Sports Medicine Archives

Benefits of Swimming In the Summer

Posted on June 13, 2017 - 12:25 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

As the temperatures rise, more and more people head towards the water. Not only do people go to the ocean for a trip but they also head out for days by the local pool. If you have not taken advantage of swimming in the summer to cool off, you may decide it is time to when you learn of all the benefits. These are just a few that make swimming a recommendation from orthopedic surgeons.

Lose Weight

Getting in the pool and going for a swim or playing with some friends can help you burn calories and lose weight. Doing it one time will not make a difference but if you make it a habit, you will definitely notice a difference after a few weeks.

Reduce Back Pain

Swimming is an exercise that does not strain any of the connective tissues of the body making is a great exercise for people with back pain, leg pain and even joint pain. Not only does it allow you to get exercise without adding strain to the body but it can also help relieve some of your symptoms.

Relieve Stress

Swimming is a stress reliever. It is a fun activity and if you are feeling stressed, then it is time to go to the pool. Combine that with the endorphins you get from a workout and you will be feeling great after your swim.

Build Muscle

Every time you see someone who is an avid swimmer, you probably notice how defined their muscles are. The repetitive motions and increased resistance that comes naturally from the water help with this. Additionally, swimmers can heal injured muscles faster and they develop good muscle stamina.

Swimming is a great exercise for people of all ages and of all health levels. Before you start a new work out regimen, be sure to come see the doctors at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists.

Treatment and Symptoms of A Torn Ligament In Your Foot

Posted on April 21, 2017 - 3:18 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

We generally don’t stop to consider the structure of our feet until we begin experiencing pain when walking or other signs of a serious foot injury. While the bones in the foot can fracture and the foot’s muscles can experience strains, one of the more common and potentially serious foot injuries are torn ligaments. Ligaments are the strong and flexible tissues that hold the bones throughout your body together; when a ligament tears, the resulting injury is often referred to as a sprain. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment by an orthopedic surgeon may be required to treat torn ligaments in the foot.

Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in the Foot

Torn ligaments can occur following a range of physical activities from dancing to snowboarding, and several common symptoms can help identify a torn ligament as the cause of your foot pain.

Swelling and bruising will occur at the site of injury.
Pain and tenderness are concentrated on the top, bottom or the sides of your foot near the arch.
Pain intensifies when walking or during other physical activity.
Inability to bear weight on the injured foot.

In order to correctly diagnose a torn ligament, your doctor will usually take an x-ray of your foot to confirm the location and severity of the injury.

Treatment Options for Torn Foot Ligaments

The appropriate treatment for a torn ligament in the foot varies depending on the severity of the injury. Minor sprains resulting from small tears to your ligaments–often referred to as grade I–will generally heal on their own within a few weeks. Large tears to your foot’s ligaments, also known as grade II sprains, need more attention; these moderately severe sprains usually require a splint or cast and can take up to eight weeks to heal. For both minor and moderate sprains, your doctor may provide you with crutches to help limit the pain as your foot heals.

The most severe injuries to the ligaments of the foot involve cases where the ligaments are completely torn or detached from the bones of the feet. For these grade III sprains, foot surgery may be the only suitable treatment.

Do You Need Foot Surgery?

If you suspect that you may have torn a ligament in your foot, receiving prompt medical attention from an orthopedic specialist is the best way to avoid more serious injury. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, our skilled medical team can assess your injury and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.

Signs That Your Sports Injury May Be Serious

Posted on April 14, 2017 - 2:50 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Sometimes a serious sports injury is easy to spot, but acute sports injuries are not always immediately apparent. What begins as a minor ache following a rough game or a difficult workout can quickly progress into a debilitating and long-lasting impairment. Spotting the warning signs that you have a serious sports injury is key to seeking and receiving proper and prompt medical attention. If you are experiencing any of the following signs, please treat your injury as serious and consult an orthopedic doctor immediately.

Pain

Often the most common sign of an acute sports injury is also the most obvious. Pain in the joints of your knees, ankles, elbows or wrists following intense exercise or contact sports can be the first indication that something is wrong, particularly if you are still experiencing pain more than 48 hours after the initial injury.

Tenderness

An important indication that your sports injury is in need of medical attention is pain or tenderness when pressure is applied to the afflicted area. One of the easiest ways to test for tenderness is to press the same place on both sides of your body; if you don’t feel pain on the non-injured side, you have a clear signal that something is wrong.

Swelling

Swelling is sometimes visually obvious, but it isn’t always easy to spot swelling, particularly at a joint. Joint pain and stiffness or clicking when you bend your afflicted joint are non-visual signs that the area is swollen.

Limited Range of Motion

A reduced ability to move or bend your injured joint is another sign of swelling in the area and an indication of an underlying serious injury. As when checking for tenderness, compare the range of motion between the injured and non-injured sides of your body; if one side has limited movement, a serious injury could be present.

Numbness

Lastly, tingling or loss of sensation in the injured area is one of the most significant signs of a serious injury. This symptom can signal nerve compression in the injured area, and any numbness is a sign of a sports injury that should be immediately examined by a doctor.

Contact Our Sports Medicine Specialists

If you are experiencing signs of a serious and acute sports injury, getting prompt medical attention is key for avoiding serious damage or a long-term debilitating condition. The sports medicine experts at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists can provide you with the care you need. To schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, please contact us at (904) 634-0640 or request an appointment online.

Orthopedic Specialist Role in Therapy and Recovery?

Posted on April 3, 2017 - 2:41 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, an orthopedic specialist has a medical focus on injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, a system encompassing bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and nerves. Such injuries can interfere with how a patient feels and moves. Injuries and pain can prevent a person from performing routine activities. Learn more about how an orthopedic specialist helps patients during therapy and recovery.

What Does an Orthopedic Specialist Do?

An orthopedic specialist will help manage a musculoskeletal issue and will assist in the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of future conditions. Many orthopedic specialists choose to specialize in a certain area. There are specialists for the foot and ankle, hip, spine or knee. Others may work in a specific field such as sports medicine, trauma or pediatrics. Orthopedic specialists at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists offer patients a variety of specialties. Review members of the staff to find a friendly and suitable team member dedicated to addressing your specific orthopedic needs.

What Options Do Orthopedic Specialists Offer?

There are many treatments and rehabilitation options available at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. Surgical and non-surgical approaches are available and recommendations are given after a thorough assessment. Options include:

Stem cell therapy. This type of therapy is offered at the Beaches location. Stem cell therapy is used in combination with traditional orthopedic approaches to offer new ways to provide pain relief and stimulate the body’s healing process. Injections of carefully extracted and prepared cells help heal injured cells and tissues and nourish a target area.
Joint replacement. Patients with severe to moderate arthritis may opt for joint replacement surgery to provide pain relief and restore function in a joint. Patients can have total replacement surgery that can keep them pain-free for decades.
Emergency orthopedic care. An Emergency Orthopedic Program treats patients with fractures and traumatic injuries. After a thorough evaluation, an orthopedic specialist develops a personalized treatment program for the needs of a patient. Treatment recommendations may include medication, casts, splints, surgery or physical therapy.
On-site rehabilitation. Each of the six on-site physical therapy departments provides patients with quality care in the form of therapists trained in orthopedic manual physical therapy, state-of-the-art equipment and large treatment areas. Therapists partner with surgeons to enhance patient outcomes.

Contact An Orthopedic Specialist

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has offered the most comprehensive care available to the Northeast Florida community since 2001. Patients choose from a team including 13 board certified physicians and six convenient locations. Contact a friendly associate to learn how an orthopedic specialist can address your concern.

Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Surgery

Posted on March 20, 2017 - 1:33 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Following Achilles tendon surgery, immobilization of the affected foot is essential. Immobilization can last up to 12 weeks. During this time, patients receive either a walking boot or cast designed to provide support and prevent movement.

How quickly a patient progresses with his or her rehabilitation varies. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, our patients receive personalized treatment plans. These plans are created by his or her orthopedic specialist. If you have sustained an injury to your Achilles tendon, contact our office today. We are dedicated to helping you regain your range of motion and strength so you can continue participating in the activities you enjoy.

Rehabilitation Program Guidelines

Weeks 1 through 8

Throughout this initial recovery period, patients need to avoid exercising their foot. This ‘rest’ period aids the Achilles tendon as it heals. Many patients find that doing something positive during their eight-week, limited-mobility period assists them in coping with this less-active lifestyle. For example, purchase a few photo albums and go through that old box of photos in the attic.

What to Expect After the Initial 8 Weeks

Flexibility and Range of Motion

In order to relieve the pressure being placed on the Achilles tendon, heel raises of 1 to 2 cm will be placed in the patient’s shoes.
Active stretching of the Achilles tendon may begin. This involves pulling the toes upwards. Initially, this stretching must be gentle, gradually building up over time. If these stretches are painless, passive stretches can begin. A passive stretch involves the assistance of an individual or a physical therapy tool during the stretching process.
The orthopedic specialist may order ultrasound therapy.
Once the patient’s full range of motion is re-established, gradual strengthening exercises can begin.
After an individual experiences a ligament or tendon rupture, his or her sense of positioning and balance may decrease: If these skills are not regained, future injuries are possible. Therefore, at this point, balancing exercises will be included in the patient’s physical therapy routine.
Sports massage may be used to improve blood flow and to help the muscles relax.

Strengthening Exercises for the Calf Muscles and Achilles Tendon

Strengthening the Achilles tendon as opposed to re-injuring it during these exercises requires the assistance of a knowledgeable orthopedic specialist and physical therapist.
When the exercise program is initiated, some pain should be expected. However, if the pain is excruciating, exercises should be discontinued.
Strengthening exercises should be performed following a gentle warm-up and stretching session. Warming up the muscles can be accomplished by raising the heels up and down while in a seated position.
As each day passes, the pain level should continue to decrease.
Even as the pain subsides, the level of exercise should not be increased without direction from the orthopedic specialist.
Directly following exercise, cold therapy can be implemented to control inflammation.
Exercises to maintain flexibility must also be continued.

Returning to Fitness

After a week without any pain, patients can gradually begin to return to their pre-surgical training routine. However, if pain starts, training must stop. Prior to a training session, patients need to warm up their muscles. This can be done by stretching and then walking. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, the majority of our patients are ready to return to their sport within 9 months of their Achilles tendon surgery.

Swimmer Injuries: Tips for Preventing Torn Rotator Cuffs

Posted on March 14, 2017 - 12:18 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

The shoulder is a very mobile joint and needs to be controlled by the ligaments and muscles that surround the joint. Poor stroke technique, previous shoulder injury, over-training and weakness can lead both to being overworked. If this continues, injuries such as rotator cuff impingement can occur and torn rotator cuff can occur. Here are some tips for preventing torn rotator cuffs. It’s really an injury that you want to avoid.

Preventing Torn Rotator Cuffs

Tip #1 – Early injury protection is important in preventing torn rotator cuffs. Rest, ice, compression and elevation should be the initial treatment with any soft tissue injury. Also, the movement that provoked the shoulder pain should be avoided. Ice can reduce pain and swelling, and taping will help to support the rotator cuff. Massage or dry needling may assist during initial injury.
Tip #2 – Overuse is one of the main causes of rotator cuff injuries. It’s important not to perform exercises before swimming that cause instability and excess movement which will only fatigue the stabilizing muscles and increase the risk of rotator cuff injury.
Tip #3 – Don’t stretch. Stretching the shoulder for further range of motion stretches the stabilizers and impairs its ability to sense joint position. This can cause tissue breakdown and injury.
Tip #4 – Swimmers perform excess overhead motions. It’s best to improve muscle length through passive soft tissue mechanisms. This method relaxes the muscle and allows the muscle to retain appropriate muscle length. Deviations from appropriate muscle length can increase the risk of rotator cuff injury.
Tip #5 – Make sure you know how to sense your shoulder position at different amounts of range of motion. It’s best to learn the different positions out of the water. This is mandatory for shoulder injury protection, including preventing torn rotator cuffs.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists physicians are specialists in sports medicine. Sub-specialties include physical therapy, rotator cuff surgery and surgery of musculoskeletal conditions. They perform the latest surgical techniques. If you’ve incurred a rotator cuff injury, call them for an appointment for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The amount of shoulder injuries in swimming is unfortunate. Realistic and smart injury prevention programs, not isolated to the rotator cuff muscles should always be in place. Injury prevention programs are key to preventing shoulder injuries.

Do Warm-ups Prevent Sports Injuries?

Posted on March 7, 2017 - 2:05 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

The most important reason for warming up before doing any sport is to prevent injury. Keeping the muscles warm prevents injuries like hamstring strains and muscle strains. Typically, a warm-up exercise consists of light cardiovascular exercises with stretches. The cardiovascular exercises are intended to increase circulation, bring the heart rate up and prepare the muscles for physical movements required to carry out the sport. Strength exercises prepare the body for sudden movements in order to prevent injuries.

The Effects of a Warm-Up

A warm-up gently prepares the body for the physical activity. It’s also a good opportunity to prepare one mentally for the sport or game. They can also be used for team drills and to practice skills. Most warm-ups should last between 20 minutes to half an hour. This gives the body plenty of time to prepare for the physical activity.

The Medical Evidence in Sport Medicine Journals

In the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, studies found that warm-ups significantly reduce the risk of injury. Studies also indicate that “The potential for reduced injury rates may be greater if the type of warm-up relates directly to the activity subsequently undertaken, and where the participants are of similar ages. The warm-up should be sport-/activity-specific and tailored to the age of your client/group.”

Stretching is a type of warm-up that helps prevent injuries. Types of stretches include forward lunge, side lunge, thigh stretch, side seat straddle and knees to chest stretches. Even walking, running in place or doing jumping jacks will help stretch and warm up the muscles.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has a dedicated department for sport medicine. Its medical specialists are trained and experienced in the diagnosis, treatment and surgery for sports related injuries. There are also doctors who as physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists with a non-surgical approach to sports injuries. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or daily athlete, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists offers the best sport medicine care in Northeast Florida. If you’ve incurred a sports related injury, call for a personalized evaluation and consultation today. They’ve help many others recover from all types of sports injuries and can help you too.

Sprained Ankle Recovery Time & Treatment

Posted on February 6, 2017 - 12:49 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle become overstretched or torn. An ankle sprain can range anywhere from mild to severe. The grade of an ankle sprain depends on the amount of damage to the ligaments.

At-Home Treatment for an Ankle Sprain

Once you injure your ankle, you need to begin using the RICE protocol right away:

R – Rest your ankle.
I – Ice your ankle (up to 30 minutes, four times a day). You should never place ice directly on your skin. Be sure to wrap the ice in a towel.
C – Compression dressings to immobilize and support your ankle (i.e., bandage wraps).
E – Elevate your ankle, especially during the initial 48 hours following your injury.

You can also use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen to control your pain and reduce inflammation.

How Your Orthopedic Doctor Determines the Grade of Your Ankle Sprain

The orthopedic surgeons at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists frequently diagnose and treat individuals who have sprained their ankles.

Grade 1 – If your sprain is mild, you will experience tenderness and swelling around your ankle.
Grade 2 – Your ankle will be tender, swollen and bruised above and below its joint.
Grade 3 – You will have a substantial amount of swelling around your ankle. In addition, your ankle will be very tender.

The Importance of Seeking Treatment for a Moderate to Severe Ankle Sprain

If you avoid seeking treatment for a moderate to severe sprained ankle, you are more likely to injure the ankle again at some point in the future. Recurrent ankle sprains can cause you to have long-term ankle problems. These problems may include arthritis, continued ankle pain and/or ankle instability. If you have sprained your ankle and need immediate care, contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists at 904-394-BONE (2663). If you do not need care immediately, but you would like to make an appointment, please call (904) 634-0640 or request an appointment with our online form by clicking here.

The Three-Phase Program Orthopedic Surgeons Use to Treat Ankle Sprains

Whether you have a mild, moderate or severe ankle sprain, your orthopedic doctor will implement a three-phase program:

Phase 1 – Rest and protect your ankle. Use ice and elevation to reduce the swelling.
Phase 2 – Physical therapy treatments are ordered to restore your ankle’s range of motion, flexibility and strength.
Phase 3 – Maintenance exercises will continue with a gradual return to performing activities that do not involve the twisting or turning of your ankle. Eventually, you will be able to return to fast-paced activities that require sudden movements to the left or right (i.e., football, tennis or basketball).

Initially, some patients need to use crutches to walk. Even so, in the majority of cases, the pain and swelling subsides enough for the patient to discontinue using the crutches within 3 days. You may receive an ankle brace from your orthopedic doctor. This brace keeps your ankle stable.

How long the three-phase program lasts depends on the severity of your ankle sprain. If your sprain is mild, you may complete the entire program in as little as 2 weeks. However, treatment for a more severe ankle sprain may last from 6 to 12 weeks.

5 Minimally Invasive Surgery FAQ’s to Ask Your Spine Specialist

Posted on February 1, 2017 - 12:44 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) is an exciting alternative to traditional spine surgery. The orthopedic surgeons at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists frequently perform MISS procedures to address a variety of issues related to the spine.

1. What is the Difference Between Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery and Traditional Spine Surgery?

Traditionally, spine surgery was performed as an ‘open surgery.’ When an open spine surgery is performed, the orthopedic surgeon creates a long incision (ranging from 5- to 6-inches) that allows him or her to view and access the area of the spine that is being addressed. Whereas an open spine surgery requires the creation of a long incision, a minimally invasive back surgery does not. In the majority of cases, patients who have MISS as opposed to open back surgery experience less pain and enjoy a faster recovery.

2. How Long Have Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Techniques Been Used?

Ever since the ‘90s, minimally invasive back surgery techniques have been used to address issues that cause pain. MISS procedures are used to remove portions of herniated discs and/or pieces of bone that put pressure the spinal nerve(s). Minimally invasive spine surgery techniques have also been used to correct problems related to the vertebrae (small bones of the spine). Today, the orthopedic surgeons at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are using minimally invasive back surge
ry techniques to address a wide range of issues. If you are experiencing back and/or nerve pain, call (904) 634-0640 or click here to use the online form to schedule your initial consultation.

3. What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery?

During an open surgery procedure, in order to view the spine, the orthopedic surgeon needs to move the back muscles over to the side. This retraction of the muscles can actually damage the soft tissue and/or injure the muscle. Furthermore, retracting the muscle usually affects areas of the patient’s anatomy that are not required to complete the surgery. Thus, causing the patient to experience additional pain. While performing a MISS, the orthopedic doctor can target the problem area directly. This allows the surgeon to treat the patient’s spinal problem with less injury to his or her normal spinal structures, including the muscles. Additional benefits include spending less time in the hospital and very little concern related to excessive bleeding (due to the shorter incisions).

4. What Should I Expect During the Recovery Phase Following My Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Every patient is unique; however, the majority of patients can walk around relatively soon following their procedure. Moreover, a MISS is usually an outpatient procedure, which means patients return home on the same day of their surgery. Within two weeks, you should be able to return to performing light physical activities. Depending on the spinal issue that was addressed during your surgery and your overall health, you may fully recover in as little as six weeks.

5. Will I Need to Have Physical Therapy?

Yes, by performing physical therapy exercises that target the part of the spine that was addressed during surgery, you increase the blood flow to that particular area. This blood flow increase assists your body as it heals.

What is Emergency Orthopedic Medicine?

Posted on January 31, 2017 - 12:54 pm by Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Any type of injury involving the bone or the structures surrounding can be quite serious. While a sprained ankle or pulled tendon. may not require immediate care, there can be certain emergencies that do. In addition, some cases may not be pressing in the sense that they are dangerous they may simply cause much pain and require quick attention. That’s why emergency orthopedic medicine is so important.

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