Golfer and Baseball Elbow – What is it?

in , ,

Article featured on UW Medicine

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer and Baseball Elbow)

What is medial epicondylitis?

Medial epicondylitis is also known as golfer elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow. It causes pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.

What causes medial epicondylitis?

Medial epicondylitis is caused when too much force is used to bend the wrist toward the palm. This can happen when swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. Other possible causes of the condition include:

  • Serving with great force in tennis or using a spin serve
  • Weak shoulder and wrist muscles
  • Using a tennis racket that is too tightly strung or too short
  • Throwing a javelin
  • Carrying a heavy suitcase
  • Chopping wood with an ax
  • Using a chain saw
  • Frequent use of other hand tools on a continuous basis

What are the symptoms of medial epicondylitis?

The most common symptom of medial epicondylitis is pain along the palm side of the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist, on the same side as the little finger. The pain can be felt when bending the wrist toward the palm against resistance or when squeezing a rubber ball.

The symptoms of medial epicondylitis may look like other health problems or conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How is medial epicondylitis diagnosed?

The diagnosis of medial epicondylitis often can be made based on a physical exam. Your healthcare provider may rest your arm on a table, palm side up, and ask you to raise your hand by bending your wrist against resistance. If you have the condition, pain often is felt in the inner aspect of the elbow.

How is medial epicondylitis treated?

Treatment for medial epicondylitis includes stopping the activity that produces the symptoms. It is important to stop doing the movement that caused the condition in the first place. Treatment may include:

  • Ice packs to reduce inflammation
  • Activity modification
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Anti-inflammatory medicine
  • Bracing
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery (rare)

What can I do to prevent medial epicondylitis?

Being aware of your daily movements can help prevent this condition. Some suggestions include:

  • Using correct form when doing repetitive activities, such as work or sports movements
  • Keeping shoulders, forearms, and wrist muscles strong
  • Gently stretching forearm muscles before and after repetitive tasks
  • Using correct body mechanics when lifting or moving objects

Key points about medial epicondylitis

  • Medial epicondylitis causes pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow.
  • It’s more common in people who play golf or pitch baseball.
  • Treatment includes stopping the activity that caused the pain.
  • Using the correct form when doing repetitive activities can help prevent the condition.

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.

Sports & Pain

in ,
Article featured on WebMDElite athletes walk a thin line. Do they compete through their pain and possibly cause more harm? Their drive often compels them to push through injuries when rest may be the wiser choice. But some strategies and treatments may help.

Consulting a Multidisciplinary Medical Team

Input from sports medicine professionals is important in knowing safe activity levels and in making modifications when you’re hurt. They may include:

  • Orthopedists. They can diagnose musculoskeletal injuries, provide treatment plans, and advise about activities that might worsen your condition.
  • Physical therapists. They make tailored rehab and exercise programs to maintain your strength and mobility without overstressing your injury. They use things like massage, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to promote healing.
  • Athletic trainers. They can provide on-field acute injury management, like taping, bracing, and padding injuries. They make ongoing assessments of your symptoms during training and competition.
  • Sports psychologists. These mental health experts help you cope mentally and emotionally with injury setbacks. They can also teach you ways to overcome any fear of reinjury or lost motivation.
This team can optimize your treatment and monitor your progress to catch any setbacks before your small pains become severe injuries.Pain and Inflammation Management

Controlling your swelling and pain helps you remain active when you’re injured. Treatment options include:

  • RICE. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation can reduce your inflammation in the first 48 hours after you’re hurt. 
  • Medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxers, and analgesics can relieve your pain and allow movement. But they should be used cautiously to avoid masking important symptoms.
  • Cold therapy. Ice baths, cryotherapy chambers, and cold packs constrict your blood vessels and limit your swelling and inflammation.
  • Heat therapy. Heating pads, ultrasound, and warm whirlpools increase your blood flow and reduce your muscle spasms and stiffness.
  • Physiological techniques. Massage, acupuncture, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can provide natural pain relief.

Gradual Return to Activity

For musculoskeletal injuries, a gradual return to exercise is key. This involves:

  • Range-of-motion exercises to maintain your mobility and prevent scar tissue from forming.
  • Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or anti-gravity treadmills to build endurance.
  • Slowly increasing the duration and intensity of training to test your tolerance and avoid overexertion.
  • Sport-specific drills to regain movement patterns before you resume full practices or competition.
  • Listening carefully to your body and cutting back if your pain flares up.
Many injured athletes can continue modified training, rather than stopping altogether. Patience and persistence are required, but playing hurt doesn’t have to hinder your progress.

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.

Preventing Football Injuries

in ,

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.

Common Pickle Ball Wrist Injuries

in ,
Do you experience a dull and aching pain or soreness in your wrist during or after playing racket or paddle sports? Does your wrist feel stiff when reaching for low balls or flicking your wrist for those difficult and awkward shots? If you answered yes and your symptoms are located on the “pinky” side of your paddle wrist, then you have ulnar-sided wrist pain. Pain in this region can be anything from wrist arthritis, tendon irritation, joint instability, or triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC) injury. Ulnar-sided wrist pain can be uncomfortable and persist if left untreated, but early treatment can significantly reduce pain and discomfort. Common athlete complaints include:

  • stiffness
  • clicking or snapping sensation
  • local swelling
  • pain.

Typically, symptoms increase when gripping a racket/paddle, twisting your wrist, and rotating your forearm. There are several structures, including ligaments, nerves, and tendons, especially on the small finger side of your wrist that can be injured from repetitive use in awkward positions, or from direct trauma, such as a fall onto the hand. Early diagnosis is critical to assess which structures are involved to provide athletes with the optimal course of treatment. Your physician will assess your pain symptoms, joints/ligaments and stability via clinical exam, X-rays and/or MRI. Medical management varies depending on severity, structures injured and other medical history concerns.

Often, with recreational and novice tennis and Pickle ball athletes, there is evidence of muscular weakness in the shoulder blade, shoulder rotator cuff, upper arm muscles, and forearm. Weakness in these areas often lead to using your wrist and hand in less stable positions causing increased force through the ulnar side of the wrist.

I have these symptoms, now what?

If you find you have wrist pain while playing sports or completing daily activities, an evaluation by a physician is necessary to rule out any underlying medical conditions. From there, a proper course of treatment could help to address your symptoms.

How will hand therapy help me?

Referral to a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can assist in the assessment of your core strength/posture, shoulder/elbow/forearm/wrist flexibility and strength. Using a variety of special tests and assessment techniques, your hand therapist can prescribe neuromuscular exercises, proper splints to support your wrist, core strengthening, flexibility exercises, and joint protection strategies to reduce pain and get you back on the court safely and efficiently.

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.

Preventing Injuries While Golfing

in ,
Golf is a popular sport and offers a range of health benefits. Regular golf can help improve stamina, cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance. For example, the average golfer playing an 18-hole game walks about seven kilometers. While the risk of injury from playing golf is low compared to other sports, common golf injuries include injuries to the lower back, shoulder, elbow, wrist, head and eye.

Risk factors for golfing injuries

Some of the factors that can increase your risk of a golfing injury include:

  • Time spent playing – generally, the more often you play, the higher your risk of injury. Golfers who spend more than six hours per week in competitive play are at increased risk of overuse injuries, as are professional golfers.
  • Unsupervised children – injuries to children under the age of 10 years are often the result of inadequate adult supervision (for example, children getting hit in the face by swinging clubs).
  • Incorrect technique – examples include poor swing style and hitting the ground instead of the ball. Incorrect technique dramatically increases the risk of injury. Golfers who perform correct technique are less likely to injure themselves.
  • Failure to warm up and cool down – warming up and cooling down are extremely important to reduce the risk of muscle and joint injuries.
  • Previous injury – golf can aggravate existing injuries.

Health and safety suggestions for golf

Suggestions include:

  • Make sure equipment, such as clubs and shoes, are professionally fitted.
  • Be SunSmart. Wear sun protective clothing, use SPF30+ (or higher) sunscreen and lip balm, wear an appropriate hat, seek shade where possible and wear sunglasses.
  • Insect repellent should be carried in your golf bag at all times.
  • Drink non-alcoholic fluids before, during and after the game. Take drinks with you in your golf bag to avoid dehydration during play.
  • Practice the rules and etiquette of the game. For example, make sure that no one is standing too close when you’re about to swing, and always call out ‘fore’ to warn others if your shot appears to be heading in their direction.
  • Obey all safety instructions when driving a motorized golf cart.
  • Postpone play if lightning strikes are possible.
  • Avoid placing hands in holes or areas where spiders or snakes might inhabit.
  • Supervise young children on the golf course at all times. For example, make sure they don’t stand too close when someone is teeing off and don’t allow them to fool around with golf clubs.
  • Get adequate rest between games.
  • Carry a mobile phone, wherever possible, in case of emergency.

Warming up before playing golf

Muscle strains and sprains are more likely to occur if you fail to warm up properly before play. A study of golfers undertaken by the Sports Injury Prevention Unit at Deakin University in Victoria found that less than three per cent of Victorian golfers warm up properly, while nearly half don’t warm up at all.

Suggestions include:

  • Walk briskly for a couple of minutes to raise your heart rate.
  • Warm up your neck and upper back by dropping your chin to your chest, gently rolling your head from side to side in slow half-circles.
  • Warm up your shoulders. Hold a golf club horizontal to the ground, keeping your hands about shoulder width apart. Slowly raise the club overhead, hold for a few moments and then lower. Hold the golf club in a similar way, but this time behind your back. Raise as high as you can, hold for a few moments, then lower.
  • Warm up your torso with side bends. Slide your hand down your leg to support the weight of your torso.
  • Twist through the waist – gently and slowly turn from one side to the other.
  • Go through the motions of swinging the club without actually hitting a ball. Begin with gentle half swings and work up to full swings over the course of a few minutes.

Cool down after the activity. Use the same range of stretches suggested above.

Take care of your back

Suggestions include:

  • Consider using a buggy to transport your clubs, or carry clubs using a supportive carry brace.
  • Carry out a general strength and fitness program that includes weight training or aerobic activities, such as walking or jogging, to improve muscle strength, flexibility and endurance.
  • Strengthen abdominal muscles to support your lower back. A Canadian study found that golfers with strong side abdominal muscles (obliques) have a reduced incidence of back pain.
  • Consider taking lessons with a PGA qualified coach to improve your technique to prevent injury and improve performance.

Suggestions include:

  • Don’t engage in long practice sessions, particularly if you are practicing the one shot over and over.
  • If you are practicing your putting, make sure you straighten up and stretch regularly.
  • Remember to bend your knees when picking up balls. Lift one leg off the ground as you lean over to counterbalance your weight.
  • Try not to use more force than is necessary for the swing, especially in the ‘follow through’ motion after the ball has been hit.

Treat a golfing injury promptly

Suggestions on what to do if you are injured include:

  • Stop immediately if injury occurs. Playing on will only exacerbate the injury.
  • All injured players, regardless of how severe the injury is, should seek first aid or prompt medical treatment of their injury.
  • Treat all soft tissue injures (ligament sprains, muscle strains, bumps and bruises) with rest, ice, compression, elevation (raise the injured limb above your heart) and referral to a health professional.
  • Injured golfers should not resume play until they have completely recovered from their injury.

Where to get help

  • Your doctor
  • Professional Golf Association coach
  • Physiotherapist

Things to remember

  • Common golf injuries include injury to the lower back, shoulder, elbow, wrist, head and eye.
  • Warm up thoroughly before play to reduce your risk of muscle and joint injuries.
  • Remember to bend your knees when picking up balls. Lift one leg off the ground as you lean over to counterbalance your weight.
  • Take golf lessons to improve your technique.

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.

Acute vs. Chronic Sports Injuries

in ,

Article featured on Summit Orthopedics

You may have heard the terms acute sports injury and chronic sports injury. But what is the difference between acute vs chronic sports injuries?

What is an acute sports injury?

Acute injuries happen in a single moment. In sports, they could be the result of a collision, abnormal twisting, landing wrong after a jump, or some other kind of traumatic injury.

In short, when you experience an acute injury during sports, you’ll know it. You may hear a “pop” or feel a tearing sensation, and it will generally be painful, with swelling, bruising, or deformity after the injury.

How do you diagnose and treat an acute sports injury?

Acute injuries should get evaluated urgently, within a week if not on the day of injury itself. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, but getting an X-ray and an evaluation right away is always a good idea. When the injury is acute, it’s important to get it treated quickly to make sure it heals properly.

If surgery is needed, we should do it quickly, so the bones and ligaments can be lined up right away. That gives the athlete the best chance of getting back to sports as soon as possible. Planning for a return to sports should be part of an athlete’s discussion with a sports medicine provider after an acute injury.

What about chronic sports injuries?

Many active and athletic people can relate to a long-term, nagging soreness or stiffness in the body whether it’s a baseball pitcher’s aching shoulder or a runner’s sore knees. These are the kinds of symptoms associated with chronic sports injuries.

Chronic injuries happen over time, generally with overuse. They happen when a joint, tendon, or other structure wears out over time. Examples include tendinitis and rotator cuff injuries with microtears that build up over years.

In sports, loading a joint or other structure the wrong way or with too much force for too long can lead to that structure getting too thin and eventually giving out. Our bodies are designed to withstand force, but if an athlete goes above and beyond that force threshold repetitively, it can set the stage for a chronic sports injury.

How are chronic sports injuries treated?

For chronic injuries, time is less of a component, because the injury is long term. With a chronic injury, we can try nonoperative treatments like physical therapy, RICE, and anti-inflammatories. Even if surgery is recommended, it doesn’t have to happen right away.

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.

Sports-Related Meniscus Tears and Surgical Treatment

in , , ,

Article featured on NY Orthopedics

A torn meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries found in athletes. These types of injuries commonly occur when the athlete twists their knee. Most meniscus tears are primarily found in athletes who perform in contact sports like football and rugby. However, active basketball players, skiers, and volleyball players are also at risk.

Below you’ll find some common symptoms of a torn meniscus, how to treat it, and the best and quickest ways to recover.

What Are the Common Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

Your meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that sits between your shinbone and thighbone. It’s often referred to as the knee’s shock absorber, reducing the impact on your joint every time your foot makes contact with the surface.

Patients With a Torn Meniscus Report Experiencing:

  • A popping sensation in their knee
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Discomfort turning their knee
  • Knees locking into place
  • Difficulty straightening the knee
  • Instability

Meniscus Tears in Athletes

In many cases, a torn meniscus will heal over time. Rest, medication, and physical therapy can speed recovery times in those cases where surgery is not necessary. In more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to repair the meniscus. This is more common in cases where the knee has locked into place.

Can You Play Sports With a Torn Meniscus

You should not continue to play sports if you are experiencing any torn meniscus symptoms. In fact, you should avoid any activity that may cause the knee to twist. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we’ve listed above, contact one of our qualified knee specialists for an examination as soon as possible to determine if they are related to a meniscus tear.

What Natural Methods Can I Perform to Heal a Torn Meniscus?

If your doctor chooses a non-surgical approach to heal your meniscus tear, they will likely recommend a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation, otherwise known as R.I.C.E.

  1. Rest – Keep off your knee as much as possible for the next couple of days. Putting pressure on your knee could aggravate your symptoms and limit your recovery time.
  2. Ice – Place an ice pack on your knee for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day to reduce any swelling.
  3. Compression – Your doctor may recommend a wrap or brace to stabilize your knee until it fully heals.
  4. Elevation – Try to sit or lay back and elevate your knee above your heart. This will promote blood flow toward your heart which will aid in recovery.

What is the Recovery Time for Non-Surgical Torn Meniscus Treatments?

With any treatments, recovery can last around six to eight weeks; however, even minor tears may take longer to heal.

Torn Meniscus Surgery

In more severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery. There are three main procedures a specialist may perform.

  • Meniscus Repair – Your surgeon will perform an arthroscopy to determine the extent of the tear. From there, the surgeon will sew the torn pieces of the menisci back together.
  • Trimming the Meniscus – Through an arthroscopy, a surgeon will trim back and remove any damaged cartilage, leaving the healthy cartilage intact.
  • Meniscus Transplant – In some cases, a surgeon may choose to replace the meniscus with a healthy one from a donor. A patient must often meet several criteria to qualify for this type of treatment.

What is the Recovery Time For Torn Meniscus Surgery?

Recovery times can vary depending on the extent of the surgery. However, a healthy estimate is anywhere from six weeks to three months.

What are the Best Exercises After Meniscus Tear Surgery?

Your doctor will likely recommend light exercises to promote healing and improve your range of motion as you fully heal from your meniscus surgery. Here is just a sample of the types of torn meniscus exercises your doctor may recommend:

Hamstring Contractions:

Lie on your back with your knees bent and pull your heels in, tightening the muscles behind your thigh. Hold for five seconds and repeat ten times.

Straight Leg Raises:

Lying on your back, lift your outstretched leg about six inches off the ground. Hold for five seconds before lowering. Repeat ten times.

Standing Leg Raises:

Stand up using a railing or table for support. Slowly lift your leg forward, raising it about four to six inches off the ground. Gently lower your leg. Repeat ten times.

Can I Still Play Sports After Meniscus Surgery?

While each meniscus tear is different, the vast majority of patients who receive treatment will experience full mobility after treatment is complete. Athletes can continue playing the sports they love and stay competitive.

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.

Getting Back Into Sports After a Knee Surgery

in , ,

Article featured on Cone Health

While the time it can take to return to sports after knee surgery varies, it is important to follow doctor’s orders, according to Stephen Lucey, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Greensboro and member of the Cone Health Medical and Dental Staff.

Before surgery, you may do specific exercises to aid in recovery. “Recommended exercises can be done at home or with a physical therapist to improve strength and range of motion,” says Dr. Lucey.

Then, you can expect to follow a 3-step process to get back to the sports you enjoy.

After surgery, you should use the RICE method: Rest the knee, ice it, compress or wrap the injured area and elevate it to prevent swelling. “At first, you should take it easy,” adds. Dr. Lucey. “You may benefit from pain relievers as directed by your surgeon.” Second, you can expect to begin mobilization or therapy techniques that improve range of motion and begin to strengthen your knee. Once you have sufficiently recovered, the focus shifts to the final phase of recovery – strengthening exercises. “For runners, strengthening might include biking or running on a treadmill,” shares Dr. Lucey. “For soccer players, juggling, kicking or passing the ball are options.”

The timeline for returning to sports depends on your knee issue and extent of surgery. “After arthroscopic knee surgery requiring a small incision, you may be able to return to sports in a month while it could take 6 months or more after tearing an ACL, a ligament that helps stabilize your knee joint,” concludes Dr. Lucey. “The key is following your doctor’s instructions on your road to recovery.”

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.

Are You Ready for a Marathon?

in

Article featured on Summit Orthopedics
If you are a runner, running a marathon may be on your bucket list. We share some advice for you to consider before you commit to your first marathon.
In the summertime race events are plentiful. Runners can include the whole family in a day of fitness fun by signing up for a family run, race to raise money for worthy causes, or set their sites on the race that tests their endurance as a runner: the marathon. It is important for aspiring marathoners to understand that it is one thing to run a 5-mile course, and quite another to complete a 26.2 mile race.
The decision to run a marathon should be given serious consideration. To run a marathon safely means making a significant time commitment to months of planning and training.
We suggest that runners consider three factors before they commit to their first marathon.

Schedule

Training for a marathon means dedicated time to training; but that’s not where your time commitment ends. You’ll also need time for proper recovery between training sessions, and should also factor in a higher-than-normal level of fatigue. If you are at a point where demands on your time are high, or you may not have the support you need, you might want to consider a half marathon instead. This shorter race still requires training, and will give you more first hand experience about whether you are ready for the demands of a longer race.

Pre-Existing Injuries

If you have any knee, hip, or back issues, marathon training is going to increase the stress on problem areas. This is a factor you should discuss with a physical therapist before you commit to training for a big race.

Nutrition

Marathon training increases your body’s nutrition needs. If you aren’t a healthy eater, are you ready to make significant changes in your diet to protect your body’s performance?
Running is a wonderful way to stay fit and healthy, and every runner talks about the emotional satisfaction that goes hand-in-hand with their sport. We applaud ambitious goals like checking that first marathon off the bucket list, and we want you to be ready and able to commit the time and discipline you’ll need to safely train to achieve your goal.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 Expert Tips for Preventing Winter Sports Accidents

5 Expert Tips for Preventing Winter Sports Accidents

in ,

BY KAYLA MCKISKI | Article Featured on US News

Hitting the slopes or the skating rink as the winter of 2020 winds down? Don’t let an accident or injury spoil your fun.

“Winter sports and recreational activities have great health and cardiovascular benefits,” said Dr. Joseph Bosco, vice president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). “However, it’s important not to underestimate the risks that cold weather can bring.”

He noted that hospitals and health care clinics see a surge of bone and joint injuries during the winter months and many could be prevented with the right preparation.

Sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures and more traumatic injuries can happen to anyone. Here, Bosco and the AAOS offer suggestions on how to protect yourself:

  • Be prepared: Before you tackle a winter sport, make sure your muscles are warmed up and in good condition. Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are more prone to injury. Make sure to have water and other supplies on standby.
  • Wear appropriate gear: Well-fitting protective equipment like goggles, helmets, gloves and padding is crucial. Your clothes should be layered, light, loose and wind-resistant. Footwear should be warm, provide ankle support and keep your feet dry.
  • Follow the rules: If you’re unsure of the rules of your sport, it’s time to take a lesson with a qualified instructor, especially with sports like skiing and snowboarding. Knowing how to fall correctly and safely can drastically reduce your risk of injury.
  • Keep an eye on the weather: Warnings about storms and extremely low temperatures are red flags. If you’re experiencing hypothermia or frostbite, seek immediate shelter and medical attention.
  • Use common sense: Always have a buddy when participating in an outdoor sport or activity. If you feel pain or fatigue, don’t push yourself and stop the activity.

“Don’t let winter sports injuries freeze your fun,” Bosco said in an AAOS news release. “By keeping in good physical condition, staying alert and stopping when you’re tired or in pain, you can enjoy the best of winter and reduce your risk of injury.”

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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 orthopaedic 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.