Valley Stream Ortho Blogs

Orthopedist in Valley Stream

What is Perthes Disease?

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Perthes Disease is an extremely rare condition that occurs during childhood. Blood flow to the head of the femur becomes disrupted, causing a major disruption to the hip. Since the femur receives limited blood, the bone cells begin to die. While it is technically a disease, it is more of a complex process that lasts through multiple stages. The femur begins to break down over time, but eventually, blood flow to the area returns and the bone builds back up. If you’re seeking assistance regarding Perthes Disease, contacting an Orthopedist in Valley Stream such as the professionals at Advanced Orthopedics would be a viable option.

What are the typical symptoms?

Some common symptoms associated with Perthes Disease include:

  • A profound limp
  • Limited motion
  • A strange running style
  • Pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or knee
  • Pain that becomes worse with physical activity
  • Muscle spasms around the hip

What are the causes of Perthes Disease?

The cause of Perthes Disease is currently unknown, but there may be a genetic correlation with the condition.

How does the disease progress?

  • Initial/Necrosis
    • In this stage, the blood flow is interrupted and bone cells begin to die. The area becomes inflamed and irritated, and a limp may become evident.
  • Fragmentation
    • In this stage, which typically lasts between 1-2 years, the body replaces the dead bone with an initial, softer bone. Fragmentation also causes the bone to become fragile, which increases the chance of potential injury.
  • Reossification
    • Lasting a few years, this stage is marked by the development of a stronger bone in place of the weaker, softer bone.
  • Healed
    • In the final stage, the bone is completely formed and healed.

What are the possible treatment options?

There are many different available treatment options, depending on the severity of the individual case:

  • Observation via frequent x-rays
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Limiting activity that could cause stress to the area
  • Physical therapy exercises
  • Casting and bracing
  • Osteotomy (a surgical procedure to reposition the bone)

If you are seeking assistance for Perthes Disease, Advanced Orthopedics and Joint Preservation, an orthopedist in Valley Stream, can help to treat your condition. Why should you suffer any longer? Our experienced, knowledgeable and skilled orthopedic surgeon can evaluate your condition and deem whether or not surgery (along with pre and post surgical rehab) is applicable. Contact Advanced Orthopedics and Joint Preservation, an orthopedist in Valley Stream, to schedule an appointment today!

How to Avoid Runner’s Knee (patellofemoral pain)

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The knee is a rather unique joint since it’s active in most of our movements that involve the lower body. When you experience pain in the knee (also known as patellofemoral pain) it can negatively impact your quality of life. The reason for this is because our knees are used frequently throughout the day and any form of pain can steadily become tiresome. This is primarily the case if you’re a runner since running can put copious amounts of stress on your knees. If you have been experiencing chronic pain in your knee, click here to schedule an appointment at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation and request an orthopedist in Valley Stream.

What is Runner’s Knee?

Runner’s knee is a commonly experienced condition among runners, hence the name. It often is caused by overuse of the knee, but can also be the result of weak knee muscles or previous injury to the patellofemoral cap. Symptoms include the following:

  • Pain upon movements such as:
  • Squatting
  • Kneeling
  • Jumping
  • Climbing
  • Sitting for a long period of time
  • A dull ache

How Can I Avoid Runner’s Knee?

To avoid patellofemoral pain, take the following steps and keep your knees healthy:

  • Warm up before physical activity.
  • Make sure that your body is in the proper physical condition for extended activity.
  • Consider asking an orthopedist in Valley Stream about exercises to correct an improper gait and strengthen the muscles around the knee.

How is Runner’s Knee Treated?

To give a proper diagnosis, an orthopedic specialist may order an MRI, CT scan or an X-ray to get a better look at your knee. After ruling out all other possible conditions, you may be given a diagnosis of runner’s knee. In this case, treatment usually requires the following steps to be taken:

  • Knee supports can be worn to ease the pain and take pressure off the knee.
    • Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may temporarily reduce pain associated with runner’s knee.
    • Surgery offers more permanent relief.
      • An orthopedist can perform the following surgical procedures to help relieve your pain:
  • Arthroscopy
  • A surgical procedure that is done to remove pieces of damaged cartilage in the knee.
  • Realignment of the knee
  • This is another surgical procedure that is done to reposition the kneecap, relieving some of the pressure from the cartilage.

For an orthopedist in Valley Stream that offers the aforementioned treatments, contact  Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation to request an appointment.

What Is An ACL Tear?

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From athletes to everyday people, the looming threat of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear can be worrisome for anyone. The ACL is one of the four major joints that’s able to give the knee stability. If a tear occurs, it can potentially have a quality of life altering effect. Examples of this could be a season-ending sports injury or even making everyday activities such as walking a strenuous task. If you have suffered from this injury, Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation has an orthopedist in Valley Stream that can provide assistance.

Who is at risk

Usually, athletes are the most common group of people who suffer from ACL tears. Those specifically at risk are the ones who play a sport that involves a sudden change of direction. Football and soccer are strong examples of this since they involve precise/sharp movements in order to dodge defenders. ACL tears typically occur during a non-contact injury that involves a sudden twisting motion. The injury can require surgery, and this combined with the rehab process ordinarily forces an athlete to miss their entire season. In severe cases, the injury can also cut into the following season, depending upon the extent of the rehab process.

What it is

Physicians are able to diagnose the severity of ACL injuries by classifying them through a grading system. Grades one and two refer to when the ligament is either stretched or partially torn. A grade three is only diagnosed when there is a complete tear of the ligament. When this occurs, the ACL is torn into two pieces, which results in the knee joint becoming unstable.

Symptoms

Symptoms that have been reported in regards to an ACL tear include:

  • Experiencing a “pop” at the time of injury
  • Immediate swelling of the knee after injury
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Feeling of the knee “giving out”
  • Deep pain within the knee

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation has an orthopedist in Valley Stream that will determine the best course of action moving forward.

Prevention

Often times, the tearing of an ACL can be a freak incident, occurring spontaneously without warning. Because of this, preventive measure for an ACL tear are often difficult to anticipate and time correctly. However, athletes do have the option of incorporating workout regimens that can prepare them for a potential knee injury and possibly preclude it all together. These regimens often include running, stretching, strength exercises, agility training, and a cool down to help combat this type of knee injury. This program should be done 2-3 times a week in order to fully maximize the potential injury prevention benefits. For more information, you can contact a local orthopedist in Valley Stream at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation.

Treatment

Unfortunately, even with prevention training, it is still plausible for an ACL injury to occur. When this happens, there are various treatment options available for use, depending upon the severity of the tear. Small and partial tears can be treated with physical therapy and wearing knee braces to help gradually increase strength and stability in the knee. More serious cases may call for surgical repair. After the surgery, physical therapy is necessary and it will often be 12 months before an athlete can return to games. Our orthopedist in Valley Stream at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation can evaluate your injury to make sure you get the best treatment possible.  

Missing time due to an injury can be disheartening for an athlete. While prevention methods can be put in place, sometimes a freak accident occurs that results in injury. If this has happened to you, please contact Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation to see our orthopedist in Valley Stream so you can begin treatment and get yourself back on the field.  

Benefits of a SuperPath Hip Replacement

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Joint replacement surgery is considered major surgery and the procedure is typically followed by a long period of rehabilitation in order to help ensure a full recovery. Fortunately, miracles of modern medical advancements have developed an entirely new hip replacement surgical technique, referred to as the SuperPath hip replacement.

The SuperPath hip replacement technique is a minimally invasive joint replacement surgery that only requires modest recovery time. A compelling aspect of the technique is that it does not require dislocation of the hip in order to complete a successful operation. Contact Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation to make an appointment with a local orthopedist in Valley Stream that offers this surgery. The following benefits are associated with this state-of-the-art procedure:

  • Typically a decrease in total pain following the procedure.
  • Usually a decrease in the amount of tissue damage.
  • No dislocation of the hip is required, placing little to no stress on the joint itself.
  • Quicker hospital stay; in some cases, patients are released after just 24 hours.

How does a SuperPath hip replacement work?

The entire procedure allows for the least amount of damage to the hip joint because it allows for tissue preservation instead of tissue loss. In simpler terms, less of your muscle is being cut and damaged. The entire incision size is generally no larger than five inches, and it is done while the patient is lying on their side with their affected hip facing upwards. If you are considering surgical options for a hip replacement, contact us here for more information regarding an orthopedist in Valley Stream.

What should I expect following my surgery?

Once your procedure has concluded, you may be required to stay at the hospital. If that is the case, your stay will most likely not exceed two days. Your doctor may recommend that you use supportive walking equipment such as crutches or a cane to help decrease your recovery time and increase healing. Depending upon confirmation from your physician, you will be allowed to engage in most activities following the procedure.

Although there are often little limitations to what you can do after your surgery, it is recommended that you do not participate in any vigorous exercise including running and jogging as well as contact sports. If you are interested in learning more about the SuperPath hip replacement procedure, request an appointment with our orthopedist in Valley Stream at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation here.

Orthopedic Urgent Care

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Suffering from a spontaneous swollen ankle injury? Don’t feel like waiting a few days for an orthopedist to squeeze you into his or her busy schedule? Having to deal with the throbbing pain can be not only physically taxing but mentally stressful as well. Luckily, Advanced Orthopedics and Joint Preservation offer orthopedist in Valley Stream Monday through Friday!

What are the signs that I should see an urgent care orthopedist?

Swollen ankles typically can occur as a result of a sudden accident-related injury. Examples of this would be slipping and falling on a wet surface or even banging your ankle against furniture. When examining your ankle for potential injury, you need to be on the lookout for warning signs. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should visit an orthopedic urgent care:

  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Extreme pain or discomfort
  • Inability to walk
  • Fever or inflammation
  • Limited range of motion

What could orthopedic urgent care do for me?

Much like the majority of urgent care facilities, an Orthopedic urgent care is convenient and can typically give patients assistance when they need it. Urgent care for orthopedic matters could be extremely beneficial and help to stop injuries from worsening. As is the case with most injuries, identifying the problem early on can help lead to a potentially accelerated recovery process. Seeing an Orthopedist in Valley Stream can help begin treatment plans early, as well as differentiate between a break, fracture, or sprain upon the initial examination. Orthopedic urgent care gives you same-day access to quality orthopedic care for patients of all ages. Orthopedic urgent care could benefit those who recently experienced:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Fractures
  • Bone injuries
  • Joint injuries
  • Foot injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Knee injuries
  • Sports injuries

If you recently experienced an injury and are looking for orthopedist in Valley Stream, contact Advanced Orthopedics and Joint Preservation to come in to be assessed by an orthopedist immediately. Don’t wait until your injury worsens or the swelling spreads! Seeking immediate treatment for any potential injury usually leads to better results during the recovery timetable. Get your injury checked out by Advanced Orthopedics and Joint Preservation right after it occurs!

Shin Splints

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The term “shin splints” refers to the pain that occurs when muscles, tendons, and bone tissue become overworked. Shin splint pain concentrates in the lower leg between the knee and ankle. Trying to cope with shin splints can gradually become a nuisance, especially if you’re constantly on your feet throughout the day. If you commonly suffer from shin splints and want more information, contact our orthopedist in Valley Stream at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation today.  

Causes Of Shin Splints

The discomfort that occurs with shin splints is often the result of disproportionate force on the shin bone and the tissues attaching the shin bone. This force can build up through repeated movements and other actions that steadily require overuse of the shin. Our orthopedist in Valley Stream can provide more information and help you determine when to seek treatment for your shin splints.

How To Avoid Shin Splints

Shin splints often come on suddenly and without warning and therefore can be difficult to prevent. Runners and athletes, in particular, are at a high risk of getting shin splints. This is due to the continuous movements/actions that these individuals are required to engage in during exercise and other activities. Here are some ways to prevent shin splints while exercising:

  • Wear shoes that fit properly and offer a lot of support.
  • Periodically increase exercise intensity.
  • Utilize shock absorbing insoles.
  • Add exercises to your workout that strengthen and stabilize your legs, ankles, hips, and core.
  • Warm up before exercising.
  • Cool down after workouts.

How Can We Help?

Shin splints are usually harmless and temporary, and they can be treated with rest and ice. However, if shin splints continually occur and last long periods of time, you may need to seek medical attention. With repeated stress-related injuries such as shin splints, the bone itself can be affected and could potentially develop into a more severe injury such as a stress fracture. Make an appointment with our orthopedist in Valley Stream if you often get shin splints that are severe, frequent or do not subside with self-care. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, we offer quality care with a specialty in sports medicine.

Ankle and ACL Injuries From Playing Soccer

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Soccer is a great sport for aerobic exercise while also gaining skills in team building. However, people who play sports, like soccer, should understand that being an athlete puts you at risk for a potential injury. Leg injuries are typically a common occurrence amongst most soccer players. This is because the sport requires the athlete to be frequently moving and using their legs extensively. The injuries suffered can vary from minor sprains, shin splints or in extreme circumstances a torn ACL. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, you can meet an orthopedist in Valley Stream that specializes in ankle and ACL athletic injuries.

Ankle Sprains

Considered by some to be the most common ankle injury. It typically occurs when there is stretching and tearing of the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. This usually happens when athletes miss a step or jump and land wrong. The severity of the injury varies depending on the tear of the ligament. Symptoms consist of extreme swelling and pain to the point where it’s very difficult or impossible to walk without assistance.

Treatment for Ankle Sprains

Minor sprains can be healed with ice, rest, compression and elevation. If it doesn’t heal with home treatments within 2-3 days, you should seek medical treatment. More extreme sprains can be healed with ankle sprain therapy. An orthopedist in Valley Stream can help assist you with your ankle sprain by providing medical and at home treatments.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

This is a common knee injury for athletes. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to have surgery in order to regain full function of your knee. This can be caused by landing wrong, stopping suddenly, or strong physical contact. Symptoms include extreme swelling, loss of full range of motion, tenderness in the knee, and discomfort while walking. If an ACL injury is ignored and you return to the field anyway, it can put you at risk for causing further damage to the knee.

Treatment for ACL Injuries

In most cases, a person who tears their ACL will need to get surgery because it’s almost impossible for it to heal on its own. The surgery consists of removing the torn ligament and replacing it with a tissue graft, which acts as a scaffolding for a new ligament to grow on. Whether you need surgery or not, physical therapy is crucial for rehabilitation so you can eventually walk normal again and play soccer.

If you are looking for an Orthopedist in Valley Stream for your soccer injury, set up an appointment with our specialists at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation today!

Knee Pain After Running

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These days, there seem to be almost hundreds of different methods for getting fit and exercising. Gym goers now incorporate several specialized machines for specific parts of the body, along with unique workout routines that each have their own pros and cons. If you feel overwhelmed by this over-saturation of workout equipment, then a great kickstarter for your fitness journey might be one of the classic ways, running. Going for a run is an outstanding, cost-effective technique for getting yourself into the shape you desire. However, if you are not careful, you could pay for it in different ways. Frequent running/jogging can occasionally lead to discomfort in the lower part of the body, primarily in the knees. That is where Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, an orthopedist in Valley Stream, is able to provide assistance.      

Causes

Common causes of knee pain after running are:

  • Weak Leg Muscles –  Leg muscles that are disproportionate and too rigid can lead to knee pain after running.
  • Overuse – Naturally, using your knee over and over again can gradually wear it down. It can also affect the soft tissue of the legs and the knee, leading to pain during or after running.
  • Flat Feet – Allowing the entire sole of your foot to touch the ground with each step could potentially lead to knee pain.
  • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS) – Pain is felt throughout the kneecap itself and can be made worse by running directly up or down a steep hill.
  • Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) – Pain is felt on the side of the knee, ITBS affects the tendon connecting the side of the knee and the side of the thigh. The tendon, or the area around the tendon, may get worn down which can lead to discomfort.     

Symptoms

Common symptoms of knee pain after running are:

  • Pain that exacerbates when walking downhill or down the stairs.
  • Using your legs with regularity, but still experiencing pain when you walk, sit, bend, squat, or get up.
  • If you’re walking on an uneven surface and slip while twisting your knee, you could potentially tear or damage your ACL. An ACL tear typically leads to pain around the outside of the knee, which can create swelling.
  • You’re constantly hearing a popping or grinding noise emanating from your knee.

If you’re struggling with any of these symptoms, consult your local orthopedist in Valley Stream for potential treatment options and a specialized plan of attack.  

Treatments

Treatments can include:

    • Training – You may steadily develop your training techniques in order to strengthen your knee. It’s imperative that you give your body time to acclimate itself to your program.
    • Weight Loss – Losing weight can help relieve some of the pressure being placed on your knees.
    • Ice your knee – In an effort to reduce pain and swelling, icing your knee with regularity can be effective.

If you or anyone you know are experiencing these symptoms and need a helping hand, then head to Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation in Brooklyn. We can help assist you and treat your knee pain, setting you up on the road to recovery. Whether you need to just take it easy on your knees or “kneed” to get a replacement, Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation an orthopedist in Valley Stream is the one for you!   

Common Fall Sports Injuries

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After a few good months of relaxation and warm weather, the fall season and all that it brings can be an adjustment. With school and fall sports back in full swing, everyone’s schedules are jam-packed. Sometimes the sudden uptick in activity can cause too much strain on the body causing injury. If you have a sports injury and are looking for an excellent orthopedist in Valley Stream, look no further than Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation.

Common Fall Sports Injuries:

Popular fall sports include soccer, cheerleading, volleyball, field hockey, cross country, and football. While each of these are excellent means of staying fit while having fun, they can lead to a plethora of injuries. Some of the most common fall sports injuries include:

  • Ankle sprain
  • Groin pull
  • Shin splints
  • Tennis elbow
  • Knee injury

If you have suffered any of these injuries and are looking for effective and comprehensive treatment, contact us for an exceptional orthopedist in Valley Stream!

Prevention:

Sports injuries can be incredibly frustrating. That’s why it’s best to prevent them before they happen. Here are some things that you can do in order to prepare for a successful and injury-free fall sports season:

  • Stay/get in shape: Exercising year round is key to your body’s success during the fall. Stay on top of your physical fitness by writing an exercise plan for yourself and sticking to it. Make sure to include exercises that will target any problem areas without overworking them.
  • Get the proper gear: Many fall sports require protective gear such as pads. Be sure that your equipment is up to date and fitted correctly to prevent injury.
  • Stretch: Stretching will keep your muscles limber and flexible over the summer, and will warm your body up both pre- and post-game or workout.

How We Can Help:

At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, our team of experts will diagnose your injury and work with you to create a customized treatment plan that will get you back on your feet and back on the field fast. For an excellent orthopedist in Valley Stream, contact us and make an appointment today!

How To Avoid An ACL Tear

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ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) knee injuries can be extremely painful and are very common among young athletes. More than 50,000 ACL injuries occur in female athletes at the high school and intercollegiate varsity levels in an average year. If you have suffered from an ACL tear or want more information, contact our orthopedist in Valley Stream at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation today.  

ACL Function

Ligaments are what connect bones to other bones. They hold the bones together and keep your knee stable. The ACL is a ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shinbone, at the knee. ACL tears can be caused by:

  • Quickly changing direction
  • Suddenly stopping
  • Slowing down while running
  • Landing from a jump
  • Direct contact or collision

ACL Tear Symptoms

When an ACL tear occurs, your knee may give out and will likely hear a popping sound. Some of the other symptoms include:

  • Immediate swelling after the injury
  • Loss of full range of motion
  • Instability in the knee
  • Tenderness along the joint
  • Discomfort while walking
  • Knee may feel warm to the touch

ACL Tear Prevention

ACL injuries often come on suddenly and without warning and therefore can be difficult to prevent. Speaking with our orthopedist in Valley Stream at Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation is a good place to start. Risk factors such as reduced hamstring strength and weak muscle areas can be identified by an orthopedist and thus help prevent injury through specific stretches and exercises. Some current studies also found that specific types of training, such as jump routines and learning to pivot properly, have helped athletes prevent ACL injuries.

How Can Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation Help?

If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms or could be at risk for an ACL tear, our orthopedist in Wantagh can help you. We offer quality care with a specialty in sports medicine. Treatment for an ACL injury depends on the severity of the injury and can range from nonsurgical treatment, like wearing a brace or going to physical therapy, to surgical treatment. Contact our orthopedist in Wantagh today so we can come up with the best treatment plan for you.