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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.

Helpful questions 

Other Options – You may ask your doctor about possible options that are nonsurgical. Perhaps you want to avoid the down time and yearn to get back to the things that you are passionate about. These days there are numerous treatments being studied and one of those is stem cell treatment. Depending on your particular case, this might be an option to discuss with your physician.

Risks – Going into any surgery, you want to know what the risks are. With hip replacement, there are risks that include everything from a hip that does not “set” or remains dislocated, to fracture of the bones, blood clots and uneven leg length. All of these possible issues should be openly discussed with your provider.

Experience – Any healthcare provider who is performing hip replacements should be very comfortable answering the question of just how many of these procedures he has performed, as well as how many have had serious complications. You have a right and personal duty to yourself to ask this question.

Down time – You will need to be prepared for how much time it will take for you to allow yourself the time it takes to properly heal. This is a question of utmost importance to ask your surgeon.

Changes at home – You will need to know how much help you will need in the days preceding your surgery. You will also need to know if there is some way you need to temporarily or permanently change about your home to accommodate you after surgery. For instance, if your bedroom is on the third floor, then perhaps a bed on the first floor, at least temporarily might be in order.

How long with it last– When you purchase a new refrigerator you ask how long the warranty is good for right? You should do a little digging into how long your new joint will last as well. You should also find out from your physician if he will correct problems that arise, depending on why they have become an issue.

Some other questions that are important is the cost of the procedure. These days, insurance plans are more specific regarding what they will cover and what they will not. A thorough investigation into whether or not your insurance will cover this procedure is a must. If you do not have insurance, your provider may be able, if you ask him or her, to hook you up with programs that can help you pay for your treatment. For more information or to discuss your possible hip replacement call our offices at 904-634-0640.

What to Ask your Doctor Before Hip Replacement Surgery

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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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Whats The Best Ankle Brace For Me?

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With the ever widening array of choices when it comes to ankle braces out there, how in the world is someone supposed to make the right choice for their particular orthopedic need?

Most of us have done it – driven to the athletic shop or the local drug store and purchased an ankle brace only to get home, put it on and find it does not work well for our particular situation. Many times it won’t fit in our shoe or worse, causes more pain than going without.

There’s nothing like trying to run that bucket-list half marathon while stopping every 30 minutes to tighten or loosen an ankle brace. It will help you, before you head off to the drug store, to take with you a few suggestions on how to pick the right ankle brace for not only your particular activity but also for your specific type of ankle problem or diagnosis.

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When Should You Stretch

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If you’re wondering whether you need to stretch before or after you exercise, congratulations! That means that you’ve committed to an exercise plan and are on your way to wellness. Remember, before starting any exercise program, be sure to consult with a medical professional. At Southeast Orthopedic, our physical therapy team is happy to talk through the best and safest ways to workout to minimize injury and treat old wounds with care.

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Ways to Deal With Hand Arthritis

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In general, the joints of the hands are most frequently affected by arthritis. From writing a grocery list to opening the pantry door, the pain and limited mobility caused by arthritis in the hands can prevent us from accomplishing even the simplest of daily tasks. However, we offer a variety of innovative treatments to residents in and around Jacksonville, Florida. For example, a platelet-rich Plasma injection (PRP)can be used to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be relieved with physical therapy.

If you have arthritis, use the exercises below to ease your pain now and then contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists at (904) 634-0640 or via our online form to make an appointment with an experienced orthopedic doctor.

7 Hand Exercises for Individuals with Arthritis

1. Finger Lift

  • With your palm facing down, put your hand on a table.
  • Slowly lift one of your fingers as high above the table as you can (keeping your palm flat).
  • Gently lower your finger.
  • Perform this exercise for each finger on each hand.

Repeat at least 8 times per hand.

2. Make a Fist

  • Slowly close your fingers into a fist.
  • Wrap your thumb around your fingers.
  • Hold this for at least 30 seconds.
  • Open your hand.
  • Stretch your fingers out.

Perform this exercise 4 times for each hand.

3. Thumb Bend

  • Bend your thumb toward your palm.
  • Try and touch your pinky with your thumb.
  • Hold this position for a few seconds.

Perform this exercise 10 times for each hand.

4. Pinch Strengthener

This exercise helps develop your thumb and finger muscles, making it easier for you to tear packages open, turn keys and pull on a car-door handle. Keep in mind that you should only perform this particular exercise a few times a week (with 48 hours between your sessions). Furthermore, individuals who have damage to their thumb joint, need to skip this exercise altogether.

  • Pinch a soft, foam ball between your fingertips and your thumb.
  • Hold this for at least 30 seconds and then release.

Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times for each hand.

5. Finger Stretch

  • Place your hand with your palm facing down on a flat surface. Your hand should be relaxed, but not completely flat.
  • Gently stretch your fingers until your hand is flat (without forcing your joints). If you are unable to make your hand completely flat, just do the best you can.
  • Hold this position for at least 30 seconds.

Perform this exercise 4 times with each hand.

6. Squeeze a Stress Ball

Stress balls make great grip strengtheners. As you strengthen your grip, you will find that it is easier for you to turn door knobs and hold things. Keep in mind that you should only perform this particular exercise a few times a week (with 48 hours between your sessions). Also, if you have damage to your thumb joint, you need to skip this exercise altogether.

  • Squeeze your stress ball as hard as you can (without causing pain).
  • Hold the squeeze for a few seconds.
  • Release the ball.

Perform this exercise 15 times for each hand.

7. Claw Stretch

  • Holding your hand in front of you with your palm facing you, slowly bend all of your fingertips (at the same time) toward the base of their own finger. Your hand should look like a claw as you are performing this exercise.
  • Hold this for at least 30 seconds.

Repeat this exercise 4 times for each hand.

Your Foot Pain Could Be Plantars Warts

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Lots of people suffer from foot pain, and in many cases, discomfort is ignored or “written off” as just part of the natural wear-and-tear of everyday living, the effects of aging or wearing ill-fitting shoes. But is it? The feet are some of the most complex structures in the body, comprising dozens of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and other components, and that means there are a lot of factors that can cause or contribute to foot pain. And while aging, strain and bad shoes can cause foot pain, there are other issues – often overlooked – that may also be at play. Among the more common issues are plantar warts.

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Same Day Joint Replacement Procedures

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One-day joint replacement today can have you home tomorrow. It’s an innovative approach that means patients can have surgery one morning and return home the next day. There have been advances in pain management with knee joint or hip joint replacement procedures where rehabilitation can begin just hours after surgery with minimal discomfort. Previously, joint replacement patients would have a hospital stay of three to four days. Also, joint replacement surgery used to require the cutting of tendons and muscles, but not any longer. Only a small incision is made. It’s known as natural interval, and the risk is minimal.

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The Advancements in Joint Replacements

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There have been a number of advancements in joint replacement surgery that yield positive results for patients. The SuperPath hip approach allows the surgeon to perform a hip replacement without having to twist the leg or dislocate the hip joint. This advancement gives the patient a quicker recovery period and less chance of a post-operative hip replacement. The direct anterior hip replacement procedure is minimally invasive and replaces the damaged joint with polyethylene and titanium components. It’s known as muscle sparing surgery and the muscles are not cut during the procedure. Only a small incision is made. The end result is a quicker recovery period like the SuperPath hip method.

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*Providers will be recommended based on specialty and best availability. If you would prefer to schedule an appointment with a provider of your choice, please call us at 904-634-0640