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You tried a new machine at the gym, you finally had a chance to go for a run or you spent your Saturday playing a game of softball. You felt great when it was over. Then you gradually began to feel some soreness. The next morning or even two days later, you could barely get out of bed. There’s a name for that. It’s delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

What is DOMS?

DOMS, also known as “muscle fever,” occurs anywhere from 24 to 48 hours after a physical activity — usually one that you’re not used to. It often happens when people are starting a new exercise regimen. It’s actually normal. Sports medicine physicians will attest that even professional athletes and longtime bodybuilders experience it sometimes — not just weekend warriors.

It’s our muscle tissue reacting to being put through a new or especially intense activity that it isn’t used to. The extra lengthening that’s occurred in the muscle caused microscopic tears in the muscle fibers. These tears and the inflammation that accompanies them can be uncomfortable.

As your muscles adjust to the new or increased activity, they’ll get stronger and the soreness will decrease. It shouldn’t be the norm, nor should it discourage you from exercising.

How Can You Prevent DOMS?

A brief warm-up can help prevent it. Many people think stretching is good enough. However, static stretching may tighten muscles rather than loosen them. Five minutes on the treadmill or bike will warm up your muscles.

Following exercise, take a few minutes to cool down. Then have a protein snack and some water.

How to Reduce the Soreness

In the meantime, sports medicine professionals recommend some things you can take to reduce the soreness.

  • Limit yourself to light exercise to keep your muscles moving, but give them some relief. Some light aerobic work and then some stretching afterwards can help.
  • Alternate heat and ice packs. If the temperature of the muscle rises, oxygen and blood flow to the muscle also increases. This helps the muscle heal. Cold provides an analgesic that can smooth the muscle.
  • Foam rollers can also help smooth out the knots in your muscle. Florida physical therapists use foam rollers regularly. They let you use your own weight to put pressure on your muscle. It’s similar to smoothing out the lumps in dough with a rolling pin.
  • Hydrate. Muscle soreness can be exacerbated by dehydration. That’s why it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Coconut water is a good way to hydrate and add electrolytes to your system.
  • Get plenty of sleep. While we sleep, our bodies release a growth hormone that helps repair our muscles. You should get eight hours of sleep. For even faster results, take a couple of twenty-to-sixty minute naps each day.

Of course, if you experience pain as opposed to soreness for any period of time, you should consult a physician. Pain can mean that a muscle or tendon has been damaged and requires treatment. Our Jacksonville orthopedic surgeons can determine what is causing the pain and prescribe the best treatment. Call us or contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Tips to Caring for a Sore Body After an Intense Workout

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You tried a new machine at the gym, you finally had a chance to go for a run or you spent your Saturday playing a game of softball. You felt great when it was over. Then you gradually began to feel some soreness. The next morning or even two days later, you could barely get out of bed. There’s a name for that. It’s delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

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Simple Changes that Could Prevent Common Running Injuries

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Anyone who runs regularly has likely experienced an injury of some degree. Experts vary in their opinions on the common causes of running injuries. Some blame runners’ form while others accuse the surfaces on which they run or their bodies. Others look to running shoes as the culprit. In fact, running injuries can be a combination of the wrong shoes, training errors and anatomical issues.

In recent years, sports medicine physicians have changed their focus from treating running injuries to working to prevent them. Florida residents who are serious runners and want to avoid injuries would do well to work with an orthopedic specialist and perhaps a physical therapist who specialize in running to help ensure that their bodies, their form and their shoes are all working together to minimize the risk of injury and maximize the productivity of their runs.

Everyone is unique so it’s best to work with experts who can determine what is best for you. However, in general, there are steps that runners can take to improve their form and their strength. Further, everyone needs to find the right shoe for their needs.

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Tips to Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

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At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, we know the thought of having joint replacement surgery can be stressful. One source of concern for many of our patients is the anticipation of pain and inactivity they will endure while they heal and recover from the surgery.

Our Jacksonville orthopedic surgeons and the rest of our team work closely with our patients both before and after surgery to help their recovery go as smoothly as possible. We have a team of experienced Florida physical therapists who provide physical rehabilitation services to our surgical patients and get them back to an active, pain-free life as soon as possible.

Patients can play an important role in how well and quickly they recover by taking some important steps before the surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss important preparatory steps that you should take before your surgery based on your health and your living situation. However, there are some things that most everyone should do.

Prepare Your Body

  • Eat a healthy diet and lose any excess weight. Being overweight or obese puts more stress on your joints.
  • If you smoke, stop. Smoking can slow down the healing process.
  • Generally it’s helpful to build your upper body strength. This will help you get around on crutches or other mobility devices you will need immediately after the surgery. However, ask your doctor and physical therapist to recommend exercises to do prior to surgery. You don’t want to exacerbate your current joint condition.
  • Practice with the mobility devices you will be using immediately after the surgery to help you get used to them.
  • Tell your orthopedic surgeon about any and all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) you are taking.

Make Appropriate Work Arrangements

  • Be sure to schedule enough time away from work and any restricted work activity after surgery. You don’t want to try to go back before you’re ready. Discuss the timeline with your orthopedic surgeon for when you can expect to be able to go back to the office or at least work from home. Remember that the length of recovery cannot be predicted with certainty. It’s better to arrange for more time off than you need rather than less.
  • If your job involves physical activity, your doctor may need to provide authorization to your employer to restrict that activity during your recovery.

Prepare Your Home and Support System

  • You should get your home ready for your recovery period before the surgery. Set up an area on the first floor where you’ll have everything you need within easy reach. Remove any tripping hazards like rugs. You’ll probably want to sleep on the first floor for a period of time.
  • Have a reliable support system in place. You will need someone to drive you home after the surgery, to and from your post-op and physical therapy appointments as well as to help with errands. You’ll also need help with daily tasks and taking care of any children, animals or anyone else who relies on you. If you live alone, see if a family member or friend can move in with you for awhile. If that’s not possible, a home healthcare provider or rehabilitation facility may be the best choice.

The team at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has a great deal of experience helping patients prepare for their orthopedic surgery and their recovery period.  If you have any questions about preparing for joint replacement surgery or what to expect afterwards, call or contact us online.

Image Courtesy of: Southeast Orthopedic Specialist

How Protecting Your Back and Pelvis During Pregnancy Can Reduce Pain

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Many women experience discomfort in their back and/or pelvis during pregnancy. The muscles in the back, pelvic floor and stomach support the back and pelvis joints. However, as the uterus grows with the baby, it’s harder for these muscles to do their job. This can result in stiffness and pain.

In addition, the pelvis is impacted by pregnancy hormones like estrogen and relaxin. These hormones make the tissues that connect the ligaments around the pelvis stretch more. This can result in pelvic pain, which is actually more common in pregnant women than lower back pain.

So how can you help protect these areas while you’re pregnant, reduce pain and make movement easier? Experienced Florida physical therapists like those at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists’ three Jacksonville therapy centers will tell you that changing the way you move and position yourself can make a difference. Maintaining proper posture can be more difficult than ever when you’re carrying a growing person inside of you, but it’s extremely important to your physical well-being.

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What Could be Causing Your Wrist and Hand Pains?

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We use our wrists and hands in just about everything we do. In fact, many of the physical problems we experience in this area are caused by overuse. Most of us rely on the nerves, tendons, bones and joints in our wrists and hands to make a living. Whether you’re an athlete, a musician, surgeon, hairdresser or someone who works at a computer most of the day, you can’t afford to be slowed down by chronic pain or mobility issues.

Most problems in the hands and wrists that aren’t the result of a specific injury or orthopedic trauma are caused by overuse. Some are simply the result of the body aging. Others, however, may be a symptom of a more serious physical condition. The only way to know for sure is to see a doctor. However, we’re going to discuss some common conditions that can cause pain and other symptoms in the hands and/or wrists.

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Common Issues for Your Wrist and Hands

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Most people don’t realize just how vital their wrists and hands are to their daily lives until they suffer an injury or condition that compromises their use.

You don’t have to be a concert pianist or baseball player to have your life severely impacted by hand or wrist problems. At Southwest Orthopedics, we have orthopedic surgeons who specialize in the intricate surgery needed to correct these problems and patients return to normal daily functions.

There are a number of wrist and hand issues that afflict many people of all ages. One is a break in the bones around the wrist. We’re going to take a look at a few of the most common ones. (more…)

Why Cracking Your Own Neck is Bad!

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We’ve all seen people “crack” their necks to try to relieve pain or stiffness. When you crack your neck, the action releases gas or fluid from the joints surrounding the neck. The cracking, or cavitation, usually makes you feel better temporarily. However, it doesn’t alleviate the underlying problem.

Those of us who specialize in sports medicine see neck stiffness all the time in athletes and non-athletes alike. If you constantly feel the need to crack your neck, it’s likely because you have hypermobility, or a larger than normal range of motion, in your neck joints. Self-cracking only affects the least resistant joints. However, the joints that are really stuck remain so. (more…)

When is the Best Time to Call the Doctor for Your Back Pain?

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Whether you are a professional athlete or performer, a student athlete or a “weekend warrior,” there are things you can do to help minimize the chances of a serious injury.

At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, we know that no one wants to go to a doctor if they don’t have to and our Jacksonville orthopedic surgeons don’t take it personally. We don’t either. We also know that with back and other musculoskeletal injuries, it can be particularly difficult for people to determine whether they need to seek medical treatment or if the problem will resolve on its own. (more…)

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