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Category Archives: Surgery

Alleviating Post-Surgery Foot Pain

Posted on May 31, 2017 - 10:06 am by

If you’ve recently been told by an orthopedic surgeon that you need foot surgery, then you may be feeling a little nervous or anxious about the procedure. Still, if surgery is your best treatment option, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. Our experienced surgeons and doctors can provide you with the information and resources you need to prepare for your foot surgery—including valuable tips on recovery and avoiding post-surgical foot pain.

Avoiding and Alleviating Pain After Your Foot Surgery

While no two foot surgeries are alike, there are some general tips and recommendations that our doctor will likely make to help reduce post-surgical pain and ensure a smoother recovery.

  • For starters, be sure to follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to staying off your feet after foot surgery. The affected foot’s mobility will need to be limited to give it the time it needs to properly heal.
  • Putting pressure or weight on the foot could result in inflammation and pain, so plan on taking it easy after your procedure and don’t push yourself too hard. If you need to get around, utilize crutches or a wheelchair to do so without applying weight to your healing foot.
  • In addition to resting your foot, your doctor is also likely to recommend a routine of ice, compression and elevation after the surgery. Specifically, ice works wonders when it comes to reducing swelling and inflammation, which can in-turn relieve pain and discomfort.
  • Compression may or may not be recommended depending on the specific surgery you had. However, in some cases, compression is ideal for reducing your risk of blood clots, while elevating the foot above hip level can reduce swelling and pain.

For more information on avoiding and/or alleviating pain after your foot surgery, or if you’d like more information on the orthopedic procedures we perform in our office, contact our team at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists today. We’ve been proudly serving the area since 2001.

Preventing Blood Clots After Orthopedic Ankle Surgery

Posted on May 9, 2017 - 10:27 am by

For patients needing surgery for a broken ankle, one of the biggest risks is a complication called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is a serious condition that can occur when a blood clot forms in a vein inside the body. These blood clots typically form in the left leg.

Blood Clot Risk Factors

Some patients have an increased risk of getting DVT following ankle surgery. Some of the most common risk factors include:

  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 40
  • A medical history that includes blood clots
  • A cigarette smoker
  • Currently receives cancer treatments

Other risk factors may include taking certain types of birth control and having a family history of blood clots. For patients with these risk factors, an orthopedic surgeon may prescribe blood thinners to lessen the chances of developing DVT following surgery.

Blood Clot Prevention

Even for patients who are at a higher risk of getting blood clots following ankle surgery, there are some things that can be done to prevent DVT. Some of these things, such as quitting smoking cigarettes and losing weight, can be done before surgery.

Following surgery, your doctor will help you develop a program that can help to prevent blood clots. Since moving around is one of the best ways to prevent blood clots, this will include lower legs exercises, which helps to increase circulation. Wearing compression stockings and periodically elevating your legs can also help prevent blood clots.

If following ankle surgery, there is persistent pain and swelling, even after the plaster is removed, it’s important to see an orthopedic doctor. These symptoms may indicate an infection or fluid retention. For the swelling, an orthopedic doctor may recommend certain medications or the continued use of compression bandages.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists team of foot and ankle specialists can perform surgery in the event of a broken ankle and provide excellent follow-up care. Contact us for more information.

Treatment and Symptoms of A Torn Ligament In Your Foot

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

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.

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Posted on April 19, 2017 - 3:11 pm by

If you have a shoulder injury, all you can think about is doing whatever it takes to make it better. And the first step in doing that is knowing what type of shoulder injury you have. One of the most common types of shoulder injuries is a rotator cuff injury, which in many cases will require surgery.

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Your rotator cuff is where your shoulder is attached to your body via tendons. A rotator cuff injury is when those tendons are pulled away from the head of your humerus or upper arm bone.

Several Reasons Why You Might Need a Rotator Cuff Surgery

There are several diseases that could result in a rotator cuff injury, such as tendinitis (also called tendonitis) and bursitis. Or, repetitive motions, poor posture, aging and anything else that has you keeping your arm in the same position for long periods of time. When your shoulder injury can’t be healed using rest, ice, heat, anti-inflammatory medicines and physical therapy, you should consider finding a shoulder surgeon because you may need rotator cuff surgery.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has 13 Board Certified physicians at six different locations throughout Northeast Florida. Please feel free to Contact Us today for more information. We would be happy to talk with you about any type of shoulder pain you might have. Then we can go over your options and make a recommendation based on your needs.

The Different Types of Rotator Cuff Surgeries

There are several different types of rotator cuff surgeries such as:

  • Open Rotator Cuff Surgery. This is an open incision that’s made over the shoulder. And this method is recommended for people with large or difficult tears. Or those who need any type of reconstruction procedure.
  • Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Surgery. This method is an outpatient surgery and is generally used for those with small- to medium-sized tears (3 cm or smaller) and is the least invasive out of all types of rotator cuff surgeries.
  • Mini-Open Rotator Cuff Surgery. This method is a combination of both the arthroscopic and open surgery techniques. However, it is less invasive than an open repair and is recommended for those who have torn more than one of their rotator cuff tendons.

How to Decide Which Type of Surgery is Best for You

It’s always best to consult with a shoulder surgeon if you want to make an educated decision about which rotator cuff surgery is best for you. Your surgeon’s recommendation will be based on the size of your tear, your body structure and the condition of your tendons, tissues and bones

Orthopedic Specialist Role in Therapy and Recovery?

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

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.

What Causes Tendonitis and How Is It Treated?

Posted on March 27, 2017 - 2:00 pm by

Tendonitis is a condition where a tendon has become inflamed. It can occur in the knee, shoulder, heel, elbow and more. Often, it is cause by an overuse of the tendon or injury. This is why tendonitis is a common sports injury. It’s common in active adults. Some of the most common types of tendonitis are golfer’s elbow, swimmer’s shoulder, tennis elbow and pitcher’s shoulder.

Symptoms and Causes of Tendonitispainful tendonitis in shoulder

Tendonitis symptoms happen at the spot where the tendon is attached to the bone. Symptoms include:

  • Swelling in the tendon that is affected
  • Lump on the affected area
  • Heat and redness at the injured area
  • Crackling feeling when the tendon is moved
  • Gap where the tendon should be

Often, tendonitis happens when a movement is repeated again and again. And if the tendon tears, inflammation is likely to happen. There are several risk factors for tendonitis. Certain types of jobs with repetitive movements can cause it. Tendons start to lose their flexibility with age, which means it’s more likely for them to incur an injury. Sports like baseball, swimming, tennis, golf and running can cause tendonitis. Diabetes also puts one at risk for tendonitis, although it is not fully understood why. Those with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop tendonitis.

Treatment Options for Tendonitis

There are various treatment options for tendonitis. The most common treatment is elevating the area, wrapping it and getting rest. Medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can help reduce the pain. Using an ice pack can also help. Other tendonitis treatment options include ultrasound treatment, electrical treatment, stretching and strengthening exercises and massaging the tissue around the injured tendon. Treatment can be provided by an orthopedic specialist or a physiotherapist.

At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, patients suffering from different causes of tendonitis can be successfully treated by a physiotherapist or an orthopedic specialist. This facility has a team of fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists. It’s a unique facility that provides the diagnosis, treatment and surgery for musculoskeletal conditions. It has a sports medicine team consisting of specialists like trained physical medicine physicians and knee specialists. If you’re suffering from tendonitis, give Southeast Orthopedic Specialists a call today for a one-on-one consultation. It’s the first step toward your recovery. They’ve helped many others and can help you too.

Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Surgery

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

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.

Childhood Scoliosis Symptoms & Warning Signs

Posted on March 16, 2017 - 12:42 pm by

When an individual has unnatural curving and rotating of the spinal column, he or she has a spinal deformity that is referred to as scoliosis. According to the National Scoliosis Foundation, approximately 7 million people in the United States have scoliosis.

Understanding Scoliosis

A normal spinal column has curves located in the lower portion of the back and in the upper portion of the back. On the other hand, when an individual has scoliosis, his or her spine curves in other areas as well. On average, scoliosis detection occurs at some point between the ages of 10 and 15. This spinal deformity affects males and females equally: However, females with scoliosis are eight times more likely to need treatment as the disorder progresses.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Since scoliosis is seldom painful during the formative years, scoliosis may go unnoticed for quite some time. Consequently, parents need to know what signs may indicate that their child has scoliosis.

Once your child turns 8 years old, you should watch for the signs listed below:

  • An uneven waist
  • A tendency to lean to one side
  • Uneven shoulders
  • Back pain
  • Hips that appear to be higher than would be expected
  • Excessive tiredness/Fatigue
  • Protruding shoulder Blade(s)
  • An abnormal curvature(s) in the spinal column
  • His or her head is not centered properly (it should be centered directly above the pelvis)

Although there is no cure for scoliosis, there are treatments designed to disrupt the progression of the curve. If left untreated, the scoliosis curve may worsen and the spine itself will twist or rotate.

The Importance of Monitoring Spinal Changes

Although the majority of scoliosis cases will not require active treatment, monitoring spinal changes through periodic examinations and x-rays is vital. If changes are evident, one of the orthopedic doctors at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists will determine which treatment will provide your child with the best possible outcome. Early detection of changes to the spine may allow for successful treatment using just a brace.

Successful brace treatment requires:

  • Early detection of spinal changes while the child is still growing
  • Periodic examinations by an orthopedic surgeon
  • A mild to moderate curvature
  • A supportive family
  • A cooperative child
  • A brace that fits the child well and is replaced promptly once the child outgrows it
  • A continuance of normal activities (exercising and dancing, etc.) without the use of the brace: As permitted by your child’s orthopedic surgeon

The orthopedic surgeons at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists have been treating children with scoliosis for years. With early detection, we can usually treat a child who has a mild to moderate curvature with a custom-designed brace. If you are searching for an experienced, board-certified orthopedic doctor, please contact us today at (904) 634-0640. You can also use our online contact form by clicking here. For the convenience of our patients, we have six locations throughout Southeast Florida.

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

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

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 to Ask your Doctor Before Hip Replacement Surgery

Posted on January 31, 2017 - 12:41 pm by

When agriculture spraying technician Sammy Burch began having intense pain in her right hip, she just thought she had thrown her hip out and could easily get the problem fixed with a visit to the chiropractor. But when her chiropractor saw her, he recognized there were deeper problems and sent her to an orthopedic specialist. For a woman whose work was intensely physical, Burch was all about finding out what this diagnosis meant to her career in agriculture.

Little did she know, she was headed for a full hip replacement and with the dizzying amount of questions she had, she says now, she wished she’d have had a guide on this trip.

If you are finding yourself in the same predicament, you might feel anxious and unsure about many things. For this reason, we have offered up a list of questions that might calm you a little bit when your Jacksonville orthopedic healthcare professional or sports medicine physician visits with you and answers them.

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