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Category Archives: Health & Fitness

Partial Joint Replacement

Posted on October 22, 2015 - 2:06 pm by

Millions of Americans suffer from joint pain, with 40 percent saying that it is “very difficult” or they are “unable” to perform common activities like stooping, bending, kneeling or walking a brief distance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A partial joint replacement from a Jacksonville orthopedic specialist may significantly decrease pain and improve your quality of life.

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Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?

Posted on October 15, 2015 - 1:48 pm by
Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?

Bone density scans determine how strong your bones are and if you’re at risk for osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones weak and more likely to break.

Bone density scans, also called bone mineral density (BMD), are noninvasive and take just a few minutes to complete. Scans can be conducted on your hips or spine using a scan called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). It’s similar to a traditional x-ray, but your body isn’t exposed to as much radiation. A smaller device can also determine bone density using your finger, wrist or heel. Oftentimes, these devices are used at community screenings or in drugstores that offer bone density scans to patrons.

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Child Exercise: How Much Is Too Much?

Posted on October 8, 2015 - 12:21 pm by

You know it’s good for your kids to get regular exercise but can they get too much physical activity? Orthopedic surgeons say too much or the wrong kind of exercise can harm growing bodies.

That’s because growth plates can be more easily injured or broken during childhood and into the teenage years. Parents need to not only limit how much their children exercise but also restrict certain kinds of exercise. (more…)

Sports Medicine Myths Part 2: Stretching Prevents Injuries

Posted on September 17, 2015 - 4:00 pm by

Before you take to the basketball court or engage in an intense workout, chances are you stretch. After all, you have been taught by coaches, peers and even sports medicine doctors that stretching before sports activities or workout routines will prevent injury, but what if what you’ve always been told is wrong?

It may come as a surprise to you, but stretching done before, during or after a workout or sports activity could actually do you more harm than good. (more…)

What Exactly Are Shin Splints?

Posted on August 28, 2015 - 11:18 am by

Leg pain is a fairly common occurrence for athletes—especially long distance runners. Running puts pressure on the joints, including the hips, knees and ankles, as well as on the feet and legs. Whenever pain develops in the lower legs it is often assumed to be shin splints, but shin splints are actually a specific problem that can develop in the shins, the bones that run along the front of the lower legs.

Shin splints are a sort of overuse injury that develop when inflammation builds up around the soft tissues of the lower leg. The injury can develop in two areas surrounding the shin. When they develop on the outer edge of the mid region of the leg, near the shinbone, they are called anterior shin splints. When they develop on the inside of the leg they are referred to as medial shin splints.

So, What Are Shin Splints?

There is some disagreement among experts as to what exactly causes shin splints to develop. The leading theories include:

  • Shin splints may be caused by small tears in muscle that has been pulled off the bone.
  • Inflammation in the tissue sheath that wraps around the shin bone.
  • Inflammation in the muscles surrounding the shin bone.

Many sport and exercise doctors believe that they are actually caused by a combination of several of these factors. What medical experts do agree on is that shin splints are unique to athletes, they are caused by regular physical activity, and whatever is the primary cause of the pain, the best way to treat shin splints seems to be clear.

Because they are caused by overuse, shin splints are pretty much reserved for regular athletes. They can happen to athletes of any age or expertise level, from youth soccer all the way to professional ball players.

Rest Is Best

Experts agree that the best way to treat shin splints is with a combination of rest, ice and stretching. It is recommended to stop running entirely when shin splints first develop, as they will grow worse over time. Secondly, ice the shins regularly to reduce inflammation in the legs. Doing basic Achilles stretches often helps to ease the pain of shin splints and stretch the muscles and tissues surrounding the shin bone.

If you are going to continue working out while struggling with shin splints, the best thing you can do is wrap the injury. Don’t wait too long before seeking the medical expertise of a sports medicine doctor. The sooner you can get treatment and address the pain, the sooner the pain of shin splints can go away.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

Supplements to Take for Healthier Bones

Posted on August 12, 2015 - 9:51 am by

The American diet is a leading source of obesity and a range of other health problems, including poor bone health. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that 54 million Americans older than age 50 are affected by osteoporosis or low bone mass. Having weak bones may increase your risk of injury, resulting in the need for specialized orthopedic treatment to avoid long-lasting effects. Fortunately, no matter what your age, supplementing your diet with important vitamins and minerals can improve bone health. (more…)

5 Ways to Ease Back Pain From Scoliosis

Posted on August 5, 2015 - 9:43 am by

An estimated 5 to 7 million Americans suffer from scoliosis, reports the American Chiropractic Association. This condition is characterized by abnormal curvature of the spine. For most people, the spine is straight and tall to support our body posture. People with scoliosis have a spine that curves more than 10 degrees to the right or left. This spinal curvature contributes to significant back pain but may also negatively affect lung or heart functioning. Addressing the back pain associated with scoliosis is an important way to improve well-being among people who suffer from this condition. (more…)

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