The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. It provides support to your arches and helps you to walk. Since these ligaments are under a lot of stress in your daily life, plantar fasciitis can frequently occur. Who gets plantar fasciitis? For obvious reasons, runners and athletes…
Calcium and vitamin D are two essential building blocks for bone health. Not getting enough of either can wreak havoc on our overall well-being. What does calcium do for our bones? Our bodies are comprised of many different minerals, such as iron and magnesium, but the most abundant mineral in the body is calcium. Our…
When most people hear the term “sports medicine,” they usually visualize medical treatment that’s reserved for elite, hard-training athletes. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Sports medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions involving the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. You don’t have to be a marathon…
Dr. Christopher Phelps is now scheduling outpatient procedures in the Bulverde/Spring Branch area at the Singing Hills-Legent Orthopedic & Spine Center. The center is located at 524 Singing Oaks, Spring Branch, 78070. PROCEDURES Outpatient procedures performed include arthroscopy and total shoulder, knee, and hip replacements. Patients are evaluated to ensure they’re eligible for an outpatient…
Are you experiencing pain in your knee that doesn’t seem to be getting any better? Does it feel unsteady, as if it’s going to give out? You could be suffering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain. Anatomy of the knee The knee is a marvel of design. Special ligaments are designed to protect it…
The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the human body. However, due to its high level of activity and constant use, it is susceptible to various conditions that can cause pain and limit its range of motion. In this blog, we will explore some common shoulder conditions and discuss their…
In the early days of orthopedic surgery, patients could expect to spend months in the hospital recovering after joint replacement. But continual advances have reduced the recovery time drastically. 20 years ago, it was five days. Ten years ago, it was down to two to three days. Today, patients have the choice to get the…
Walking difficulty may include problems standing or moving. Difficulty walking is a common symptom caused by a brain tumor, and may occur if any of the following symptoms are present: Weakness in one foot/leg or both feet/legs Change in sensation (burning, pins and needles) or numbness in one leg or both Difficulty with balance or…
When injury gets you out, we'll get you back. Watch the recent video of an OPI patient enjoying full function — back in the game! "Dear Dr. Matthews and the Physical Therapy crew, Thank you for your help in getting me back on the field. I was able to get my spot back and went…
What is iovera°? Do you suffer from osteoarthritis pain in your knee? The Orthopedic Performance Institute has a treatment for you. We’re one of the few practices in the San Antonio area that offer iovera°. It’s safe, FDA-approved and performed right here in our office. Do you have a knee replacement surgery scheduled? iovera° can…
What is the Tenex FAST™ Technique? FAST stands for fasciotomy (surgery to relieve pressure and swelling) and surgical tenotomy (removal of inflamed tendon tissue). It is a non-operative, minimally invasive, FDA-approved treatment option for patients with various musculoskeletal conditions. This technique is used to successfully treat patients with tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, as…
What is shoulder replacement surgery? Shoulder replacement surgery is most frequently used for severe degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of the ball-and-socket joint. When the smooth surfaces (cartilage) become rough, they rub against each other instead of gliding as normal joints do. This causes discomfort, stiffness and swelling. Shoulder replacement can help to alleviate this pain.…
Your chances of osteoarthritis of the weightbearing joints of the knee and hip increase with age; the condition most often affects middle-aged and older people. Osteoarthritis may first appear between the ages of 30 and 40, though symptoms may not be present in the early stages. Later in life, many Americans will experience joint pain…
Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative disease in which the cartilage of the knee or hip slowly wears away. Cartilage serves as a cushion between the bones of the joint, and when the cartilage of the joint wears away due to osteoarthritis, the resulting pain and inflammation can be debilitating. Your chances of osteoarthritis of the…
Arthritis is one of the most widespread health conditions in the United States. It affects about one in four adults overall. That’s over 58 million men and women. To recognize this toll on Americans’ health, CDC, the Arthritis Foundation and other partners observe Arthritis Awareness Month in May. What types of arthritis are there?* OSTEOARTHRITIS…
Nearly two years of COVID lethargy has taken its toll on many people. You may have put on a few extra pounds, and you’ve made a commitment to shape up for the New Year. Whether you’re embarking on an exercise regimen for the first time or you’re a seasoned professional who seeks to get back…
Are you suffering from hip or knee pain that doesn’t respond to medication or physical therapy? Even though you hurt, what if your condition doesn’t rise to the need for conventional surgery? Elective Surgery Joint replacement surgeries, including hip and knee arthroplasties, are two of the most frequently performed non-emergency procedures. And you can utilize…
What is a stress fracture? A stress fracture occurs when muscles are fatigued and unable to protect bones from the exertion of sports or exercise. This results in tiny cracks in the bone. Bones that are weight-bearing, such as those in the foot and lower leg, are especially at risk for stress fractures. What causes…
Tendinitis is the swelling of a tendon, the flexible band of fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. It is a common condition that most often affects the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle. Who Gets Tendinitis? People such as carpenters, gardeners, musicians, and athletes who perform activities that require repetitive motions or place…
What is this treatment for? Intra-articular hip injections refer to a steroid being introduced into the hip joint. It is designed to provide relief to patients with chronic hip pain due to arthritis. The synthetic steroid can be compared to a steroid the body naturally produces and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. What results can I…
Eliminates Risks And Is More Precise At the Orthopedic Performance Institute, we’re dedicated to providing our patients with access to the latest and most advanced technology, and that includes imaging. That’s why we proudly offer C-arm fluoroscopy for joint injections. Similar to an X-ray, fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam.…
Patients suffering from chronic pain have found relief via peripheral nerve stimulation. This involves implanting a device that sends electrical stimulation to block pain signals from reaching the brain. The Stimwave Freedom SCS System, offered by the Orthopedic Performance Institute, provides long-lasting pain relief. But unlike “central” nerve stimulation devices, Stimwave is powered wirelessly--without a…
As we age, the cushioning cartilage in our hip joints wears down, causing pain from the bones grinding against each other. When this pain becomes too much to bear, hip replacement surgery is called for. Other reasons for this surgery include fractures and rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are things you can do to keep your…
Anyone involved in any type of sport has a good chance of sustaining an injury at some point, whether it’s minor or major. If you are injured and require medical assistance, you’ll be best served by a physician who specializes in the field. Sports medicine specialists, such as the Orthopedic Performance Institute’s Dr. Alexandra Matthews,…
By Nicole Stuart, PA-C, with Orthopedic Performance Institute Knee or hip joint replacement, also called arthroplasty, can be a valuable tool when traditional, non-surgical treatment options have failed to manage the pain from an arthritic hip or knee. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a progressive, degenerative disease in which the cartilage of…
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between a bone and other moving parts, including muscles, tendons and skin. With bursitis, the bursa becomes red and fluid increases, causing swelling and pain. Causes Bursitis is usually caused by overuse of a joint or trauma to a…
To our athletes — what to know about exercise routines right now: Take it easy! If you are switching from your normal exercise routine to something entirely new, be cautious of overdoing it. Especially if your new workouts require a lot of running, jumping, or heavy lifting. Don't rush! If you are beginning a new…
Ways to treat your knee pain right now: Go for a walk (but maintain social distancing)! Low-impact exercise most often helps arthritic pain. It may seem counterintuitive, but it lubricates the bones with natural synovial fluid and allows easier glide within the joint space. Stretch. Try a new yoga class online (even if its only…
Although it’s essential at every age for healthy bones, exercise is especially important for treating and preventing osteoporosis. It can also increase muscle strength, coordination and balance, leading to better overall health. Reasons to exercise Just like muscle, bone is made of living tissue that responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Young women and men…
Everyone knows it’s vital to stretch your muscles before exercise. Stretching increases flexibility and range of motion, decreasing your risk of injury. It’s is even more essential on cold days because your muscles contract to conserve heat, making them tighter and more prone to injury. Here are some tips on how to limber up for…
Put simply, gait analysis is analyzing the way you walk and run. Gait analysis provides individuals with information about their body and their running style. It evaluates the biomechanics of how joints move in motion to diagnose poor running patterns and prevent injury. Who would benefit? Who wouldn’t benefit? Athletes — runners, triathletes, or basketball,…
Creating a Fingerprint of the Brain Baseline testing measures your brain function in a healthy state. This computerized test measures memory, attention span, and visual and verbal problem solving. Neurocognitive testing, like the ImPACT baseline test used by the Orthopedic Performance Institutem is the cornerstone of modern concussion management used by high schools, professional teams,…
Your feet are pretty small, considering that they support the entire weight of your body. However, they can cause some big problems — so pay attention to your feet. Every step you take involves a remarkably intricate network of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. That complexity — combined with all the weight they carry — accounts…
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects your joints. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness. If joints on one side of your body have rheumatoid arthritis, usually the joints on the other side do too. It can affect any joint in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can also make you feel…
People of all ages need to know what they can do to maintain strong bones. You are never too young or too old to improve your bone health and should be protecting your bones at every age. Babies Bone growth begins even before babies are born. Premature and low-birth-weight infants often need extra calcium, phosphorus…
Exercise is one of the most beneficial things you can do to take care of your health and body. But as with anything else, too much of a good thing can just be…too much. This can cause overtraining problems in girls and young women. Are you exercising too much and eating too little? If so,…
Treating Sprains and Strains What’s the difference between sprains and strains? A sprain is an injury to a ligament (tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint). When a sprain happens, one or more ligaments is stretched or torn. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (fibrous cords of tissue…
Less pain and stiffness, fewer complications, a shorter (if any) hospital stay, and faster recovery than open surgery are some of the shoulder arthroscopy benefits. But what is it and how is it performed? Read on to find out the facts about shoulder arthroscopy. Shoulder arthroscopy is surgery that uses a tiny camera called an…
Growth plates are areas of growing tissues that enable the long bones in children and teens to continue to grow. When your child is finished growing, the growth plates close and are replaced by solid bone. Since this is the weakest part of the growing skeleton, injuries occur when a break or fracture develops near…
Osteoarthritis FAQ What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis, afflicting 30.8 million adults in the United States. Osteoarthritis is a disease that damages the slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. This allows the bones to rub together. The rubbing causes pain, swelling and loss of motion…
What is Plantar Fasciitis? The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. It provides support to your arches and helps you to walk. Since these ligaments are under a lot of stress in your daily life, plantar fasciitis can frequently occur. SYMPTOMS When you put too much…
Your knees have a big job to do and identifying knee problems, at first pain, is important. They provide support for your body, allowing you to walk, run, jump, turn, stand and crouch. Flexibility and stability are essential for performing these tasks. To help your knees accomplish this, other parts of your body come into…
Sports Specialization in Young Athletes Is the Pressure to Excel Actually Hurting Your Child? Young athletes are being increasingly driven to focus on a single sport in the hopes that they can join elite teams and earn college sports scholarships. The bad news is that early specialization has led to an increase in injuries, overtraining…
The National Institute of Health defines sports injuries as those that occur when engaging in sports or other rigorous physical activity. Some injuries can result from accidents, and others can result from poor training practices or improper gear. Some people get injured when they are not in proper condition. Not warming up or stretching enough…
