Showing posts with label orthopedic surgeons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label orthopedic surgeons. Show all posts

Thursday, June 7, 2012

I experience back pain in Asheboro NC, what are my options?

If you experience severe back pain, the best way to know what's going on with your body is to meet with an expert right away. In fact, most orthopedic doctors in Asheboro NC area are equipped with the best medical tools and knowledge to treat back pain and other bone related disorders.

Low back pain, what causes it?

Lower back pain is the most common pain experienced by many all around the world. It can be caused of several factors including prolong sitting. Sport, home chores can cause back pain. The best approach to treat this is by heading to an orthopedic doctor for the right treatments.

What are my medical options?

Once an orthopedic doctor assessed your condition, he may give you options on how to treat your back pain. The most common treatment for back pain is non surgical therapy. Although for most severe cases, an surgery can treat and stop the pain for good. Remember, surgical procedures today are less invasive than they were in the past.


Thursday, May 31, 2012

For active Asheboro NC citizens, surgery is an option for an ACL tear


Residents in Asheboro NC may find comfort in the fact that an ACL tear does not necessarily need surgery. It is surely an option for a patient but it doesn’t mean it is the only way to fix our ACL.

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four major ligaments of the knee. It stabilizes the knee and it also prevents excessive motion of the knee joint. However, it may be injured while executing pivoting and landing movements.

ACL tears usually occur in sports. This is naturally so since athletes subject their knees to huge amounts of pressure and stress while playing. They may hurt their ACL while running, jumping and pivoting. Other patients may not need a strong ACL but it is quite different for athletes. They often undergo ACL surgery so their motion fit for competition may be restored.

Professional doctors diagnose an ACL tear by letting patients get an MRI. It is the most common method to diagnose ACL injuries as well as other knee injuries.

ACL surgery

ACL injuries may not always require surgery. Often, patients feel better after applying the RICE method – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Mediation such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are usually recommended as well. However, for quite severe cases, instability of the knee joint, as a result of an ACLtear, poses problems and later on may prompt the need for surgery.

ACL reconstruction is the usual procedure to fix a torn ACL. In this procedure, the torn ligament is replaced with another tendon or ligament. One variation of this procedure is called anatomic ACL reconstruction. 

Anatomic ACL reconstruction places the substitute tendon precisely in the same position of the original ligament. This procedure addresses the difficulty of replicating the original ligament function. With this procedure, patients experience faster recovery.


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Joint pain affects many in Asheboro NC


Whether you are from Asheboro NC or from any part of the country, suffering from joint pain is not to be neglected. Joint pains are causes by injuries, bursitis, arthritis, gout or from a sprain or strain. Among the joint pains experienced by the body, knee joint pain is the most common. This is followed by the shoulders and hip. Unfortunately, as we get older, painful joints become more common and frequent.

A joint is defined as the place where two or more bones join together. There are a few types of joints. These are:

  • Hinge joints – as found in the knees and elbows allow us to move forward and backward.
  • Pivot joints – allow us to turn our heads from side to side.
  • Ball-and-socket joints – like the hip and shoulder permit a wide range of movement.
  • Gliding joints – allow movement in the ankles and wrists
  • Saddle joints – give our thumbs a specialized range of motion

Symptoms

Since the joints allow body parts to move, they are subjected to a wide range of stress. They are subject to dislocations, infections, sprains and disorders cause by arthritis. Generally, joint pain is generated from the ligaments and muscle tendons, not the bones.

Symptoms of joint pains include mild pain and swelling. These may be relieved by physical therapy and medication. For very severe pain, steroid injections are utilized.

Treatment

Orthopedic surgeons prefer to treat a joint pain non-surgically. They normally use physical therapy and rehabilitative techniques. However, there are cases that are severe already that non-surgical methods will no longer work. In these cases, surgery is already necessary, especially for tissues that cannot repair themselves.

Surgery

Arthroscopic joint surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed most commonly. Surgeons use a tiny camera to see inside the joint and special instruments to perform repairs. This procedure is commonly used by surgeons for diagnosis as well as repairing joint damage like ligament and cartilage tears. This type of surgical procedure is primarily used for the ankles, knees, wrists, shoulder and elbows.

Artificial joints have become increasingly successful these recent years. Many surgeons do this to remove irreparable joints and replace it with a plastic or metal joint.


Friday, May 4, 2012

Getting rid of spine pain for good in Asheboro NC


If you want to know how to take good care of your spine, then Asheboro NC is the place to go to. Experienced orthopedic doctors are capable of making accurate diagnosis of your spine pain, if you are experiencing any. For spine patients, they are able to develop a treatment program for you to give you relief and prevent injury in the future.

Spine pain a common complaint

Our spine keeps us upright and it also protects the nerves that run through our spinal column. When it is damaged, for example a fracture or vertebrae fracture, that’s the time we feel pain. When feeling any sort of spine pain, contact an orthopedic doctor immediately so the condition will not worsen.

Interestingly, spine pain is just the result of poor physical condition, habitual use of incorrect body mechanics and poor posture. Many people unknowingly behave this way and as a result, suffer pain in the spine from time to time. To avoid spine pain is to start practicing proper posture and body mechanics.

Treatment

Before our conditions become worse, we should seek immediate help for our spine pain. We should consult with orthopedic doctors and seek treatment right away. However, spine pain treatment does not necessarily mean surgery. Actually, orthopedic surgeons prefer non-surgical methods to treat spine problems. Instead, they prefer rehabilitation and physical therapy.

At the Human Motion Institute at Randolph Hospital, orthopedic surgeons specialize in several types of surgery. Their aim is to relieve you of any spine pain you suffer from. They achieve this by providing a comprehensive orthopedic and physical therapy services.

Pain resulting from injuries should not be taken lightly. Arrange a consultation with your orthopedic doctor. With a proper treatment program, you can finally find the relief you’ve been looking for.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Second chances are real with joint replacement in Asheboro NC


Recent developments in joint replacement and joint surgery have allowed orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC to perform countless surgeries on patients with damaged joints. Damaged joints are serious and should be managed properly and immediately. They will result in pain and restricted movement, making simple daily activities difficult to perform.

The joints in our body

In order to move and function properly, our bodies are made up of joints. These are two or more bones combined together to function properly. When these joints are damaged, we normally feel severe pain and have limited movement. Damages to joints are caused by arthritis and injuries. Joints damaged by arthritis cannot heal themselves and need surgery in order for it to be either healed or replaced. Joint replacements are becoming more common, with more than 700,000 Americans having knee or hip replacements each year.

Joint surgery

To relieve the pain, reduce the swelling and restore normal function, joint replacement surgery is sometimes required depending on the severity of the damage. The most common joints that go through surgery are the hips, knees, elbows, ankles and shoulders.

In this procedure, the damaged joint is replaced totally or just certain portions of it and replaced with a new one. Again, total or partial replacement is dependent on the condition of the patient. The new joint is often known as prosthesis, made up of metal, plastic or a combination of both. Surgeons will place the prosthesis in such a way that the bone will grow into it. The bone has to grow back into it so it will be kept in place. 
Alternatives to joint surgery

Damaged joints patients decide to go through surgery so their condition will be healed. Obviously, no one would want to live in pain and limited movement all throughout their lives. Recent advancements led to alternatives in joint replacement surgeries. 

When you are suffering from the symptoms of damaged joints, visit or consult immediately with qualified orthopedic doctors. Don’t allow joint pains to hinder you from enjoying life. Visiting an orthopedic doctor will surely help you determine if you need a joint replacement surgery or not.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Recurrent back pain prevents you from enjoying life in Asheboro NC


At one time or another, we all have experienced back pain. However, residents in Asheboro NC stand in a better position since they have expert orthopedic doctors and surgeons residing with them. Health care professionals specialize in providing excellent orthopedic care, especially to patients suffering from back pain. They are most able to draw a comprehensive treatment plan for you.

Back pain symptoms and causes

There are a few causes of back pain. The most common would be sudden lifting of heavy objects, improper posture and sports injuries.  Other factors to consider are weight, strenuous and sedentary type of work and age.

Persons suffering from back pain will notice that they will have limited motion, inability to stand straight, stabbing pain or pain that radiates to the legs and muscle aches. Depending on the severity, pain can last up to a few days or weeks. It can even last up to months when it is already considered chronic.

Back pain prevention

It is very wise to prevent back pain from ever hampering us down. We can take simple but effective steps to avoid back pain. We can perform regular exercise routines, observe proper diet, drink adequate amount of water and get enough rest.

Back pain treatment

For simple or acute back pain, we can simply rest or limit our activities to give our bodies to heal. We can also buy medication. However, there are times when these things don’t work. When this happens, this is the perfect time for you to see a doctor. Getting competent help from experienced orthopedic surgeons is the best thing you can do for yourself.

There is much in life to enjoy and having back pain is not one of them. In fact, back pain should not hinder us from enjoying life. Consulting with the experts will give us a better understanding of how our body works, how to handle back pain and how to treat it effectively. Visit or call them for a consultation.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Joint pain sufferers enjoy life again in Asheboro NC


People in Asheboro NC who suffer from joint pain understand how it can limit every aspect of how well you can enjoy your life. Everyday movements, such as walking, sitting, bending, reaching, turning, affect the way in which you attack the most normal activities, such as getting out of bed, getting dressed, combing your hair, and performing daily chores. When your joints hurt, everything seems difficult. Just a normal part of aging, you say? Not necessarily so.

Aging does not have to hurt

Despite what many assume, we do not have to spend our later years suffering from joint pain. With so many treatment options available for joint pain, ranging from exercise and physical therapy to joint surgery, many Asheboro NC residents can now enjoy full and active lives well into their old age. Creaky, achy joints can be a thing of the past with proper treatment and certain changes in lifestyle.

Joint pain and osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of joint pain. It is due largely to aging and wear and tear on a joint. Cartilage is the firm, rubbery tissue that cushions your bones at the joints and allowing bones to glide over one another. When cartilage breaks down and wears away, the bones rub together. Pain, swelling, and stiffness follow. Bony spurs or extra bone may form around the joint. Ligaments and muscles around the joint become weaker and stiffer. This is the onset of osteoarthritis, and it usually appears in middle age. Almost everyone has at least some joint pain by age 70, but many times it is minor and requires no more than an occasional over the counter pain reliever to keep it under control.

Common causes of joint pain

Sports injuries are the most common cause of knee joint pain, but anyone can injure their knee badly, not just professional athletes. Knee injuries are very common and are often a result of a quick twist or a blow to the knee, or overuse of the knee joint. Knee injuries can persist for years and be disruptive to your way of life unless proper diagnosis and treatment is received.  Recovery from many knee joint injuries can take a long time but proper healing is essential avoid joint pain later in life.

Shoulder joint pain is also very common, since the shoulder joint is used a lot in everyday activity. Normal range of motion to the shoulder joint is incredibly extensive, and when an injury or damage to the joint occurs from overuse, the joint becomes unstable. As with knee joints, pain, swelling and stiffness follow tissue damage. Unless treatment is undertaken before more serious damage is sustained, joint surgery is often necessary to relive shoulder joint pain.

Hip joint pain, also often caused by overuse damage which ultimately develops into osteoarthritis, is a common precursor to hip replacement surgery. The hip joint is designed to bear your body weight and propel you forward as you walk and bend. Because the hip joint has little healing capacity, joint pain can be severe.

Joint pain a common complaint

The human body does a great job of healing itself, so when joint pain occurs, most people simply take over-the-counter medications for their pain and wait for it to get better. With joint pain, however, it is important to be examined by orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC who can determine the cause of joint pain and prescribe effective treatment.  Joint pain rarely goes away by itself.

While most orthopedic surgeons treat joint pain, at least initially, with medications and other non-surgical treatment such as physical therapy, cortisone treatments, or diet and exercise, the time may come when your joint pain becomes intolerable and orthopedic surgery is your only option. It may be time to consider joint replacement surgery.

If non-surgical treatment has not brought you relief from joint pain, your orthopedic surgeons may recommend that your damaged joint be replaced with an artificial joint. These artificial joints, fashioned out of metal and plastic, can be as good as the real thing, restoring movement and function. 

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Several back pain treatment options available in Asheboro NC


There are a number of back pain treatments available for patients suffering from back pain. Orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC consider low back pain as the most common complaint they have to treat. Yet, it is interesting to note that back surgery is the least preferred! This sounds pretty good to many Americans suffering from back pain.

Musculoskeletal considerations

Orthopedic surgeons specializing in back pain and musculoskeletal disorders report that back pain can originate from bone systems, muscle systems or a combination of both. Muscle damage or strains are the most common reason for back pain actually. This is due to deconditioned muscles, muscles spasms and tension. Now this is quite difficult to diagnose since muscles work in a synchronized manner, and when a muscles causes pain, this may often produce pain in adjacent and surrounding muscles.

Preventing back pain

Our orthopedic surgeons suggest low impact activities like walking and swimming to prevent back pain. You can also perform muscle strengthening exercises for your back and abdomen. It is strongly recommended that you stop smoking. Smoking causes your spine to age faster than normal. We also recommend that you practice good posture when sitting, lifting objects and standing. Good posture will definitely help you prevent back pains.

Another important thing to consider in back pain is proper nutrition. Being overweight or being always full can add stress to your lower back. Avoid too much sweet and starches and high fat content. These contribute to gain weight. Foods rich in omega 3, vegetables and fruits help our bodies heal damaged tissue and decrease inflammation. Also, avoid low nutrient foods for they can cause muscle and tissue inflammation.

Non-surgical treatment

Accompanying healthy living, expert orthopedic surgeons are able to prescribe treatments for your back pain that does not necessarily involve surgery. It has been shown that medication for pain relief and physical therapy have produced more successful results than back surgery procedures.
When you are suffering from back pain, consult with our orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. With non-surgical treatments, you will be able to enjoy the activities you used to do.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

How can you relieve yourself from arthritis?

Are you suffering from painful knees? When a person reaches 50, knee pain is already felt even when doing common daily activities such as walking. Most of the time, orthopedic doctors address this problem with the use of medications, rest, exercise, and physical therapy. However, when knee pain due to arthritis has become severe, the best option is knee surgery.

If your orthopedic doctor recommends surgery, ask about subvastus knee replacement surgery. Unlike traditional knee surgery, patients do not need to go through a major operation that leaves them with a huge scar and a long recovery time.

In subvastus knee replacement, orthopedic surgeons basically avoid major muscles and tendons. This minimally invasive surgery significantly reduces recovery time; therefore shortening hospital stay.

Are you interested? Dr. Megan Swanson of offers subvastus knee replacement surgery for patients who want a minimally invasive operation to relieve themselves from knee pain. It's time to say goodbye to painful knees and say hello to a more active life -- even after 50!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

What is joint replacement?

The mere thought of joint replacement surgery can be scary. However, there is nothing to fear about this procedure since it is now a very common service offered by orthopedic surgeons.

Today, more and more people are wanting to become active... even in their old age. You will notice this in gyms, tennis courts, ski resorts, and parks where more people in their 40s are now active in. Unfortunately, as a person becomes older, the body can no longer perform as well as it used to and recovery from injuries becomes more difficult. For older people trying to be more active, then, tend to overuse the body. This leads to injuries on joints, which can be extremely painful.

Joint replacement surgery is not the first option when it comes to painful joints. Most of the time, orthopedic doctors will recommend medications or physical therapy. However, if these do not work, then patients will have to go through joint replacement.

During this procedure, orthopedic surgeons remove damaged parts of the joints and replace those parts with man-made materials. The materials used are made to help the joint function like normal. Joint replacement can last up to a decade and will relieve patients from joint pain in this duration.

To know more about joint replacement and if it is the best option for you, talk to an orthopedic surgeon.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

What is joint replacement?

Painful joints can affect a person's daily activities. If your injured joint no longer respond to arthroscopic surgery, physical therapy, bracing, exercise, and medications... it is probably about time to consult your local Asheboro orthopedic surgeon about joint replacement surgery.

Joint replacement surgery is a procedure done on older patients with arthritis. During surgery, the damaged joint (or parts of the joint) is removed and replaced with a metal or plastic joint that perfectly matches the patient's. The decision to replace the whole joint or just parts of it depends on your orthopedic surgeon's analysis of the extent of your injury, your age and health condition, and usual activities. The procedure will take about two hours.

After the surgery, patients are required to stay in the hospital for observation. Hospital release will depend on the assessment of your orthopedic surgeon, physical therapist, and other healthcare providers.

Are you suffering from painful joints? Talk to your local Asheboro orthopedic surgeon about possible treatments and ask if you are qualified for joint replacement surgery.

What is joint replacement?

Painful joints can affect a person's daily activities. If your injured joint no longer respond to arthroscopic surgery, physical therapy, bracing, exercise, and medications... it is probably about time to consult your local Asheboro orthopedic surgeon about joint replacement surgery.

Joint replacement surgery is a procedure done on older patients with arthritis. During surgery, the damaged joint (or parts of the joint) is removed and replaced with a metal or plastic joint that perfectly matches the patient's. The decision to replace the whole joint or just parts of it depends on your orthopedic surgeon's analysis of the extent of your injury, your age and health condition, and usual activities. The procedure will take about two hours.

After the surgery, patients are required to stay in the hospital for observation. Hospital release will depend on the assessment of your orthopedic surgeon, physical therapist, and other healthcare providers.

Are you suffering from painful joints? Talk to your local Asheboro orthopedic surgeon about possible treatments and ask if you are qualified for joint replacement surgery.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Say goodbye to knee pain

A lot of people experience knee pain due to many causes. And, most of the time, knee pain can be dealt with non-surgically through the RICE (Rest-Ice-Compress-Elevate) protocol, physical therapy, medication, and rehabilitation. However, more severe cases may need knee surgery.

The best way for orthopedic doctors to diagnose and treat knee pain is through knee arthroscopy. In this procedure, a small camera is inserted through a small incision in the knee. This allows them to view the damage clearly as well as fix it. This is a minimally invasive procedure, which is why patients are allowed to go home after as long as they take extra care and the right medication.

For more serious cases, though, orthopedic surgeons may recommend knee surgery. Knee arthoplasty or knee replacement can free a patient from chronic knee pain for about twenty years. This procedure is accomplished without cutting the quadriceps muscles.

Unless you visit your local Asheboro orthopedic surgeon, you will never know which treatment is best in curing your knee pain. Schedule an appointment now and live a pain-free life!