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A bunion is a deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. As a bunion develops, the first metatarsal bone of the foot turns outward and the big toe points inward. Eventually, the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the joint becomes inflamed. This causes the joint to become painful and stiff.

The Causes of Bunions

Wearing shoes with narrow toes can cause a bunion, and high heels can make the problem worse. This is why bunions are much more common in women than men. But, the main cause of bunions is hereditary. Some people with a certain foot shape and structure are more prone to bunions. Loose joints, flat feet and low arches can all increase the risk of developing bunions. Occupations which involve a lot of standing can result in bunions. Women can develop bunions during pregnancy due to changes in hormonal levels that loosen ligaments and flatten the feet. Lastly, bunions are associated with arthritis due to cartilage damage within the joint.

When It’s time to Consult an Orthopedic Doctor

Conservative treatment of a bunion includes wearing good athletic shoes, wearing a gel-filled pad, cortisone injections, warm soaks and ibuprofen. When conservative measures fail and there is pain and interference with daily activities, it’s time to consult an orthopedic doctor. Surgery may be needed to restore the toe back to its normal position. The purpose of surgery is to eliminate the bony protuberance and realign the joint. There are more than 100 surgical procedures to eliminate a bunion. An orthopedic doctor will take x-rays to help classify the bunion according to its severity. If the bunion is mild, the most common procedure is a bunionectomy. With the procedure, the enlarged portion is shaved off. If the bunion is moderate, it may be required to cut the bone to shift it back to its proper position.

If you have a bunion that is causing pain and limiting your daily activities, turn to Southeast Orthopedic Specialists for help. They’ve helped many others eliminate pain and return to their normal activities due to bunion problems. Their doctors are trained specifically in foot problems. Upon an evaluation, you’ll be given the best course of action to take. Give them a call today.

When to Consult a Doctor About Bunions

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A bunion is a deformity of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe. As a bunion develops, the first metatarsal bone of the foot turns outward and the big toe points inward. Eventually, the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the joint becomes inflamed. This causes the joint to become painful and stiff.

The Causes of Bunions

Wearing shoes with narrow toes can cause a bunion, and high heels can make the problem worse. This is why bunions are much more common in women than men. But, the main cause of bunions is hereditary. Some people with a certain foot shape and structure are more prone to bunions. Loose joints, flat feet and low arches can all increase the risk of developing bunions. Occupations which involve a lot of standing can result in bunions. Women can develop bunions during pregnancy due to changes in hormonal levels that loosen ligaments and flatten the feet. Lastly, bunions are associated with arthritis due to cartilage damage within the joint.

When It’s time to Consult an Orthopedic Doctor

Conservative treatment of a bunion includes wearing good athletic shoes, wearing a gel-filled pad, cortisone injections, warm soaks and ibuprofen. When conservative measures fail and there is pain and interference with daily activities, it’s time to consult an orthopedic doctor. Surgery may be needed to restore the toe back to its normal position. The purpose of surgery is to eliminate the bony protuberance and realign the joint. There are more than 100 surgical procedures to eliminate a bunion. An orthopedic doctor will take x-rays to help classify the bunion according to its severity. If the bunion is mild, the most common procedure is a bunionectomy. With the procedure, the enlarged portion is shaved off. If the bunion is moderate, it may be required to cut the bone to shift it back to its proper position.

If you have a bunion that is causing pain and limiting your daily activities, turn to Southeast Orthopedic Specialists for help. They’ve helped many others eliminate pain and return to their normal activities due to bunion problems. Their doctors are trained specifically in foot problems. Upon an evaluation, you’ll be given the best course of action to take. Give them a call today.

Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Surgery

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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

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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.

Swimmer Injuries: Tips for Preventing Torn Rotator Cuffs

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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?

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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.

Best Low-Impact Sports for a Better Physique

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Low Impact Sports

There are plenty of low-impact sports that will help you stay injury free while giving you a good physique. Basically, any physical sport with minimal wear and trauma to weight-bearing joints is considered a low-impact sport. Here’s a list of some low-impact sports to incorporate into your fitness routine

Swimming

The buoyancy of the water counteracts the force of gravity in swimming and makes it a perfect lo
w-impact sport. It’s a great way to burn calories. Just swimming for an hour burns 550 calories. Over two thirds of the body’s muscular system is worked when swimming. This includes the arms, legs, lower, and upper body. Little effort is needed to overcome water resistance, and it tones muscles. Plus, it strengthens joints, improves breathing and enhances general fitness.

Horseback Riding

Although you might think the horse does all the work when horseback riding, it’s just not true. You really need some genuine physical effort to keep up with the horse’s movements. Riding means that you’ll be developing leg and core muscles along with general fitness.

Cycling

Whether your tooling around the neighborhood or out on a bike trail, cycling will give you a hardcore workout without stressing your body. Just be sure to wear a helmet.

Rowing

Whether you’re on a local lake or a flat-water river or using a rowing machine in a gym, rowing works all the big muscle groups. It’s ideal for strengthening your abs and lower back. Get a full-body workout and a great looking physique with this sport.

Cross Country Skiing

With cross country skiing, you can get an all-over workout that involves every major muscle group. And it doesn’t over-stress any one muscle group. Plus, it’s a sport that burns huge amounts of calories. This is a great activity to add to your winter travel itinerary.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists focus on sports medicine as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation. If you’re suffering from a sports injury, schedule a visit with us
today.

Sprained Ankle Recovery Time & Treatment

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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

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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?

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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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