We put our bodies through a lot of wear and tear daily. Orthopedic injuries are something most people will suffer from at some point in their life. Whether it be an athletic injury, a fall, aging, or a genetic issue we all experience some sort of orthopedic injury. Here we will discuss the most common orthopedic injuries.
Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is a small piece of connective tissue located in the knee, this piece of tissue allows the knee to move freely. The meniscus can tear when you twist or rotate your knee, especially when your full weight is on it. Athletes are at high risk of tearing their meniscus, especially in sports like basketball and football. However, life and time can cause a torn meniscus as well. Many meniscal tears occur because of the changes that happen in the microscopic structure of the connective tissue itself. THese are very common and don’t necessarily cause pain. In fact, many studies have proven that a lot of people with no knee pain at all have tears in their meniscus! Treatment for torn meniscus can be medication, ice, and giving your knee time to heal. Physical therapy, PRP, and bracing often helps as well. Some cases of a torn meniscus require surgery, but this should be a last resort.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a path for nerves and tendons that exists between bones and ligaments on the palmar side of the hand. The median nerve is located at the carpal tunnel, when this nerve is compressed, it causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Many believe that the people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome the most make repetitive motions with their hands. This would include activities such as typing, knitting, sewing, and so on. Actually, carpal tunnel syndrome is very common in diabetics simply because of the altered connective tissues. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, and pain. Treatments for carpal tunnel may include therapy, braces, or medication. A surgical release of the connective tissue causing the nerve compression is an option as well.
Torn Rotator Cuff
The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons located in and around the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons keep the upper arm in the shoulder socket during large arm movements. As you age, the possibility of tearing your rotator cuff increases. Over time, the tendon material becomes stiff, abnormal, weak, and prone to failure. This is very common and there are many people with tears in this tendon without pain. Simply because a tear is seen on an MRI does not make that the pain generator. Those at risk of pain from a rotator cuff problem are those with jobs where you repeatedly perform tasks with overhead motions, such as painters and carpenters. Throwing athletes are the group of people most likely to actually have a traumatic tear of the cuff. Most other rotator cuff tears are due to the poor quality of the tissues themselves. Treatment includes physical therapy, rest, and ice. A really well thought out and executed physical therapy program can be curative for the symptoms of such a problem. In some cases, rotator cuff tears may require surgery.
Torn ACL
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a strong tissue band connecting your femur to your tibia. An ACL can tear from a quick change in direction, this most commonly happens to athletes. Female athletes are at an even higher risk of tearing their ACLs. The treatment for an ACL tear depends on the severity of the injury. Treatment can include physical therapy, wearing a brace, or in some circumstances, surgery. Surgery is often recommended for the express purpose of preventing arthritis. However, the natural history of knees after ACL repair often includes arthritis.
Plantar Fasciitis
The heel bone and toes are connected by a thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia. Plantar Fasciitis is a condition with severe pain and sometimes swelling at the inside and bottom position of the heel. Plantar Fasciitis is thought most common in people that are overweight and runners. That said, all types of people with all activity levels can suffer this malady. Treatment varies depending on how severe the plantar fasciitis iis and on patient factors. For more mild cases, stretching along with icing and rest may work to heal the plantar fasciitis. Treatment for more severe cases could involve injections and even surgery.
THE HEALING SOLE - PATENTED PLANTAR FASCIITIS FOOTWEA
Dr. Meredith Warner is an orthopedic surgeon that has treated plantar fasciitis in numerous patients. This is such a recurring issue among adults that she created The Healing Sole to help give relief to those who experience the pain of Plantar fasciitis. The flip-flop is designed to give your foot the natural support that it lacks while also strengthening the muscles in the feet. The flip-flop includes elements that work together to decrease pain, inflammation, and discomfort. Dr. Warner wanted a shoe that would allow the body to do what it does best - heal naturally. The Healing Sole is a great option to help lend relief if you experience Plantar Fasciitis!
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