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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.

Orthopedic Specialist Role in Therapy and Recovery?

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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 You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis and Joint Pain

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the body’s tissues and it can lead to inflammation, joint pain and stiffness. When inflammation continues, it can become of a disease process and lead to joint damage. Pain and swelling occurs in the lining of the joint known as the synovium. A healthy synovium produces fluid that lubricates the joints in areas like the hips, knees and fingers.

The Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease. After the onset of rheumatoid arthritus, damage can occur within three months and result in joint pain. This can eventually lead to disability. Rheumatoid arthritis may be influenced by:

  • Genes
  • Environmental factors
  • Infection
  • Hormonal changes

How an Orthopedic Surgeon Can help Rheumatoid Arthritis

An orthopedic surgeon specializes in musculoskeletal issues, including rheumatoid arthritis. An orthopedic surgeon is trained to perform surgery on joints and muscles. If your joints are damaged, an orthopedic surgeon will be able to perform a joint replacement. They also focus on diagnosis, treatment and management of musculoskeletal issues. Sometimes, medications can slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and help relieve joint pain. The main reasons to choose surgery for rheumatoid arthritis are to help improve mobility and to get relief from pain. It’s wise to speak with both a rheumatologist and an orthopedic surgeon to help determine what type of treatment is best for rheumatoid arthritus.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, it’s the hip or knee joints that are most often replaced. An orthopedic surgeon takes out the affected part and inserts an artificial joint in its place. Depending on your weight, health and age, a replaced joint can last more than 20 years. Before surgery, your surgeon may stop some of your medications and have you give blood in case you need it during surgery.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has trained and experienced orthopedic surgeons that offer the best of care. State-of-the-art methods are used, and there is excellent post-operative care. Physical therapy is also offered for rehabilitation after surgery. The team of orthopedic surgeons are nationally recognized Total Joint Replacement Specialists who have performed more joint replacements than anyone else in Northeast Florida. If your suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, give them a call for a one-on-one consultation.

What Is A Frozen Shoulder?

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Frozen shoulder is also called adhesive capsulitis. It’s a common condition where the articular shoulder capsule stiffens and swells. It refers specifically to the shoulder joint. The shoulder has a ball and socket joint, and the proximal humerus fits into the shoulder blade. Frozen shoulder is believed to cause the formation of scar tissue in the shoulder, causing pain and loss of movement.

Risk Factors and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Common risk factors include:

  • Those over 40 years of age
  • Being female
  • Arm fracture or recent surgery
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s disease

The most common symptoms of frozen shoulder are pain and stiff shoulder joints. The symptoms typically develop gradually and in three stages. In the painful stage, there is pain in the shoulder, limited movement and stiffness. In the adhesive stage, the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff. In the thawing stage, movement improves. Sometimes, frozen shoulder should will go away on its own. But, when it doesn’t, it’s time to contact a medical professional.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Frozen Shoulder

Diagnosis is typically determined by symptoms and a basic test by a doctor who presses certain parts of the shoulder. X-rays and MRIs can show structural problems with a frozen shoulder. Over-the-counter meds like aspirin and ibuprofen can help relieve pain due to frozen shoulder. Exercise may help reduce stiffness, and hot or cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and stiffness. Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joint can help alleviate pain associated with frozen shoulder. A shoulder surgeon or orthopedic surgeon can perform a shoulder arthroscopy. During this procedure, a small tube is inserted into the shoulder joint to remove scar tissue or adhesions.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has a team of shoulder surgeons who can perform surgery to help alleviate pain and loss of function from frozen shoulder. They also have trained physical therapists to provide patients with a hands-on approach to treating frozen shoulder. Their therapists work very closely with the patient and shoulder surgeon for the best outcome.

If you’re suffering from frozen shoulder, call Southeast Orthopedic Specialists for an evaluation. You’ll receive a one-on-one consultation to determine the best course of treatment. They’ve helped many others and can help get you on the road to recovery.

What Causes Tendonitis and How Is It Treated?

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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.

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.

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