Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Is your heel painful?

Pain at the back of the heel accompanied by swelling are symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis. This is usually caused by constant stress on the tendon due, a sudden increase in exercise activities, improperly stretched tight calf muscles, or a bone spur.

Most of the time, Achilles Tendonitis can be treated non-surgically through rest, icing the region throughout the day for twenty minutes at a time, taking anti-inflammatory medicine, calf-strengthening exercises, cortisone injections, or physical therapy. Shoe inserts can also be used to help ease the pain.

In some cases, though, surgery to repair the achilles tendon will have to be done. During this procedure, an incision will be made at the back of the leg. Damaged tissues will be removed and the healthy ones will be stitched together. After the surgery, patients will have to have physical therapy for about twelve months to achieve pain-free results.

Do you think you have achilles tendonitis? End the pain now and consult with an orthopedic doctor at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Is there pain when you flex and straighten your fingers?

Do you hear a clicking sensation when you bend any of your fingers or thumb? Is there pain when flexing or straightening your fingers? Do you feel tenderness near the base of a digit? If so, you may have trigger finger.

In most cases, the causes of trigger finger are constant and/or harsh movements or irritation that is due to rheumatoid arthritis, tendon lacerations, or repeated trauma. Once the synovium is damaged, a nodule may form in the tendon. Sometimes, orthopedic surgeons will only place a splint on the affected finger, teach you special exercises, or inject cortisone. Most of the time, though, surgery may be deemed necessary.

Trigger finger release is an out-patient procedure wherein the surgeon makes a small incision at the site of the obstruction. The ligament section is carefully cut to stop the interruption in the tendon movement. The incision is then stitched up and the ligament will repair itself.

The hand will be wrapped in bandage for about two days then a band aid will replace it to protect the incision until the stitches are removed. There will be tenderness in the area, but you can already begin a gentle range of motion within a couple of days. Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve the strength of your hand.

Are you worried about painful flexing and straightening of your fingers? Schedule an appointment with your local orthopedic surgeon in Asheboro NC and ask about trigger finger release.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

All About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Carpal Tunnel is a small passage in which tissues pass through. Once one tissue swells up, it puts pressure on the median nerve - a syndrome referred to as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If this develops, a person usually feels numbness or pain. Thumb muscles will also become weaker and grasping things will be more difficult. Moreover, a shock-like sensation will be felt in the thumb and first three fingers.

What causes this syndrome? In many cases, it is hereditary. Some people are just born with smaller carpal tunnels. In other cases, the causes are age, hormonal changes due to pregnancy, obesity, hand movement or overuse of the hands, and smoking.

How is it treated? Surgeons will usually recommend a non-surgical treatment by changing the activities of the patients or through medications. A splint or brace may also be placed below the wrists while sleeping to keep the wrists steady at night. If these do not help, surgery may be another option. Open Release is one surgery that orthopedic surgeons do on patients with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. During the procedure, the surgeon will make an incision on the palm and cut the carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. After this, the incision will be closed and recovery will start.

While a patient is recovering, it is advised that changes will be made on the activities. This entails avoiding activities that may put pressure on the wrists. Various medications will be given and wrist exercises will also be recommended.

Do you think you have CTS? Early detection is very important if you feel you have CTS. Most of the time, non-surgical treatments can be used to fix the problem. For more information on this, visit your local orthopedic doctor in Asheboro NC and consult about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Are your knees in pain?

If you are active in sports like running, soccer, cycling, skiing, and the like, there is a chance that you'd experience what is commonly called as Runners Knee or Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. The causes are usually cartilage damage due to overuse, misalignment, and chronic knee cap dislocation among many. Some of the symptoms are pain under and around the knee caps, swelling, and pain while walking, kneeling, or squatting.

Although many surgeons prefer to resort to non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and medication, there are some cases that will really require surgery. One usual treatment is the lateral release of the knee. During the procedure, orthopedic surgeons cut out tight tissue on the lateral side of the knee cap, which allows the patella to slide down to the center of the femoral groove. If there is any damage in the cartilage, surgeons also do repairs during this surgery to avoid any problems in the future.

How is recovery like? This surgery is minimally invasive, which means that healing time is shorter. Also, post-surgery, orthopedic surgeons will only usually recommend physical therapy that will aid in healing and strengthening the knees as well.

So, if you feel that something isn't right with your knees, go to the nearest orthopedic clinic in Asheboro NC and consult with a doctor. Remember that early detection of injuries will be easier to fix!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

What is the Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome?

Do you feel pain when you life your arms? Do you hear a clicking sound when you do this motion? If you answered yes, you might have rotator cuff impingement syndrome. This is the irritation of the tendons and bursa, which reduces the range of motion, inflammation, and pain.


To treat this injury, it is best to consult your doctor and ask about shoulder decompression. This is a minimal surgery wherein small incisions will be made around the shoulder. A small fiber-optic camera and other surgical tools will be inserted through the incisions then a portion of the acromion will be removed and minor repairs will be made on the rotator cuff. After the surgery, a program will be given to the patient, which will consist of medications, motion exercises, and strength exercises.

What will happen if you don't give your shoulder the attention it needs? If left on its own, this injury may develop into a more serious one, which will need a series of complicated surgeries. Not having it checked may also leave permanent damage on the rotator cuff.

To avoid any more damage, consult with your doctor right away! There are many clinics in Asheboro NC that caters to these injuries like Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Do you have chronic shoulder dislocation?

There are many people who suffer from chronic shoulder dislocation. However, this doesn't have to be a life-long problem. Orthopedic surgeons like those in Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine can perform the Bankart's Repair.


Chronic shoulder dislocation is due to a loose joint, which slips and slides inside the socket. If this pursues, it may lead to dislocation. When a surgeon performs the Bankart's Repair, he/she tightens the ligaments and repairs the labrum. Surgeons make use of fiber-optic cameras and other surgical tools that are inserted through small incisions made around the shoulder. Damaged soft tissues and bone spurs are removed and rough edges are smoothed in this surgery. Loose ligaments are also shortened then reattached for joint stabilization. Suture anchors that dissolve in time are attached to the bone to aid in healing.

Patients can usually go home on the same day of the surgery. However, special care must be taken to help the shoulder heal. This means that the patient must have lots of rest and the shoulder should be immobilized.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Should you go to an orthopedic doctor?

A lot of people, especially those who are active in sports, experience ACL strains and tears. This usually happens when a person suddenly stops after running really fast, changes direction quickly, or lands incorrectly from a jump.

How do you know if you have the injury? If you have ACL strains and tears, you will most likely feel pain and there will be swelling. These may subside after some time, but you should still see an orthopedic doctor for a check up. Most of the time, this injury worsens when ignored. Other symptoms may be limited motion and range, discomfort when walking, and tenderness in the joint.

If you notice that you are experiencing all these symptoms, go to your local orthopedic doctor in Asheboro NC and have your knees checked. You probably have ACL strains and tears and early treatment will be best for you. However, if the injury is severe, your doctor may recommend surgery to regain knee functions.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Are you an athlete?

Participating in a sport is a great way to stay healthy and, at the same time, an arena to practice and develop a person's social skills. Although playing a sport is really fun, we must recognize that it is also physically demanding. Sometimes, too, we tend to overwork our body - therefore causing all sorts of injuries.

If you love sports so much, learn to take care of your body. Remember that if you use your body the wrong way, you may never be able to play the sport you enjoy. One way to take care of your body when playing a sport is by being conscious to its needs. If you start feeling any pain, don't ignore it! Have it checked by a sports medicine doctor to see if you need to rest or if you the area needs treatment.

There are many clinics that focus on injuries caused by sports like Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. If you want to stay fit, healthy, and strong, they're the ones you should go to. They can help you treat the injuries you already have and prevent other injuries from occuring!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Treat Tendonitis Early On To Avoid Surgery

Are you feeling pain in your elbow? If you are, you may be suffering from tendonitis, inflamation, or irritation of the tendons. The problem areas are often the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and heels. This pain is usually caused by activities that require repetitive movement of the affected part, which eventually strains the area.

Although anyone can have it, Tendonitis is often diagnosed in patients over 40 years of age because the tendons of older people are more vulnerable to injury. If you are suffering from this, it is best to consult with your local orthopedic doctor in Asheboro NC. Your doctor can give you advice as to how you can help your tendons heal faster without undergoing surgery. Remember that it is best to treat this injury early on so you can avoid going under the knife.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Are your rotator cuffs bothering you?

An injury in the rotator cuffs is one of the top reasons why adults go to sports medicine doctors. This type of injury leaves the shoulder weak; therefore affecting even the slightest movements of the arms. What causes rotator cuff strains and tears? One reason is when the arm is stretched or when a person lifts something heavy. Another cause is repetitive motion made by a person's arm, which is common in people who play a sport. Aging is also a cause since blood supply lessens in the area as a person grows older; therefore slowing down repairs.

There are many treatments you can choose from if you are suffering from this type of injury. Most of the time, doctors will recommend non-surgical treatment before opting to go for surgery. A person will be required to rest the affected area, modify his/her activities, or take NSAIDS.

If you feel you may have injured or strained this part of your body, visit a local orthopedic clinic like Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to consult about your situation. This might just save you from further damage and pain.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Diagnosing meniscal tears in Asheboro NC

Meniscal tears are knee injuries common among athletes as well as non-athletes at almost any age and activity level. This type of injury often happens during sports when a player comes into contact with another player, and it can also occur in older adults whose menisci have weakened over time and with age. Even a motion as simple as twisting the wrong way when getting up from a chair may result in a meniscal tear for an elderly adult.
 
Symptoms of meniscal tear
Meniscal tears are often paired with a “popping” sound, much like ACL sprains and tears, however, many patients are able to continue walking. Over a few days, the knee will become stiff and swollen, and motion become limited. Common symptoms of meniscal tears include pain, swelling, a locking of the knee joint, and the knee “giving way.”
 
Physical exam and imaging tests
Meniscal tears often appear as common knee injuries. Diagnosing meniscal tears involve tests such as the McMurray test, a bending, straightening and rotating of the knee. The distinct “clicking” sound each time the knee moves is a telltale sign of meniscal tears. To rule out the possibility of other knee injuries, sports medicine doctors may order visual tests such as an X-ray or MRI before making a diagnosis.
 
If immediate treatment for meniscal tears is not sought, the meniscus can loosen and float into the joint, causing the knee to slip, pop, or lock. Serious complications brought by this type of injury can be avoided by consulting with sports medicine doctors or orthopedic surgeons at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Asheboro NC.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Common symptoms of ligament sprains and strains

Our body moves when muscles contract and make joints flex, extend, and rotate. A strain occurs when the muscle tendon is stretched or torn. Overusing and stretching a muscle results in a strain to occur.
 
Ligaments allow our joints to move in specific directions. If a ligament is stretched or torn, the injury is called a sprain.
 
Here are the common symptoms of sprains and strains when you have them:
  • Pain is always the first symptom that indicates that there is something wrong with the body. Through pain, the brain is warned that a muscle or joint should be protected from further harm. In work, exercise, or sport, the pain may be felt after a particular incident or it may gradually progress after many repetitions of a motion. 
  • Swelling is another symptom of sprain or strain and usually comes with an injury, although it may take some time for it to be noticed. When fibers of a ligament, muscle, or tendon are damaged, bleeding such as bruising on the surface of the skin can occur. 
  • The pain and swelling cause the body to protect the injured part. As a result,you may find it difficult to use the injured part of your body. For example, you cannot use your injured leg without limping.
Ligament sprains and strains are injuries that may or may not require surgery. For a complete examination of a ligament injury, orthopedic experts at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine can make a professional recommendation as well advice for treatment.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

ACL Reconstruction: Quick Facts

The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is a small ligament located inside your knee joint that stabilizes your   knee. Any injury or tearing  in this area will drastically change your movement dynamics. It has ended the careers of many professional athletes and restrained the mobility of active individuals. If left untreated, the knee will literally slide on itself thus opening up an avenue for further injuries.

Have you heard about a pro athlete or a friend with an ACL injury? It usually takes several months or years for rehabilitation and training to restore your joint to their pre-injury status.

Because ACL reconstruction is a very complex procedure, the sports medicine orthopedic surgeon’s expertise and experience will matter. Repair will involve replacing the torn tendon with another tendon from another part of the body (usually the hamstrings or the patella) or use a cadaver’s tissue.  The placement of the ligament is very important because this affects the stability and the amount of movement they are trying to replicate.

At Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Asheboro NC., orthopedic doctors employ the latest and most promising ACL reconstruction technique. Anatomic ACL reconstruction is the process of replicating the original position of the torn ligament with a new one. The orthopedic surgeons must be able to identify the correct location of the local ligament and replicate the function of the native ligament. Another approach is using two tendons to replicate the original.

Orthopedic doctors can also use two tendons to replicate the original, this is called the double bundle approach. The two ligament implants will limit rotation yet allow for the sliding motion of the tibia on the femur.  Finding the right anatomic position gives the best results. Visit Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for a consultation about ACL repair.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Knee Pain 101

Residents of Asheboro, North Carolina, whether young or old, may experience knee pain from injuries, overuse, disease or inflammation.  Asheboro, North Carolina orthopedic doctors can help you with your knee pain so it does not compromise your quality of life. 

What can cause knee pain?
Knee pain can be a result of injury to some parts of the knee joint system including the bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscle and bursa.  A problem in any one of these tissues can lead to knee pain.  Young people engaged in sports and active training often complain of knee pain.  Overuse of the knee joint can also cause osteoarthritis which also affects older patients.  Osteoarthritis causes knee pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. 

Who can relieve your knee pain?
If you have had knee pain for more than a few days and rest, ice, elevation and common pain relievers are not helping, you need to make an appointment to see an orthopedic specialist. If knee pain is not addressed, the person who suffers from it may unconsciously change the way in which he or she walks or shift weight in order to avoid pain.  Knee pain that is untreated may lead to further injury in the other knee or in other joints of the body.  

It is wise to seek professional treatment from Asheboro NC orthopedic specialists at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine when you experience knee pain that doesn’t respond to traditional methods of treatment. 

Monday, October 10, 2011

Elective joint replacement surgery and mouth infection

Why would you see someone for your teeth when your problem is your joint? This is the question a patient usually asks when his or her orthopedic surgeon recommends seeking consultation with a dentist before elective joint replacement surgery

Mouth infection or abnormal number of bacteria in the mouth can cause inflammation. A swollen blood vessel will be more permeable and the bacteria could migrate into the bloodstream and implant itself to other parts of the body. These bacteria can lodge itself in your brand new joint. 

Infection in your newly implanted joint is the most dreaded complication in joint replacement surgery even if done by expert orthopedic doctors. They will have to remove the newly implanted joint just to manage that infection.

Before an elective joint replacement surgery you have to make sure that there are no infections in your mouth or any of your teeth. Your Asheboro NC orthopedic surgeons at the Human Motion Institute at Randolph Hospital may require you to secure this clearance before your surgery to ensure a successful surgery.

Having elective joint replacement surgery is important to eliminate pain and live a comfortable and full life. Seeing your dentist before this particular surgery is just as important. 

Consult with your local Asheboro orthopedic professionals of Human Motion Institute at Randolph Hospital about elective joint replacement surgery and mouth infection.

Friday, October 7, 2011

All About Bursitis

Are you engaged in any activity or occupation that can cause repetitive strain on your joints? You are at risk of bursitis.

Bursa are fluid filled sacs that provide cushion for our joints, tendons and muscles surrounding the joints to provide protection from trauma and prevent  them rubbing too much against each other.
Bursitis is a condition in which trauma and overuse cause injury and inflammation on the bursa. Symptoms include pain, tenderness or swelling on your shoulders, elbows, knees, hips and ankles.

At first you may experience mere discomfort on the affected area. It can get worse that it keeps you from doing certain activities. Watch out for a reddish, slightly swollen area near the joint, which is tender to touch. This happens if the affected bursa is near the surface.

There are different types of bursitis, depending on the affected area. Certain occupations or activities predispose some people to bursitis.

A student’s elbow is a type of bursitis that affects anyone like students and plumbers who frequently rest their elbows on any surface.

A miner’s shoulder is a common complaint among miners who are always doing overhead motions when digging or carrying things overhead. Repetitive force on the shoulder can cause inflammation.

Kneecap bursitis is often experienced by carpet layers, clergymen, and other people who are often on their knees.

These types of bursitis are also experienced by athletes who can get injured due to falling or blows to their joints while playing contact sports.

Ask your Asheboro NC orthopedic doctors at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine about prevention and treatment of bursitis.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Concord and North Charlotte offers Restylane Injections to help restore your Youthful Skin


Restylane injections are dermal fillers used by prestigious doctors and surgeons in Concord and North Charlotte eye surgeons at Cabarrus Eye Center. A natural enzyme called hyaluronic acid can be found in most living organisms. Elasticity of the skin is part of Hyaluronic acid functions in our body. Once the production of hyaluronic acid in our body slows down, our skin is left with unwanted wrinkles, lines and folds. Dermal fillers like Restylane injections easily smoothen out the skin as well as add suppleness to the specific areas affected by aging.

The procedure is administered with local anesthesia, so you won’t have to worry about experiencing gruelling pain. The most common facial areas in need of Restylane injections are the areas where wrinkles and lines are normally found such as the mouth area, eye area and forehead. The whole procedure usually takes thirty minutes to complete. Results should be visible immediately however evidence of the Restylane injections may be noticeable after about a week. The procedure is quick, easy and safe.

So what are you waiting for? Contact a local cosmetic doctor or surgeon at Cabarrus Eye Center in your area of Concord and North Charlotte today and restore your youthful beauty now!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Laser Eye Surgeons in Concord, Learning More about Laser and Lasik Eye Surgery in Concord

Laser eye surgeons help those who suffer from visual impairments. They are also known as ophthalmologists. They specialize in the field of medicine and surgical treatment for those who have various eye conditions. Laser eye surgery is a corrective procedure done to improve ailing vision.

Three different types of laser eye correction procedures that are popularly performed are Laser, Lasik and PRK. The only difference between each procedure is the technique used by Concord and North Charlotte laser eye surgeons. Lasik procedure cuts a thin flap from the exterior of the cornea of the affected eye and then lifted back. For laser eye procedure, surgeons then use a laser to reshape the surface of the cornea before the flap is put back in place while PRK or photorefractive keratectomy just like Lasik surgery, no incision is made on the outer layer of the cornea. With this type of laser eye correction, the epithelium is removed before the inner eye is reshaped by laser. Removing the epithelium is alright as it can regenerate and grow back.

Finding the right laser eye doctor or laser eye surgeon to perform the tidiest task of laser eye surgery is tough. Laser eye correction may be a simple procedure to do, but if a professional laser eye surgeon is not consulted, you might experience a few complications. When choosing an eye surgeon, always check to see if he/she is licensed by the state. At Concord and North Charlotte you can find the best surgeons for eye surgery.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Orthopedic surgery saves me from knee pain


When I reached my 50's and I started experiencing periodic knee pain, I always attributed it to overwork. I would just simply do some home remedy and after some time I will either forget about the pain or it will gradually subside. This has been going on for quite awhile now but since I can handle it, I never bother to go and see the orthopedic doctor at Randolph Orthopedic and Sports Medicine.

I thought things will stay the same until I'm old and have reached the dreary age of 90. But this is not what luck would have it. I soon realized that the dull uncomfortable feeling I was experiencing has suddenly become a full-blown pain which is progressing rapidly. The daily chores like vacuuming and even standing while washing the dishes become unbearable tasks.

I then decide to go and see my doctor who in turn told me that I have osteoarthritis of the knees. And that I must do something about it soon or the continuous rubbing of my femur on the tibia will render me crippled. This situation, I was told is the effect of the activities we engaged in which have damaged the cartilage lining the knees. I was advised to go and consult an orthopedic surgeon so that I can see the options I have.

The visit was a fruitful one because not only have I found someone who is willing to help me regain the use of my knees but I also met people who are willing to go out of their way to explain to me the whole process I will have to go through. They have also assured me with their usual friendly smile that the surgery will be successful and that I can regain the use of my knees particularly if I will remember to follow the doctor's order to the letter.

It has been months after my operation and I am so glad I followed my doctor's advise to consult someone at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. You can also experience the success I have been enjoying if you will go and see an orthopedic doctor now.

When can hip revision help me?

Hip revision surgery can help those people who have had their hip replacement surgery but have felt that the hip implant is not working as it should be. Hip revision is also needed by people who after a surgery experienced osteoporosis and the bones cannot handle the implant. Defective or non-functioning hip implant is more of a liability since it will not really help you with hip pain but would rather add more pain in the process.

A hip revision is a must for people who have diseased implant. A new one will not only improve your daily activity but will also ensure that you have a fully functional hip joints without suffering chronic hip pain.

A hip revision surgery is a little bit more complicated than your ordinary hip replacement surgery. The process will also take a bit longer than the previous surgery. The recovery period will also be longer and a bit painful and there are also more risks involved. The possibility of the hip revision surgery encountering some problem is not remote. The success of the surgery largely depends on the ability of the previous surgery scar tissues to work well and not impede the blood flow.

To avoid these complications, you can always go to the orthopedic surgeon who has given you the first surgery. In this case, the surgeon can easily work his way through the scars and the old cement holding the defective implant without causing a lot of trauma to your body.

Find out more about hip revision surgery from your reliable orthopedic surgeon in Asheboro, NC. For sure, he would have the answer to your questions and he can guide you through the preliminaries and preparation for the hip revision surgery.
 

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Anatomical ACL reconstruction experts have the right answer


If you are bothered by the medical jargon you have been hearing ever since you realized that you have a badly damaged knee, then maybe sitting down with your orthopedic surgeonwill help you understand the risks and the rewards you can get from an anatomical ACL reconstruction.

The terms used for the reconstruction procedure sounds a bit too scientific and therefore beyond the common man's comprehension. Yet this medical procedure is simply exchanging the damaged ACL with a ligament that is expected to function and work just like the original ligament that was damaged.

When placed exactly on the same position where the damaged ACL have been, the patient can replicate the same knee movement that he was accustomed to. It has been proven effective and far more superior in controlling the movements of the knee than an ordinary non-anatomical surgery.

On the bright side, not all torn ACL must be replaced and reconstructed. There are other alternatives which greatly help in the resuscitation and healing of torn ACLs particularly if one will immediately seek the help of an orthopedic surgeon. Like most instances of physical injury, the risk lies on the fact that most people don’t give much priority on small aches and pains until it is too late and the damage has progressed. 

The right course of action is to go and seek the help of experts before it's too late. the Randolph Orthopedic and Sport Medicine Clinic is equipped with the necessary expertise, manpower and tools to help you with anatomical ACL reconstruction.    

Find the right doctor to help you with a rotator cuff injury


The rotator cuff is connected to the most movable joint in the human body. It is mainly responsible for the varied movements undertaken by the shoulder. And because of this,  it is also the most stressed part of the body and the most likely to be damaged.

When you experience any shoulder pain, it is best to get the right medical attention to ensure that you will not create more damage on your rotator cuff. It is paramount to take care of this particular part of our body because an injury could affect your whole life. The damage on a rotator cuff usually starts with the damage on the tendon then the slow weakening. Not giving proper attention to any painful symptoms could mean the eventual tearing of the rotator cuff.

The eventual damage on the rotator cuff is unavoidable yet there are certain actions that tend to aggravate and trigger quicker degeneration. Taking a direct action to prevent rotator cuff injury is the best course of action. Preventing further injury will help you avoid arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. A procedure that involves the repair of tendons and reattaching them to make them work as new.

There are two surgical options to choose from if ever you need a rotator cuff repair procedure; there is the open-surgery and the recent technology called, arthroscopic surgery. Both surgical procedures are effective ways to repair the rotator cuff but if you prefer a short recovery period, opting for the arthroscopic surgery will give you what you need. Opting for it also means less post surgery pain, less confinement period in the hospital, less chance of infection since this is a less invasive surgery. The recovery period is shorter and therefore going back to normal activities is quicker. And because this is not a minor surgical procedure that can be performed by any surgeon, you must make sure that you have the expert service of a reliable orthopedic surgeon in Asheboro, N.C..

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Take care of your knees; find the best orthopedic surgeon.


In Asheboro, North Carolina, we have some of the finest orthopedic specialists in the region at the Randolph Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic. These doctors can help you get rid of knee pain and have your active and healthy lifestyle back.

There are several ways to determine the condition of your knees and get rid of the sources of the pains you are suffering from. If you are scared of surgery, there are several non-surgical procedure your doctor can recommend to you. But with the latest technology, the modern knee surgeries have become less invasive.

If you are an athlete suffering from ACL or PCL injury, the orthopedic surgeon can use knee arthroscopy to identify and repair your injury.  This minimally invasive approach to knee injury can also be effective for fixing torn meniscus, re-aligning kneecaps, removing cysts and other procedure.

Knowing the right orthopedic specialist is the key to finding the right approach that will work best for you and your knee injury. Visit the Randolph Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic to gather all the details you need to know about your knee pains. 

No reasons to fear hip surgery!


Most of us have fears of having any kind of surgery particularly of hip surgery which will entail a lot of restrictions on our daily activities if it wont be successful. But  with the help of Asheboro orthopedic surgeons, you will have no reasons to fear hip surgery!

It is very important to find the right orthopedic surgeon   because it can be the key for you to improve your quality of life. Your Asheboro orthopedic doctor is an expert in his or her field with years of training and experience under the belt to see you through your healing process. Your doctor might also offer you alternative surgeries; state of the art, minimally invasive surgeries, wherein surgical risks and complications are reduced.

There are also times when an old implant might need to be replaced. When this happens, your orthopedic hip surgeon will need to do a hip revision surgery wherein the old implant will be removed and replaced by a newer one that will suit your requirement. This surgery is more complicated than the first time hip replacement surgery requiring more experience from your surgeon. But don't you worry 'cause Asheboro offers the best in hip surgery.

So throw that fear away because when it comes to finding the right orthopedic doctors in Asheboro, your hips are definitely in good hands.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Motion Analysis: Why do I need to learn the right move?


Motion and mobility have always been part of normal human behavior. In fact, it is the core of most activities that involve human pursuit. Because of this, a specific branch of medicine was created just to study human kinetics so that medical practitioners can readily study the right way people should move.

Athletes are the prime beneficiary of this branch of medicine because with the result from the motion analysis, professional sports medicine practitioners can assess and identify the correct posture that a particular athlete must have to execute a sports technique.

Human kinetics, just like all branches of medicine is geared to prevent any injuries and damage. But they are also well-trained to repair and rehabilitate in cases where injuries cant be avoided. Medical practitioners trained in sports medicine do not only train in orthopedics but also in human kinetics.

These trainings enable them to manage injuries, whether they are sports oriented or not. They can also help you design a game plan that will include assessment of your posture, stride and balance so that they can devise a program that will help you bring out your potentials.

All sports medicine practitioners are concern about your over-all health and particularly aim to improve your athletic performance. You can visit Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine if you live within the Asheboro, NC area. They will be happy to answer all your questions.

Find the right ways to avoid sports injuries



Athletes are not born, they are made! The great sports personalities of our time might have the inherent potential to excel in the sports they have chosen but it is not right to believe that these great ones are born.

Because sports are basically physical, a great athlete has to find the right technique that will make him excel in the sports. Finding the right moves and the correct execution of a certain technique will not guarantee success because practice is still the most important factor in a game plan that is bound to succeed. Athletes benefit a lot from motion analysis because their individual postures, the natural stride and other aspects of one's specific motion are carefully analyzed and studied so that a customized suggestions and advice as to how you must move can be given to you.

Even regular individuals particularly those who are prone to accidents and falls can greatly take advantage of the improvement they can gain from this branch of medicine. Balance is carefully assessed and an orthopedic doctor will advice you as to your chances of falling and breaking parts of your body basing it on the rating they have devised using the results of your assessment.

With human mobility assessment, sports medicine practitioners can help people understand how they must move and prevent the chances of injuries. Sports medicine practitioners, particularly the staff at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, will gladly help you understand the role of mobility analysis in your performance.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

What is a subvastus knee surgery?


People who are chronically suffering from knee pain is not something you simply shrug your shoulders and ignore. It may be a symptom of a more serious condition that could render you lame for the rest of your life if not taken cared of right away.

For people with serious knee conditions, knee replacement surgery is the only solution to remedy their complaints. You can see them walking again after the surgical procedure although you will notice that people who have undergone such surgery oftentimes carry with them a scar that can be as long as a foot long.

This is the result of the incision made by the orthopedic surgeon to repair or replace the knee joint and eliminate the recurring knee pain patients are prone to suffer. Another downside of most knee replacement is the post operation recovery that includes long period of recovery and a very painful one.

All these are eliminated by a latest subvastus approach to knee replacement surgery that the Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are using to help their patients combat their knee pains.

The new approach to knee replacement surgery is highly recommended by Dr. Megan Swanson from the Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine because she knows the benefits and ease of recovery that her patients will experience from the subvastus knee replacement surgery approach.    

If you want to have a more detailed explanation of how this knee replacement method works, it will be best to set an appointment with Dr. Swanson. She will willingly point out every pros and cons of this particular approach so you may decide together with her if it is the right treatment for you.

Top 2 reasons to choose subvastus knee replacement surgery


Knee pain is one of the top complaints most people suffer from. The cause of knee pain can be as minor as tiredness to complicated reason such as fractured bones and torn ligaments. Most knee complaints can easily be remedied with medications that can be both taken orally or rubbed on as liniment.

Most knee pain complaints can easily be taken care of at home with a home cure but there are knee pain causes that need the professional help of an orthopedic surgeon. A thorough examination of your complaint to discover the real cause of it is the first step towards the cure of your symptoms.

Once the orthopedic surgeon you consulted in Asheboro, NC recommends knee surgery, you must sit down with them and decide on the best procedure to use. The decision will mostly depend on what kind of knee damage you are suffering from as well as your pain threshold including your personal circumstances.

A highly acclaimed surgical knee procedure that Randolph Orthopedics is now offering will guarantee you less pain and less recovery period on top of its effectiveness as a knee-pain blaster.

Unlike those ordinary arthroplasty for knee replacement that surgeons usually recommend in the past, the subvastus knee replacement surgery is less invasive on your body --- both inside and out. Patients who have undergone the surgical procedure sing the praises for subvastus knee replacement surgery on two things:

1. The safest and most reliable implants
The procedure is the product gleaned from 40 years of knee replacement experience coupled with the knowledge of the different materials used for implants. The procedure is designed to utilize the most reliable implants with long-standing proven success in a procedure that is founded on the idea of no-pain, less invasive method.

2. Less pain and rapid recovery
As a result of the modern technology applied to the design of subvastus knee replacement surgery, the patient is exposed to an almost painless surgical procedure and much less post-surgery pain and faster recovery.

With the guaranteed success of the subvastus knee replacement surgery there is no reason not to consider it. Particularly after you have talked and discussed your condition with a Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine knee surgeon in Asheboro, NC.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Shoulder pain: stop it from the source


Like most muscle and bone joint ailments, shoulder pains are often times results or symptoms of other bodily ailments. More often than not, a shoulder pain is caused by strains and injuries to the shoulder joints. Even simple activity such as reaching up for something or prolonged worked over the computer can give you shoulder pains.

Unlike other joint problems, shoulder pain can afflict both young and old. If does not matter what kinds of activities you indulged in --- it can be as light as carrying your bag over the shoulder or as rough as scaling a cliff or as heavy as unsupervised weight lifting exercise.

Our shoulders are attached to the body by four muscle tendons called rotator cuff which worked together to keep the joint in place and when we use the arm, the shoulders bear the burnt of whatever activity we do. And because of the physical structure and function of the shoulders plus the amount of activities we oftentimes pass on to them, they easily get worn out.

When there is a repetitive movement or worst, forceful action using any muscle, it can undoubtedly cause injuries. And once you failed to recognize the urgency of treating it, the rotator cuff might be torn or the joint surface might degenerate and you'll be hampered from doing your daily chores.

Do not let this happen to you. Visit the best orthopedic clinic once you feel that nagging shoulder pains. The experts can easily find the right treatment for your shoulder troubles.

Seek relief from hip pains in Asheboro, NC


People suffering from hip pains are usually those who have swelling or inflammation on or near their midsections. The common causes are arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, muscles and bone sprains and bone fractures. The hip pain can range from mild discomfort (something that a patient can suffer silently) to acute and recurring pains that must have immediate medical attention.

As causes of hip pains are varied, the treatment will also vary depending on the gravity of the outward symptoms and the cause of the hip pain. In most cases, a simple drug prescription can treat the hip pain but there are instances where an operation is called for.

The medical procedure is not something that can be performed by an ordinary medical doctor; it needs someone who have specialized in the treatment of bone injuries or diseases. An orthopedic surgeon is normally called to do the job.

When do you need to see a doctor?
For most people, a little nagging pain on the hips is just a very minor thing that can easily be disregarded. The pain will usually go away after some time and the patient can go on with the normal, daily activities. It could be as easy as this but for some the hip pain is actually a signal of some other drastic physical problems.

Just to be sure, it is best to consult your trusted orthopedics in Asheboro, NC as soon as the pains becomes recurring or wont go away. Or worst, you  feel that the hip pains you are suffering from are way beyond the normal pain you can easily disregard.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Not all orthopedic surgeons are the same


When an athlete is injured in a game, chances are the person who rushes to the scene is an orthopedic surgeon. When a geriatric patient slipped and hurt himself, the likely medical practitioner to assist him is an orthopedic doctor. Children who might have some musculoskeletal defect at birth would need an orthopedic practitioner for both treatment and rehabilitation.

Although orthopedic surgeons deal with the same thing --- any medical conditions that has to do with the bones and muscles, they have different specializations. The field of orthopedics is so diverse that medical professionals who are practicing them can perform treatment as well as rehabilitation measures. They can also treat very young people as well as geriatric patients whose bones have become brittle in age.

The education and general trainings that orthopedic surgeons go through basically run in the same vein. The process takes a bit longer particularly if the medical student would want to specialize in a particular field, like sports medicine, for instance. All medical practitioners who want to practice must have the expertise needed to be called an orthopedic surgeon.

Since the field is varied, specialization trainings will largely depend on the field that a particular medical professional wants to practice. The choices range from the treatment of a specific musculoskeletal condition to the rehabilitation of the patient after the treatment. There will also be those highly specialized orthopedic doctors who are trained in the field of sports medicine.

Orthopedic surgeons may have gone through the same basic trainings but once they have their own field of expertise, the trainings that they undergo will be very different. Everything will depend on their field of specialization.