve stabilizing the spine with small incisions, offering a quicker return to normal activities. These procedures are particularly beneficial for older adults or those with osteoporosis, where traditional surgery may carry higher risks.
  • Surgical Solutions: In severe cases where non-surgical methods are insufficient, surgery may be required. Modern surgical techniques are highly precise, aiming to correct the curvature while minimizing risks. Personalized surgical plans ensure that each patient’s unique anatomy and needs are considered, leading to better outcomes. Advanced surgical techniques, including spinal fusion and osteotomy, are tailored to correct the specific type and location of the curvature.
  • Post-Treatment Rehabilitation: Recovery doesn’t end with treatment. Personalized rehabilitation programs, including physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, are essential for maintaining the correction and preventing recurrence. Continuous monitoring and follow-ups ensure that the patient’s progress is on track. Rehabilitation may also involve pain management strategies and patient education to promote long-term spinal 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

Introduction to Muscle Activation Exercises

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Article featured on The Centers for Advanced Orthopedics

Muscle activation exercises are short, isolation exercises that target specific muscles to “wake them up” and prepare them for physical activities. Just like stretching, activation exercises increase blood flow to the muscles and optimize workout results.

Five Activation Exercises Explained

Superman Holds to Activate Your Back– Lie on your stomach and lift your arms, legs, and head off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat for 3 sets.

Push-Ups to Activate Your Chest– Begin on all fours and engage your core. Lower yourself down until your elbows are at a 90-degree angle, then push back up. Do 5-10 push-ups and repeat for 3 sets.

Band Pull Aparts to Activate Your Shoulders– Stand tall with good posture, hold the resistance band, and begin to pull the band apart. Repeat the exercise 10 times for 3 sets.

Monster Walks to Activate Your Glutes– With a resistance band around your ankles, take wide steps laterally and engage your glutes and core. Repeat for a total of 2 sets in each direction.

Walking Lunges to Activate Your Quads– Take a big step forward with your right foot, ensuring your core is engaged as you lower your back knee toward the floor. Rise to a standing position and repeat with the other leg.

How to Perform Activation Exercises

Perform each exercise at a slow tempo, focusing on the moving body part and engaging the targeted muscle group. To advance the exercise, contract the muscles at the peak of the exercise. For some exercises, a resistance band can be used to increase difficulty and muscle activation.

Activation exercises take only a few minutes and can easily fit into your warm-up routine. They are valuable in preparing the muscles for physical activities and optimizing workout results.

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 Summer Injuries in Adults

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Article featured on BenchMark Physical Therapy

As the warmer months arrive and the days get longer and sunnier, Americans are eager to make the most of the summer season. For many, that means resuming favorite outdoor sports and recreation activities and venturing out to explore new and familiar destinations.

But summer fun often comes with the added risk of injury. Emergency rooms across the nation report an uptick in visits during June, July, and August—more than 40,000 every day in fact. Here are the most common summer injuries in adults and tips to prevent them for a safe and memorable season.

Heat-Related Illness

In the United States and across North America, record-high temperatures are becoming more frequent, directly impacting human health. Extreme heat events pose a significant threat to human life. According to the CDC, more than 67,000 people visit emergency rooms annually for heat and more than 9,000 are hospitalized.

What is Heat-Related Illness?

Heat-related illness is an umbrella term that refers to several serious health conditions caused by exposure to prolonged or abnormal heat and humidity levels without relief.

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms and cramps during or after intense physical activity in the heat. Heat cramps are the mildest type of heat illness, and generally improve with rest and hydration.

Heat exhaustion is more serious and occurs when the body loses salt and water from excessive sweating without replacing fluids and salt. As a result, the body is unable to cool itself. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, cold, pale, clammy skin, nausea/vomiting, headache, or dizziness.

Heat stroke is the most serious type of heat illness that develops when the body’s internal regulating system is overwhelmed by high heat. A high body temperature, hot, red, dry or damp skin, dizziness, headache, and confusion are all potential signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Tips to prevent heat illness:

  • Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, not only during physical activity.
  • Wear light, breathable clothing on scorching summer days.
  • Plan sports and vigorous activities for the coolest time of the day.
  • Always use sun protection sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and UPF clothing.
  • Warm up and cool down before and after intense activity.
  • Stay indoors on extremely hot and humid days.

Sports Injuries

Many adults have more free time to resume their favorite hobbies in the summer months. Plus, the weather is more conducive to outdoor fun playing golf, tennis, pickleball and other sports. But if it’s been a few months since you’ve dusted off that racquet, take proper precautions to safely return to exercise this summer.

Common sports injuries include:

  • Fractures: partial or complete break in any of the bones of the body from repeated stress or a single trauma
  • Dislocations: separation of two bones where they meet at the joint, often from a direct blow to the body from a fall or contact sport
  • Strains: tears or overstretching of the tendons that attach muscle to bone, or in the muscles themselves
  • Sprains: tears or overstretching of the fibrous connective ligaments that connect bones to other bones
  • Overuse injuries: damage to bone, ligaments, tendons, or muscles caused by repetitive stress on those structures

Sports Injury Prevention Tips

As we age, the body becomes more prone to musculoskeletal injuries, and it takes longer to recover from them. Prevention is key. Pre- and post-workout stretches prepare the body for activity and lower body temperature and heart rate after it to signal the body to begin the recovery process.

Adding some variety into your summer workout routine is also good for injury prevention. Cross-training allows you to focus on different muscle groups to avoid overuse injuries that can put a damper on your summer plans.

Hydration for Injury Prevention

Proper hydration aids with cooling down after activity, and it helps with circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body to enhance recovery. Hydration also keeps the joints properly lubricated to reduce injuries and improve range of motion.

While the ideal liquid intake varies slightly based on age, weight, and activity level, women should focus on getting at least 11.5 cups (or 2.7 liters) of water per day and men should try to consume 15.5 cups (or 3.7 liters) of water on an average day. Increase fluid intake in hot weather and when recovering from an illness.

Running Injuries

If you are a runner living in an area that experiences a four-season climate, you probably look forward to transitioning from treadmill to the outdoor track when the weather gets warmer.

There are plenty of benefits to walking or running outside. You burn more calories and boost your mood and vitamin D levels to start. But running on concrete is hard on the body’s joints and uneven surfaces increase the risk of falls and fall injuries. If you can, opt for asphalt, pea gravel, or dirt which are all gentler on the body.

If you experience ankle pain, knee pain, or hip pain, take these symptoms as a sign to dial back your running program and schedule a physical therapy appointment. Pain always has something important to tell us. You might have an underlying musculoskeletal injury or anatomical difference that can be overcome with personalized mobility and strengthening exercises.

In addition to stretching and strengthening with your physical therapist hydrating, stretching, and wearing a supportive, well-fitting running shoe can also be effective for preventing common running injuries.

Biking Injuries

Cycling is another activity that requires some care and preparation to move from indoors to outside. However, if you are an avid indoor cyclist, chances are you have already strengthened many of the structures that are vulnerable to injuries: particularly the kneecap (patella), upper and lower legs, ankles, and wrists and forearms.

Yet the risk of a concussion and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from a bike accident increases significantly when you bike outdoors. Wearing a bike helmet reduces your risk of high injury by up to 85%. For helmet safety tips, visit NHTSAs bike helmet fit guide.

Water Injuries

If swimming, boating, or water sports are on your summer bucket list, be mindful of the risks associated with these activities. First, avoid running near pools and other wet surfaces to prevent falls. And never dive in shallow water, as diving accidents are a leading cause of spinal cord injuries.

Drowning occurs in seconds and is often silent. It can happen at any time and any location where there is water. While drowning is a leading cause of death among children ages 1-4, people of all ages and swimming abilities can drown. Those who survive a non-fatal drowning are often left with permanently disabling brain injuries. Fortunately, these injuries and fatalities are preventable.

The American Red Cross water safety guide offers some additional tips to prevent drowning and make water safety a priority for all:

  • Always swim with a buddy.
  • Never swim while impaired by alcohol or other substances.
  • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifeguard jacket when fishing, boating, or using recreational watercraft, even if you do not plan to go in the water.

It is also important to be a “water-watcher” who looks out for others, especially children, who are in the water. The signs of drowning are not as obvious as you might believe. Someone in trouble can be quiet and calm.

If someone is bobbing up and down in the water, holding their arms out to the side or front attempting to “paddle,” and seemingly gasping for air, they may be drowning. Sometimes it is the look of panic that indicates trouble. Always err on the side of caution and provide immediate assistance.

Burns

Summer is the time for barbecues, camping, picnics, and fourth of July fireworks. Fire safety is essential to prevent painful burn injuries.

Always create a safety zone of at least three feet around campfires, grills, and firepits. Use long-handled tools and wear short sleeves when building a fire or cooking on the BBQ. Choose public firework displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.

If you or someone with you is burned, place the injured area in cool water for three to five minutes. Cover it with a dry, sterile cloth. Go to the emergency room for burns longer than the palm of your hand.

What Is Sunburn, and How Can I Prevent It?

Sunburn is skin damage caused by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Initially, the skin feels hot, red, and sore. In the days that follow, the skin begins to peel and heal. Even though the skin appears to heal, a single burn can cause long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Obviously, sunburns are more common during the summer months because we spend more time outside. Protect your skin with UV-resistant clothing, sunscreen, and shade when available. Apply sunscreen liberally and frequently over all exposed areas. Use water-resistant sunscreen if you are planning to swim.

Choose a sunscreen that has the “UVA” logo and has four-star protection against UVA rays which are linked to skin aging. The SPF should be at least SPF30 to protect against UVB rays which are associated with skin burning.

Bites and Stings

Insect bites and stings are another common summer hazard. Other than a bit of soreness, swelling, and itching, these injuries are typically nothing more than a nuisance. However, some people are highly allergic to bee stings or insect bites. Also, ticks, mosquitos, and some other insects can transmit diseases, so it’s best to prevent them as much as possible.

Use insect repellant outdoors and wear long sleeves and pants in areas of high insect activity. Check your body and clothing for ticks after spending time in woody or grassy areas. Keep bites and stings clean and watch for signs of infection.

Treat, Manage, and Prevent Common Summer Injuries with Physical Therapy

Your physical therapist may not be able to relieve your summer insect bites and stings, but they can be highly effective for treating and managing more serious musculoskeletal injuries. We have an extensive array of evidence-based techniques and treatments at our disposal to reduce pain and stiffness and improve the way your body moves and functions.

If you are getting ready to get back into action after a few months off, we can help you too. With targeted exercise therapy, together we will stretch and strengthen your muscles and joints so you can participate in your favorite activities safely and painlessly—while avoiding injuries.

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

Home-Related Injuries

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Article featured on FORM

Home-Related Injuries

According to the National Safety Council, home-related injuries account for nearly 150,000 unintentional deaths each year. Falls are among the top 10 most common home-related injuries.

Falls

Falls are the number one cause of home injuries in the U.S. The two groups most at risk for falls are children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 70. Typical injury symptoms are sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness.

As you age, you become more susceptible to trips, slips and falls because eyesight, hearing, and balance tend to worsen. Medication can also cause imbalance and confusion, which can lead to falls. Slip, trips and falls can cause

How can you prevent falls?

There are simple, practical measures you can take to prevent slips, trips and falls in your house:

  • Clean up spills immediately in the kitchen and bathroom, or on hardwood floors.
  • Clear clutter and obstacles from hallways and walkways.
  • Close cabinet and desk drawers when not in use.
  • Replace burnt out light bulbs promptly.
  • Replace worn-out flooring, loose carpet, slippery throw rugs and wooden floorboards that are sticking up.
  • Install handrails and grab bars on stairways, in the shower, and near the toilet if possible.

To prevent slips and falls as you age, consider these safety tips:

  • Stay physically active to maintain strength, healthy bones and balance.
  • Have your eyesight and hearing checked regularly
  • Know the side effects of your medication. Talk to your doctor if your medicine makes you feel dizzy, sleepy or confused.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Limit how much alcohol you drink.
  • Use a cane or walker as needed, especially when walking in an unknown area or an area with an uneven surface.
  • Wear non-skid shoes.

Cuts

Cuts from kitchen knives or other sharp objects, like scissors, tools, and saws, are another common home-related injury.

How should you treat a minor cut?

If your cut is minor, you can treat it at home. Here are some DOs and DONT’S to follow:

Do —

  • Apply pressure to stop the bleeding and elevate the injured area.
  • Clean the wound with soap and water if you can.
  • Apply some antibacterial ointment or spray to keep it clean.
  • Dress it with a bandage.
  • Reapply antibiotic ointment and a bandage several times a day.
  • Keep a close eye on it to monitor healing.

If your cut doesn’t appear to be healing and is causing you concern, visit your doctor right away.

Don’t —

  • Do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean a wound, as it can damage the tissue.
  • Do not use Steri-Strips at home. If you think you need to use a Steri-Strip, then you probably need stitches.

How do you know if you need stitches?

It is not always easy to tell if a cut will need stitches or not, so here are some guidelines to help you make that decision. You or a loved one should get stitches:

  • If the cut is deep enough to expose deeper tissue, bone, etc.
  • If the wound is gaping open and you can’t press the edges together.
  • If the wound is located on or across a joint (you may have damaged nerves, tendons, or ligaments as well).
  • If a foreign object, such as a stick or piece of metal is stuck in the wound.
    (Caution: Don’t remove any foreign objects from a wound, as you don’t know what the foreign object has struck underneath–such as an artery.)
  • If the cut is large, maybe more than a few inches in size.
  • If you are bleeding profusely (and flow doesn’t appear to slow).
  • If you were cut or punctured by something that is dirty or contaminated, such as a rusted piece of metal, a dog bite, etc. In such cases, a tetanus booster shot may be required, especially for adults who haven’t had one in the last 10 years.
  • If you are ever uncertain how serious the cut really is, seek immediate medical attention.

Also, note that children who need stitches should not eat or drink anything beforehand, as they may need to be sedated before suturing because they do not typically stay still during the process. If they eat or drink before stitches, it will only delay treatment.

When stitches are required, they should be done within approximately 6 hours to ensure proper healing. At FORM Ortho, we can provide stitches on-site during your appointment.

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 Common Orthopaedic Trauma Injuries & How We Treat Them

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Article featured on MedStar Health

How We Treat Common Othropaedic Trauma Injuries

Lower Extremity Fractures

We see a large number of lower extremity injuries from individuals getting struck by cars, such as a tibial plateau fracture, which occurs when you break the bone on the top part of your tibia, right below your knee. This often happens because a car’s bumper strikes someone from the side at about knee level. Other common lower extremity injuries, such as a femur fracture and pelvic fracture, occur the most in the spring and summer, when people are out riding their motorcycles, bicycles, and motorized scooters.

Treatment for lower extremity fractures typically involves a surgeon realigning a patient’s affected bone and joints to their natural positions and holding them in place with plates and screws in a way that allows for them to heal properly.

While bones typically take about three months to heal, the hardware we insert during surgery sometimes is strong enough to support patients’ weight, allowing them to walk right after surgery. But speak to your doctor to see what to expect from your surgery, as some fractures, such as those close to joints, need to be fixed with hardware that is not designed to support the patient’s weight, resulting in people waiting weeks to months to put weight on their legs. Once patients are able to bear weight again, physical therapists can help them with strength and flexibility exercises to minimize stiffness and regain muscle loss. Social workers also can help patients plan for disability insurance or any time off work while they recover.

Wrist Injuries

We often see individuals with wrist injuries after they try to catch themselves when they slip and fall. This is especially common during the winter months, when snow and ice are on the ground. One of the most common wrist injuries we see is a fractured distal radius (broken wrist).

Treatment for a distal radius fracture typically involves patients either wearing a cast for around six weeks to allow the wrist to heal or undergoing surgery to better align the wrist and stabilize it  in order for it to heal properly.

Bones That Don’t Heal Properly

Some people are referred to us by their primary care doctors or other orthopaedic specialists because they’re having complications from previous fractures, such as a bone healing crookedly or not healing at all (nonunion).

To treat a nonunion, we first try to identify whether the patient’s bones aren’t receiving enough blood supply or the patient is lacking vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, which are necessary for proper bone healing. If neither is the case, we typically can get the bone to begin healing by retrieving bone from another part of the body and inserting it into the fracture site of the bone that isn’t healing properly.  We may need to also stabilize the bone differently from what was tried initially.

For bones that heal crookedly, we may need to cut the bone to realign it to the proper position.  We then stabilize it to hold it in that position. Depending on the situation, this can be performed all on the inside of the body or by using a system on the outside of the body that connects with a computer program.

Bone Infections

Some patients are referred to us because of osteomyelitis, a complicated bone infection. Osteomyelitis often can occur after trauma and can affect any bone. Without the proper treatment, osteomyelitis can spread to the tissues near the bone, kill the bone, and prevent any fractures from healing.

We treat these bone infections with surgery in which we open up the bone, remove as much of the infection as possible, and prescribe the patient antibiotics to both kill any remaining traces of the infection and keep it away long-term.

Can You Prevent Orthopaedic Trauma Injuries?

Unfortunately, many orthopedic trauma injuries are due to random events, such as someone running a red light and hitting another person’s car. There isn’t much we can do to prevent these types of events.

But it’s possible for you to avoid some traumatic injuries by carefully selecting what activities you want to participate in and understanding your physical limits. If you’re riding a motorcycle or bicycle, for example, make sure you’re moving at a safe pace and are always aware of your surroundings. If you’re on a ski trip, don’t ski on the hardest trail without having the appropriate skill level.

What Should People Do in an Emergency?

If an individual experiences an orthopaedic trauma injury, such as a severely injured limb, call 911 right away to request an ambulance. While the ambulance is on the way, it’s important for the injured person to stay calm and keep the affected arm or leg still. This can not only reduce the pain but also help prevent further injury to the soft tissues surrounding the injured bones. If there’s newspaper or cardboard nearby, try rolling it up to form a makeshift splint.

If someone has an open fracture—when there’s an open wound or break in the skin near the broken bone, what used to be referred to as a compound fracture—or has any injury that causes excessive bleeding, applying pressure on the area helps reduce the bleeding while they wait for emergency medical professionals to arrive.

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 Does Exercising Keep the Brain Young?

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Article featured on MedicalNewsToday

Exercise greatly benefits brain health, improving cognition, mood and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Several new studies have demonstrated the profound impact of exercise on various biological systems, further explaining its ability to enhance health and fight disease. In this Special Feature, we explore the most recent research on how exercise can protect brain health as we age.

Exercise is linked to increased muscle strength, improved heart health, lower blood sugar and numerous other health benefits.

Activities such as running on a treadmill, biking up a steep hill, lifting weights or taking a brisk lunchtime walk offer a wide range of advantages that go beyond enhancing physical appearance or stamina.

Evidence from studies suggests that regular physical activity could boost mood, alleviate stress, and sharpen cognitive function, underscoring the deep connection between body and mind.

However, different people can respond quite differently to various forms of exercise, such as aerobic workouts or strength training.

While it is well-known that regular exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, some older research has suggested that intense exercise might have negative effects.

More recent research, however, showed that elite athletes experienced slightly extended life expectancies over the decades.

Exercise significantly enhances brain health by improving cognition, mood and by reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases through promoting neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity.

What does the latest evidence and expert opinion have to say about the ways in which regular physical activity helps maintain brain, as well as general, health as we age?

How exercise affects the body at the molecular level

In a new collaborative effort led by Stanford Medicine, researchers have explored the underlying mechanisms through which exercise promotes overall health, particularly brain health.

By understanding how exercise affects different organs at the molecular level, health care providers could tailor exercise recommendations more effectively.

This knowledge could also pave the way for developing drug therapies that mimic the benefits of exercise for those who are unable to engage in physical activity.

The study — whose findings appear in Nature — involved nearly 10,000 measurements across almost 20 types of tissues to examine the impact of 8 weeks of endurance exercise in lab rats trained to run on tiny treadmills.

Its conclusion reveals remarkable effects of exercise on the immune system, stress response, energy production and metabolism.

The researchers identified significant connections between exercise and molecules and genes that are already known to be involved in numerous human diseases and tissue recovery.

How endurance training affects the body

The Nature study examined the effects of 8 weeks of endurance training on various biological systems, including gene expression (the transcriptome), proteins (the proteome), fats (the lipidome), metabolites (the metabolome), DNA chemical tags (the epigenome) and the immune system.

The researchers conducted analyses on different tissues in rats trained to run increasing distances and compared these with the tissues of sedentary rats.

They focused on mitochondria in the leg muscles, the heart, liver, kidney, white adipose tissue — which accumulates as body fat — as well as lungs, brain, and brown adipose tissue — a metabolically active fat that burns calories.

This comprehensive approach generated hundreds of thousands of results for non-epigenetic changes and over 2 million distinct epigenetic changes in the mitochondria, providing a rich database for future research.

Alongside the primary goal of creating a database, some notable findings emerged. For instance, the expression of mitochondrial genes changed with exercise across different tissues.

Researchers found that training upregulated genes in the mitochondria of skeletal muscle of rats that are downregulated in the mitochondria in the skeletal muscle of individuals with type 2 diabetes.

They also showed that training upregulated genes in the mitochondria in the livers of rats, that are down regulated in people with cirrhosis.

These two findings suggest that endurance training may help improve muscular function in diabetes, as well as boost liver health.

Does biological sex affect how we respond to exercise?

Finally, the researchers identified sex differences in how male and female rats’ tissues responded to exercise.

After 8 weeks, male rats lost about 5% of their body fat, while female rats did not lose a significant amount. However, the female rats maintained their initial fat percentage, whereas sedentary females gained an additional 4% body fat during the study.

The most dynamic difference was in mitochondrial gene expression after exercise in rats was in the adrenal glands.

The study authors propose that differences observed due to exercise are largely due to changes in mitochondrial genetic expression in organs and tissues responsible for maintaining energy balance.

Exercise’s rejuvenating effect on immune cells

Another study, this time completed by a research group from The University of Queensland in Australia, and published in Aging CellTrusted Source, demonstrated how exercise might deter or decelerate cognitive decline as individuals age.

Researchers examined gene expression in individual brain cells of mice, discovering that exercise profoundly influences gene expression in microglia, the immune cells supporting brain function in the central nervous system.

Specifically, exercise reverted the gene expression patterns of aged microglia to patterns akin to those seen in young microglia.

Experiments depleting microglia demonstrated their necessity for the beneficial effects of exercise on the creation of new neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region vital for memory, learning and emotion.

This study also revealed that providing mice access to a running wheel prevented or reduced the presence of T cells in the hippocampus as they aged.

These immune cells are typically absent in the youthful brain but increase with age.

Co-corresponding author Jana Vukovic, PhD, assistant professor and head of the neuroimmunology and cognition laboratory at The University of Queensland, explained the key findings to Medical News Today.

Vukovic explained that: “[T]he aging process affects all of the different cell types in the brain with the greatest impact on the resident immune cells: microglia. Importantly, exercise reverts the microglial gene profile back to their youthful state.”

Understanding how exercise supports brain health “is a key question for many scientists globally,” Vukovic noted, adding that she and her colleagues “propose that exercise alters the immune landscape in the ageing brain and therefore enables the immune cells to continue to support nerve cell function.”

Exercise strengthens brain cell connections

Ryan Glatt, CPT, NBC-HWC, senior brain health coach and director of the FitBrain Program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, not involved in these studies, told MNT they “underscore the multifaceted benefits of exercise on brain health, particularly through gene regulation, mitochondrial function, and immune response.”

“They offer valuable insights by merging molecular biology with practical health interventions for aging populations,” he added.

For example, “exercise enhances synaptic plasticity and blood flow while reducing inflammation and increasing the expression of neurotrophic factors like BDNFTrusted Source,” Glatt explained. “These effects can synergistically improve memory, learning, and overall brain health.”

The best forms of exercise for a healthy aging brain

Vukovic noted that “there are ongoing studies to optimise exercise programs for elderly; however, Pilates is a good starting point for those who are looking to engage their muscles.”

Glatt agreed, adding that “aerobic exercises like cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and balance exercises are particularly beneficial to brain health, in both shared and unique ways.”

“Activities combining physical and cognitive challenges, like dance or tai chi, can be especially effective for certain aspects of brain health,” Glatt said.

Nevertheless, he cautioned that: “While exercise benefits brain health, individual variability due to genetics and baseline health can affect outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the long-term sustainability and optimal exercise types and intensities for different populations.”

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
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8:00am – 4:30pm

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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

How Exercising Safely Contributes to Orthopedic Health and Injury Prevention

in ,

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