Arthroplasty/Joint Replacement Surgery for the Lower Arm

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Article featured on MercyHealth

What is arthroplasty on the lower arm?

Lower arm problems are common. Your lower arms have many small bones, joints, muscles and nerves working together. Without the use of your hand, wrist or elbow joints, life can be difficult. Arthroplasty is one solution.

Arthroplasty is surgery to replace a joint. You may be familiar with knee and hip joint replacements. Doctors do arthroplasty on arthritic joints in hands, wrists and elbows. An artificial joint placed in the hand, wrist or elbow is called a prosthesis. Your surgeon may also resurface the bones for better function.

When do doctors perform arthroplasty in the lower arm?

Doctors do arthroplasty when traditional pain medications or physical therapy haven’t worked to reduce the pain and increase function of your hand, wrist or elbow. Today, the tools and the prostheses for joint replacement surgery in the hand, wrist and elbow are much more advanced. That makes this surgery more common for people who have arthritis. Arthroplasty can replace knuckles and wrist and elbow joints.

A joint wears out over time when you have degenerative arthritis in it. Inflammatory arthritis destroys a joint in your hand, wrist or elbow. In arthroplasty surgery, doctors remove the damaged joint. They replace it with a durable prosthesis. For elbow arthroplasty, the damaged parts of the bones and joints are replaced with a prosthesis, too. It includes a hinge and metal stems that fit inside the hollow parts of your bones.

What to expect from arthroplasty in the hand, wrist or elbow

Your doctor may do the arthroplasty on an outpatient basis. That means you get to go home the same day you have surgery. You get a local anesthetic for this procedure. That means you don’t feel what’s going on, but you may not be fully asleep. Arthroplasty for the elbow is a little more complex and requires a short hospital stay. Recovery for arthroplasty for the hand, wrist or elbow takes about four to six weeks.

Common conditions that benefit from arthroplasty

There are several conditions where arthroplasty of the hand, wrist and elbow can be helpful. It may allow you to have a better quality of life. These include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis (degenerative)
  • Post-traumatic arthritis (after an injury)
  • Severe fractures (more likely for elbows)
  • Instability (more likely for elbows when ligaments holding joint together fail)

Arthroplasty works well if you can limit the amount you use your hand, wrist or elbow. However, right after surgery, you likely need to do physical therapy. The exercises help you strengthen the joint and surrounding muscles.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

5 Signs You Should See a Joint Replacement Specialist

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Article featured on Northwest Extremity Specialists

Tired, achy, and sore. Whether through the passing of time, wear and tear due to physical activity, or sustained injuries, your joints may not feel as good as they used to. If you are like many people, you may dismiss these and other issues as simply something you have to deal with. However, you don’t need to resign yourself to living in pain or sitting on the sidelines while others lead active lifestyles.

What Are the Most Common Joint Replacements?

Orthopedic specialists perform hip replacements and knee replacements more than any other kind. Typically, joints found in the legs get the most wear and tear over a lifetime, so it makes sense that replacing worn-out or damaged ones occurs frequently. However, joint replacements can also involve the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and ankles.

Top Signs Joint Replacement May Be Right for You

In many cases, an appointment with a joint replacement specialist can set you on the path to regaining full range of motion, alleviating pain, and renewing your ability to take part in your favorite activities. No matter what joint is causing you trouble, there are five signs that indicate a strong need to make an appointment with a qualified joint replacement specialist as soon as possible.

1. Chronic Pain

Acute pain occurs with an injury or when you do extreme physical activity. It goes away quickly, and you can resume your everyday life with no problems. Chronic pain lingers. It becomes a constant and unwanted companion that gets in the way of true enjoyment. The issue may not go away when you stop whatever activity triggered it in the first place. Chronic orthopedic pain is the most important reason to consider joint replacement surgery because it is the most common and potentially disruptive to the rest of your life.

2. Deformation of the Joint

Although swelling may cause some deformation on a temporary basis, joints may also shift position permanently. For example, bowed or knocked knees (out-turned or in-turned joints) may indicate structural damage. Similar problems may also occur in other major joints like the shoulders or elbows. This is more commonly seen after traumatic injuries or with osteoarthritis diagnoses.

3. Limits to Motion or Physical Ability

Whether because of pain, swelling, or limited range of motion, joint pain sometimes stops you from taking part in your favorite activities. Athletes and fitness fanatics may experience greater disruption, but everyone deserves to walk their dog, play with their grandkids, or go shopping without issues. No one should have to give up everything they enjoy doing because of chronic or worsening joint symptoms.

4. Diagnosed Osteoarthritis

Many people go to a joint specialist or orthopedist after receiving a related diagnosis from their primary care doctor. Osteoarthritis, which is indicated by inflammation of the joints, is the most common one. Once you get to this point, knee or hip replacement becomes a highly beneficial option for most patients.

5. At-Home Treatments Do Not Provide Relief

Everyone gets sore sometimes, and an over-the-counter pain medication, heating pad, or ice pack can make you feel better again. However, when these become common activities instead of occasional treatments, it may become time to see a joint specialist. Also, if they no longer provide total relief, there are other options to explore with your doctor.

Now Is the Time to Take the First Steps Toward a Pain-Free Future

If your joint pain keeps getting worse over time, it makes no sense to wait longer than necessary. Do not linger in chronic pain, avoid your favorite activities, or struggle to enjoy a comfortable life. Things will only get more difficult and unpleasant the longer you wait to seek treatment.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Joints That Are Most Commonly Affected by Arthritis

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Synovitis: Causes & Treatments of Joint Inflammation

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New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

The Common Joint Reconstruction Surgeries

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Article featured on Movement Orthopedics

Aching and tired joints can be due to the natural aging process, playing sports, repetitive-motion injury from work or a hobby, or even from previous injuries. Degradation of the protective cartilage in a joint (osteoarthritis) and/or reduction of the lubricating synovial fluid (usually caused by rheumatoid arthritis) can cause stiff, achy, and swollen joints. This often occurs in the neck, back, shoulders, elbows, hands, hips, knees, or feet.

When less-invasive treatments – like pain-relief injections and physical therapy – do not work to relieve your joint pain, then your orthopedic doctor may recommend joint reconstruction surgery. There are different types of joint reconstruction surgery that can be performed to repair or replace the painful tissues and structures of the joint, and bio-grade prosthetic materials may be implemented to replace damaged areas of the joint.

Popular Types of Joint Reconstruction Surgery

Orthopedic medicine is constantly improving with new innovations and techniques. These are the most common joint reconstruction surgeries:

Joint Replacement Surgery

Joint replacement surgery is an orthopedic surgery that is performed to remove and replace an arthritic or otherwise damaged joint with prosthetic parts. An orthopedic doctor may conduct a partial or total joint replacement, depending on the severity of the injury or damage.

Surgeons today can perform many types of total joint replacements as an outpatient procedure, especially with the knees and hips. Total joint replacement is most often done on the shoulder, elbow, finger, hip, knee, and ankle.

Joint Resurfacing Surgery

Joint resurfacing is often recommended for younger patients who may not benefit from a total joint replacement. Orthopedic surgeons usually perform this on the hip joint, where an injury tends to accelerate damage to the joint surfaces. This is done mainly where the ends of the hip bones rub against one another and move awkwardly.

Hip joint resurfacing surgery includes filing down part of the femoral head, which is the curved top of the femur (upper leg bone) which fits into the hip socket. The orthopedic surgeon then removes the socket area and replaces it with a metal prosthetic socket to support bone integrity.

Osteotomy

Osteotomy, or bone cutting and repairing, is the process of removing a specific section of bone – usually to straighten it or to make it even with the other limb or joint. The procedure is usually performed by orthopedic surgeons on the knees, hips, or legs of younger patients, and it is often an alternative to joint replacement surgery.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Stiff Joints: Why It Happens and How to Find Relief

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Article featured on Healthline

With age, stiff joints become a reality for many people. Years of use can take a toll on joints, muscles, and bones, but there are steps you can take to find relief.

Why does joint stiffness occur?

Many people experience stiff joints just after waking up. Lying down for several hours to sleep reduces fluid amounts, making moving joints more difficult first thing in the morning.

Joint stiffness may be mild and only impact your mobility for a brief period each morning or after sitting for extended periods of time. The stiffness can also be more severe and impact your mobility.

In some cases, pain and inflammation accompany joint stiffness. This may make walking, standing, or putting weight on your joints painful.

Not all stiff joints are the result of age. Many other conditions can cause stiff joints. These include arthritis, lupus, and bursitis. Lifestyle factors, including diet and weight management, can also impact joint mobility.

Keep reading to learn more about possible causes and treatments.

Possible causes

1. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

The most common cause of joint pain is arthritis. About 15 million people with arthritis report experiencing severe joint pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting over 1.5 million Americans. Its symptoms typically appear between ages 30 and 60.

RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder. It’s also an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system attacks healthy parts of your body, such as the lining of your joints. This causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Over time, it can also cause joint deformity and bone erosion.

Common symptoms of RA include:

  • joint pain
  • joint stiffness
  • joint swelling

RA has no cure, so its symptoms can’t be entirely eliminated. They can be managed through medication and other treatments. However, little can be done to prevent the disease once it has advanced.

2. Osteoarthritis (OA)

Another common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). OA is sometimes called degenerative arthritis. It affects nearly 32.5 million Americans. It’s most common in people over age 50.

This type of arthritis results from wear and tear on your joints. Cartilage, the thin tissue that protects the bones in your joints, wears away with use. Over time, the cartilage can no longer protect your bones.

OA can affect any joint in the body, but it most often affects the:

  • knees
  • hips
  • fingers
  • neck
  • back

As OA progresses, it can begin to cause symptoms other than stiffness. These include:

  • pain
  • swelling
  • cracking sounds when the joint is in motion

As the condition worsens, you could develop bone spurs. In the advanced stages of OA, the cartilage virtually disappears. Bones rub against other bones in your joint. This can cause extreme pain, stiffness, and disability.

Treatment for OA can help. Lifestyle treatments can be effective, such as exercise to reduce weight and pressure on joints. Additionally, medication may be administered to help relieve immense pain, such as:

  • pain relievers
  • paracetamol
  • non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • opioids

In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

3. Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease like RA. Your body attacks itself, including your organs and tissues. Lupus that attacks your joints can cause stiffness, pain, and swelling.

Lupus is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic many other conditions. A lupus diagnosis may take several months while tests rule out other conditions.

Like RA, lupus is chronic. Once you develop it, you will likely experience symptoms of the condition for the rest of your life. There isn’t a cure, but treatments effectively reduce and control symptoms. Treatments include:

  • Benlysta (belimumab): a biologic therapy taken with other medications that help prevent autoreactive B cells (an underlying cause of lupus) from remaining in the body for too long.
  • Saphnelo (anifrolumab): a prescription medication that blocks type 1 interferon activity, which plays a central role in how lupus affects the human body.
  • Lupkynis (voclosporin): another prescription medication that binds to calcineurin proteins in the body, helping reduce inflammation in the kidneys.

Other potential treatment options include hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and a shift toward healthier lifestyle choices may also be prescribed to combat lupus symptoms.

4. Bursitis

Bursae are tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, ligaments, and muscles in your joints. You develop bursitis when those sacs become inflamed. This condition can cause stiffness and pain in the affected joint.

Bursitis can affect any joint, but it is most common in large joints like the:

  • elbow
  • shoulder
  • hip

Other common sites include the following:

  • knee
  • ankle
  • big toe

Bursitis is often temporary, and treatment relies on resting the affected joint for several weeks. This may mean you need to reduce physical activity and keep the joint stationary for periods, allowing the bursae to recover and stiffness to resolve.

Your healthcare professional may ask you to perform exercises to relieve certain bursitis pain.

5. Gout

Unlike some other possible causes of joint stiffness, gout comes on suddenly. It may appear while you’re asleep, making the joints especially painful when you wake up.

Severe, sudden episodes of pain and tenderness in joints characterize gout. Gout can impact any joint. The big toe is frequently the first joint to experience symptoms.

Gout is a type of arthritis. It affects men more often than women, but a woman’s risk for developing gout increases after menopause. Most people will deal with periods of gout symptoms for the rest of their life, but symptoms are treatable.

6. Bone cancer

This is rarely a cause of joint pain and stiffness, but it is possible. People with bone cancer may experience joint pain or bone pain. You may also experience swelling or sensitivity near a bone.

Not everyone will have pain, which is why bone cancer may advance and begin causing other symptoms before it’s discovered.

Cancer is treatable, but the outcome depends on several factors. These factors include the size, location, and type of tumor.

Treatment options for bone cancer include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Additionally, immunotherapy (immuno-oncology), a newer treatment option, uses checkpoint inhibitors such as Keytruda (pembrolizumab) to boost the immune response against cancer cells.

How to find relief

The best way to ease joint stiffness depends on what’s causing it in the first place. If stiffness lasts longer than 30 minutes after you wake up or if symptoms worsen, it’s important you seek medical attention.

Diagnosing the underlying problem will help you and your doctor determine the best way to ease stiffness and stop other associated symptoms.

Hot or cold compress

Both temperature extremes may be beneficial for stiff joints.

Apply a cold compress or bag of ice to your stiff joint for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation or swelling and ease the joint into movement. It can also dull pain receptors, so you experience less pain.

Heat is also therapeutic to joints and muscles. Use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm water from a shower or bath to relax muscles and increase circulation.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication

Many mild symptoms of joint pain can be relieved by OTC medicines. NSAIDs are the most commonly used medication for arthritis. Generic names for NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

Steroids

If inflammation and swelling in the joint cause joint stiffness, steroids may be a treatment option. Swelling and inflammation are common with arthritis.

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation. When inflammation decreases, joint pain and stiffness decrease too.

Steroids may not be beneficial for people with advanced arthritis. In some cases, relief may be short-lived, and future steroid injections may not be as effective.

Exercise

Exercise and physical therapy may help increase joint mobility, reducing stiffness.

It’s also a great way to lose or maintain a healthy weight. Carrying around excess pounds can increase your risk for conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness.

If you’re unsure how to begin exercising or have difficulty with movement, talk with your doctor or a trained physical therapist. Exercise is an easy way to relieve pain and stiffness, but you can aggravate certain conditions if you don’t take precautions before beginning an exercise plan. Causes, Relief Tips, When…

When to see your doctor

If joint stiffness and pain come on suddenly, talk with your doctor. Likewise, if the stiffness and pain don’t resolve after five to seven days, you should seek medical attention.

You should also seek attention from your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

  • severe pain
  • rapid swelling
  • joint deformity
  • inability to move the joint
  • intense redness and hot to the touch

Though joint stiffness isn’t uncommon, especially as you age, it can be the first sign of another condition. A physical exam is an easy way to determine what might be causing the issue.

If a physical exam isn’t conclusive, your doctor may suggest some treatments to help ease the stiffness while you wait to see if it disappears. If it doesn’t disappear, you may need tests to get a diagnosis.

Once your doctor determines the cause, they can help determine the best treatment plan for you. This may help ease your symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Joint Pain

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Article featured on Brigham Health Hub

If you have sudden or ongoing pain in your knee, hip or shoulder, you may wonder when it’s time to seek medical care for your joint problem. You may be able to manage pain on your own for a while, but how do you know if joint pain is a sign of a serious problem that needs care?

When should you seek care for joint pain?

If you have joint pain or mobility issues, it’s important to contact an orthopedic expert who specializes in treating conditions that affect the muscles, bones, joints and connective tissues.

Joint symptoms can be addressed through a range of treatment options and making an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon is often the first step in finding relief. Some of the reasons to see an orthopedic surgeon include:

  • New joint pain that isn’t getting better on its own
  • Chronic joint pain that has lasted for months or years
  • Limited mobility, such as difficulty walking, climbing stairs or reaching above your head
  • Difficulty changing position, such as moving from a sitting position to a standing position
  • New use of a cane, walker or wheelchair due to your joint pain or mobility issues
  • Severe pain that may wake you at night
  • Regular use of over-the-counter medications to manage your joint pain
  • Changes to a joint’s appearance, like a straight leg that has begun to bow

“You shouldn’t have to live with joint pain,” says Jeffrey Lange, MD, a hip and knee surgeon at the Center for Joint Health and Mobility at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “If something is wrong, call us to be evaluated. Every evaluation is different, because every patient is unique.”

Delaying joint care can lead to injury and other problems

For patients who have joint pain or mobility issues, it’s important to stay current with your joint health. In some cases, ignoring joint pain for too long may increase pain or mobility problems, or even result in a fall or injury.

“The more proactive you are in preserving your joints, the longer we anticipate they will last,” says Dr. Lange. “Taking care of your joint pain early could delay or prevent the need for surgery. If you do need surgery, having surgery earlier can lead to better outcomes in many cases. The details differ for every person, which is why we always suggest having an evaluation with a clinician to better understand your own unique situation.”

A check-in with your orthopedic specialist can help you understand all the available options for your unique situation. Together, you and your orthopedic specialist can:

  • Address your joint symptoms and concerns
  • Review or order imaging, such as an X-ray or an MRI
  • Discuss exercises or other lifestyle changes that can reduce pain and improve mobility
  • Discuss the role of pain medicine
  • Schedule a cortisone injection to help relieve pain and inflammation in a joint
  • Pursue a referral to physical therapy
  • Discuss joint replacement surgery or another procedure
  • Discuss the risks and benefits of continuing care versus waiting for a period of time

Benefits of virtual care for joint problems

A consultation with an orthopedic specialist can be done in-person or virtually. A virtual visit allows you to accomplish many of the same things you would review during an in-person visit. Many patients are realizing the benefits of virtual care for joint problems, including:

  • Convenience: Patients don’t have to drive to the clinic or hospital. This is particularly helpful for orthopedic patients who may be in pain or who have limited mobility.
  • Saving time: The average virtual visit lasts about 20-30 minutes and doesn’t involve the time needed to do things like travel to an appointment and find your doctor’s office.
  • Connection: Many patients have been able to maintain strong emotional connections with their providers during virtual visits.

“Going to the doctor’s office used to be a half- or even full-day affair for some patients,” says Dr. Lange. “With a virtual visit, patients can meet with me for a short period of time from the comfort of their homes. They feel like they are still connected with their provider without having to put themselves at risk by leaving their home during this difficult time.”

Safe care for joint pain during COVID-19

While many knee, hip and shoulder problems can be addressed remotely, your orthopedic specialist may want to see you in person for a follow-up evaluation. If you need to visit the clinic, your provider can give you an overview of what to expect during your in-person meeting.

Guided by our Safe Care Commitment, the Center for Joint Health and Mobility has put many safety measures in place to provide the safest possible environment for patients during COVID-19. If you need to visit the clinic for an in-person visit, you will encounter the following safety protocols designed to protect patients and staff:

  • A universal masking policy that requires all patients and staff to wear a face mask
  • Screening of all patients and staff to confirm they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19
  • Spacing of furniture in waiting rooms and other common spaces to maximize physical distancing
  • Signage that directs foot traffic and optimizes the flow of staff and patients
  • Fewer patients in waiting rooms and fewer providers in clinical spaces at any one time
  • Regular deep cleaning of clinical spaces, waiting rooms and frequently-touched surfaces
  • Cleaning and disinfecting of exam rooms after each visit

Patients who are admitted to the hospital for an orthopedic surgery are required to get a COVID-19 test prior to their scheduled procedure. Patients who test positive for the coronavirus must reschedule their operation.

“Many patients who have joint replacement surgery during the pandemic choose to go home on the same day of their procedure,” says Dr. Lange. “Patients can stay in the hospital after their procedure if they choose, but patients who qualify for a same-day surgery have the option to go home faster if they want.”

Patient-centered approach to caring for your joints

The Center for Joint Health and Mobility at the Brigham is home to expert orthopedic specialists who combine advanced treatments with a modern and personalized approach to manage your joint health.

“We’re not just a joint replacement center, we’re a joint health center,” says Dr. Lange. “We provide a single center where patients can get all of their joint health needs in one place, from rehabilitation specialists to joint replacement surgeons. We take a holistic approach to keeping your joints healthy and in optimal condition for as long as possible.”

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Chronic Inflammation and Your Joints

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Article featured on Harvard Health Publishing

Why the immune system is sometimes the culprit in joint pain.

When you suffer a joint injury — maybe a banged-up knee or a twisted ankle — a little inflammation is part of the healing process. Puffy, red, tender joints may indicate that your immune system is working to remove damage and promote the growth of new tissue, a healthy kind of inflammation. But sometimes the immune system launches unhealthy, chronic inflammation in the joints, for no apparent reason. This leads to pain, stiffness, and joint damage known as inflammatory arthritis.

The attack on joints

It’s often unknown what triggers the immune system to unleash an assault on the joints, but we do know what the cells are up to once they’re in action.

“In a common type of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, a variety of immune cells can be found in the lining and fluid of the joint. These cells attract other immune cells and together lead to thickening of the joint lining, new blood vessel formation, and — ultimately — joint damage,” says rheumatologist Dr. Robert Shmerling, medical editor of the Harvard Special Health Report Fighting Inflammation (/ui).

Chronic inflammation in the joints can damage cartilage, bones, tendons (which attach muscle to bones), or ligaments (which hold joints together); irritate nerves; and produce a long list of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness. The joint damage may be progressive and irreversible.

Types

There are many types of inflammatory arthritis. Common ones include these:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, especially in the hands, wrists, and feet. RA may also affect the heart, lungs, and eyes.
  • Gout: Gout is characterized by a buildup of uric acid, which can form crystals in the joints — especially in the big toe, and sometimes in the hands, wrists, or knees. The crystals activate a temporary inflammatory response that can become chronic.
  • Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD, or pseudogout): In CPPD, calcium crystals settle in the joints, especially the knee, wrist, shoulder, ankle, or elbow. Like the uric acid crystals in gout, the calcium crystals in CPPD prompt the body to respond with inflammation; over time, this may become chronic.
  • Psoriatic arthritis: About 30% of people with psoriasis (an autoimmune condition that causes raised patches of scaly skin) develop psoriatic arthritis, which can affect the knees, ankles, wrists, or fingers.

What about osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, a wearing away of the smooth cartilage lining joints, has long been considered a noninflammatory form of arthritis. “But we now recognize that some inflammatory cells are present in osteoarthritis, although the inflammation is usually much less dramatic than in rheumatoid arthritis or other types of inflammatory arthritis,” Dr. Shmerling says.

The finding of mild chronic inflammation in osteoarthritis has been significant enough for researchers to begin investigating whether the condition can be treated with some of the same types of medications used to treat inflammatory arthritis.

Treatment

Many types of drugs are used to treat inflammatory arthritis. They include:

  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which reduce levels of prostaglandins — chemicals that promote inflammation
  • oral or injected steroids, which reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system
  • injections or intravenous infusions of nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which suppress the immune system
  • injections or infusions of biologic DMARDs, that suppress the immune system in a more targeted way than nonbiologic DMARDs
  • Janus kinase inhibitors, which interrupt inflammatory signals
  • drugs that lower uric acid levels (for gout).

Results with drug treatment are often good. “Medications to lower uric acid can essentially eliminate gout. And the development of newer drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, including biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors, makes it possible for far more people than in the past to experience remission and protection from ongoing joint damage,” Dr. Shmerling says.

Other ways to live with arthritis

Other ways to help reduce pain and inflammation include exercising, avoiding processed foods (which promote inflammation), reducing stress, not smoking, and getting enough sleep. Wearing a splint or brace on affected joints and seeking physical therapy may also ease your pain and keep you mobile and active.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What Are Growing Pains & Are They Real?

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Article featured on Nationwide Children’s.
It’s the middle of the night and your child wakes up complaining of leg pain for the third time this week. As a parent, you worry that it might not just be the result of sports practice earlier that day. Is it something much, much worse that you could be overlooking?
“Relax,” says Elise Berlan, MD. The discomfort may simply be from “growing pains.” Medically, growing pains aren’t a big deal, but they can prompt tears, sleeplessness and concerns for all involved.
Here are some common questions about growing pains, how to help your child through them, and when it may be time to see your pediatrician.

What Are Growing Pains?

Children, from preschoolers to preteens, typically experience growing pains as a dull, throbbing ache in both of their legs or calf muscles. The pains come and go, can occur in the day or evening, and can even wake a child up from sleep.
Many people assume that growing pains start in the bones – but there isn’t any scientific evidence that the discomfort is related to bone growth. Some experts think what we know as “growing pains” could be because of a lower pain threshold to muscle strains that are caused by normal play.

Who Gets Growing Pains?

Twenty-five to forty percent of children will experience growing pains at some point in their lives, and are slightly more common in girls than boys. Growing pains seem to happen during the preschool years and again during preteen years, with most cases reported between the ages of three to five and the ages of eight to 12.

What Helps Relieve the Pain?

  • Heating pads
  • Massage
  • Cuddles and distraction with a movie or toy
  • Stretching
  • Ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Ibuprofen can upset the stomach, so give it with food or milk. Never give a child aspirin because it can cause a rare reaction called Reye syndrome.

When Should My Child See a Doctor?

Growing pains never affect a child’s joints, and the pain typically only lasts a few hours at a time. If your child is complaining of long-lasting joint pain or joint pain in the morning, or if the joints look red or swollen, then go see your pediatrician. Also make a doctor’s appointment if the pain is accompanied by limping, fever, rash, changes in appetite, weakness or tiredness.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.
New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.
Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.
If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Types of Joint Pain and Tips for Describing to Your Orthopedic Surgeon

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Article featured on Arkansas Surgical Hospital
Joint pain can be debilitating, limiting daily activities and draining you both physically and emotionally.  In many instances, joint discomfort is the result of some type of arthritis.  There are various treatment options, including medications, physical therapy, injections, alternative therapies, and surgical solutions, depending on the severity of your joint pain and the damage to the joints.

Is It Joint Pain or Bone Pain?

Accurately describing your joint pain to your orthopedic surgeon can help them determine what treatment is best for you.  Joint pain is different from bone pain and can vary in sensation and severity.  Clearly explaining the feeling is crucial to appropriate diagnosis and treatment.  Bone pain is typically sharp and localized to a specific area, while joint pain tends to be more of an ache and occurs only in the affect joints, not all along a bone.  However, if the joint damage is severe, it may feel quite intense due to missing or damaged cartilage leading to bones grinding against each other.  Joint pain often increases with overactivity or too much weight on the joint.

Be Accurate When Describing Joint Pain

Saying that your joints are stiff isn’t helpful to your doctor or surgeon because it is too vague.  Pinpointing how much pain you’re in, what kind of pain you’re feeling, and how it impacts your ability to use the joints are all part of describing pain accurately.  Osteoarthritis pain tends to feel different from rheumatoid arthritis and other sources of joint pain, so be precise and thorough.  The more detailed your description is, the easier it is for your surgeon to determine the root of the problem.

Where is the Pain Located?

If you have joint pain in your knees, explain whether you feel it in the kneecap area, the back of the joint, or on the sides.  The knee’s complex ligaments and bone structure mean there is more than one kind of knee joint pain.  If you have joint pain in the hands, tell your doctor which joints are affected.  For instance, osteoarthritis is more common in the joints at the end of the fingers, while rheumatoid arthritis isn’t as likely in these joints.  Narrow down the area as much as possible.

What Kind of Pain Is It?

There are many kinds of pain, and the form it takes is critical when diagnosing and treating joint issues.  Descriptive words are helpful, as are comparisons such as, “It feels like something is caught in the joint.”  Here are some excellent descriptions you can use:

  • Crunching or Grinding.  When bones are rubbing against each other, you may feel like the joint is grinding rather than moving smoothly.  It may feel like gravel in the joint.
  • Snapping, Crackling, or Popping.  This is the sensation of something releasing or popping out of place and is often accompanied by a popping sound.  Osteoarthritis often leads to snapping or crackling in the joints.
  • Throbbing.  If the joint pain feels like it pulses, make sure your surgeon knows.
  • Dull or Achy.  Your pain can be dull (rather like a bruise) but still be severe.  Dull pain or aching can be an underlying, constant pain with periodic flares of other kinds of pain such as stabbing or burning sensations.
  • Stabbing.  Does it feel like somebody stuck a knife in your joint?  Your surgeon needs to know if the stabbing pain is consistent, periodic, or linked to any activities or other circumstances such as standing for long periods.
  • Burning.  Some patients describe burning pain as the joint burning from the inside or a hot sensation in the joints.
  • Radiating.  If you have pain that starts in one area then travels toward another, it is described as radiating pain.  Some people experience hip pain that radiates down the leg when they try to put weight on it.  This may indicate nerve involvement in addition to problems with the joint itself.

The When and Why of Joint Pain

Joint pain isn’t always constant.  It can come and go depending on what you’re doing and the time of day.  Make sure your surgeon knows if your pain seems to flare when you participate in in certain activities or gets worse during specific times.  If your pain is more significant when you wake up in the morning or is aggravated after activities, tell your doctor.  Some forms of arthritis may cause greater pain after you’ve been moving around a lot, while others may be worse after you’ve been inactive for too long.  If your joints lock up, give way, or feel weak or unstable, your doctor needs to know this, particularly if increased pain results.
The duration of your pain is another element of the “when” of joint pain.  While your knees or hips may hurt a lot when you first wake up in the morning, how long it lasts can indicate whether you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.  It can also help define the severity of the problem.  Does the discomfort after exercising last 30 minutes or several hours?  Is the pain worse when walking up a hill or a flight of stairs?  Details like this can aid your surgeon in a correct arthritis diagnosis.
Finally, be sure to inform your doctor of any other elements that affect your joint pain.  Pain that flares during certain types of weather, when you’re under stress, or when you are tired may help pinpoint an arthritis diagnosis or indicate other underlying issues.

The Severity of Joint Pain

Many physicians use a pain scale of 1 to 10, with 1 meaning little to no pain and 10 meaning unbearable pain.  No one experiences pain the same way others do, but the pain scale helps doctors get an idea of how severe your discomfort is and how much it impacts your life.

  • 0 = No pain
  • 1 = Occasional, minimal pain
  • 2 = Mildly annoying, not constant
  • 3 = Painful enough to distract you if not busy
  • 4 = Maybe distracting even when occupied
  • 5 = Can’t be ignored for long stretches, but you can still do things (although uncomfortably)
  • 6 = Can’t ignore your pain
  • 7 = Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and socializing
  • 8 = Physical limitations and difficulty with normal functioning, nausea, and dizziness
  • 9 = Crying, inability to speak, possibly passing out from the pain
  • 10 = Unconsciousness

Successfully Treating Arthritis Pain

The two most common forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, generally require different approaches, making the proper diagnosis critical when you’re suffering from joint pain.  Arthritis surgery is one of many options available to minimize discomfort and increase range of motion.  Still, your surgeon will usually recommend it only after you’ve tried other treatments such as medications and physical therapy.
Arthritis pain may be the result of a variety of triggers, including:

  • Cracks or chips in the affected bones
  • Inflammation of the tendons and muscles around arthritic joints
  • Bone spurs
  • Muscle spasms caused by irritation from damaged bone
  • Decreased blood flow in arthritic joints
  • Loss of synovium between the bones

With so many potential causes of joint pain and a wide range of treatment options, accurately describing your pain to your surgeon is the first step in finding the best treatment for you and getting you back to doing the activities you enjoy.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.
New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.
Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.
If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.