Downside of Dog Walking: Fractures and Head Injuries

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Article featured on MedicineNet

Walking your dog gets you moving and out in the fresh air, but head injuries and fractures are very real possibilities, especially for older dog owners, researchers say.

The most common injury from walking a leashed dog that sends folks to the ER is fractured fingers, a new study from Johns Hopkins University found.

But traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the second-most common injury adults suffer while walking a leashed dog. The third most common injury is shoulder sprain or strain.

“According to a 2021-2022 national pet ownership survey, nearly 53% of U.S. households own at least one dog,” said study co-author Ridge Maxson, a third-year medical student.

“Dog ownership also increased significantly in recent years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although dog walking is a common daily activity for many adults, few studies have characterized its injury burden. We saw a need for more comprehensive information about these kinds of incidents,” Maxson said in a university news release.

Women and all adults age 65 and older are more likely than others to sustain serious injuries, the research team found.

Researchers hope doctors will discuss these potential threats with their dog-loving patients.

“Clinicians should be aware of these risks and convey them to patients, especially women and older adults,” said co-author Dr. Edward McFarland, director of the division of shoulder and elbow surgery at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

“We encourage clinicians to screen for pet ownership, assess fracture and fall risk and discuss safe dog walking practices at regular health maintenance visits for these vulnerable groups,” McFarland said in the release. “Despite our findings, we also strongly encourage people to leash their dogs wherever it is legally required.”

For the study, researchers used data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, operated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here are some of the findings:

  • More than 422,000 adults sought treatment in U.S. emergency rooms for injuries related to dog walking between 2001 and 2020.
  • Nearly half of all patients were ages 40 to 64. About 75% of patients were women.
  • Most of the injuries happened when they fell after being pulled by, tangled in or tripped by their dog’s leash.
  • In adults ages 65 and older, TBI and hip fracture were the two most common injuries.
  • Injured women were 50% more likely than men to sustain a fracture.
  • Older dog walkers were more than three times as likely to experience a fall. They were also more than twice as likely to have a fracture and 60% more likely to sustain a TBI.

The brain injuries included concussions and non-concussive internal head injuries, which can include a bruise of the brain tissue, bleeding above the brain’s outer membrane and bleeding beneath the brain’s outer membrane.

Annual incidence of injuries due to leashed dog walking more than quadrupled over the 20 years, the study found. Reasons may include increased dog ownership rates and how dog walking is promoted for improving fitness.

This doesn’t mean stop walking your dog, just use precautions and proper footwear and leashes to be careful while you’re out with your dog!

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Meniscus Tears and Surgical Treatments for Sports-Related Injury

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Article featured on NY Orthopedics

A torn meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries found in athletes. These types of injuries commonly occur when the athlete twists their knee. Most meniscus tears are primarily found in athletes who perform in contact sports like football and rugby. However, active basketball players, skiers, and volleyball players are also at risk.

Below you’ll find some common symptoms of a torn meniscus, how to treat it, and the best and quickest ways to recover.

What Are the Common Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

Your meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between your shinbone and thighbone. It’s often referred to as the knee’s shock absorber, reducing the impact on your joint every time your foot makes contact with the surface.

Patients With a Torn Meniscus Report Experiencing:

  • A popping sensation in their knee
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Discomfort turning their knee
  • Knees locking into place
  • Difficulty straightening the knee
  • Instability

Meniscus Tears in Athletes

In many cases, a torn meniscus will heal over time. Rest, medication, and physical therapy can speed recovery times in those cases where surgery is not necessary. In more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to repair the meniscus. This is more common in cases where the knee has locked into place.

Can You Play Sports With a Torn Meniscus

You should not continue to play sports if you are experiencing any torn meniscus symptoms. In fact, you should avoid any activity that may cause the knee to twist. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve listed above, contact one of our qualified knee specialists for an examination as soon as possible to determine if they are related to a meniscus tear.

What Natural Methods Can I Perform to Heal a Torn Meniscus?

If your doctor chooses a non-surgical approach to heal your meniscus tear, they will likely recommend a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, otherwise known as R.I.C.E.

  1. Rest – Keep off your knee as much as possible for the next couple of days. Putting pressure on your knee could aggravate your symptoms and limit your recovery time.
  2. Ice – Place an ice pack on your knee for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day to reduce any swelling.
  3. Compression – Your doctor may recommend a wrap or brace to stabilize your knee until it fully heals.
  4. Elevation – Try to sit or lay back and elevate your knee above your heart. This will promote blood flow toward your heart which will aid in recovery.

What is the Recovery Time for Non-Surgical Torn Meniscus Treatments?

With any treatments, recovery can last around six to eight weeks; however, even minor tears may take longer to heal.

Torn Meniscus Surgery

In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. There are three main procedures a specialist may perform.

  • Meniscus Repair – Your surgeon will perform an arthroscopy to determine the extent of the tear. From there, the surgeon will sew the torn pieces of the menisci back together.
  • Trimming the Meniscus – Through an arthroscopy, a surgeon will trim back and remove any damaged cartilage, leaving the healthy cartilage intact.
  • Meniscus Transplant – In some cases, a surgeon may choose to replace the meniscus with a healthy one from a donor. A patient must often meet several criteria to qualify for this type of treatment.

What is the Recovery Time For Torn Meniscus Surgery?

Recovery times can vary depending on the extent of the surgery. However, a healthy estimate is anywhere from six weeks to three months.

What are the Best Exercises After Meniscus Tear Surgery?

Your doctor will likely recommend light exercises to promote healing and improve your range of motion as you fully heal from your meniscus surgery. Here is just a sample of the types of torn meniscus exercises your doctor may recommend:

Hamstring Contractions:

Lie on your back with your knees bent and pull your heels in, tightening the muscles behind your thigh. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times.

Straight Leg Raises:

Lying on your back, lift your outstretched leg about six inches off the ground. Hold for five seconds before lowering. Repeat ten times.

Standing Leg Raises:

Stand up using a railing or table for support. Slowly lift your leg forward, raising it about four to six inches off the ground. Gently lower your leg. Repeat ten times.

Can I Still Play Sports After Meniscus Surgery?

While each meniscus tear is different, the vast majority of patients who receive treatment will experience full mobility after treatment is complete. Athletes can continue playing the sports they love and stay competitive.

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Common Dance Injuries and Prevention Tips

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Article featured on Johns Hopkins Medicine

Dance may look effortless, but it requires a lot of strength, flexibility and stamina. It also comes with a high risk of injuries. Whether you are a dancer, the parent of a dancer or a dance teacher, you should be aware of the most common dance injuries and learn how to avoid them.

Johns Hopkins performing arts physical therapists Andrea Lasner and Amanda Greene share valuable information about dance injury treatments and prevention tips. Lasner and Greene, both dancers, have turned their love for the art into a means of helping injured dancers.

What are some common dance injuries?

A few studies that looked into dance injuries found that injuries from using your joints and muscles too much (overuse injuries) are the most common in dancers. The majority of these overuse injuries involve an ankle, leg, foot or lower back. Some common dance injuries are:

  • Hip injuries: snapping hip syndrome, hip impingement, labral tears, hip flexor tendonitis, hip bursitis and sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • Foot and ankle injuries: Achilles tendonitis, trigger toe and ankle impingement
  • Knee injuries: patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Stress fractures: metatarsals, tibia, sesamoids and lumbar spine
  • Dancers are also likely to develop arthritis in the knee, hip, ankle and foot

Generally, dancers have a much lower rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries than other athletes. One explanation could be that dance training involves much more intense jumping from an earlier age than other sports, which helps improve muscle control.

How do I know if the pain is from an injury?

In most cases, the pain you experience after dancing is muscle soreness that usually subsides within 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes, it takes a few days for muscles to get sore, which is also normal. However, if you experience the following types of pain, you may have suffered an injury:

  • Pain that wakes you up at night
  • Pain that is present at the start of an activity
  • Pain that increases with an activity
  • Pain that makes you shift your weight or otherwise compensate your movements

If you experience such pain, consult with a medical specialist — preferably a physical therapist or physician with experience in treating dancers. They will be able to determine whether additional testing is needed and will formulate an appropriate treatment plan.

Why do dance injuries happen?

Dance is a physically demanding activity. Dancers perform repetitive movements for several hours a day. Studies have shown that dancing five hours a day or longer leads to an increased risk of stress fractures and other injuries.

On top of the intensive training, many dancers get little time to recover between the sessions and have no “offseason.” Restrictive diets and unhealthy body weights may also contribute to dance injuries. Proper nutrition is important for dancers of all ages.

How do dancers get ankle sprains?

Ankle sprains are the number one traumatic injury in dancers. Traumatic injuries are different from overuse injuries as they happen unexpectedly. When an ankle is sprained, ligaments on the inside or outside of your foot get twisted or overstretched and may experience tears. Ankle sprains often happen due to improper landing from a jump, misaligned ankles (when they roll in or out) or poorly fitted shoes. Torn ligaments never heal to their preinjury condition. Once you’ve sprained your ankle, you are at risk of doing it again. It’s important to build muscle strength to prevent further injuries.

Dance Injury Prevention

How can dance injuries be prevented?

The majority of overuse injuries and even some traumatic dance injuries can be prevented. Follow these guidelines to reduce your risk of injury:

  • Eat well and stay hydrated before, during and after class.
  • Get enough rest and avoid overtraining.
  • Do cross-training exercises to build strength and endurance in all parts of your body.
  • Always wear proper shoes and attire.
  • Always warm-up before training or performances.
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle and get to know your body.

When injuries happen, address them immediately and get advice from a doctor or physical therapist.

What are good cross-training exercises for dancers?

Core and hip strengthening exercises like Pilates and stability-based yoga are great for dancers. And so are aerobic and cardiovascular activities, such as running, swimming or biking. They get your heart rate up and help build stamina for long performances.

Many dancers don’t do enough cardio during their regular training. Just 30 minutes three to four times a week is usually enough to improve your endurance. As always, do this in moderation and in short intervals to avoid stressing your joints. Being screened by a physical therapist with experience treating dancers will help you identify individual areas of weakness to address with specific exercises.

How much rest should a dancer get?

While many experts stress the importance of proper rest, there are no specific guidelines on the frequency and amount of rest. However, we know that dancing five hours a day or longer is linked to an increased risk of injury. It is also known that intense activity leads to microdamage, which peaks in recovery 12 to 14 hours after a workout. So it would make sense to take the next day off after a high-intensity activity. Dancers should work at their highest intensity a couple of times per week and then take at least two days off, preferably in a row. Also, a three- to four-week period of rest after the season is ideal for recovery.

Dance Injury Treatment

Should I ice or heat after a dance injury?

If it’s a sudden injury, it’s best to apply ice first to reduce swelling and inflammation. RICE treatment is a common approach that involves rest, ice, compression and elevation. After a few days, you can switch to heat to increase blood flow to the area and promote healing. However, every person is different. If you feel that ice helps you better than heat, then there is nothing wrong with continuing to ice. But be careful not to ice before dancing or stretching, because you want those muscles to be warmed up to prevent re-injury.

What are my treatment options for a dance injury?

It depends on the type of injury, your level as a dancer and many other factors. For example, for traumatic injuries like ankle sprains, your doctor may recommend RICE, joint protection and physical therapy. For stress fractures you may need to limit weight on your foot by using crutches, wearing a leg brace or walking boots. Surgery is typically used as the last resort. It is best to discuss your treatment options with a doctor who specializes in dance injuries. And if you are working with a physical therapist, make sure he or she is experienced in treating dancers. A big part of physical therapy is correcting the training technique that led to the injury. Otherwise, you risk hurting yourself again by making the same mistake.

What should be in the first aid kit for dance injuries?

Your regular first aid kit might already have many of the essentials for handling a medical emergency. However, when it comes to common dance injuries, you may want to include a few additional items, such as:

  • Instant cold pack
  • Pre-wrap and athletic tape (if qualified providers are available to apply)
  • Elastic bandages (to be used only for compression, not support while dancing)
  • Crutches
  • Topical pain reliever

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

Common Injuries in Baseball and How to Treat Them

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Article featured on NY Orthopedics

While it doesn’t share the same level of physical intensity as football or hockey, there are still several common baseball injuries that can place you on the bench indefinitely.

Explore some of the most common injuries in baseball to look out for and how our qualified specialists can help you take the field at 100%!

Torn Rotator Cuff

Your rotator cuff helps stabilize and control movement in your shoulder. Throwing a baseball over and over puts a lot of stress on the muscles and tendons that make up the rotator cuff. While this injury is most common in pitchers, any player is at risk of a tear.

Small tears can cause significant shoulder pain in your rotator cuff, making it difficult to throw a ball properly. More extreme tears can lead to severe immobility and pain that can put you out for a season – or your entire career – so it’s important to address these types of tears early.

Surgery is often required to address rotator cuff tears. Debridement, a surgical procedure that removes dead or damaged tissue, is a common way to address partial tears. For more severe tears, a sports medicine specialist may need to reattach the torn tendon to the upper arm. Recover time for this type of procedure takes around 6-12 weeks.

Labrum Tear

Tearing of the labrum, the thin layer of cartilage that covers your shoulder socket, is one of the most common baseball injuries that affect players. This is another injury you can sustain by repeatedly throwing a ball over time. As a result, pitchers tend to be the most at risk.

Minor labrum tears won’t often cause too much discomfort. However, major tears can lead to shoulder pain, swelling, instability and difficulty throwing a ball. Often, minor tears will rectify on their own with plenty of rest and anti-inflammatories. Several different surgical procedures are designed to repair more severe tears, which consist of removing any damaged tissue and, in some cases, reattaching the torn labrum back to the bone. Labrum tear surgeries tend to have a log recovery time, around 3-6 months.

Thrower’s Elbow

Thrower’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, occurs when there’s damage to the tendons that connect the wrist to the palm. Damage occurs when players repeatedly flex and extend their forearm, which is common when throwing a baseball. Players that experience this condition will undergo pain along the inside of the elbow and forearm.

In most cases, Thrower’s Elbow will resolve itself with rest and anti-inflammatories. More severe cases may require steroid injections or surgery where a specialist will cut the tendon and remove any scar tissue. It may take around 4-6 months to return to the game.

UCL Sprains

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) is situated in the inner part of the elbow and helps to provide stability – especially when throwing a baseball. UCL tears are one of the most common baseball injuries that affect pitchers since repeatedly throwing a baseball at high-velocity places stress on the UCL. Over time, the UCL will weaken, causing small to large tears that can hinder movement and affect the accuracy of throws.

Surgical reconstruction is often the best way to rectify both major and minor tears, as minor ones often take very long to heal on their own. UCL reconstruction is so common in professional baseball, they nicknamed the procedure “Tommy John surgery,” after the famous pitcher who played in the MLB for 26 seasons and underwent the surgery in 1974. Recovery times for this procedure can be extensive, taking as long as 2 years before you can get back to your peak performance.

Hand & Wrist Injuries

While many don’t consider baseball a high-contact sport, wrists and hands are still prone to impacts that can cause injuries like dislocations, sprains, bruising and more. Hand and wrist pain associated with these injuries can range from mild to severe.

Rest and icing the area should be enough for the vast majority of these types of injuries. For injured fingers, it’s best to see a qualified sport medicine specialist so they can tape and stabilize the injury properly. Most common injuries will heal within 2-10 weeks.

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, 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 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 Are the Most Common Cycling Injuries and How Can They Be Prevented?

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Article featured on UR Medicine

Knee Pain

The knee is the most common site for overuse injuries in cycling. Patellofemoral syndrome (cyclist’s knee), patella and quandriceps tendinitis, medial plica syndrome, and iliotibial band friction syndrome are a few of the more common knee overuse injuries. The first four injuries mentioned involve pain around the kneecap, while the last condition results in outer knee pain. Shoe implants, wedges beneath the shoes, and cleat positions may help prevent some overuse injuries.

Head Injuries

One of the most common injuries suffered by cyclists is a head injury, which can be anything from a cut on the cheek to traumatic brain injury. Wearing a helmet may reduce the risk for head injury by 85 percent. The majority of states have no laws governing the use of helmets while riding a bicycle, but helmets are readily available for purchase and typically low in cost.

Neck/Back Pain

Cyclists most likely experience pain in the neck when they stay in one riding position for too long. An easy way to avoid this pain is by doing shoulder shrugs and neck stretches that help relieve neck tension. Improper form also leads to injuries. If the handlebars are too low, cyclists may have to round their backs, thus putting strain on the neck and back. Tight hamstrings and/or hip flexor muscles can also cause cyclists to round or arch the back, which causes the neck to hyperextend. Stretching these muscles on a regular basis will create flexibility and make it easier to maintain proper form. Changing the grip on the handlebars takes the stress off of over-used muscles and redistributes pressure to different nerves.

Wrist/Forearm Pain or Numbness

Cyclists should ride with their elbows slightly bent (never with their arms locked or straight). When they hit bumps in the road, bent elbows will act as shock absorbers. This is also where changing hand positions will help reduce pain or numbness. Two common wrist overuse injuries, Cyclist’s Palsy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, can be prevented by alternating the pressure from the inside to the outsides of the palms and making sure wrists do not drop below the handlebars. In addition, padded gloves and stretching the hands and wrists before riding will help.

Urogenital Problems

One common complaint from male riders who spend a lot of time riding is pudendal neuropathy, a numbness or pain in the genital or rectal area. It is typically caused by compression of the blood supply to the genital region. A wider seat, one with padding, a seat with part of the seat removed, changing the tilt of the seat, or using padded cycling shorts will all help relieve pressure.

Foot Numbness and Tingling

Foot numbness and tingling are common complaints, and shoes that are too tight or narrow are often the cause. In addition, foot numbness can be due to exertional compartment syndrome. This arises from increased pressure in the lower leg and resulting compression of nerves. The diagnosis is made by pressure measurements and is treated with surgical release.

When Should I Seek Care From a Physician?

Any injury that is accompanied by bleeding, severe pain, loss of sensation, or increased weakness should be seen by a physician. Other pain due to overuse or mild injuries can be treated by rest and taking pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Swelling and pain can also be treated with alternating ice and heat therapy.

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, 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 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

5 Common Summer Injuries for Kids and How to Prevent Them

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Article featured on MedStar Health

Along with all of the outdoor fun comes more opportunity for activity-related injury. In addition to nature-related injuries and illnesses, such as tick bites and sunburn, summer activities present more chances for broken bones, concussions, and other bumps and bruises. As sports medicine physicians, here are some of the most common summer injuries we see in warm weather months and how you can help prevent them at home.

Common summer injuries.

1. Bicycle injuries

Bike accidents are one of the most common summer injuries because the warmer weather presents more chances for you and your kids to ride together. But, a fall from a bike accident can be dangerous, resulting in cuts, scrapes, fractures, or concussions. If vehicles are involved, a bike crash could even be fatal.

Tips to prevent bicycle injuries: You can prevent severe head injuries from bike crashes by wearing a helmet. In fact, the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute suggests that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head and brain injury by up to 88% for both adults and children. Other protective gear, such as knee and elbow pads, can also help to minimize injury from falls. And, a properly-fitted helmet and padding can reduce your risk of injury from skateboard and scooter accidents as well.

2. Playground injuries

More free time on summer vacation means more time spent visiting the local park or backyard playground. Unfortunately, monkey bars, slides, and swings commonly cause fall-related fractures and head injuries over the summer, even if the equipment is properly maintained.

Tips to prevent playground injuries: Playground falls are inevitable, but choosing a playground built over soft surfaces can minimize the risk of severe injury. Avoid playgrounds on concrete or gravel and instead look for playgrounds that hover soft surfaces, like rubber or wood chips. Active supervision is also important, as you may be able to help prevent a fall if you’re within arms reach.

3. Trampoline injuries

Concussions and fractures are also common in the summer months as a result of jumping on a trampoline. Bloody noses, bumps, and bruises may not be as serious but they’re also a concern.

Tips to prevent trampoline injuries: Many trampoline injuries involve a collision between two or more people, so one of the best ways to minimize the risk of injury is to only allow one person to use the trampoline at a time. It’s also a great idea to attach a net around the outside of the trampoline to minimize falls.

4. Water injuries and drowning

Swimming in a pool, lake, or ocean is great exercise but water-related injuries can be fatal. Drowning is the second most common cause of death by unintentional injury from kids between the ages of one and four, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And, even good swimmers can get injured in and around water-related activities like diving, water sports, and boating.

Tips to prevent water injuries and drowning: Adult supervision is the most effective way to prevent drowning accidents, whether you’re at the pool or in open water. Stay within arms reach when your kids are in or around the pool. If the pool is not fenced in, be sure to cover it when it is not being used. If your family is on a boat participating in or watching water sports, make sure everyone wears a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, even if you’re a good swimmer.

5. Overuse injuries

While school sports may take a break from practices during the summer, travel teams or sports camps are in full swing. Overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or Osgood-Schlatter disease in the knee, can be painful and prevent your kids from fully participating in their sports. Shoulder and elbow overuse injuries are especially common in baseball players and pitchers because of the repetitive throwing motion.

Tips to prevent overuse injuries: One of the best ways to minimize overuse injuries in kids and teenagers is to encourage them to play more than one sport. Cross-training can help prevent common ligament injuries in the knee, shoulder, and elbow. Additionally, if your child has been sedentary, it’s important to help them gradually return to their sports by slowly increasing the frequency and duration of their participation.

When to see a doctor for a summer injury

If you suspect a head injury of any kind, call a medical professional to determine if they need additional care. It’s always better to seek care sooner rather than later.

If your child had an activity-related fall, you should seek medical care if they are:

  • Limping
  • Unable to put use full range of motion in an extremity (e.g. arm or leg)
  • Experiencing pain or tenderness when pressure is applied to a joint
  • Having headaches or drowsy, as these could be signs of a concussion

Have a safe, injury-free remainder of summer!

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, 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 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 Are the Most Common Softball Injuries?

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Article featured on Summit Orthopedics

As those long summer days return, so does softball. Softball is a challenging sport that can lead to a variety of injuries. We talked with sports medicine specialist Sarah Lehnert, M.D., C.A.Q., to learn more about the most common softball injuries.

What are the most common softball injuries?

“The most common complaint we see in softball players is shoulder pain,” Dr. Lehnert said. “It’s most often the pitchers, but also the catchers and some infielders.”

Repeated powerful throwing, especially if the player uses poor technique, can lead to several kinds of shoulder injuries. They include:

  • Rotator cuff symptoms — pain from impingement or pinching
  • Labral tears — tears to the rim of cartilage that lines the shoulder socket

Other upper extremity injuries can also affect softball players:

  • Tennis elbow, or elbow pain in general
  • Wrist, hand, and finger injuries from so much gripping
  • Wrist fractures from diving into a base or diving after a ball

Lower body injuries can also happen in softball. The most common include:

  • Ankle sprains — “Because the players are always running the bases counterclockwise, you can strain the outer ligaments on one side of the ankle, increasing the risk of sprains,” Dr. Lehnert said. “Actions like sliding into a base or running on uneven surfaces on the field can also contribute to the risk of an ankle sprain.”
  • Knee ligament injuries, including MCL sprains and ACL sprains
  • Patellofemoral knee pain — “This type of kneecap pain is most common in catchers, who have to squat down in a flexed knee position that puts a lot of pressure on the kneecap,” Dr. Lehnert said.

Other injuries

  • Softball players can experience neck and low back pain. “Neck pain often happens with throwers, including pitchers as well as outfielders, who overload the upper trap muscles,” Dr. Lehnert said.
  • Concussions from collisions on the field or being hit with a ball are also a concern.

How do I know if my softball injury is serious?

Like any sport, there are lots of bruises and strains that can come with softball, especially at a competitive level. Generally speaking, if the pain responds to remedies like ice, heat, and ibuprofen, and if it goes away quickly, it probably isn’t serious. Here are some important things to keep in mind when you’re evaluating one of these most common softball injuries:

  • Being able to bear weight on an ankle doesn’t mean that it’s not broken.
  • It’s never a good idea to try to throw through pain — if shoulder pain doesn’t get better in a couple of days with rest, get it looked at by a sports medicine specialist.
  • Get knee swelling checked out right away, especially if it’s associated with an acute injury.
  • For overuse injuries, it’s best to err on the side of caution. “If you give it 24 or 48 hours and the player is still complaining about it, it’s time to get it checked out,” Dr. Lehnert said.
  • In younger players, you can see growth plate irritation or stress injuries. Those should be evaluated by a provider.
  • See a doctor right away if there is any suggestion of a concussion or head 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, 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 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

Returning to Sports After Knee Surgery

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Article featured on Cone Health

While the time it can take to return to sports after knee surgery varies, it is important to follow doctor’s orders, according to Stephen Lucey, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Greensboro and member of the Cone Health Medical and Dental Staff.

Before surgery, you may do specific exercises to aid in recovery. “Recommended exercises can be done at home or with a physical therapist to improve strength and range of motion,” says Dr. Lucey.

Then, you can expect to follow a 3-step process to get back to the sports you enjoy.

After surgery, you should use the RICE method: Rest the knee, ice it, compress or wrap the injured area and elevate it to prevent swelling. “At first, you should take it easy,” adds. Dr. Lucey. “You may benefit from pain relievers as directed by your surgeon.” Second, you can expect to begin mobilization or therapy techniques that improve range of motion and begin to strengthen your knee. Once you have sufficiently recovered, the focus shifts to the final phase of recovery – strengthening exercises. “For runners, strengthening might include biking or running on a treadmill,” shares Dr. Lucey. “For soccer players, juggling, kicking or passing the ball are options.”

The timeline for returning to sports depends on your knee issue and extent of surgery. “After arthroscopic knee surgery requiring a small incision, you may be able to return to sports in a month while it could take 6 months or more after tearing an ACL, a ligament that helps stabilize your knee joint,” concludes Dr. Lucey. “The key is following your doctor’s instructions on your road to recovery.”

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, 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 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 Tips for Preventing Sports Injuries This Spring

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4 Tips for Reducing Your Chances of a Sports Injury This Spring

There is no way to completely rule out the risks associated with spring sports, but by utilizing these four precautions, you can minimize your risk of injury significantly.

1. Always Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Before we get into the rest of our tips, let’s warm-up. This step is important to protect your muscles and joints. When our ligaments aren’t in use, they become stiff, are less flexible, and are more prone to injury. Warming up your body increases your internal temperature and blood flow to your muscles, which can help reduce your chances of a tear or strain. This is crucial especially before a more intense workout or activity such as HIIT, hiking, or distance running.

Warming Up

Your warm-up routine should last for about 10 minutes — and you should start with light exercise and gradually increase intensity before your main activity. Here are some activities to add to your next warm-up:

  • General stretching
  • High knees
  • Jogging in place
  • Lunges
  • Jumping jacks
  • Side shuffles

Cooling Down

It’s just as important to cool down after your workout when it comes to lowering your risk of sustaining a sports injury. This not only lets your heart rate come down, but gives your muscles a middle ground to recover. Some examples of cool-down exercises you can add to your routine include:

  • Walking
  • Light jogging
  • Yoga

2. Always Wear Protective Gear

It’s critical that you always wear these recommended safety gear items, depending on the activity:

  • Proper footwear
  • Padding
  • Mouthguard
  • Helmet

3. Eat a Healthy Diet

Calcium and vitamin D are two essential nutrients that support and maintain healthy bones and muscles — working together to maintain bone density and muscle strength.

Be sure to fuel your body before and after exercise with some of these foods:

  • Dark leafy greens
  • Dairy
  • Lean protein
  • Almonds
  • Eggs

4. Seek Sports Injury Treatment if Needed

Whether months inside have caused you to feel new aches and strains, or you’re recovering from an existing sports injury, it’s important to consult with your doctor before getting back into the game.

Common sports injuries and related afflictions we have treated include but are not limited to:

  • Tendonitis
  • Sciatica
  • Sprains
  • Chronic headaches
  • Shoulder or knee pain
  • Breaks and fractures, especially in the feet, wrists, shoulders, and spine

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, 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 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

Common Sports Injuries and How to Treat Them

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Article featured on Arkansas Surgical Hospital

Most sports injuries result from either overuse of a joint or damaging a joint through tearing or spraining ligaments or muscles.  Some of the most common sports injuries include torn ACLs, shoulder dislocation, torn rotator cuffs, and sprained ankles.  During the late summer months, emergency departments and orthopedic specialists see a sharp uptick in these injuries.  Sports such as baseball, basketball, volleyball, and tennis contribute to the increase in sports injuries.

Sprains

Sprains or strains are the most common sports injury, with ankle sprains affecting 25,000 people every day.  Any sports activity that requires running, lunging, or shifting on your feet can lead to an ankle sprain, which is the stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments.  A strain is damage to the tendons or muscles.  Both cause swelling, pain, and the need to stop using the ankle for a while.

To minimize your risk of ankle sprains, make sure you stretch and warm up properly before any sports activities.  Stretching helps warm up the ligaments and muscles and makes them more flexible.  More flexibility means less chance of overextending the ligaments and causing damage.

Torn ACL

Knee injuries can be devastating to casual exercisers as well as athletes.  The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee is one of the major ligaments controlling joint movement and preventing overextension of the knee.  The ACL connects the upper and lower leg bones.  Most torn ACLs are the result of sudden stopping and starting movements or shifts in direction.  They are common in basketball and other sports that may cause the individual to shift balance quickly.  Jumping and landing, as in volleyball, can also cause a torn ACL.  If you are exercising or participating in a sport and hear or feel a sudden “pop” in your knee, you may have torn your ACL.  A torn ACL will cause severe pain, the inability to put weight on your leg, and swelling.

As with any potential sports injury, the first step in prevention is proper preparation.  Stretching and warming up will help prepare the ligament for exercise.  Stretching after workouts will also help keep the joint from tightening up and becoming injured.

Exercising correctly is also crucial.  Practice landing and jumping properly.  Your knees should be straight for jumping and bend when landing.  Try not to twist your knees when you’re jumping or coming back down, which increases stress on the ACL.  Changing directions should also be practiced so you can do it without twisting the knees.

Shoulder Dislocation

A dislocated shoulder has a wide range of symptoms, including deformity of the joints, severe pain, swelling and bruising, instability or locking of the joint.  There may also be weakness, burning, or numbness in the neck or arm.  Some people may experience shoulder spasms that increase the pain.  Unfortunately, there is a 7 in 10 chance of a repeat shoulder dislocation after the first one.  For this reason, it’s imperative to learn ways to prevent it in the first place and minimize the chance of recurrence.

For tennis players and others who rely on their shoulder joint, warm-up and stretching are a good idea, but they should also take the time to strengthen the shoulder joint, so it’s less likely to become dislocated.  Exercises can be as simple as pushing out against a wall with your arm; elbow flexed as though shaking hands with someone.  Repeat this up to 20 times, holding for 5 seconds each time.  Then push the arm and shoulder inward, pressing the bent hand into the opposite palm, repeating 20 times for 5 seconds each time.  Resistance band exercises can also strengthen the shoulder joint, as can working with lightweight dumbbells.

Many shoulder dislocations are the result of falling and catching yourself improperly.  If you do fall, resist the urge to catch yourself with your hands, as this frequently leads to a shoulder dislocation or broken arm bone.  Keep your arms bent close to your body, spinning so that you land on your buttocks or side.  Wearing protective gear on your shoulders can also help prevent repeat injuries.

Torn Rotator Cuff

Fraying or the tearing of rotator tendons in the shoulder is known as a torn rotator cuff.  While physically active people are most susceptible to a torn rotator cuff, you can also sustain a torn rotator cuff even if you are sedentary.  The pain of a torn rotator cuff may be sudden and severe or begin as a nagging pain when using the shoulder for routine activities such as shaking hands, lifting things, putting on clothing, or reaching behind the body.  Severe pain at night due to swelling may interfere with sleep.

Exercise focusing on strengthening the small cluster of muscles in the rotator cuff.  Combine activities that strengthen the entire shoulder area with some exercises specifically for the rotator cuff.  Lower resistance with multiple repetitions is best for strengthening the area.  Keeping the movements small and controlled will also help.

The Takeaway

Increased activity and participation in sports are good for your health, and changes in the weather makes it more enjoyable.  To make sure you can continue to enjoy your activities, the crucial elements are proper warm-up, exercises to strengthen your joints, and knowing how to move correctly to minimize the possibility of injury.  Working on balance and stability is also helpful.  Yoga, tai-chi, and other activities that focus on slow stretching and enhanced, safe movement can help reduce injuries.  Knowing your limits is also essential.  If you haven’t played basketball for a few years, a rigorous game the first time out isn’t a good idea.  You need to relearn how to move safely and make sure your muscles and ligaments are properly toned and warmed up every time 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, 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 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