Did You Know...

• Azalea Orthopedics is participating in the "STOP Sports Injuries Campaign," an initiative of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine. Orthopedic surgeons are seeing an increase in injuries among youth sports participants. The high rate of injuries at a younger and younger age is driven by an increase in trauma and overuse injuries. Azalea Orthopedics will be offering educational seminars for sports teams, clubs, schools, and other organizations this summer. For more information, call Leslie Fossey 903-939-7712.

Women receive about two-thirds of the total knee replacement surgeries performed each year in the U.S.  But a recent study suggests that women may tend to wait too long for this surgery.  The procedure can improve mobility and provide relief from the severe pain, stiffness, and swelling of osteoarthritis.  Waiting longer to receive the surgery may mean greater deterioration of the joint, a more difficult recovery, and less successful treatment outcomes.

• Are you packing up for college or moving to a new home?  Here are some tips to avoid lifting injuries and other moving-related pain:

  • Remove all obstacles from the floor and stairway to avoid slipping.
  • Pack heavy items in several small boxes
  • Get help, especially moving large awkward items

  And when lifting, face the object, and keep it close to your body.  Bend at the knees while tightening stomach muscles.  Use your thigh muscles to boost you up and forward.
  

• Kneecap bursitis is a condition that causes pain and swelling of the kneecap, or patella.  It occurs when the lubricating sac, or bursa, that lies just in front of the kneecap becomes irritated and inflamed.  This condition is common in people whose jobs require constant kneeling, or athletes participating in sports in which direct blows to the knee are common.  Treatment ranges from rest, ice, and elevation, to surgical removal of the bursa.
  
  
• Tips to care for your cast: To prevent weakening of the cast or skin irritation, keep your cast dry at all times.  When showering, wrap it with plastic layers.  Never insert sharp objects inside the cast to scratch itchy areas.  And check the cast frequently for cracks or weak spots.  If you notice problems with the cast, or if you have red, irritated areas of skin, call your doctor.
  
  
• Don't let injuries bring the golf season to a halt.  Before you hit the fairways, warm up by squeezing a tennis ball for five minutes to strengthen your forearms, and do wrist curls with lightweight dumbbells to prevent golfer's elbow.  Before each game, stretch your muscles and hit a few balls on the driving range.  Perform rowing exercises during the golf season to strengthen the lower back and prevent injuries during a golf swing.  Enjoy the links safely!
  
  
• Stress fractures of the foot are overuse injuries that occur when muscles become overtired and stress is transferred to the bones, causing tiny cracks.  These fractures can also occur if osteoporosis, or another disease, weakens bones.  Those at greatest risk for stress fractures of the foot include athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as track and field, basketball, and gymnastics, and teens whose bones have not yet fully developed.
  
  
• Do you know the facts about arthritis?  Let's test your knowledge!  Is arthritis a disease that only affects older adults?  If you answered no, then you're correct!  More than half of all individuals affected by arthritis are under age sixty-five.  Are aching joints a common symptom of arthritis?  If you answered yes, then you're correct!  Joints may ache when a joint lining swells due to rheumatoid arthritis, or if joint cartilage wears down because of osteoarthritis. 
  
  
• While enjoying water sports this summer, remember that most diving accidents are preventable.  Diving into shallow water can cause serious head, neck, and spine injuries.  When diving in a pool, keep you arms extended and hands up to protect your head and neck.  Also, never dive into an above ground pool or into the shallow end of a pool.  Always look for hazards and check the depth of water before diving.  Using these tips can protect you from serious and debilitating injury.
  
  
• Calcium is important to help build strong bones.  As children age, their calcium needs change.  Starting at about age eleven, children need almost twice as much calcium as younger kids.  Unfortunately, many boys and girls aren't getting enough.  For tips on how to add calcium into your child's diet, or for more information, check out the "Milk Matters" campaign. 
  
  
• Many older adults take several prescription medications for chronic conditions.  To safely manage multiple prescriptions, keep a list of all of your medications, and note the amount and time of day you take each one, and whether each drug should be taken with food.  Store copies of the prescription list in your medicine cabinet, and in your wallet or purse.  Review the list at doctor visits, and whenever new medicines are prescribed.
  
  
• The neck is vulnerable to injuries because it's flexible, supports the head, and is less protected than the rest of the spine.  Most neck injuries involve the soft tissues - the muscles and ligaments.  Seek immediate medical care when a neck injury causes pain that radiates down the arms and legs.  If your neck is injured or you're concerned about your neck pain, talk to your healthcare provider.
  
  
• Are bone problems in your future?  The National Institutes of Health and the Surgeon General have created an interactive website where you can "check up on your bones."  You'll learn how to improve your bone health and how your history impacts your bone future.  You can also print out your "bone balance sheet" to begin the discussion with your doctor.  Visit "Check up on your bones."
  
  
• If you have shoulder pain, you may have a rotator cuff tear.  This injury is more common in those over 40, athletes, and people who do a lot of overhead activities, such as painting or stocking shelves.  Your orthopaedic surgeon can recommend treatment options for a rotator cuff tear, which could include a sling, steroid injections, physical therapy, or surgery.
  
  
• How do you tell if the pain in your neck or back signals a herniated, or "slipped," disk?  See your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: a sharp, shooting pain that goes from the buttocks down the back of one leg; a feeling of "pins and needles" in one leg or buttock; leg weakness; a loss of bladder or bowel control; or a burning pain in the neck.
  
  
• Here are tips for preventing low back pain while getting the heavy lifting done this summer.  Allow enough time for the task to avoid rushing through it.  Get close to the object you're lifting.  Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.  Bend at the knees, not the waist, and lift with your legs, not your back.  Tighten your tummy as you lift.  And finally, ask for help when you need it.
  
  
• Lawn mowers can cause cuts, amputated fingers and toes, broken bones, and eye injuries, if not used safely.  Follow these tips to prevent injury.  Use a mower with a forward control on the handle and a collection bag for clippings.  Wear sturdy, close-toed shoes and protective eyewear while mowing.  Pick up debris from the lawn before mowing to prevent injuries from flying objects.  And always start the mower outside, not in a garage or shed.
  
  
• Studies show that exercise can prevent or delay many of the diseases and disabilities associated with aging.  Being inactive can cause loss of strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance - four areas that are key to staying healthy and independent.  Regular exercise is one of the healthiest things you can do at any age.  Talk to your doctor about the type and amount of physical activity that's right for you.
  
  
• Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces in the spine or backbone, which results in pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.  This disorder is most common in men and women over the age of 50, however, it can also occur in younger people who were born with the condition, or who have suffered a spinal injury.  Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, braces, and surgery. 
  
  
• A new study found that 95-percent of skeletally mature high school pitchers returned to competitive baseball after "Tommy John" elbow reconstruction surgery.  "Tommy John" surgery is named after the Hall of Fame pitcher who had the first surgery of this kind in 1974.  The procedure replaces damaged elbow ligament with a tendon from somewhere else in the body.  Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Patrick Wupperman performs "Tommy John" surgery here at Azalea.  



• Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that Azalea orthopaedists use to examine, diagnose, and treat joint problems.  By attaching a surgical instrument called an arthroscope to a small video camera, the surgeon can see an image of the interior of joints, cartilage, and ligaments.  The surgeon can determine the type and extent of injury in the joint, and may be able to repair or correct the problem using the arthroscope.



• Is your child getting enough calcium?  Children under thirteen should have three servings, while teens should have four servings of calcium-rich foods each day.  During adolescence, the majority of bone mass is built, so teens need more calcium to ensure healthy teeth and bones for life!  If your child is lactose intolerant, try offering hard cheese, yogurt, or calcium-fortified juice or cereal instead of milk. 



• Playground-related injuries send over 150-thousand children to the E-R each year.  Use these tips for safe play.  Select playgrounds with shock-absorbing surface materials, like wood chips, sand, or rubber.  Check equipment for damage, and look for good playground design, like wide spaces between play areas.  Guide children to age-appropriate activities.  Break up crowds at the top and bottom of slides, and near exits.  Ensure kids are safe on and around swings.  And most importantly, carefully supervise children.



• In the past, sports hernia injuries were difficult to diagnose because it wasn't clear what was causing the pain.  Fortunately, a new minimally invasive sports hernia repair is able to identify where the pain is coming from before surgery and allowing surgeons to make smaller repairs that involve a much shorter rehabilitation time.  Azalea Orthopedics has six sports medicine physicians.  If you have a sports related injury we can help.



• Because of recent advances in technology, more people with arthritis are now able to benefit from partial knee replacement rather than total knee replacement.  Benefits of this type of procedure include faster recovery time, less blood loss during surgery, higher patient satisfaction, and preservation of more normal knee motion.  Certain criteria must be met to be eligible for partial knee replacement.  To find out if you're a candidate, talk with your doctor today.
  
  
• Did you know that Azalea Orthopedics is ranked in the top nine-percent in the nation for patient care.  We are always looking for ways to serve you better, thank you for intrusting us with your care.  If you have ideas or comments, you may call our customer service director at 903-939-7747.
  
  
• The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends the following steps to improve your bone health and reduce your risk for osteoporosis.  Include the recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D in your diet.  Schedule weight-bearing exercise into your routine.  Avoid tobacco use, and drink alcohol only in moderation.  Azalea Orthopedic has a bone health clinic.  If you have questions or would like to schedule a bone density screening,  please call 903 939-7508.
  
  
• Are you prone to sports or exercise-related injuries?  Cross-training activities may help decrease the amount of time you spend on the injured list.  By incorporating low impact activities such as cycling or swimming into your workout, you can give your bones, muscles, and joints a rest from repetitive stress.  Always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise plan. Azalea Orthopedics has six sports medicine physicians.  If you have a sports related injury we can help.
  
  
• Azalea Orthopedics is making it easier than ever to manage your patient experience.  Click here and just complete online health forms and you're ready to make an appointment, update insurance information, or ask a question of our staff.  Online communication with our office is secure, and often faster and easier than a phone call.  Set up your patient page today!
  
  
• Many children are injured while playing sports and during other physical activities.  But the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation wants you to know that some injuries can be prevented.  Check your community's sports fields and playgrounds for hazards such as glass, rocks, and debris.  Repair potholes and secure movable soccer and football goals.  Check with your child's school board, athletic director, or administrators of youth sports programs to ensure they have an emergency plan in case of an injury.
  
  
• Azalea Orthopedics' sports medicine specialists can help athletes of all abilities stay healthy -- and stay in the game.  Physicians who specialize in sports medicine are familiar with the injuries that can affect child and adult athletes.  Our specially trained physicians promote lifelong fitness, and encourage prevention of injury.  For over 20 years, we have enjoyed working with area schools and sports clubs to help keep players healthy and able to participate in their activity of choice.  If you would like an Azalea Orthopedics Sports Medicine physician to talk to your school, little league, or community team, email leslie@azaleaortho.com
  
  
• Stress fractures are a common sports injury, often occurring in the bones of the lower leg or foot.  This condition is caused by repeatedly applying a greater amount of force to your feet and legs than they're used to.  To avoid stress fractures, start new exercise programs slowly, and gradually pick up the intensity; use proper equipment and footwear; cross-train with low-impact exercises; and talk to our Sports Medicine Surgeons at Azalea Orthopedics for more information.
  
  
• Does your child have pain just below the kneecap? Or knee pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest? He may have Osgood-Schlatter's Disease. This condition is caused by inflammation of the tendon below the kneecap, where it attaches to the shinbone. Adolescents who play sports that include running, jumping, and quick changes of direction are most at risk. Luckily, Osgood Schlatter's disease usually gets better on its own, once a child's bones stop growing.
  
  
• Limb length discrepancy occurs when there is a difference in the length of the legs or arms. These differences may be caused by bone infection or disease; injury to a bone; arthritis; or neurologic conditions. For minor discrepancies, a shoe lift is often recommended to help with walking and running. For more severe cases, surgery may be an option. Talk to your surgeon at Azalea Orthopedics for more information about which treatment is right for you.
  
  
• Do you have sharp heel pain that's worse during your first few steps after waking up? You may have plantar faciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain. This pain occurs because of inflammation in the plantar fascia, a band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone and the toes. Risk factors for this condition include being overweight; certain exercises, such as distance running; and wearing shoes without proper support.
  
  
• Symptoms of a dislocated joint include intense pain, and swelling or discoloration. In some cases, the joint may be visibly deformed or out of place. If you suspect that you have dislocated a joint, seek medical help right away. While you're waiting for medical attention, make sure that you don't move the joint or force it back into place. This can damage the joint and the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
  
  
• If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, try these tips from the American Academy of Orthpaedic Surgeons to help support your back and ease discomfort. When sitting, keep your back in a slightly arched position. Don't slouch, keep your head and shoulders upright. Make sure your working surface is at the proper height so you don't have to lean forward. If possible, stretch frequently by standing and placing your hands on your lower back while gently arching backward.
  
  
• Have you ever experienced a "charley horse?" This sudden cramping of the muscles often results in intense pain, and may leave you temporarily unable to use the affected limb. Overuse, dehydration, or a lack of certain minerals in your body may cause muscle cramps. If you have a cramp, try stretching the muscle and then gently massaging it. Use a cold pack to relax tense muscles, and apply heat later if you have pain or tenderness.



• Steps you take to improve your overall health can also improve the outcome of joint replacement surgery and reduce your recovery time. Here are some suggestions. Eat a healthy diet, and lose weight if your doctor recommends it. If you smoke, quit, or reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke. Don't drink any alcohol at least 48 hours before surgery. Finally, ask your Azalea Orthopedics surgeon for exercises to help prepare for surgery.



• If you have diabetes, walking barefoot and wearing sandals may put you at risk for foot injuries. "Diabetic foot" is a condition that causes numbness in the feet. This means foot injuries can go unnoticed and untreated for longer periods of time. Diabetes also decreases blood flow, so injuries heal slower. If you have diabetes, inspect your feet daily, and if you find a sore or wound, it's important to see your Azalea Orthopedics physician right away.



• Azalea Orthopedics is making it easier than ever to manage your patient experience. Visit our website at www.azaleaortho.com and create your own "My Patient Page." Click on our patient login button at the top left hand side of our home page. Just complete online health forms and you're ready to make an appointment, update insurance information, or ask a question of our staff. Online communication with our office is secure, and often faster and easier than a phone call. Set up your patient page today, at www.azaleaortho.com.



• Don't let back pain keep you in your recliner. Did you know exercises, such as muscle strengthening and cardiovascular activities, can help relieve back pain? Remember that it's important to warm up your muscles before you exercise by walking or stretching. The Azalea Orthopedics Physical Therapy can recommend some good exercises to help with back pain.



• Limb length discrepancy occurs when there is a difference in the length of the legs or arms. These differences may be caused by bone infection or disease; injury to a bone; arthritis; or neurologic conditions. For minor discrepancies, a shoe lift is often recommended to help with walking and running. For more severe cases, surgery may be an option. Talk to your Azalea Orthopedics physician for more information about which treatment is right for you.



• After knee replacement surgery, it's important to build up strength to help improve mobility with your new knee. Closely follow all medical instructions during rehabilitation to avoid placing excessive stress on your new knee joint. Always check with your Azalea Orthopedics surgeon and physical therapist for specific instructions on pain management and exercise after your knee replacement.



• Think all back pain is the same? Think again. A child with a backache is more likely to have an underlying disorder, especially if the child is less than four years of age. Seek medical attention if your child is experiencing back pain, and also has a fever, weight loss, weakness or numbness, or trouble walking. Azalea Orthopedics' Dr. Matthew Mayfield specializes in Pediatric Orthopedics, would be happy to evaluate your child.