Orthopedic surgery can be applied in situations where non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief from pain or address the underlying condition.

While every patient’s situation is unique, there are some common reasons that orthopedic surgery may be called for:

Severe Trauma or Injury

In cases of severe trauma or injury to the musculoskeletal system, orthopedic surgery may be necessary. These conditions include:

• Fractures that cannot be effectively treated with casting or immobilization alone
• Dislocations
• Severe ligament or tendon tears
• Complex joint injurie

Surgery is performed to realign bones, repair damaged tissues and restore stability and function.

Chronic Pain and Degenerative Conditions

Chronic pain that is caused by degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or spinal disc herniation may require orthopedic surgery after the gauntlet of non-surgical options have been exhausted.

Joint replacement surgeries such as hip or knee replacements can provide significant pain relief and improve mobility for individuals with severe joint damage.

Sports Injuries

Athletes who sustain sports injuries such as torn ligaments (ACL, MCL), meniscus tears or cartilage damage can benefit from orthopedic surgery. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, arthroscopic procedures or reconstructive surgeries may be utilized.

These surgeries intend to restore function, stability and range of motion, allowing athletes to get back in the game.

Congenital or Developmental Abnormalities

Orthopedic surgery may be in order for individuals who suffer from congenital or developmental abnormalities of the musculoskeletal system. These conditions can include scoliosis, hip dysplasia, or limb length discrepancies. Orthopedic surgery can:

• Correct deformities
• Improve function
• Prevent long-term complications

Such surgeries are typically performed on children or adolescents to optimize healthy growth and development.

Infection or Tumor

Orthopedic surgery may be necessary to treat infections or tumors that affect the musculoskeletal system.

Surgeries such as debridement (removal of infected tissues), bone grafting or tumor excision are ways to eliminate infections or remove cancerous or benign tumors. These procedures are essential for:

• Preventing the continuing spread of infection
• Preserving limb function
• Avoiding further potential malignancies

Considerations for Undergoing Surgery

The decision to undergo orthopedic surgery is made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration such factors such as the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and goals.

Orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Matthew Dwyer and Dr. Christopher Phelps, at the Orthopedic Performance Institute will work closely with you to assess your condition, explore more conservative treatment options, and determine whether surgery is the most appropriate course of action.

Contact the Orthopedic Performance Institute in San Antonio or Boerne at (210) 545-7171 for more information or to schedule an examination.

The post When do you need orthopedic surgery? appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

Anatomy of the knee 

The knee is a marvel of design. Special ligaments are designed to protect it from injury and to keep it stable.

The femur (thigh bone), tibia (shinbone) and patella (kneecap) all comprise the knee joint. They’re connected to each other by four main ligaments that hold them together to keep the knee stable. The main ligaments are:

Collateral ligaments. Found on the side of the knee, the medial collateral ligament (LCL) protects the knee from unusual motion.

Cruciate ligaments. Found on the inside of the knee joint, they consist of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the front and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the back. These ligaments cross over to form an “X” to control the front and back motion of the knee.

The ACL prevents the knee from sliding in front of the femur and keeps the knee stable. The PCL keeps the shinbone from sliding back too far. Stronger than the ACL, it is injured less frequently.

Injuries can still happen, however — and one of the most frequently occurring is damage to the ACL.

Who Is at risk for ACL injuries?

Those who participate in high-impact sports such as soccer, football and basketball are most likely to injure their ACL. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may be required to get restored to full function.

When an ACL injury happens, damage to other structures can also occur, including articular cartilage, meniscus and other ligaments. These injuries are measured on a scale of severity.

Grade 1 sprains. Here, the ligament is mildly damaged, but it is still able to keep the knee stable.

Grade 2 sprains. Here, the ligament is stretched to the point where it becomes loose and is partially torn. This can be accompanied by a feeling of instability.

Grade 3 sprains. The ligament is completely torn and/or pulled off the bone, and the knee joint is rendered unstable.

Most ACL injuries involve complete tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament. Partial tears are rare.

What causes ACL injury?

• A sudden change in direction
• Stopping abruptly
• Decreasing speed while running
• Landing incorrectly (i.e., from a jump)
• Collision with another athlete (i.e., during a football tackle)

It has been reported that ACL injuries occur more frequently in female athletes than in males, possibly because of differences in physical condition and muscular strength.

What does an ACL injury feel like?

A popping noise, followed by a feeling that your knee is going to give out, is a most common symptom. Your knee will begin to swell within 24 hours. If you attempt to continue intense physical activity, you are in danger of making the injury even worse.

When is surgery required?

Your physician will be able to make the determination, but young athletes who regularly participate in intense sports are the most likely. Surgery may not be required for older athletes who participate in fewer such activities.

What do I do when I’m injured?

See your physician. You’ll be asked about what you were doing when the injury occurred. X-rays and MRIs may be performed so your doctor can see the extent of the injury. You may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for further treatment.

Fortunately, there are now several advancements in treatment available that offer surgical and non-surgical solutions to ACL injuries. OPI’s physicians will determine the best course of action for you.

Trust the professionals at OPI

At the Orthopedic Performance Institute, our physicians are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of ACLs. They will be able to diagnose the severity of the injury, and whether or not you need surgery.

Dr. Alexandra Matthews, OPI’s sports medicine specialist, says: “Don’t ignore the pain or try to fight through it. Have a professional examine the injury as soon as possible.”

Let the Orthopedic Performance Institute help you to get back in the game! Contact them in San Antonio or Boerne at (210) 545-7171.

The post ACL Injuries: Causes and Treatment appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

Babies

Bone growth begins even before babies are born. Premature and low-birth-weight infants often need extra calcium, phosphorus and protein to assure they get the nutrients they need for strong bones. Most baby formula contains calcium and vitamin D.

Breastfed babies get the nutrition they need for good bone health from their mothers. That’s why mothers who breastfeed should increase their intake of vitamin D. Most baby formula contains calcium and vitamin D.

Children

Good bone health begins early in life with good habits. While children and young adults rarely get bone diseases, kids can develop habits that endanger their health and bones. Parents can help by encouraging them to eat healthful food and get at least an hour of physical activity every day.

Jumping rope, running and sports are fun activities that are great for building strong bones. Kids need the amount of calcium equal to three servings of low-fat milk each day. If your child doesn’t drink enough milk, serve low-fat cheese, yogurt or other foods that are high in calcium. If your child is allergic to milk or lactose-intolerant, you should talk to your pediatrician about milk substitutes.

Teens

Teens are especially at risk for not developing strong bones because they are growing so rapidly. Boys and girls from ages 9 to 18 need 1,300 milligrams of calcium each day, more than any other age group. Parents can help teens by making sure they eat four servings of calcium-rich and vitamin D-fortified foods a day.

At least one hour a day of physical activities such as running, skateboarding, sports, and dance is also critical.

But take note: extreme physical exercise when combined with undereating can weaken teens’ bones. Teens who miss adding bone to their skeletons during these crucial years never make it up.

Adults

Adulthood is a time when we need to carefully monitor our bone health. We need 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium, depending on our age, and at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Activity that puts some stress on your bones is essential:

• Physical activity at least 30 minutes every day
• Strength training two to three times a week
• Balance training once a week

Many women over age 50 are at risk for bone disease, but few know it. At menopause, which usually happens in women over age 50, hormone production drops sharply. Because hormones help protect bones, menopause can lead to bone loss. Your doctor can help advise you on protecting bone health around menopause.

Seniors

Seniors can take steps to help prevent bone problems. Physical activity and diet are vital to bone health in older adults. Calcium and vitamin D help reduce bone loss. Activities that put stress on bones keep them strong. Find time for activities like walking, dancing, and gardening. Strengthening your body helps prevent falls. Protecting yourself against falls is key to avoiding a broken hip or wrist. All women over age 65 should have a bone density test.

Seniors should also know that recent studies conclude that anyone over age 50 should increase his or her vitamin D intake to 600 International Units (IU) per day. After age 70, 800 IU per day are needed.

You can prevent most falls

Falls are not just the result of getting older. However, as you age, falls become more dangerous. Most falls can be prevented. Here are some things you can do to make a fall less likely.

Begin a regular exercise program

Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination, like dancing and Tai Chi, are the most helpful. Consider joining an organized program at your local community center or gym.

Make your home safer

• Remove things you can trip over from stairs and places where you walk.
• Remove all small rugs.
• Don’t use step stools. Keep items you need within easy reach.
• Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the bathtub or shower.
• Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and shower.
• Use brighter light bulbs in your home.
• Add handrails and light in all staircases.
• Wear shoes that give good support and have nonslip soles.

Ask a health care professional to review your medicines

Ask your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or other health care professional to review all the medicines you are taking. Make sure to mention over-the-counter remedies such as cold medicine. As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change. Some medications can make you drowsy or light-headed, which can lead to a fall.

Have your vision checked

Poor vision increases your risk of falling. You could be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision.

Your Doctor Can Help You Protect Your Bones at Any Age

Talk to your doctor about bone health. Together you can evaluate your risks. Some things to discuss include your current health, your diet and physical activity levels, and your family background.

The doctor can look at your age, weight, height and medical history. From that, he or she can determine if you need a bone density test. Broken bones are a “red flag” for your doctor. If you break a bone after the age of 50, talk to your doctor about measuring your bone density. Even if you broke a bone in an accident, you might have weak bones. It is certainly worth checking.

If your doctor finds that your bones are becoming weaker, there are things you can do to make them stronger. You can be more physically active, change your diet, and take calcium and vitamin D supplements. If your bones are already weak, there are also medications that stop bone loss. They can even build new bone and make it less likely that you will suffer a broken bone.

The physicians at Orthopedic Performance Institute offer Bone Wellness and Fracture Prevention services dedicated to helping you keep your bones strong for a lifetime. Make an appointment today.

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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 that connect muscle to bone). In a strain, a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.

How do you get them?

Sprains occur most often in the ankle. However, if you fall and land on their hand, you can sprain your wrist. Skiing and other sports can make it more likely for you to sprain your thumb.

Strains are most common in your back and the hamstring muscle in the back of your thigh.

Certain sports can make it more likely for you to have a strain in your back or legs. Examples include:

• Soccer
• Football
• Hockey
• Wrestling
• Boxing

If you play sports that use your hands and arms a lot, you may be more likely to have a strain in your arm or hand. For example:

• Gymnastics
• Tennis
• Rowing
• Golf

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of a sprain include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Inability to use the joint

Strains

In addition to pain, symptoms of a strain include:

• Muscle spasms
• Swelling
• Cramping
• Difficulty moving

If you tear a muscle or tendon completely, it is very painful and hard to move.

What causes sprains and strains?

Sprains

Many things can cause a sprain. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can force your joint out of its normal position. This can cause ligaments around your joint to stretch or tear. Sprains usually happen when you:

• Fall and land on your arm
• Fall on the side of your foot
• Twist a knee

Strains

A strain happens when you twist or pull a muscle or tendon. Strains can happen suddenly or develop over days or weeks. A sudden or acute strain is caused by:

• A recent injury
• Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
• Overstressing your muscles

Chronic strains usually happen when you move the muscles and tendons the same way over and over (repetitive motion).

Testing

Your doctor checks for a sprain or strain by:

• Asking how the injury occurred
• Examining the area
• Ordering an x-ray to make sure no bones are broken

Your doctor may order an MRI to look closely at the area of the injury or pain. An MRI is a test that uses magnetic energy to look inside the body.

How are they treated?

Treatments for sprains and strains are the same. To reduce swelling and pain in the first day or two, doctors usually say to:

• Rest the injured area. If the ankle or knee is hurt, your doctor may tell you to use crutches or a cane.
• Put ice on the injury for 20 minutes 4 to 8 times a day.
• Compress (squeeze) the injury using special bandages, casts, boots, or splints. Your doctor will tell you which one is best for you and how tight it should be.
• Put the injured ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist up on a pillow.
• Take medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

After treating pain and swelling, your doctor may tell you to exercise the injured area. This helps to prevent stiffness and increase strength. In addition, you may need physical therapy. Your doctor or physical therapist will tell you when you can start to do normal activities, including sports. If you begin too soon, you can injure the area again.

Managing sprains and strains

The goal is to get you back to your normal everyday activities, including sports if possible. You should work closely with your doctor or physical therapist to make sure you are ready. It is important that you have the following before returning to normal activity or sports:

• Normal motion
• Flexibility
• Strength

The amount of time you need to fully heal after a sprain or strain depends on the person and the type of injury.

Preventing sprains and strains

You can help prevent sprains and strains by:

• Avoiding exercise or playing sports when tired or in pain.
• Eating a well-balanced diet to keep muscles strong.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Trying to avoid falling (for example, put sand or salt on icy spots on your front steps or sidewalks).
• Wearing shoes that fit well.
• Getting new shoes if the heel wears down on one side.
• Exercising every day.
• Staying in proper physical condition to play a sport.
• Warming up and stretching before playing a sport.
• Wearing protective equipment when playing.
• Running on flat surfaces.

“Strains and sprains are bound to happen for minimally active people all the way up to professional athletes”, says Dr. Alexandra Matthews, Sports Medicine physician with Orthopedic Performance Institute. “There are many treatment options, including simple RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to more aggressive braces or injections. We regularly see both injuries and would be happy to help heal you.”

The Orthopedic Performance Institute is a comprehensive medical practice specializing in adult and pediatric orthopedics and sports medicine, and has office locations in San Antonio, Boerne, or Bulverde.

The post Treating Sprains and Strains appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

Shoulder arthroscopy is surgery that uses a tiny camera called an arthroscope to examine or repair the tissues inside or around your shoulder joint. The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision in your skin.

Arthroscopy may be recommended for these shoulder problems:

• A torn or damaged cartilage ring (labrum) or ligaments
• Shoulder instability, in which the shoulder joint is loose and slides around too much or becomes dislocated (slips out of the ball and socket joint)
• A torn or damaged biceps tendon
• A torn rotator cuff
• A bone spur or inflammation around the rotator cuff
• Inflammation or damaged lining of the joint, often caused by an illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Arthritis of the end of the clavicle (collarbone)
• Loose tissue that needs to be removed
• Shoulder impingement syndrome, to make more room for the shoulder to move around

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and their tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder joint. These muscles and tendons hold the arm in the shoulder joint and help the shoulder move in different directions. The tendons in the rotator cuff can tear when they are overused or injured.

During the procedure, the surgeon:

• Inserts the arthroscope into your shoulder through a small incision. The scope is connected to a video monitor in the operating room.
• Inspects all the tissues of your shoulder joint and the area above the joint. These tissues include the cartilage, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
• Repairs any damaged tissues. To do this, your surgeon makes 1 to 3 more small incisions and inserts other instruments through them. A tear in a muscle, tendon, or cartilage is fixed. Any damaged tissue is removed.

Procedures

Your surgeon may do one or more of these procedures during your operation.

Rotator cuff repair:

• The edges of the tendon are brought together. The tendon is attached to the bone with sutures.
• Small rivets (called suture anchors) are often used to help attach the tendon to the bone.
• The anchors can be made of metal or plastic. They do not need to be removed after surgery.

Surgery for impingement syndrome:

• Damaged or inflamed tissue is cleaned out in the area above the shoulder joint.
• A ligament called the coracoacromial ligament may be cut.
• The underside of a bone called the acromion may be shaved. A bony growth (spur) on the underside of the acromion often causes impingement syndrome. The spur can cause inflammation and pain in your shoulder.

Surgery for shoulder instability:

• If you have a torn labrum, the surgeon will repair it. The labrum is the cartilage that lines the rim of the shoulder joint.
• Ligaments that attach to this area will also be repaired.
• The Bankart lesion is a tear on the labrum in the lower part of the shoulder joint.
• A SLAP lesion involves the labrum and the ligament on the top part of the shoulder joint.

At the end of the surgery, the incisions will be closed with stitches and covered with a dressing (bandage). Most surgeons take pictures from the video monitor during the procedure to show you what they found and the repairs that were made.

Your surgeon may need to do open surgery if there is a lot of damage. Open surgery means you will have a large incision so that the surgeon can get directly to your bones and tissues.

After the Procedure

Recovery can take 1 to 6 months. You will probably have to wear a sling for the first week. If you had a lot of repair done, you may have to wear the sling longer. You may take medicine to control your pain. When you can return to work or play sports will depend on what your surgery involved. It can range from one week to several months.

Physical therapy may help you regain motion and strength in your shoulder. The length of therapy will depend on what was done during your surgery.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Arthroscopy often results in less pain and stiffness, fewer complications, a shorter (if any) hospital stay, and faster recovery than open surgery.

If you had a repair, your body needs time to heal, even after arthroscopic surgery, just as you would need time to recover from open surgery. Because of this, your recovery time may still be long. Surgery to fix a cartilage tear is usually done to make the shoulder more stable. Many people recover fully, and their shoulder stays stable.

Dr. Chris Phelps and Dr. Matthew Dwyer are board certified, expertly-trained surgeons who routinely perform arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

If you feel that you’re a candidate for arthroscopy shoulder surgery and would like an evaluation of your condition, contact Orthopedic Performance Institute in San Antonio at 210-545-7171 or www.orthopedicperformance.com for a consultation.

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Growth plate injuries usually happen at these areas:

• Bones of the legs
• Wrist
• Ankle
• Foot
• Hip bone

Who gets growth plate injuries?

Growth plate injuries happen to children and teens. This injury happens twice as frequently in boys as it does in girls.

What are the symptoms?

Your child or teen could have symptoms of a growth plate injury when he or she:

• Stops playing because of pain after a sudden injury
• Limits the amount of time playing because of an old injury
• Has changes in the way their arm or leg bends
• Cannot move an arm or leg because of pain
• Has pain that continues after an overuse injury

What causes these injuries?

These injuries happen for many reasons. Most occur after a sudden accident, such as falling or having a hard hit to the limb. The most common causes of growth plate injuries include:

• Falling down
• Competitive sports (like football)
• Recreational activities

Sometimes growth plate injuries happen when your child overuses a certain part of the body. Some examples:

• Gymnasts who practice for hours on the uneven bars
• Long-distance runners
• Baseball pitchers perfecting their curve balls

Other reasons for these types of injuries are:

• Child abuse
• Injury from extreme cold (for example, frostbite)
• Radiation used to treat certain cancers
• Medications (i.e. steroids)
• Neurological disorders that cause people to lose their balance and fall
• Some inherited disorders
• Bone infections
• Metabolic disease, such as kidney failure and hormone disorders

How are they identified?

Doctors test for plate injuries by examining the child, asking how the injury occurred and ordering x-rays. Sometimes the fracture may be hard to see. Your doctor may order other tests to look closely at area of the injury or pain, such as:

• CT scan — a special x-ray that helps to see the growth plate
• MRI — a test that uses magnetic energy to look inside the body
• Ultrasound — a test that uses sound waves to look inside the body

How are these injuries treated?

• Using a cast or splint to stop movement
• Setting the bones back in place with manipulation or surgery
• Exercises after the injury heals
• Long-term follow-up, which could include more x-rays

Who treats growth plate injuries?

An orthopedic surgeon treats most growth plate injuries. Your child may be referred to a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bone and joint problems in children.

Living with growth plate injuries

Most njuries get better and do not cause any lasting problems for your child or teen. Occasionally, the bone stops growing and ends up shorter than the other limb. For example, a fractured leg might end up shorter than the other leg. Or, if only part of the plate is injured, the limb can become crooked when only part of the bone keeps growing.

The Orthopedic Performance Institute sees patients ages two and up. If you believe your child has a growth plate injury, we can help.

Contact Orthopedic Performance Institute in San Antonio or Boerne for an appointment today.

The post What are Growth Plate Injuries? appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

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 of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape.

The condition can cause bone spurs to grow on the edges of the joint. Bits of bone or cartilage can break off and float inside the joint space, which causes more pain and damage. Unlike some other forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects only joints and not internal organs.

Who can get it?

Osteoarthritis occurs most often in older people. Younger people sometimes get the disease after joint injuries.

What are the symptoms?

Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but it occurs most often in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Warning signs are:

• Stiffness in a joint after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time.
• Swelling or tenderness in one or more joints.
• A crunching feeling or the sound of bone rubbing on bone.

What causes osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis usually happens gradually over time. Some things that might make it more likely include:

• Being overweight
• Getting older
• Joint injury
• Joints that are not properly formed
• A genetic defect in joint cartilage
• Stresses on the joints from certain jobs and playing sports

Is there a test for the condition?

Most doctors use several methods to diagnose the disease and rule out other problems:

• Ask you about your medical and family history.
• Give you a physical exam.
• X-rays of the bone or images of the soft tissues in the joint.
• Other tests such as blood tests or examination of the fluid in the joints.

How is it treated?

There are many treatments that can help relieve pain and help you live with osteoarthritis. You should talk to your doctor about the best treatments for you, which can include:

• Medicines
• Non-drug pain relief techniques
• Complementary and alternative therapies
• Surgery

“Today there are many surgical and non-surgical options to decrease or stop arthritic pain,” said Orthopedic Performance Institute’s Dr. Alexandra S. Matthews. “We individualize treatment plans, based on our patient’s concerns, needs and comfort levels. We also use a holistic approach, discussing nutrition and exercise as well as medical interventions.”

If you are feeling any of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, catching it early is crucial. Contact Orthopedic Performance Institute in San Antonio for an appointment today.

The post Osteoarthritis FAQ appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

SYMPTOMS

When you put too much pressure on the plantar fascia, you can damage or tear it, resulting in pain at the heel or even all over the bottom of the foot. Various people have described the pain as dull or sharp — even a burning ache.

Plantar fasciitis can also result in loss of flexibility, especially first thing in the morning or after long periods of inactivity. This can make it difficult to walk. Sometimes the pain isn’t felt during a particular activity, but it arises just after stopping.

CAUSES

Being overweight puts more pressure on your plantar fascia ligaments. In fact, women who are in the last stage of pregnancy may experience temporary plantar fasciitis due to the recent weight gain. Rigorous physical activity, such as long-distance running, can be a culprit as well. Jobs that require you to be on your feet a great deal of the time can also inflame the ligaments. Flat feet and high arches can cause plantar fasciitis. Even wearing the wrong shoes can cause the disorder.

Plantar fasciitis can increase over time. Ignoring the symptoms or fighting through the pain can alter the way you walk, spreading the discomfort to your hips, knees and back.

DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will examine your feet to identify the exact location of the pain and make sure it’s not a different problem. The doctor may also perform some foot-flexing. They’ll also check your reflexes, muscle tone, senses and coordination to rule out any other problems. An x-ray or scan may also be ordered to assure that the pain isn’t being caused by a bone fracture.

TREATMENT

At home, stay off your feet and apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes three or four times a day. Curtailing strenuous activity is also a must, as well as stretching exercises and arch supports in your shoes. Anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) may also offer some relief.

Reducing the inflammation is important, but medical treatment may also be required. Your doctor may either inject a corticosteroid into the damaged area or apply a topical ointment, depending on the severity. Physical therapy may also be prescribed. Braces or supports may also be prescribed. Surgery is usually a last resort.

RESULTS

Most people don’t need surgery to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. Dr. Alexandra Matthews, fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Specialist with the Orthopedic Performance Institute, says “There are different treatments for plantar fasciitis such as therapy options, supportive footwear and inserts, or medicines to help you feel better so don’t suffer in silence. We can help improve this condition.”

At Orthopedic Performance Institute, our physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating all types of orthopedic conditions. Our mission is to alleviate your pain and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. Don’t ignore your foot pain — make an appointment with us today.

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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 and burnout, according to recent studies.

What was once a free-play environment that children enjoy has become more demanding, adult-driven and structured. Training is more intense, and the pressure to succeed can be too much for young athletes, leading to burnout and injury. Coaches and parents alike can be responsible for encouraging this intense training and specialization.

In fact, research supports the positive effects of diversification in young athletes as opposed to specialization. Early diversification develops greater motor skills and athleticism that will serve young athletes well if they choose to specialize later.

Signs to Watch Out For

The warning signs of overtraining and burnout include:

• Change in mood
• Lack of enthusiasm
• Weight loss
• Increase in injuries
• Joint and muscle pain
• Exhaustion

If your child has been rigorously participating in a physically demanding team sport (i.e., tennis, football or basketball) and is exhibiting any of these symptoms, talk to them about it. When they feel that they’re in a safe and loving environment, they are more likely to open up about the pressure to succeed and any symptoms they may be experiencing.

Let them know that cutting back on these strenuous activities is nothing to be ashamed of. Have them examined by a pediatric sports specialist to check for any injuries that may have occurred and rehab if necessary.

On the topic, Dr. Alexandra Matthews, Orthopedic Performance Institute Sports Medicine specialist says, “Recent literature has shown an increase in physeal (growth plate) injuries, overtraining syndrome, and other pathologies as a result of specializing too early in sports. Adolescents who play multiple sports and specialize at a later age report more overall satisfaction in their athletic careers. In addition, they are more likely to exercise and participate in pick up games later in life.”

At Orthopedic Performance Institute, our dedicated physicians are experts at identifying and treating pediatric sports injuries. Contact us for an appointment today to ensure that your young athlete stays in top shape. Our offices are conveniently located in San Antonio and Boerne, Texas.

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