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 also be used prior to your surgery to help relieve pain and make recovery easier. Patients who received iovera° as part of their recovery plan reported:

• Greater range of motion
• Less difficulty straightening their bent knee
• Less difficulty bending their straight knee

Additionally, studies have shown that iovera° can help reduce opioid use after knee replacement surgery. 68% less opioids were needed during the hospital stay and 45% less opioid medication was needed 12 weeks after surgery. Patients continued to have reduced stiffness at 30 days and improved ability to complete routine tasks at 90 days.

How does it work?

iovera° uses extreme cold to stop nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. Relief is felt immediately and can last up to 90 days.

The iovera° system is a handheld device that lets Dr. Matthews, our sports medicine specialist, apply just the right amount of extreme cold only to the nerves that needs to be targeted — the ones causing you pain. This process delivers immediate pain relief in the time it takes for a routine doctor’s visit, and it doesn’t hurt. iovera° does not contain medicine. It’s also safe and does not damage or destroy any surrounding tissue.

What does the procedure involve?

A numbing agent (topical or injected) is applied to minimize discomfort during treatment. iovera° treatment is not painful. Then, a small probe (called a “Smart Tip”) is inserted into the skin. Under the skin, a precise cold zone forms, which temporarily freezes the targeted nerve. Dr. Matthews will repeat this process until the targeted nerve is blocked. The entire treatment takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

How should I prepare?

It’s easy to prepare for the iovera° treatment. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to the knee area (shorts are a good option).

Dr. Matthews will go over your medical history with you, including:

• Any daily medicines you take (e.g., blood thinners, pain medicine)
• Health history and health conditions you have now and/or have had in the past
• Any previous surgery, treatment, or trauma
• Any previous medical diagnosis regarding the treatment area
• If you have a history of keloid (a raised scar after an injury has healed) formation
• If you have a history of reactions to local anesthetics
• If you have a history of sensitivity to pain or cold
• Any open or infected wounds in the treatment area
• If you regularly use anticoagulants such as fish oil, Coumadin, aspirin, or NSAIDS [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen]

On the day of the procedure, we will assess your pain, clean and mark the treatment area, and numb it prior to the procedure. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows for easy access to the knee area (shorts are a good option).

Are you seeking relief from knee pain and stiffness? Contact the Orthopedic Performance Institute in San Antonio for a consultation with Dr. Matthews about iovera°.

The post All About iovera° appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

What types of arthritis are there?*

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Some people call it degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips and knees.

With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change. These changes usually develop slowly and get worse over time. OA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. In some cases it also causes reduced function and disability; some people are no longer able to do daily tasks or work.

Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Pain or aching
• Stiffness
• Decreased range of motion (or flexibility)
• Swelling

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body.

RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue. This tissue damage can cause long-lasting or chronic pain, unsteadiness (lack of balance), and deformity (misshapenness).

RA can also affect other tissues throughout the body and cause problems in organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.

Signs and symptoms of RA include:

• Pain or aching in more than one joint
• Stiffness in more than one joint
• Tenderness and swelling in more than one joint
• The same symptoms on both sides of the body (such as in both hands or both knees)
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Weakness

FIBROMIALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain all over the body (also referred to as widespread pain), sleep problems, fatigue, and often emotional and mental distress. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without fibromyalgia. This is called abnormal pain perception processing. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults, about 2% of the adult population. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known, but it can be effectively treated and managed.

The most common symptoms of fibromyalgia are:

• Pain and stiffness all over the body
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Depression and anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Problems with thinking, memory, and concentration
• Headaches, including migraines

GOUT

Gout is a common form of inflammatory arthritis that is very painful. It usually affects one joint at a time (often the big toe joint). There are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when there are no symptoms, known as remission. Repeated bouts of gout can lead to gouty arthritis, a worsening form of arthritis.

There is no cure for gout, but you can effectively treat and manage the condition with medication and self-management strategies.

Gout flares start suddenly and can last days or weeks. These flares are followed by long periods of remission—weeks, months, or years—without symptoms before another flare begins. Gout usually occurs in only one joint at a time. It is often found in the big toe. Along with the big toe, joints that are commonly affected are the lesser toe joints, the ankle, and the knee.

Symptoms in the affected joint(s) may include:

• Pain, usually intense
• Swelling
• Redness
• Heat

LUPUS

Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects many different parts of the body. An autoimmune disease occurs when the body’s immune system attacks itself because it cannot tell the difference between healthy tissue and foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.

Lupus symptoms can show up in many different ways and are often mistaken for symptoms of other diseases. This is why it can be hard to diagnose and is often called “the great imitator.” Lupus symptoms can range from mild to life threatening, so early diagnosis and treatment by a rheumatologist are essential. A rheumatologist is a doctor who has additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, lupus, and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones.

People with lupus can have many different symptoms, including:

• Fatigue or extreme exhaustion no matter how much they sleep
• Muscle and joint pain or swelling
• Skin rashes (in particular a butterfly-shaped face rash across the cheeks and nose)
• Fever
• Hair loss
• Recurring mouth sores

CHILDHOOD ARTHRITIS

Arthritis in children is called childhood arthritis or juvenile arthritis. The most common type of childhood arthritis is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Childhood arthritis can cause permanent physical damage to joints. This damage can make it hard for the child to do everyday things like walking or dressing and can result in disability. Symptoms may come and go over time. There may be times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when symptoms get better, known as remission. Signs and symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Swelling
• Fever
• Stiffness
• Rash
• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Loss of appetite
• Inflammation of the eye
• Difficulty with daily living activities such as walking, dressing and playing

If you (or your child) are experiencing any of the symptoms described here, contact Orthopedic Performance Institute at (210) 545-7171 for a consultation and examination. Although arthritis cannot be reversed, it can be stopped in its tracks — allowing you to live a more healthy, active life.

*Information from the CDC.

The post Types of Arthritis and Their Symptoms appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.

• 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 ten or fifteen minutes), or call to request a home stretching routine that we can send to you.
• Get good sleep. Studies show that decreased sleep can lead to an increase in perceived pain.
• Call OPI. We are still open and would be happy to take care of you. We are now offering virtual appointments.

The post Managing Osteoarthritis / Knee Pain During the COVID-19 Pandemic 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.

• Bones
• Cartilage
• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Tendons

Common knee problems affect flexibility, performance and the ability to bear weight without pain.

POINTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT KNEE PROBLEMS

1. Knee problems can be caused by injury, obesity and various diseases, including osteoarthritis, bursitis and gout.
2. Men, women, and children can all develop knee problems. They can affect all races and ethnic backgrounds.
3. The symptoms of knee problems depend on the type of injury or disorder, but most all of them trigger pain and can limit your range of movement.
4. Don’t try to fight through the pain. Contact a physician if you are experiencing these symptoms:

—You can’t bear weight on the knee
—It’s visibly swollen
—You can’t fully extend or flex it
—You can see an obvious deformity
—Pain, redness and swelling are accompanied by a fever
—You feel as if your knee might give out when you try to walk

TREATMENT OF KNEE DISORDERS

The course of treatment for knee problems depends upon its source. Is the source obvious, like a sports injury, or is it something more difficult to see — if at all — such as the development of osteoarthritis?

A qualified orthopedic surgeon will diagnose your specific knee ailment by taking a medical history, performing a physical exam and ordering tests to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain. Then, the doctor will be able to put together the best course of action for you.

Regarding knee pain, Dr. Alexandra Matthews, Sports Medicine Specialist for the Orthopedic Performance Institute says, “I encourage my patients to never suffer in silence! There have been numerous advancements in the treatment of knee pain, and many ways to treat pain without surgery are available. Two of the latest options include peripheral nerve stimulation — where you use a small simulator to keep the nerve from firing in pain, and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections — where you use your own blood to heal your knee pain.”

At Orthopedic Performance Institute, our physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating all types of knee ailments. Our mission is to alleviate your pain and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible. If you’re experiencing any of the above warning signs of knee problems, make an appointment today.

The post Identifying Knee Problems appeared first on Orthopedic Performance.