Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is characterized by inflammation of the tibial tuberosity which is the area just below the knee, where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone (tibia).  The condition is characterized by a painful lump just below the kneecap. It is generally seen in young adolescents aged 9 to 16 years.

 

Causes

 

Osgood-Schlatter Disease is mainly caused as a result of overuse injuries during sports activities such as running, jumping, volleyball etc. It exerts additional stress over the quadriceps muscles which cause pain, irritation and swelling. The condition occurs during growth spurts of adolescence due to changes in the structure of bone, muscles, tendons etc. Boys are at a higher risk of developing Osgood-Schlatter Disease because they are more involved in sports activities as compared to girls.

 

Symptoms

• Pain in the front and lower part of the knee
• Tight muscles in front or back of the thigh
• Swelling
• Pain increases while running or climbing stairs
• Tenderness

Diagnosis

The orthopedic doctor may thoroughly examine the knee and apply pressure to the tibial tubercle to assess pain and swelling. He may also ask the patient to kneel, walk or jump to check for symptoms. Certain imaging tests such as an X-ray may also be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Treatment

 

Non-surgical treatment:

• Medications: Anti-inflammatory medicines may be recommended by the doctor to provide relief from pain and inflammation.
• Rest: The orthopedic doctor may suggest the patient to take proper rest. Vigorous activities such as running, jumping should also be halted to avoid straining the joint.
• Ice: Applying ice packs at frequent intervals can be beneficial to ease pain and compress swelling.
• Physical therapy: Performing certain exercises, as suggested by the physical therapist, can help to speed up recovery.
• Brace: Wearing a cast or brace can help to provide support to the affected knee.

In severe cases, when non-surgical treatment does not provide relief, surgery may be required to remove the small part of the bone that gets separated.

 

Prevention

• Children should wear kneepads while playing sports in order to prevent themselves from getting injured.
• Avoiding strenuous activities such as running, jumping , soccer, rugby etc. can also prevent the onset of the condition.

It is advisable to consult an orthopedic doctor for proper treatment.

Tips For Preventing Back Pain In Elderly

The back is a complex structure and a small amount of stress or pressure can cause discomfort and back pain. It can be characterized by stiffness, acute pain in the vertebral column, limited range of motion, low flexibility and inability to stand straight. Back pain is a common problem, which is prone to elder people due to normal wear and tear of the back muscles. It can be caused due to ruptured disc, skeletal irregularities or an injury to the muscles in the back.  

Here are a few tips to prevent back pain in the elderly:

• Exercise: It is suggested to do certain low intensity stretching exercises regularly, in order to support the muscles in the lower back. It can help make the muscles immune to minor injuries by building strength.

• Weight Management: The amount of body weight can put a great impact on the vertebrae and spinal discs with aging. For elderly people, it is suggested to maintain the ideal weight in order to reduce additional pressure from the spine and the back muscles.

• Diet Modification: Consuming a healthy diet with lean proteins, leafy vegetables, whole grains, and high fiber can help in maintaining the proper body weight and also keep the body healthy.

• Posture: It is suggested to concentrate on the posture of the back to prevent back pain. Standing straight, supporting the back while sitting and sleeping on the back or on the side can help in the proper positioning of the back, reducing stress and preventing back pain.

• Proper Lifting: With increasing age the body’s ability to bear sudden jerks decreases. Elderly people are suggested to pay attention while lifting heavy objects. Bending the knees instead of the back can be helpful in lifting objects without stressing the back.

• Stress Reduction: Stress can create tension in the back muscles leading to back pain. Doing activities such as yoga, meditation, exercises etc. can help in reducing stress and preventing back pain in elderly people.

• Avoid Falls: Preventing falls and slips is essential in avoiding back pain. The elderly should walk slowly, use handrails when available and wear comfortable supportive shoes.

These were some tips, which can help in preventing back pain in elderly people. However, if suffering from back pain one must visit an orthopedic doctor for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.

Orthopedic Treatment For Knee Fracture

Knee is a complex and largest joint of the human body. It joins the thigh with the leg and plays an important part in movement of the body. A knee fracture is caused when any of the bones in the joint crack or break due to the application of severe force or an injury. Fractures in the knee are common among children and people who regularly take part in sports activities or have low bone strength.

Causes

• Intense injuries
• Accident
• Repetitive activities
• Arthritis
• Dislocation
• Severe fall

Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Swelling around the joint
• Cracking or popping sound
• Deformity
• Inability to move the joint
• Pale and cold foot
• Numbness around the foot and the joint
• Inability to put weight on the joint

Diagnosis

The orthopedic doctor may diagnose a knee fracture with the help of physical examination. He may ask the patient to move the leg in a particular manner and examine the extent of swelling as well as deformity. The orthopedic surgeon may ask questions about the medical history and the nature of injury that lead to the fracture. He may prescribe certain imaging tests like X-ray, CT- scans, MRI etc. to closely view the damage caused to the bone. The orthopedic doctor devises a treatment plan after determining the extent of the condition.

Treatment

• Immobilization: The orthopedic doctor may suggest limiting the movement of the affected joint. This will assist in healing and prevent the joint from bearing any weight.

• Brace: He may ask the patient to wear braces or a cast in order to hold the broken bone in place and allow it to heal.

• Medication: Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed to reduce the swelling in the affected area. They can help in minimizing pain and numbness caused due to the injury.

• R.I.C.E.: The patient may be asked to follow the R.I.C.E. treatment procedure i.e. rest, ice, compression and elevation to minimize pain and swelling.

• Physical Therapy: Certain strengthening and stretching exercises can help to restore movement in the affected knee.

• Surgery: In severe cases, when non-surgical methods do not offer relief, the doctor may suggest a surgical procedure in order to join the bone. Surgery is followed by post-surgical care and rehabilitation during which the doctor’s instructions must be followed.

A knee fracture may take 6 to 8 weeks to heal and regain complete mobility of the joint. In case of a knee fracture you must consult an orthopedic surgeon for immediate and proper medical attention.

Orthopedic Treatment For Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder, also called Adhesive Capsulitis, is a painful condition that causes stiffness, pain and restriction in movement of the shoulder. The connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the shoulder capsule, becomes stiff and inflamed causing discomfort and pain. The condition most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and is seen more in women.

Causes

• Limited movement after a surgery or fracture
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Hypothyroidism
• Hyperthyroidism
• Parkinson's disease
• Cardiac disease
• Diabetes

Symptoms

The symptoms of Frozen Shoulder can be divided in three progressive phases:

• Freezing Phase: This phase begins with stiffness of the shoulder, which is marked by intermittent pain in the shoulder region. It may last for about three to eight months with mild stiffness.

• Frozen Phase: This is also known as ‘adhesive phase’ and lasts about four to twelve months. It is characterized by increased stiffness, pain in muscles and lack of arm movement.

• Thawing Phase: The thawing or ‘recovery phase’ of Frozen Shoulder lasts for about twelve to 42 months. There is stiffness and pain in the shoulder, which is less severe and improves with time.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose the condition, the orthopedic doctor may perform a physical test to check the range of motion of the patient’s arm. The doctor can ask details about the patient’s medical history and look for inflammation or bruising around the shoulder area. The doctor may also recommend certain imaging tests like X-ray and MRI to determine the extent and cause of the condition.

Treatment

Depending upon the severity of the condition, the orthopedic surgeon may suggest the following treatment options:

• Medication: The orthopedic doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joint.

• Physical Therapy: The patient may be recommended to visit a physical therapist to improve flexibility and movement of the shoulder. 

• Surgery: In case non-surgical treatment doesn’t offer the desired results the orthopedic surgeon can recommend surgery. During the procedure the scarred tissue is surgically removed to provide full range of motion to the shoulder joint. The doctor can prescribe physical therapy after the surgery for proper rehabilitation.

If left untreated, Frozen Shoulder can worsen with time and cause severe pain. Thus, as soon as the symptoms appear it is advised that one must consult an orthopedic doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. The focus of the treatment is to restore motion and offer relief from pain.

Orthopedic Treatment For Anterior Compartment Syndrome

Anterior Compartment Syndrome occurs as a result of increased pressure in a closed anatomical space in the body. It can affect your forearm, hand, hips, leg, foot, abdomen or the upper arm; however, it usually is known to occur in parts below the knee. There are mainly two types of Anterior Compartment Syndrome namely Acute Anterior Compartment Syndrome, which occurs as a result of leg injury and Chronic Exertional Anterior Compartment Syndrome, which is caused due to excess exercise.

Causes

• Injury in the leg, particularly crash injuries
• Injury that breaks a bone in your leg
• Increased pressure on legs
• Over exercise or excess walking/running
• Trauma
• Burns
• Infection
• Limb compression
• Fracture in the lower leg
• Blood clot in the leg
• Tight bandaging

Symptoms

• Difficulty while running and exercising.
• The pain disappears when you are taking rest and reappears when you resume exercising or running.
• Pain in your leg that worsens with time.
• Severe pain and inability in moving your leg and toes
• Swelling and redness on the affected leg
• Pale leg skin
• Numbness
• Tightness and bruising on the affected part of your leg

Treatment

In the event where you suffer from any of these symptoms, it is advised that you immediately see the orthopedic doctor. Anterior Compartment Syndrome demands prompt diagnosis so that treatment can be started immediately. 

Non-Surgical methods:

• Applying ice on the affected area may help to reduce pain, swelling, bruise and numbness in the leg. This will allow you to move your leg and toes a little easier than before.
• If you are suffering from acute Anterior Compartment Syndrome, then your orthopedic doctor may remove any splint or cast that may be confining your leg.
• Exercises can be prescribed by your physical therapist such as gently stretching your leg or altering your footwear in order to accommodate your feet easily inside it.
• Physical therapy is quite effective as it not only alleviates pain but it also helps in a speedy recovery.
• You must take proper rest and avoid excessive running and walking.

Surgical methods:
It is normally treated using non-surgical methods; however, in some cases the orthopedic surgeon may instruct you to undergo surgery. In order to relieve pressure and tension in your leg, your orthopedic doctor may perform surgery on the affected area in the leg that will allow the muscles of the part to swell.

Achilles Tendon Disorders

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body which stretches from the calf muscles to the bones of the heel. It can be easily felt at the back of ankle and above the heel. Besides being the largest tendon, it is prone to injuries which may occur in many forms including inflammation of the tendons and partial or complete rupture, or tear of the tendons. 

The most common disorders related to Achilles Tendons are: 

• Achilles Tendonitis: It is the inflammation of the tendon which usually occurs due to overexertion or overuse of the tendons such as during running, playing, dancing etc. The inflammation is short lived but can progress into deterioration of the tendons if proper treatment is not given on time. 
• Achilles Tendonosis:  It is the degeneration of the tendon and occurs if Achilles tendonitis is not treated properly. In this condition the tendon loses its structure and develops tiny tears which may also lead to rupture of the tendon, in severe cases.

Causes:

Achilles Tendon disorders, also known as “overuse” disorders, are generally caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity which puts pressure on the Achilles Tendons. Other causes may include:

• Increase in level of physical activity too quickly 
• Lack of proper stretching before exercise
• Wearing high- heels
• Feet conditions like flat feet
• Improper techniques used for exercise
• Tight muscles or tendons
• Bone Spur

Symptoms:

• Pain near the back of the feet, which is generally severe during morning or after rest
• Pain worsens with activity
• Stiffness and tenderness
• Disorganized tendons
• Tendon thickens

In case of severe pain and inflammation, the patient should seek immediate orthopedic care as the condition may deteriorate and lead to ruptured (torn) tendons.

Treatment: 

The treatment for Achilles Tendon depends upon the severity of the condition which is checked by the orthopedic doctor by performing X-Rays and MRI’s etc. The condition can be treated by both surgical and non-surgical treatments.

Non-surgical treatments:

• Immobilization: This is the first step towards reducing the pain. An orthopedic doctor may suggest the patient to take complete rest and avoid motion as physical activities may worsen the pain.
• Ice Packs: Ice is used to reduce the inflammation over the tendons. Ice compression can be helpful for the patient suffering from acute pain and inflammation. The ice should not be applied directly rather a towel should be used for applying ice to the infected area.
• Anti-Inflammatory medications:  An orthopedic surgeon may also suggest anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the pain and the swelling.
• Exercise: There are certain exercises which help in reducing the stress on the Achilles Tendon.

Surgical Treatment: 

The surgical treatment for the disorder may be considered only if the patient does not show any signs of improvement after the non-surgical treatment. The surgery depends on the amount of damage to the tendons and the location of the tendinitis.

Orthopedic Treatment For Diabetic Foot

Diabetic Foot is the condition where higher levels of glucose or blood sugar damage the nerves and blood vessels of the body. This leads to a decrease in the immunity of the body to fight infection in case of any injury. Most of the effects of diabetes are felt and seen on the foot which can quickly turn into serious illness. In most cases any minor foot injury turns into ulcers and infections, and may even lead to amputation of the feet. Therefore, one should be aware of the causes and symptoms of the condition in order to avoid any serious damage.

Causes

The condition usually develops in a person suffering from Diabetes. The risk factors which increase the chances of developing Diabetic Foot are:

• Poorly Fit Footwear: The most common cause is poorly fit shoes. They can cause red spots, blisters, corns, and calluses in the feet which can turn septic in people suffering from diabetes.
• Nerve Damage: Diabetes patients who have to be on foot for longer period and have poorly controlled diabetes are at a risk of having damage in the nerves. Such nerve damages can reduce the sensation in the feet due to which a person with diabetes may not be able to sense the minor injuries which can turn into infections.
• Other Infections: Infections like Athlete’s foot, Ingrown toenail may also lead to diabetic foot.
• Smoking:  Smoking can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the feet and legs. The damage can hamper the process of healing and can cause major infections. 

Symptoms

• Persistent pain at the site of injury
• Punctures
• Redness around the wound signifies infection
• Inflammation of the feet or legs
• Ulcers and blisters
• A sensation of warmth around the injured area
• Hard and shiny skin on the legs
• Interrupted growth of hairs
• Calluses and corns
• Seepage of pus from the bruise
• Fever
• Spreading of redness from the wound signifies worsened condition

Treatment
In case a diabetic patient suffers from an injury or wound, he must immediately seek the advice of an orthopedic doctor. If the above mentioned symptoms persist, there is an increased risk of the infection of the wound. Treatment for Diabetic Foot may include:

• Antibiotics: An orthopedic physician may prescribe an antibiotic depending on the severity of the condition. He may analyze the blood sugar levels before providing any medication. The patient should make sure to take the prescribed dosage of antibiotics to treat the condition completely.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery might be needed to heal the wound. The procedure may involve combination of treatments to give relief from the pain.

Intense care should be provided to people suffering from Diabetic Foot in order to save them from the extremity of the condition. The condition should not be ignored and the patient must immediately refer to an orthopedic physician in case of an injury.

Shoulder Arthritis: Types, Symptoms & Treatment

Many people believe that shoulder has several joints, but in reality there are only two joints in the shoulder. One joint is ‘Acromioclavicular’ or AC joint, which is located where collarbone meets the tip of the shoulder bone. Another joint is the ‘Glenohumeral’ joint, which is located at the junction of the upper arm bone and the shoulder blade. Both these joints are susceptible to Shoulder Arthritis, and in order to get effective treatment, the doctor needs to determine which kind of arthritis one has.

Types

Orthopedic Treatment For Shoulder Arthritis

Following are the common types of Arthritis: 

• Osteoarthritis: This is also known as ‘wear and tear arthritis’ or ‘degenerative joint disease’. It occurs as a result of abrasion of protective surface that allows the joint to move smoothly.  Due to this, there is instability in the movement of the joint and results in pain and stiffness. 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is a chronic disease and affects same joints on both sides of the body. A lubricating lining called ‘synovium’, which facilitates easy movement of joints, swells because of this arthritis and causes pain and stiffness.
• Posttraumatic Arthritis: This is another form of osteoarthritis and usually develops after an injury like a fracture or dislocation of the shoulder.
• Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: This type of arthritis occurs when there is some long standing rotator cuff tear. Due to damage in the surfaces of the joints, this condition can develop gradually.
• Avascular Necrosis: When the blood supply to head of humerus is disrupted, this arthritis is developed. It destroys the shoulder joints because of lack of blood and ultimately causes arthritis.

Symptoms:

• Shoulder Arthritis leads to pain in the joint, which becomes painful with any kind of activity in which the use of shoulder is there.
• The range of motion is limited and performing simple activities like combing hair, reaching out a shelf become difficult.
• It becomes difficult to sleep at night because of the pain.
• A feeling of grinding or catching is experienced within the joint.
• There is swelling and stiffness in the shoulder.
• The shoulder becomes tender.

Treatment:

Before moving on to surgical treatments for Shoulder Arthritis, all non-operative treatments must be fully exhausted. Pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicines can benefit those who are experiencing pain. For short term relief, steroid injections can be used but their use should be limited as they can further damage the joint. Ice can be rubbed on the affected shoulder to reduce the swelling. Physical therapy can be effective in reducing the pain and improving the range of motion of the shoulder. If the pain causes disability, then surgical treatments can be effective in providing relief. This treatment includes shoulder joint replacement in which damaged parts of the shoulder are removed and replaced. Anthroscopy includes use of incisions by inserting small camera into the shoulder joint.

Surgical treatments can help restore the motion of the shoulder.  Rehabilitation programs help in recovery and may take a few weeks to fully return to motion. Shoulder Arthritis is a treatable condition and one should consult a qualified doctor to begin treatment to recover from this condition.

Orthopedic Treatment For Turf Toe

Turf Toe is a condition in which pain is experienced at the base of the toe. The condition is caused due to a sprain in the big toe as a result of excessive running and jumping. Significant damage to the ligaments and the joint capsule adjacent to the toe joint causes its range of motion to be impaired. The toe becomes stiff and becomes painful due to swelling.  Commonly, this term is associated with players who play on artificial field like in football and basketball, but is also quite common in athletes involved in gymnastics, wrestling and dance. Turf Toe injury can be classified as:

Grade I: Minor swelling, some tenderness but no bruising
Grade II: Swelling ranges from mild to severe, with some bruising
Grade III: Moderate to severe bruising, with tenderness and swelling which is painful

Causes:

• The common causes of Turf Toe have been described below:
• When forefoot is fixed on the ground and heel is raised, some force pushes the toe into hyperextension.
• Artificial lawn surfaces are responsible for causing turf toe as they are hard and less shock absorbent.
• Shoes worn by athletes during sports activity provide flexibility but instability to the forefoot.
• A simple jamming or stubbing of the toe can also cause this condition
• Previous injuries to the toe and forefoot

Symptoms:

• Pain is experienced at the base of the toe
• Noticeable swelling both at the toe and the ball of the foot
• Popping sound at time of injury
• Bruising around the toe and ball of the foot
• Limited range of motion of the toe
• The toe becomes tender
• Mobility is reduced

Diagnosis:

Medical history and examinations can help orthopedic doctor determine the severity of injury to the toe. The doctor can check for signs of swelling, bruising and examine the range of motion of the joint. Imaging tests like X-Rays and MRI create clear pictures of bones and let the doctor detect the injured part. MRI creates better images of the soft tissues and help in determining the cartilage injuries.

Treatment:

Turf Toe can be treated with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) therapy when the injury is Grade I. Providing proper rest to the toe, icing several times a day, reducing the swelling with compression bandage and elevating the leg at a level higher than heart to reduce swelling can be effective in treating the injury when it occurs. Grade II injuries can be treated by prescribing a walking boot, with rest time varying from 3 to 14 days. Grade III injuries are treated by immobilizing the toe for several weeks. Walking boots or casts are used to keep the toe in a stable position. Physical therapy to help restore the strength of the toe is followed soon after. Surgery is performed in case the symptoms persist and athlete is not able to perform in sports. Grade III injuries may even require surgery if there is internal fracture and there is damage to the cartilage joint.

Turf Toe injuries heal fairly well. It may take a few weeks for pain to fully subside. It can be avoided by wearing comfortable shoes that provide support to the base of the foot. If possible, one should avoid playing on hard surfaces to prevent this condition.

Orthopedic Treatment For Scapholunate Ligament Tear

Scapholunate is the ligament connecting scaphoid and lunate, the two small carpal bones present in the center of the wrist. The ligament helps in ensuring that the wrist moves smoothly and the bones move together. When the Scapholunate Ligament tears, not only is the pain excruciating but the bearer loses his ability to grip objects firmly as well. Athletes mainly those who pertain to sports which involve gripping a racquet or a bat are quite susceptible to tearing their Scapholunate Ligament.
 

Symptoms: 

• Pain in the wrist
• Pain towards the thumb
• A popping sound in the wrist at the time of the injury
• Weakened grip
• Bruising or swelling of the wrist
• Difficulty while moving the wrist in a rotating motion

Causes:

• Taking a fall, wrist first
• Lifting excessive weight using the wrist
• Playing high impact shots in certain sports
• Any one of the above mentioned mishaps can lead to the separation of the scaphoid and lunate and ultimately cause a fracture.

Treatment:

• The following things are taken into consideration while treating this condition:
• The patient's age
• The extent of the damage
• Time passed between the injury and when you see a doctor
• Whether the patient is suffering from arthritis and its extent

An orthopedic surgeon will perform the necessary mobility tests to diagnose the condition up close and rule out any other possible damage. It is also essential to identify the precise point where you are feeling the pain. For this, apart from the said mobility tests, the doctor may also recommend X-rays and MRI scans. This will help rule out the possibility of fractures, tissue damage and cartilage damage.

Modes of treatment:
 

Non invasive methods such as a splint or a cast are generally used if the damage is not too much. To provide temporary respite to the patient, the doctor will likely recommend anti-inflammatory medicine and painkillers. In severe cases because of the extent of the damage, an arthroscopic surgery, using small incisions may be recommended. By removing the damaged ligament, the surgeon will create scope for a new healthy ligament to grow back in its place. In either case it is recommend to see a wrist doctor who can fully diagnose and prescribe the correct treatment.

Orthopedic Treatment For Intoeing

Intoeing is an unusual problem that is found in infants and young children. Intoeing or pigeon-toed refers to the condition when the feet turn inward while running or walking, rather than pointing straight. Often the problem eventually corrects itself as the child grows but in certain cases orthopedic treatment is required to rectify it.
 

Causes:
 

There can be skeletal and neurological causes of Intoeing. Skeletal reasons include Metatarsus Adductus, Tibia Torsion, and Femoral Anteversion. However the neurological reasons can be due to premature labor and the intoeing due to neurological reasons should be taken seriously as the situation may actually worsen with age.
 

If the child’s feet are curved inward from the middle of the toes, the condition is referred to as Metatarsus Adductus. This usually occurs before birth and it is understood that the feet eventually straighten as the child grows up.  Another cause is Tibia Torsion, which is a twist in the tibia, a bone between the ankle and the knee. The problem comes to notice when the child starts walking. Usually the twist straightens out itself; however, in some cases the twist does not straighten out sufficiently to make the feet straight and the child suffers from Intoeing.  An inward twist in the femur (thighbone) leads to Femoral Anteversion.
 

Usually children are born with somewhat twist in the thighbone but the cause of intoeing becomes clear when the child starts walking. As these problems occur from genetic and development reasons it is almost impossible to prevent them.
 

Symptoms:

•  Infant’s feet point inwards
• Outer sides of the child’s foot is curved
• clumsiness
• Stumbling
• Tripping while walking

 Treatment:

 
Whether the problem is neurological or skeletal, the condition can be clear only after proper foot examination. The parents must consult a specialist to know the exact cause of the problem and whether treatment is required or not, and if required, then what should be the line of treatment. Metatarsus Adductus can be treated by serial casting, which involves applying casts to foot and leg for gently straightening it. This can be done to younger children as it is not suitable for elders. For older children, orthopedic surgeons recommend corrective devices such as special shoes and splints. This helps in modifying the position of joints. Sometimes surgery may be required to reset the bones, if the problem does not resolve on its own. An orthopedic surgeon will suggest the correct line of treatment after proper diagnosis.

Hammer Toes: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention

Hammer toes is a condition affecting the feet, in which one of the toes points outwards or curls instead of buckling. The condition is more likely to affect women than men, owing to the type of shoes they wear. People with diabetes or circulatory disorders should see their orthopedic doctor at the first sign of the development of hammer toes, since the disorder can take a serious shape in these patients. Hammer toes can be flexible or rigid. The former indicate that the disorder is in its initial stage and can respond to various stages, while in the latter, the toe can no longer move, and usually needs surgery. 

Causes:

Hammer toes are caused by an imbalance in the toe muscles, which in turn, can be caused by:

• Toe injury- This commonly occurs due to ill-fitting shoes that are too tight, too pointy, or high-heeled. 
• Genetic- People with flat feet usually have a tendency to develop hammer toes, even though those with high-arched feet can also get the condition. 
• Arthritis

Symptoms:

• A toe that assumes an upside-down “V” shape usually indicates a hammer toe
• Pain, at the top of the toe and the heel of the foot, especially when wearing shoes
• Corns at the top of the affected toe joint
• Redness and inflammation 
• Difficulty in moving the toe joint- at later stages it might become impossible to move the joint 

Treatment:

The treatment begins with a thorough medical examination to determine if you really have a hammer toe. This includes an X-ray to determine the extent of the condition. The treatment options that are offered include:

• Medication to relieve pain and swelling 
• Podiatrist-recommended footwear and padded inserts
• Foot exercises to restore muscle balance
• Splinting the toe- this can help at early stages of the disorder
• Surgical procedures might be needed in certain cases of hammer toe. Our orthopedic surgeons are well experienced in performing these procedures, ensuring speedy recovery and minimal side effects. 

Prevention:

Hammer toes can be prevented by taking the following simple precautions:

• Check your feet regularly and see your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormality. An early diagnosis goes a long way in ensuring quick recovery in case of foot disorders. 
• Improve circulation to your feet through a foot massage, a warm foot bath, or simply putting your feet up while sitting. 
• Most importantly, wear well-fitted shoes. If one of your feet is bigger than the other, make sure that you fit your shoes to the bigger foot. 
• Do not buy tight shoes hoping they will get loose through wearing. Ideally, there should be at least 1.5 cm between your longest toe and the front of the shoe. 

Partial Knee Replacement In Irving TX

A partial knee replacement, also known as a Unicompartmental Knee Replacement, is a minimally-invasive procedure involving the replacement of either the medial (internal) or lateral (external) part of the damaged knee. An artificial implant, known as a Prosthetic, replaces the damaged tissue and bone. The patient is administered with general or local anesthesia before the surgery is performed.

The orthopedic surgeon makes an incision that is 3-5 inches long over the knee. This is followed by a medical examination in which the doctor rules out damage to more than one part of the knee, in which case total knee replacement is required. The damaged bone and tissue is then removed, after which the prosthetic is placed into the knee, and sealed with bone cement. Stitches are used to close the wound.

It is advisable to get the procedure performed by a renowned orthopedic surgeon in Irving TX to avoid any post-surgery complications. Arthritis pain is one of the most common causes for which patients need to undergo partial knee replacement. Your orthopedic doctor might recommend the surgery if your arthritis pain is severely limiting the quality of your life, and the pain is not responding to treatment.

The major advantages offered by partial knee replacement over complete knee replacement are a smaller incision, less blood loss, and faster recovery. Patients who might not be suitable candidates for partial knee replacement include patients under the age of 55, obese patients, and undergo intense physical activity. When performed in the right patient by an experienced Irving orthopedic surgeon, partial knee replacement shows highly positive results, with most patients not requiring revision for up to two decades.

Patient selection is a key factor in determining the success of partial knee replacement surgery. Even though most patients do not need to undergo any further surgery once the procedure is performed, in some cases, the patient might develop arthritis in other regions of the knee. This might result in the need for further surgery or even a possible conversion to total knee replacement surgery. This conversion is not uncommon, and the results are usually positive.

It is important to have a detailed discussion with your doctor prior to the surgery, and make sure that you understand the risk factors involved in your case. Potential complications that you might want to look into include infection, blood clots, and problems related to anesthesia. 

Allen Sports And Spine: Tips for Young Athletes

Being an athlete means you are prone to a lot of injuries associated with the bones and especially spine. The doctors advise physical therapy in order to completely recover from sports injuries. However, there are certain tips that you can follow in order to keep yourself safe while getting involved in your sport.

• It is important for young athletes to undergo a physical exam before the commencement of the sports season. This is especially significant for kids who play any kind of sport because continuous exertion can bring up a previously undetected problem. For instance, blood pressure or heart-related difficulties can arise during practice sessions. The Orthopedic doctors in Allen TX must be given all the details about your child’s medical history. Also make sure that your child’s joints and muscles are in the best of condition.
• Secondly, you must motivate your kids to adopt the practice of cross-training. Continuous stress on one body part does not give it the time to heal itself. So, even if your child is focused on a single sport, make sure he also gets involved in an activity that makes him use different muscles. For instance, running and swimming can be incorporated in your child’s sports regimen.
• AEDs (automated external defibrillators) are life-saving devices as they are helpful in case a young student suffers cardiac arrest. These instruments administer a shock to the child and that eventually starts the normal heartbeat again. So, enquire from your child’s sports instructor whether he has these devices or not.
• Exhaustion caused by heat can be easily resolved by drinking water or sports drinks. It is important to drink at least 7 to 10 ounces of liquid before exercising. Thereafter, your child can keep on consuming liquid sip by sip during the practice sessions.
• A large number of cases of cardiac arrest occur in young athletes when they are hit hard in the chest. This leads to a disruption in the heartbeat and eventually takes away someone’s life. Therefore, you must talk to the coach and ask him to use safety baseballs because they are softer than the usual balls. You must also check out RIF (Reduced Injury Factor) baseballs at stores that stock sports goods.
• You must also make it a point to get your child’s heart screened i.e., get an EKG (electrocardiogram) done in order to test the electrical activity of the heart. However, there is not much assurance of the results of EKG since a cardiac arrest can occur even if the results are normal. But that does not mean an EKG is completely useless since results vary from individual to individual.

Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement In Irving TX

Minimally invasive joint replacement is a surgery that makes it possible to completely replace an affected joint like the hip or knee joint using one or two small incisions. Using small incisions for replacing the joints helps to decrease the trauma caused to the muscles and tendons, hence aiding speedy recovery, as well as minimal blood loss. This means a shorter hospital stay for the patients, and quicker rehabilitation.  If you are considering getting this surgery, you shall need to schedule an appointment with your orthopedic surgeon to ensure that you are eligible for the surgery. 

The surgery is widely performed in orthopedic clinics across Irving TX. MIS is best suited for patients with a healthy weight, who are young and in good health. It is also important for the patient to be motivated to work towards their recovery once the surgery is performed. Patients who have already undergone joint surgery previously, and those who are obese, excessively muscular, or aged are usually not eligible for minimally invasive joint replacement. 

Your orthopedic surgeon in Irving will carefully evaluate your individual history and tell you whether or not you are eligible for the surgery. It is also important to have a clear understanding of the risks and benefits of the surgery before getting it performed. Patients must not confuse MIS with arthroscopic procedures, which involve treating damaged cartilage, and require very small incisions. In MIS, the surgeons must make an incision of 3-4 inches for hip replacement, and 4-5 inches for knee replacement, large enough to insert the implant. This is smaller than the incision required for traditional surgery, which is around 12 inches. 

The basic procedure involved is similar to traditional knee replacement surgery, involving cutting of the bone, realigning the supporting soft tissue mechanism, and placing the implant. The procedure is almost painless, owing to the use of epidural hypotensive anesthesia and light sedation. This also helps to avoid the risks involved with general anesthesia, which is administered in case of traditional surgery. The outcomes are as good as those with the traditional approach.

As many advantages as this procedure offers, it is important to ensure that you get it performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon, who performs the surgery regularly, and practices appropriate patient selection. You might also want to discuss the alternative method of minimally invasive joint replacement with your surgeon, which involves two incisions instead of one, and the use of x-ray guidance to place two pieces of the prosthesis.