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The Sciatic nerve is the largest in your body, so when there is something wrong with it, there is bound to be some pain. The actual nerve starts out in the lower spine, goes into the buttock, to the back of the thigh and keeps going down to the foot. Unfortunately, this means sciatica pain can do the same thing. When it’s not causing you pain, however, the sciatic nerve serves an important purpose, and helps the spinal cord maintain communication with your leg and foot muscles and dictates reflexes.

Why Sciatica Pain Happens

As with any pain, one of the first steps in dealing with sciatica pain is to understand where it comes from so that you can work to reverse the effects and reduce or eliminate the pain. In most cases of sciatica, the sciatic nerve has somehow become compressed, causing sciatic or lumbar radiculopathy. In most cases, it is a particular nerve root in the spine that is effected by a herniated disc, which reduces or eliminates the natural cushioning in that area of the spine. A stress fracture, narrowing of the spinal canal after age 60, or joint problems may also contribute to sciatica pain. 

Once the pain hits the sciatic nerve, it makes its way down the lower extremities. In addition to back pain and leg pain, other types of discomfort, including tingling, numbness, burning, or a prickly sensation may be felt as well. The pain itself is normally sharp in nature, rather than dull, and feels worse when standing or sitting still and lessens if you walk around.

Treating Sciatica Pain

When sciatica pain becomes severe, some health care providers will go as far as suggesting strong medications, such as epidural steroid injections, or narcotic muscle relaxants in order to alleviate the pain, and many patients follow cultural instincts when pain begins and grab a dose of over the counter medicine, such as ibuprofen when they start to feel their back pain travel into their legs. These methods can have long term negative effects, however, and many seek out alternatives that can be just as effective while carrying fewer risks.

  1. Heat and Ice. When sciatica pain happens only occasionally, applying heat and ice packs may be enough to get the pain under control. Alternating between applying ice and heat is beneficial for many people, although some prefer one method over the other. In either case, it is important to have a barrier, such as a towel to prevent burns.
  2. Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation. Spinal manipulation by a skilled chiropractor can help to improve spinal alignment and correct many of the root causes of sciatic pain.
  3. Acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient treatment method designed to balance the body’s energy by inserting very thin needles into the skin near the pain source.
  4. Massage Therapy. Massage therapy can help improve pain by improving circulation, relaxing muscles, and releasing endorphins.

Surgical Options

In some cases, other methods are attempted unsuccessfully, and orthopedic surgery becomes necessary to treat chronic sciatica pain. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists in Jacksonville, Middleburg, Vendra Beach and Orange Park, Florida our orthopedic doctors and specialists will look at the specifics of what is going on with your sciatica pain and help you find the right path to long term relief. If you are experiencing sciatica pain, let us help you get to the root of the problem. Contact us at 904-634-0640 to make an appointment and the location that is best for you.

You Don’t Have to Live with Sciatica

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The Sciatic nerve is the largest in your body, so when there is something wrong with it, there is bound to be some pain. The actual nerve starts out in the lower spine, goes into the buttock, to the back of the thigh and keeps going down to the foot. Unfortunately, this means sciatica pain can do the same thing. When it’s not causing you pain, however, the sciatic nerve serves an important purpose, and helps the spinal cord maintain communication with your leg and foot muscles and dictates reflexes.

Why Sciatica Pain Happens

As with any pain, one of the first steps in dealing with sciatica pain is to understand where it comes from so that you can work to reverse the effects and reduce or eliminate the pain. In most cases of sciatica, the sciatic nerve has somehow become compressed, causing sciatic or lumbar radiculopathy. In most cases, it is a particular nerve root in the spine that is effected by a herniated disc, which reduces or eliminates the natural cushioning in that area of the spine. A stress fracture, narrowing of the spinal canal after age 60, or joint problems may also contribute to sciatica pain. 

Once the pain hits the sciatic nerve, it makes its way down the lower extremities. In addition to back pain and leg pain, other types of discomfort, including tingling, numbness, burning, or a prickly sensation may be felt as well. The pain itself is normally sharp in nature, rather than dull, and feels worse when standing or sitting still and lessens if you walk around.

Treating Sciatica Pain

When sciatica pain becomes severe, some health care providers will go as far as suggesting strong medications, such as epidural steroid injections, or narcotic muscle relaxants in order to alleviate the pain, and many patients follow cultural instincts when pain begins and grab a dose of over the counter medicine, such as ibuprofen when they start to feel their back pain travel into their legs. These methods can have long term negative effects, however, and many seek out alternatives that can be just as effective while carrying fewer risks.

  1. Heat and Ice. When sciatica pain happens only occasionally, applying heat and ice packs may be enough to get the pain under control. Alternating between applying ice and heat is beneficial for many people, although some prefer one method over the other. In either case, it is important to have a barrier, such as a towel to prevent burns.
  2. Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation. Spinal manipulation by a skilled chiropractor can help to improve spinal alignment and correct many of the root causes of sciatic pain.
  3. Acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient treatment method designed to balance the body’s energy by inserting very thin needles into the skin near the pain source.
  4. Massage Therapy. Massage therapy can help improve pain by improving circulation, relaxing muscles, and releasing endorphins.

Surgical Options

In some cases, other methods are attempted unsuccessfully, and orthopedic surgery becomes necessary to treat chronic sciatica pain. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists in Jacksonville, Middleburg, Vendra Beach and Orange Park, Florida our orthopedic doctors and specialists will look at the specifics of what is going on with your sciatica pain and help you find the right path to long term relief. If you are experiencing sciatica pain, let us help you get to the root of the problem. Contact us at 904-634-0640 to make an appointment and the location that is best for you.

What to Know and How to Prepare For an ACL Reconstruction

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The anterior cruciate ligament is commonly abbreviated to ACL. This ligament is located within the knee joint, between the thigh bone and the shin bone. This ligament is primarily responsible for stabilizing the knee. in an ACL injury, the ligament most often is torn. This condition can cause the knees to buckle unexpectedly, or even prevent standing or walking altogether.

Who Gets ACL Injuries?

Although anyone can tear an ACL, this type of injury most often occurs during sports involving certain kinds of movement. The movements most likely to lead to a torn ACL include stopping suddenly, and/or suddenly reversing direction. As such sports most likely to lead to a torn ACL are soccer, football, tennis, basketball and even golf.

What is an ACL Reconstruction?

In an ACL reconstruction, done by orthopedic specialists, the ligament is reconstructed using tissue from your body or a donor. The torn tissue will be removed, then the surgeon will use the autograph tissue to reconstruct the ligament. This tissue is grafted onto the bone with screws where it will eventually become part of the new ligament. ACL reconstruction is widely accepted to be an effective treatment for a torn knee ligament, and most patients recover fully.

How to Prepare For an ACL Reconstruction?

When your orthopedic specialist has recommended ACL reconstruction, you’ll need to prepare for the procedure. You’ll need to do some physical therapy in order to reduce the internal swelling and inflammation as much as possible before surgery. Although you will likely be fully anesthetized for your ACL reconstruction surgery, the process can be painful when you wake up. You’ll need to prepare yourself for discomfort, since pain medication can only be taken on a limited basis.

You’ll also need help getting home from the hospital as well as when you’re at home recovering from the surgery. Be prepared to stay off the knee according to your doctor’s post-surgery instructions. Time off work will also be a necessity so plan ahead for that.

Although ACL reconstruction is major surgery, your chances for a complete recovery are very high. For a free consultation about your knee issues or ACL reconstruction, contact us today.

​How Orthopedic Health Conditions Are Affecting Baby Boomers​

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Of all the health conditions that grow more common with age, few are more widespread than orthopedic issues. Impacting your body’s musculoskeletal system, these conditions are often not life-threatening, but bring significant pain and mobility issues. A large and growing number of baby boomers must deal with orthopedic issues, particularly:

Arthritis

Marked by pain and swelling of the joints, arthritis is one of the most common orthopedic diseases. Doctors divide arthritis into different categories based on where and how it affects the body. The most widespread type is osteoarthritis, which affects knees, hips and other load-bearing joints. Arthritis is incurable, but it can be managed through a combination of pain and anti-inflammatory medications, massage therapy and applied heat and cold.

Knee Issues

Baby boomers often see the cartilage in their knees diminish. This leads to pain, stiffness and limited mobility. To solve this problem, your orthopedic specialist can give you a knee replacement, which involves capping your knee’s joint with metal and plastic to relieve pain and expand motion.

Hip Issues

Arthritis and other orthopedic conditions strain your hips, causing serious pain and making walking more difficult. To relieve this pain, baby boomers are turning to hip replacements. This involves placing an artificial joint on your hip, which gives you more mobility.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A condition that affects the nerves in your wrist, this problem causes weakness, numbing, pain and swelling in your hands. Your likelihood of developing it increases as you age, making baby boomers highly vulnerable to this condition. Many who suffer from carpal tunnel turn to orthopedic surgery in order to cure it.

As an orthopedic specialist with extensive experience serving baby boomers, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists offers solutions for these and all other conditions in Northeast Florida. For more information, visit our website today.

The Difference Between Hip Replacement and Hip Resurfacing

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Are you considering a hip replacement? Then you will need to locate a Jacksonville orthopedic surgeon for a consultation. But first, you need to understand the difference between a hip replacement and hip resurfacing before you can determine which procedure is best for you.

What is a Hip Replacement?

A hip replacement is a medical procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons. With this procedure, an orthopedic doctor will replace the painful hip joint and replace it with an artificial one. Hip replacement surgery can be done as a full replacement or a half hip joint replacement. A hip replacement is generally recommended for those with a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the hip.

What is Hip Resurfacing?

Hip resurfacing is similar to a hip replacement except the hip joint is relined rather than being completely replaced like it is in a hip replacement surgery. Hip resurfacing helps provide the patient with a more active and better quality of life because it preserves as much of the natural bone as possible and only replaces the damaged bone and cartilage in the socket.

Your orthopedic doctor will determine if you are a candidate for hip resurfacing. Generally, candidates for this type of surgery are under 60 and have strong, healthy bones. Hip resurfacing surgery (HRS) can help with mild to moderate pain from osteoarthritis if it’s done before any major bone damage has occurred. This surgery is usually an overnight procedure and most people are up and walking within four hours of having the surgery.

The Advantages of Hip Resurfacing

There are many advantages of hip resurfacing, such as:

  • It preserves the femoral neck and femoral canal and minimizes bone removal while using a smaller implant.
  • It’s a smaller device which results in a more rapid recovery.
  • There is minimal bone removal.
  • Fewer chances of dislocation.

What’s Next?

If you would like more information about hip resurfacing, please Contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialists today.

Orthopedic Surgeons Treat Musculoskeletal Problems

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When you’re looking for an orthopedic doctor in Jacksonville, Florida, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists has you covered. With 14 board-certified orthopedic physicians on hand as well as a chiropractor, all of your musculoskeletal problems can be evaluated and treated effectively. Whether sports medicine, chiropractic, emergency orthopedic care, physical therapy as well as treatment for the spine, hand, foot, ankle and other joint replacements, our orthopedic specialists can help treat your pain and discomfort today.

Joint Replacement

Whether your arthritis is affecting your shoulder, hand, knee or hip, joint replacement surgery can help remedy your pain and help restore functionality to the joint. Total joint replacement surgery gives patients the ability to feel younger and renwed. We have highly-skilled joint replacement surgeons that use state-of-the-art procedures resulting in highly successful joint replacemnets.

Treatment for the Hand, Foot, Ankle & Spine

Thumb, finger or wrist pain can be debilitating and affect your daily life. This pain can be treated oftentimes without surgery. However, if surgery is necessary, we have expert hand surgery specialists that use the latest surgical techniques in hand care. If you’re suffering from foot pain, our feet include a network of tendons, muscles, nerves, bones and ligaments, all which function together for the foot to feel and work correctly. If disease or injury occurs here, our expert care will help you to restore your feet.

For spine care, we offer both minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery options. Some patients however can benefit from other treatments such as acupuncture for pain relief. Our orthopedic team will evaluate your condition and determine the best treatment options for your health. While using conservative methods we will try to restore your health, however if these treatment options don’t work effectively, we then consider surgery for our patients.

On-Site Rehab Services

If one of our patients must undergo surgery, we offer on-site physical therapy to help restore quality of life and function to the joints they have had worked on. Our state-of-the-art equipment and hands-on approach offers a comfortable environment that promotes healing. To learn more, call us today to schedule an appointment at 904-634-0640.

Do I Have Carpal Tunnel?

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If you have wrist or hand pain, you may be wondering if you might have carpal tunnel syndrome. The severity of this common condition can range from being a mild nuisance to a debilitating condition that prevents you from working and doing other activities that you enjoy. Here is some helpful information to determine if you have carpal tunnel. For a professional diagnosis, however, consult the experts at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists.

What is Carpal Tunnel?

The carpal tunnel runs between your forearm and hand. Inside the carpal tunnel is the median nerve, as well as several tendons. This system helps enable movement and sensation in your thumb and first three fingers.

What are the Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is increasingly common, due to the repetitive movements involved in typing, texting, and general use of electronic devices. Symptoms include pain the joints of the wrist, hand, thumb and fingers. Other symptoms include tingling, numbness and an overall weakness. The sensation is sometimes described as a feeling of a lack of circulation in the hand.

What Treatments are Available for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome are recommended according to the severity of the condition, how long the condition has been in existence, and how the carpal tunnel has responded to previous treatments.

One of the most simple things that can be done to get rid of carpal tunnel syndrome is to discontinue use of the hand and fingers that are affected. Even though this treatment is simple in theory, in practice it is difficult. The hand and fingers would be immobilized with a special fitted bandage, and the patient shouldn’t use that hand to do anything; even something as seemingly innocent as brushing their teeth.

Another treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome is taking anti-inflammatory medication to bring down the swelling. This relieves pressure on the nerves and tendons, alleviating pain.

A regimen of ice treatments may also be recommended to bring down swelling and promote healing.

Contact A Specialist

In severe cases, surgery may be conducted as a drastic measure when other forms of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome have failed to produce results.

The earlier that diagnosis and treatment begins for carpal tunnel syndrome, the better. If you’re experiencing some or all of the symptoms mentioned above, please contact the orthopedic specialists in Florida.

Runners Training Tips to Avoid Injury

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Running is generally considered to be one of the healthiest forms of exercise available. But it is not without its hazards. As orthopedic specialists in northern Florida, we see a variety of preventable injuries that may be avoided by following these training tips.

Keep Warm

Avid runners don’t stop running just because the weather gets chilly. Even in northern Florida, temperatures can dip low enough in winter to warrant extra precaution when training. In addition to doing warm ups before going out in cold weather, keep muscles and joints warm by wearing adequate clothing with insulating properties.

Run on Good Surfaces

Shin splints and runner’s knee can occur when a runner is training on inferior surfaces that offer no “give.” To help avoid this painful condition, confine training to surfaces that are inherently shock absorbent, such as a running track.

Wear Proper Footwear

The specific movement of the feet during training requires proper footwear in order to prevent common issues such as spurs. This bone outgrowth can be prevented with a proper fitting of appropriate running footwear. Your investment in proper footwear can help prevent injuries like spurs that may prevent you from continuing your training.

Run on Even Surfaces

To avoid falls, missteps and alignment issues, be sure to run on even surfaces. This doesn’t mean you can’t run uphill or downhill. It means you should avoid prolonged running on slanted surfaces where one side is higher than the other. Doing so could cause problems with the bones in the feet, as well as spinal issues that can lead to painful misalignment problems.

Avoid Running on Roadways

For enthusiastic runners, every stretch of road may be an enticing running opportunity. However, running injuries often occur from incidents related to stationary and moving objects. Hazards include motor vehicles and distracted drivers, cyclists, skateboarders, delivery vans and even telephone poles, fences and roadway construction. Unless you’re wearing very strong bumpers, it’s best to avoid roadways when training.

Contact the north Florida orthopedic specialists if you’re experiencing any kind of knee pain or other signs of runner injuries. Call or email to speak to one of our friendly representatives today.

Maximizing Your Insurance Policy With End-Of-Year Care

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When you purchase a health insurance plan, it’s common to assume that the costs and benefits of the plan are fixed. But because of the way that many insurers limit spending, the time of year when you visit the doctor has an enormous impact on the value you get from your plan. Typically, this means that the more care you receive toward the end of the year, the more you will get for your premiums. Thus as the holidays approach, consider the following:

Going Beyond Your Deductible

If you already reached your deductible, now is the time to stock up on medical goods and services. Obtain all the medicines, devices and other products you’ll have to buy during the year, provided that they’ll last long enough for you to use them. The more you buy now, the less you’ll have to spend later. 

Obtaining All Gratuitous Services

Many health plans provide services that do not contribute to your deductible, especially diagnostic and consultation ones. Get these before the year’s end. Even though they won’t directly save you money next year, they increase your odds of finding health issues early. If you do find such a problem, you can begin treatment before your deductible resets, reducing or even eliminating the cost of overcoming it.

Examining Your FSA

FSAs, or flexible spending accounts, allow you to shield a certain amount of money from taxes by earmarking it for health expenses. Check to see how much money you have left in this account, as well as how much of it you can roll over. It may be worth spending what’s left before the year is out.

Southeast Orthopedic Specialists accepts insurance from Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, BeechStreet, CareFirst and a myriad of other providers. For more information on making the most of your medical care in Northeast Florida, visit our website today.

Tips to Keep Arthritis Pain at Bay This Winter

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You may think the concept of arthritis getting worse in cold, wet weather is an old wives’ tale, but there’s actually science behind those claims. Winter weather can contribute to arthritis symptoms in two primary ways. According to the Arthritis Foundation, wet weather and storms are associated with changes in barometric pressure that can cause swelling inside your joints. Declines in temperature are also associated with increased swelling and joint pain. When the weather is cold and wet, we’re less likely to exercise and be active, which means joints are more likely to “stiffen up.” Plus, the darker months of winter tend to increase the risk of depression, which in turn increases our sensitivity to pain.

How can you prevent arthritis flareups during the cold, wet months of winter?

  • First, see your doctor at the first sign of symptoms for treatments that can help reduce your risk of permanent joint damage.
  • Wear plenty of warm clothing when going outdoors, including mittens or gloves and a good, warm coat or sweater.
  • Change your shoes and socks if they become damp.
  • Stay active! Try to walk each day, if not outdoors, then on an indoor track or at a local mall. Consider signing up for a yoga or Tai Chi class, or do some light stretches while you’re watching TV. Being active not only keeps your joints limber – it also helps ward off depression.
  • Lose excess weight. Even a few extra pounds can put a lot of extra strain on your joints, resulting in increased joint pain, especially during physical activity.
  • Ask your doctor about joint supplements and alternative therapies like acupuncture, and be sure to drink lots of water. Joints function best when they’re well hydrated.

Contact Southeast Orthopedic Specialist

If you’re dealing with arthritis pain and stiffness, don’t delay medical care. Putting off treatment increases both your symptoms and the likelihood you’ll experience permanent joint damage. As a top-ranked provider of orthopedic care in Florida, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists offers comprehensive care for arthritis symptoms. Call (904) 634-0640 or use our online form and schedule an appointment today.

Injuries Rise During the Holidays – Here’s What to Watch For

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We’re heading into the most festive time of year, but it is also one of the most common times for new patients to visit because of a holiday related injury of pain. What makes the holidays so accident and injury prone? Travel to see family in colder climates, new and exciting gifts that require physical activity and even an increase in local activity make injuries more common during the holiday season.

Common Injuries During the Holiday Season

Holiday Travel

Travel itself isn’t likely to harm you, but if you travel to a colder climate and are not used to walking and driving on snow and ice, risk of injury is increased. Even people who live in these cold areas experience thousands of injuries each year from slipping and falling on snow and ice. Back, hip and knee injuries often result after a seasonal fall. Also, sitting for long periods of time can put strain on your back and cause pain or discomfort.

Holiday Gifts and Entertaining

The very gifts designed to delight kids and young teens can lead to a visit to an orthopedic specialist. Skates, bikes, scooters and even sports equipment could result in a lasting injury. Many of these are minor, but some leave behind lasting knee, back or limb pain that needs attention from a doctor to properly heal. Just pulling the turkey from the oven can lead to a burn that sends you to the emergency room for treatment.

Shopping

It’s not the shopping itself, but rather the increase in traffic and activity around shopping destinations that increases the risk of auto accidents and collisions. If you are involved in an accident, you could face a lengthy recovery.

Contact A Specialist

Almost all the holiday related issues are injuries from falls; whether you slip on an unexpected patch of ice or you fall off your new bicycle, you could need help from a specialist. If you have been injured and the pain is simply not going away, contact us for help. Our team of orthopedic specialists is waiting to help when you need us most.

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