Musculoskeletal injuries can be debilitating. An orthopaedic injury can severely limit your range of motion and movement. This makes day to day tasks and activities we normally take for granted, such as walking or reaching, nearly impossible. If you have experienced orthopaedic injuries such as arthritis, tendon tears, bone fractures or inflammation, it’s time to make a physical therapy appointment with an orthopaedic specialist.

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The spine is comprised of 23 vertebral discs. These discs are flexible and rubbery cushions that support the bones (or vertebrae) in the spine. Each disc is comprised of a thick and fibrous outer ring of cartilage called the “annulus fibrosus,” as well as a soft, inner gel-like substance, called the “nucleus pulposus.”

If you have problems with your knees, elbows, back, wrist or other bones and joints, your orthopaedic specialist may suggest surgery for a musculoskeletal injury. While common bone and joint issues such as aches and pains or arthritis can often be treated by non surgical means, some conditions like severely worn down joints or torn rotator cuffs require surgery. Common orthopaedic surgeries include total joint replacement of the knee, hip, or shoulder, ligament repairs, and spine surgery.

Baby it’s cold outside! With the winter weather comes hot cocoa, snow ball fights, holiday celebrations, and unfortunate cold weather pains. The cold and slick weather can exacerbate pain and makes the body more prone to injury. Bones and joints are particularly affected, and those in the foot are no exception. Common foot problems such as foot pain and injury can seriously hold you back this winter. Read on to learn why cold weather can bother your feet, and learn how to keep healthy and pain-free this winter.

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Degenerative Disc Disease refers to the weakening of one or more vertebral discs. As we mentioned in our latest spine-education blog (on herniated discs,) the spine is comprised of 23 vertebral discs which act as shock absorbers or cushions in-between the bones (or vertebrae) in the spine.

Welcome to the new year! January means it’s time to set resolutions for the year ahead. What do you hope to accomplish this year? For many, leading a healthier life is at the top of their list. Whether that’s through better diet, habits, or exercise, improving your health this year will not only make the year better but will improve your quality of life in later years.

Winter is here and while the snowiest of seasons sets the scene for magical wonderlands and holidays of joy, it also brings with it hazardous ice and injuries. Not only can cold weather cause arthritis flares, dangerous slips and falls can result in numerous orthopaedic injuries.

Ice is the number one culprit for these falls, greatly raising the risk of injury in the wintertime. A slip on slick ice can cause injuries that include:

Hip pain can put a damper on your day to day life. What may start as an annoying ache, can lead to chronic pain and disability. A hip injury can lead to acute pain and a lack of mobility that makes everyday tasks, something as simple as walking or sitting, incredibly difficult. Chronic hip pain can lead to a debilitating decrease in mobility. If you’re hip has been causing you grief, whether a slight annoyance or severe, it’s always best to consult a hip specialist.

A hip specialist is a physician who focuses their practice on the bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments that make up the hip joint. A visit with a hip specialist will help you swiftly diagnose your hip issue and find the best course of treatment to reduce pain and improve mobility in the hip. Treatment for a hip injury ranges from non-invasive treatments such as physical therapy to surgical options such as hip arthroplasty, also known as hip replacement. Your hip specialist will help you determine the least invasive course of action to address your injury. MidAmerica Orthopaedics’ Total Joint Clinic is home to award-winning hip specialists, including surgeon Dr. Sarkis Bedikian. Dr. Bedikian specializes in hip replacement surgery, with a goal of dramatically improving his patient’s quality of life.