Joint pain might seem like nothing more than a side effect of getting older, but the reality is that pain isn’t supposed to be something that rules your life. Pain is meant to be a sign that something is wrong with your body and needs to be fixed, and in some cases, pain is a sign that you need major medical attention to function properly. (more…)
Joint pain might seem like nothing more than a side effect of getting older, but the reality is that pain isn’t supposed to be something that rules your life. Pain is meant to be a sign that something is wrong with your body and needs to be fixed, and in some cases, pain is a sign that you need major medical attention to function properly.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know when you’ve got a condition that can be treated over the counter or when you have a serious joint issue that requires a visit to a joint replacement hospital in Jacksonville, FL. It’s important to listen to your body, and these are a few signs it’s time to contact your doctor about joint replacement!
Unable to Complete Daily Tasks
If you’re in your mid 50’s and are struggling with completing simple tasks because your body can’t take the pain, that’s a serious problem.
Getting through the basic routine of the day shouldn’t be so unbearable that you can’t function on your own. If you find yourself struggling to get through any tasks that were once simple for you to complete, it’s time for you to see a specialist.
Medication Is Causing Problems
If you’ve seen any of the commercials related to medication on Sundays during the Jaguars games, you know that side effects are something that can happen when taking certain medicines. As the commercials typically say, most side effects are generally mild, but when they aren’t, you’ve got a serious issue.
If your medication is genuinely making it harder to get through your day because of your side effects, then you need to talk to your doctor about alternative options. The longer you deal with side effects, the more long-term damage you can do to your body.
Unable to Sleep Due to Your Pain
A lack of sleep isn’t a good thing for you or your body. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body doesn’t get the chance to rest and repair itself from the stress of the day. When you can’t get to sleep because you’re in pain, you’re in a cycle because, not only is your body hurting, it’s also not getting a chance to recharge, which only makes your pain worse. If you aren’t getting regular, consistent sleep because your joints are hurting you, it’s time to schedule a doctor’s appointment.
Your Doctor Detects Joint Damage
When your doctor sees joint damage in your body, it’s time to seriously consider a joint replacement. At the minimum, it’s time to discuss options with your doctor. The key to long-term health is listening to the two biggest experts on your body: your body itself and your doctor. If your body is sending signals of serious pain, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your regular doctor, who will then refer you to a joint replacement hospital in Jacksonville, FL. You’ll at least find out the problem and come up with a way to solve it!
The Benefits of Chiropractic Medicine for Treating Spine Injuries
When a person has a back injury, the first thought is usually to reach for a pain reliever or a muscle cream to relieve the soreness. But when the back pain relates to a spinal cord issue, pills or creams usually aren’t the solution that you’re seeking. (more…)
An Overview of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeries
For years, spine surgeries were something for patients to seriously worry about. In order to get the procedure done properly, doctors had to make a major incision in the patient’s back, opening up an area of about five to six inches. The muscles had to be pulled back to open access to the spine, causing a new kind of pain after the surgery. In other words, it was common for patients to find themselves entering with one back problem and leaving with another. (more…)
Dos and Don’ts after Joint Replacement Surgery
One of the downsides to aging is that our joints wear out or get damaged. A lifetime of playing sports, exercising, and other physical pursuits, just like any appliance you have, takes its toll. In extreme cases of joint damage or wear, it may be necessary to replace the joint. If your doctor is recommending joint replacement procedures in Jacksonville, FL, the following are some do’s and don’ts for you following your surgery.
Do Listen to Your Doc
Your joint replacement specialist in Jacksonville, FL, has one job as it pertains to replacing your joints and your recovery. That means they’re not going to give you advice or recommendations that will hurt you or slow your recovery. You need to listen to them and do what they tell you to do regarding rest, recuperation, and rehabilitation.
Don’t Push It
If you’re the least bit active, the recuperation part of your post-surgery routine will be the most frustrating. The tendency will be, especially once you start to feel better, to push your rehabilitation as hard as you can. While a commitment and dedication to your rehab program is ideal, your joint replacement therapy in Jacksonville, FL, will be geared towards making sure everything you do helps you recover. Unless told otherwise, you must stick to the routine that is recommended and not push beyond that.
Do Exercise, but Sensibly
Once you’re well into your recovery, you will be able to begin exercising external to any joint replacement programs in Jacksonville, FL, that you’re involved in. You must pursue low-impact exercise like walking, bicycling, or swimming and avoid any exercise or sports that could lead to any type a physical impact. When exercising, do so strenuously, but do not overdo it.
Don’t Flex the Joint beyond the Rehab Threshold
As important as low-impact exercises to your recovery, it’s equally as important that you do not flex the joint that has been replaced beyond the limits of your rehab. To get the best understanding of what that means, you should discuss post-operative joint use with your joint replacement surgeon in Jacksonville, FL. Your surgeon will be able to explain to you natural and unnatural joint movement as well as what the thresholds are for your type of surgery.
Actions that every joint replacement specialist will tell you that you should avoid include crossing your legs and turning them inward and putting a pillow between your legs when you lie down if you have had knee replacement or bending at the hip if you have had hip replacement surgery. They will also tell you to use assistive tools to pick up objects and to relieve stress on the joint when sitting.
Joint replacement procedures in Jacksonville, FL, will do a lot to getting you back to your healthiest state. You, however, have a responsibility to follow the advice of your specialist and doctors. That is the only way to ensure that your recovery goes as smooth as possible.
Things You Didn’t Know about Spinal Fusion Surgery
A condition called lumbar spinal stenosis causes chronic lower back pain and loss of mobility in older adults. More and more patients are turning to spinal fusion surgery as a means to treat this painful condition. But is spinal fusion surgery right for you? Before you decide to go through with this surgery, make sure you have all the facts. Talk to a spine care specialist in Jacksonville, FL, and ask the right questions. Keep reading to find out more about treating lumbar spinal stenosis with spinal fusion surgery.
What Is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal. Over time, this narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This pressure causes lower back pain that may be accompanied by intermittent leg weakness, numbness, or leg pain.
What Is Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Spinal fusion surgery is the process of connecting two or more vertebrae in the spinal column using a bone graft. The bone graft fuses the vertebrae together to form one bone to prevent the joint from moving and potentially alleviate lower back pain.
Is Surgery the Only Option for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?
No. If your legs and toes are functioning fine, and you only have intermittent back pain, spinal fusion surgery is not recommended. Physical therapy, exercise and a healthy diet will help to alleviate your back pain without surgery.
What Are the Risks of Spinal Fusion Surgery?
The risks of spinal fusion surgery include pain at the graft site, infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots and spinal fluid leakage. There is also a significant risk of eventual reoperation.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Spinal Fusion Surgery?
The ideal candidate for spinal fusion surgery is someone who only has two affected vertebrae. Patients rarely feel a loss of mobility with the fusion of two vertebrae. But if more than two vertebrae are affected and require a fusion, significant reduction in spinal mobility may result. The ideal candidate for spinal fusion surgery is also someone who is physically active, doesn’t smoke, isn’t obese. and leads a healthy lifestyle.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Spinal Fusion Surgery?
The recovery time from spinal fusion surgery can last three to six months. You will likely spend two days recovering in the hospital. Once home, care needs to be taken to allow the new bone graft to fuse the vertebrae together and heal. No heavy lifting is allowed during the first few weeks following surgery. Pain will begin to subside after about 4 weeks. At this time, you can start doing physical therapy exercises. After about three months of physical therapy, your doctor will let you know if you can resume your normal activities again.
Spinal fusion surgery has helped many people recover from chronic lower back pain and lead healthy, active lives. But spinal fusion surgery isn’t for everyone. If you would like more information, talk to spine care consultants in Jacksonville, FL, and they will be sure to answer your questions.
Arthritis and Weather: Correlation or Perception?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis. There are many different forms of arthritis, but in the most severe cases, joint replacement is a necessary option. If you are considering options in treating arthritis and joint replacement cost in Jacksonville, FL, has you wondering if you can live with it a while longer, consider these arthritis facts.
There Is No Cure
The symptoms of arthritis vary from patient to patient, but generally, most people experience stiffness and joint pain that becomes worse over time. In some cases, simple OTC medication can relieve the symptoms. In many cases, more dramatic treatment is necessary. Patients who visit the joint replacement clinic in Jacksonville, FL, are patients who have seen their arthritis progress to where surgery is a reasonable option. There is no cure for arthritis.
The General Weather Effect
Just about everyone has a relative who could “feel” bad weather coming because the pain in their joints or around an old injury flared up. In most cases, this is thought to be due to arthritis, although there is little research to provide a definitive answer regarding the correlation. There is, as mentioned, significant anecdotal evidence. If you fall into this category and the pain is severe, you should see a joint replacement doctor to explore options.
The Barometer
The Arthritis Foundation has some studies that show a correlation between barometric pressure and arthritis pain. Pain seemed to increase with increases in pressure and humidity. Controlling this could be a factor of living choices. Having surgery performed at the joint replacement hospital in Jacksonville, FL for a specific joint and continuing to live in the Florida climate, for instance, would mean that other joints affected would continue to flare up.
Rain, Rain, Go Away
Rain is also thought to be a pain culprit as many patients feel more discomfort during rainy days, even in warmer climates. There are multiple studies by the Arthritis Foundation that indicate at least a loose connection. How much rain is a factor in causing pain is subjective and varies according to joint replacement doctors If it is significant for a patient, multiple procedures might be necessary over time.
Summary
There is no direct, scientifically or medically identified connection between arthritis pain and the weather. There is significant anecdotal evidence, however. For patients who have intense pain or discomfort when the barometric pressure decreases, it gets cold or rainy. Joint replacement cost in Jacksonville, FL, is a motivating factor in patient decisions, but given the prospect of reduced pain, with most patients, it is worth the investment.
Know When to Seek Medical Care for Lower Back Pain
Back pain doesn’t necessarily require medical attention in all cases. Mild pain that doesn’t overly impair your movement or daily activities often goes away on its own. A bit of soreness should be relatively easy to treat with over-the-counter remedies. However, there are many instances when it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor.
Longevity or Consistency
Most lower back pain will subside in time, but that’s not always the case. If you’ve been treating your back pain for a week or more and it still isn’t going away, you should consult a doctor. Is your back pain consistently associated with certain movements or positions? Is it mostly when you lie down or sit in a certain way? There are a number of issues that can cause those symptoms and some are quite serious. Avoid straining yourself and be sure to see you doctor as soon as possible.
Spreading
Pain that spreads is never a good sign. Sore muscles or mild bruising are typically localized. The pain doesn’t usually drift from your back to your legs or arms. If you’re experiencing pain that spreads from one location to another, you need to be examined by a doctor. This could be indicative of nerve damage or other serious conditions. Spreading pain is commonly known as referred pain, and it may be a sign of ovarian cysts, gallstones, shingles, or a number of other medical issues.
Weakness, Numbness, or Tingling
Sudden, unexplained weakness in your limbs, back, or other areas should always be examined thoroughly. Tingling or numbness that’s unexpected or severe needs to be brought to the attention of your doctor. Numbness and tingling are frequently symptoms of nerve damage, but there are many reasons that they could occur. Your doctor needs to be consulted.
Weight Loss
Weight loss that occurs without warning or explanation should always be discussed with your doctor. That includes when weight loss is experienced alongside lower back pain. Schedule an appointment to speak with your doctor, and be sure to share any other symptoms or changes that you’ve noticed. The more information that your doctor has, the better.
Redness or Swelling
You’re probably familiar with redness or swelling being associated with bug bites, but that’s definitely not the only possible cause. Swelling or redness on your back needs to be monitored and reported. Let your doctor know if it spreads to other areas, and tell your doctor if there’s any associated soreness along with the back pain. You should also report any other symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting.
Emergencies
It should go without saying that you need to speak with medical professionals whenever there’s an emergency. While 911 can respond quickly, it’s also a good idea to follow up with your physician. If you lower back pain occurs with fever, after an accident, or arises along with bladder control or bowel issues, you need to inform your doctor. Chiropractic spine care in Jacksonville, FL, can make a massive difference in your treatment and your quality of life.
Anterior vs Posterior Hip Replacement Surgeries: Know the Difference
If you need hip joint replacement surgery in Jacksonville, FL, chances are you are debating whether to have an anterior or posterior procedure done. What you choose should be in consult with your doctor and you should consider what they recommend. Here, though, are the key differences.
Posterior Surgery
This is done by making an incision through the back of the hip while the patient lies on their side. Posterior hip joint replacement in Jacksonville, FL, is considered to be the “traditional” approach to hip surgery. If you have had a relative who got a hip replacement several years ago, chances are it was a posterior surgery. That should give you an idea of the recovery time involved.
Anterior Surgery
In an anterior procedure, the incision is made in the front and the patient lies on their back. It is a relatively new approach but is quickly becoming preferred by surgeons and replacement specialists and because of the reduced impact on the patient, primarily during recovery. Your hip joint replacement center in Jacksonville, FL can give you an idea of what its surgeons and specialists generally recommend.
The Differences
An anterior surgery involves an internervous/intermuscular plane, which means the surgeon can get to the hip between the muscles without having to detach or cut them. That means less trauma on the area under surgery and generally a quicker recovery period. Less of the patient is cut or even moved around, so there is less to heal. Additionally, an anterior approach can be more accurate as new technology in x-ray guidance can be utilized during the surgery.
With a posterior surgery, several muscles must be cut or separated to get access to the joint. This obviously will increase the healing time. The benefit of a posterior procedure, however, is that it has been done many more times than an anterior approach, so most surgeons have seen the possible complications.
Pros and Cons
The most attractive selling point of the anterior approach is the reduced healing time. Healing is not only faster, it is less painful, which also promotes quicker healing processes. Additionally, there are fewer post operation restrictions put on an anterior procedure. Recovering patients can bend and stoop, reach their feet, cross their legs and sleep in any position they want to sleep. This also helps in recovery because it means less stress for the patient, both physically and mentally.
The cons to anterior hip joint replacement in Jacksonville are that because it is relatively new, surgeons are still learning the unique aspects of the surgery. Additionally, there are some increased risks during surgery, primarily related to blood loss and some patients experience post-operative numbness.
The pro to a posterior approach is the known factor of the surgery. It is almost considered a routine surgery because it has been the preferred approach for so long. There are, however, many restrictions put on the patient post-surgery and the healing process is generally slower because there is more cut muscle to heal.
Those are the key differences. You should listen to your doctor regarding what type of hip replacement surgery you need and factor in joint replacement surgery cost in Jacksonville, FL, before making any decisions. Do not be afraid to recommend your preference, however, based on this information.
Debunking the Myths about Joint Replacement Surgery
Are you thinking about undergoing joint replacement surgery? Read this article to separate fact from fiction before opting for surgery, and consult with your spine care doctor in Jacksonville, FL, if you have any questions.
You Shouldn’t Visit the Dentist before Joint Replacement Surgery
True. Dental work, including routine cleanings, can increase the risk of infection. Having dental work done can increase the number of bacteria in your bloodstream and could possibly cause complications or delay healing for your newly replaced joint. The best thing to do is avoid dental work for three weeks before your surgery and three weeks after your surgery.
Don’t Put off Having Joint Replacement Surgery
It depends. Some studies suggest that getting your painful joints replaced sooner will protect your bones and cartilage from further damage and deformities down the road. But it all depends on the needs of the individual. Sometimes less invasive procedures will be better for the patient. It is always a good idea to seek another opinion from a different doctor before deciding on surgery.
You Should Be over 60 Years Old for a Knee or Hip Replacement
False. There is no age requirement to have knee or hip replacement. Modern technology has given us replacement joints that will last for a lifetime. If your quality of life is suffering due to hip or knee pain, don’t let age be a determining factor. Talk to the doctors at the spine care center in Jacksonville, FL to weigh your options.
Hip and Knee Replacements Only Last 10 Years
False. In the past, artificial joints only lasted for about 10 years. Now, with technological improvements, artificial hips and joints can last 15 to 20 years or more! You can help make your replacement joint last longer by doing rehab exercises following surgery, avoiding high impact activities, and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Joint Replacement Surgery Can Cause Hair Loss
True. Surgery of any kind puts stress on the body, and any kind of surgery or operation can lead to hair loss or shedding. Some patients report extra hair loss following joint replacement surgery. This hair loss is only temporary and will grow back.
You Can’t Have Sex after Joint Replacement Surgery
False. It is best to wait for 2 to 3 weeks following surgery before having sex. But, after you have healed, you can have sex again. Listen to your body and try a different position if you feel discomfort or pain.
Not Everyone Needs to Do Prehab Exercises before Surgery
False. Everyone can benefit from doing prehab exercises before they have joint replacement surgery. The stronger and fitter you are before surgery, the more quickly and easily you will recover after surgery.
You Can’t Wear High Heels after Joint Replacement Surgery
False. Immediately following joint replacement surgery, you can’t wear high heels. You don’t want to risk falling and injuring your newly replaced joint. But, after 2 to 3 months of recovery, you can gradually start wearing high heels again.
5 Common Causes of Hand Pain
We use our hands so much every day, and when they are in pain, our life is put on hold. From typing to brushing our teeth, to driving, eating, and using our cell phones, our hands are a very important part of our life.
Don’t let hand pain keep you from the activities you enjoy. If you are experiencing hand pain that is preventing you from enjoying your day-to-day activities, make an appointment to visit our orthopedic specialists in Jacksonville, FL.
Keep reading to learn about the 5 most common causes of hand pain.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
If you feel numbness or tingling in your thumb, index, middle fingers, or wrist that comes and goes, you may have carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a small tube in the wrist that protects the median nerve, one of the main nerves in the hand. This median nerve provides feeling in the thumb, middle, index, and ring fingers, and controls the thumb muscles.
When the carpal tunnel becomes too narrow, pressure is put on the median nerve, which causes pain, numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand.
Carpal tunnel can be hereditary or caused by repeated hand movements, extreme hand and wrist positions, pregnancy, or other health conditions. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome will become worse and can cause permanent damage.
Arthritis of the Hand
The hand is composed of many small bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons, making it prone to arthritis. Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that causes pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, commonly affects the hands and causes painful swelling that erodes bones and joints over time. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage protecting the bones wears away causing bones to grind against each other.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is the inflammation of the protective sheaths covering the tendons of the thumb running down to the wrist. Repetitive hand and wrist motions may trigger this condition, as well as lifting a child repeatedly using your thumbs as leverage. This condition causes pain and swelling near the base of your thumb, and makes it difficult to pinch or grasp without pain.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is when one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position and releases with a painful “snap” similar to the release of a trigger. Trigger finger can also present itself as finger stiffness, a popping or clicking sound as you move your fingers, pain at the base of the affected finger, or a finger that is locked in a bent position.
Trigger finger occurs when the protective sheath surrounding the finger tendons becomes irritated or inflamed. Trigger finger is more common in women than in men and can be the result of repetitive gripping motions.
Fractures of the Hand, Fingers, and Wrist
Falling and using your hands to catch yourself is one of the most common ways to fracture the bones in your hands, fingers, and wrists. Car accidents, work-related accidents, and sports injuries are also common ways to injure hand bones. Osteoporosis causes weak bones and increases the risk of hand fractures.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of hand pain, don’t delay! Call an orthopedic specialist in Jacksonville, FL, right away to diagnose, treat and prevent future damage to your hands so you can get back to living your life pain-free.
