There are nearly 45 million people over the age of 65 in the United States, and that figure is expected to rise to 98 million by 2060. This rapidly aging population and biological changes to older adults’ bodies mean that orthopedic injuries are increasingly common. Visiting an orthopedic doctor can help older individuals get the treatment they need. (more…)
There are nearly 45 million people over the age of 65 in the United States, and that figure is expected to rise to 98 million by 2060. This rapidly aging population and biological changes to older adults’ bodies mean that orthopedic injuries are increasingly common. Visiting an orthopedic doctor can help older individuals get the treatment they need.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects 1 in 3 older adults, according to figures from the CDC. This condition is a degenerative disease that typically affects the hands, fingers, ankles, knees and spine. Osteoarthritis makes it challenging to perform everyday activities, particularly those that require flexibility, significant movement or fine motor dexterity. Unfortunately, there is no cure for osteoarthritis. Instead, your orthopedic specialist can recommend treatments to decrease pain and increase range of motion.
Fractures
Fractures are a serious problem facing the elderly. As people grow older, their bone mineral density decreases. This is particularly problematic in post-menopausal women. Decreased mineral levels translate to weaker, more brittle bones. When combined with the tendency for older adults to have more unsteady balance and vision problems, this is a recipe for increased risk of fractures. Strength training exercises are a good way to increase bone strength, which can decrease the likelihood of fracturing a bone.
Dislocations
When a joint becomes dislocated, the bones that make up that joint shift from their original positions. This often occurs after a fall, in which the blow knocks bones out of the joint. Older adults who have dislocated a joint will experience immediate pain, which decreases after a physician helps put the joint back in place. Following up with an orthopedic specialist will ensure that the healing process goes well. In many cases, the joint must be immobilized for 4 weeks or longer to ensure optimal outcomes.
Osteoporosis
Bone mass peaks at about 30 years of age and slowly decreases thereafter. This places older adults at increased risk of osteoporosis, a bone disease that includes decreased bone density and low overall bone mass. The body continually makes new bones and breaks down old bone tissue. When the bone production process cannot keep pace with bone loss, your bones become brittle and weak. Your Jacksonville orthopedic doctor can recommend treatments to slow the rate of bone loss and prevent injury.
If you’re concerned that you may have an orthopedic problem, contact the top Jacksonville orthopedic specialists today. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, we can accurately diagnose your problem and come up with a treatment plan that works for you. Contact us today to learn more.
Crossfit: Safe or Not?
There’s a lot to like about CrossFit. It packs a big-time workout into a short timespan, and it uses interval training along with weights. That means CrossFitters get fit while building muscle.
It’s super popular these days – thousands upon thousands of diehards have adopted the CrossFit “lifestyle,” working out at one of 12,000 locations across the country. And it shows – CrossFitters’ physiques are decidedly superhero-esque.
But is it safe? Or are there inherent risks associated with CrossFit? It depends on who you ask.
Partial Joint Replacement
Millions of Americans suffer from joint pain, with 40 percent saying that it is “very difficult” or they are “unable” to perform common activities like stooping, bending, kneeling or walking a brief distance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A partial joint replacement from a Jacksonville orthopedic specialist may significantly decrease pain and improve your quality of life.
Should You Get a Bone Density Scan?
Bone density scans determine how strong your bones are and if you’re at risk for osteoporosis, a condition that makes your bones weak and more likely to break.
Bone density scans, also called bone mineral density (BMD), are noninvasive and take just a few minutes to complete. Scans can be conducted on your hips or spine using a scan called Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). It’s similar to a traditional x-ray, but your body isn’t exposed to as much radiation. A smaller device can also determine bone density using your finger, wrist or heel. Oftentimes, these devices are used at community screenings or in drugstores that offer bone density scans to patrons.
Child Exercise: How Much Is Too Much?
You know it’s good for your kids to get regular exercise but can they get too much physical activity? Orthopedic surgeons say too much or the wrong kind of exercise can harm growing bodies.
That’s because growth plates can be more easily injured or broken during childhood and into the teenage years. Parents need to not only limit how much their children exercise but also restrict certain kinds of exercise. (more…)
Foods That Help Arthritis
More than 50 million Americans suffer from a form of arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even mild cases of arthritis can be very distressing for patients, preventing them from engaging in the activities they love. Fortunately, altering your diet may be a simple way to alleviate arthritis pain. (more…)
Sports Medicine Myths Part 2: Stretching Prevents Injuries
Before you take to the basketball court or engage in an intense workout, chances are you stretch. After all, you have been taught by coaches, peers and even sports medicine doctors that stretching before sports activities or workout routines will prevent injury, but what if what you’ve always been told is wrong?
It may come as a surprise to you, but stretching done before, during or after a workout or sports activity could actually do you more harm than good. (more…)
Sports Medicine Myths Part 1: You Can Do Physical Therapy on Your Own
As an orthopedic specialist, it can be worrisome to hear a patient say, “Well, I tried doing some physical therapy on my own, but it didn’t work. So now I think I need surgery.” One of the most pervasive myths in sports medicine is that a do-it-yourself approach to physical therapy can work. While it’s certainly true that certain stretches or exercises can help you build strength after an injury, there is no replacement for professional physical therapy. (more…)
How Much Exercise is Too Much?
Starting a new exercise program often feels like a challenge, but the thrill of initial success may motivate you to train more and more. Unfortunately, some people begin to exercise too much and cause themselves injury. Jacksonville orthopedic specialists recommend listening to your body to know when you’re exercising too hard. (more…)
