Category: Uncategorized
What is scar tissue?
You cut yourself. You bleed. After a few minutes, the bleeding slows and stops. A day or two later, you notice a brownish scab forms over the wound. After a while, the scab falls off and a smooth, hairless patch appears underneath—a scar is formed.
Chances are you’ve witnessed the life-cycle of a scar on your skin without knowing what was really going on under the surface.
Cuts and surgical wounds separate layers of skin, fat, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues. To bridge the gap, your body’s myofibroblasts make collagen and knit the edges of your […]
How do you choose the right orthopaedic surgeon?
Jerry’s limp was getting worse. The injury that started out as a mild irritation had become a constant pain that kept him awake at night. He made an appointment with his primary care provider. After a short office visit and an X-ray, his doctor confirmed Jerry’s fear. His knee needed surgical repair. Jerry left his doctor’s office with an appointment scheduled to see an orthopaedic surgeon. But, Jerry wanted to make sure the surgeon who operated on his hip offered expert care.
You, like Jerry, may need to find an orthopaedic provider. How do you know […]
Hydrate for better performance and less joint pain
Water accounts for nearly 70 percent of a person’s body weight. It’s necessary for life.
Yet every day, the average person loses nearly 10 cups of water as the body rids itself of toxins through breathing, sweating and going to bathroom. In order for the major organs, muscles and brain to function properly, people need to continually replenish this fluid to prevent dehydration.
Why is it important to stay hydrated?
Water is foundational to health. Fluid surrounds the nucleus of every one of the billions of cells in your body. A healthy, hydrated body:
- Maintains a stable temperature
- Metabolizes energy […]
Do glucosamine and chondroitin supplements really work?
We would like to say, “Yes, the supplements always work and relieve pain.” But the best we can say is, “They work for some people, some of the time..”
Major studies show they may work slightly better than placebo for people who have knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
If you decide to try glucosamine and chondroitin on your own, talk to your healthcare provider to make sure there is no danger of interactions with your other medications.
What is glucosamine?
Glucosamine sulfate is a chemical found naturally in the fluid that surrounds your joints. Some scientists believe glucosamine:
- increases […]
Improve bone health with these five types of foods
We know a balanced diet incorporating many types of nutritious food is necessary for healthy bones.
Outside of the traditional vitamin D fortified milk and cheese, there are non-traditional foods with bone-strengthening power.
Whey Protein
A high concentration of conjugated linoleic fatty acids (CLA) and omega-3 fatty acids put whey protein on the list as a super bone-building food. But whey’s secret weapon may be its lactoferrin. A small study published in Osteoporosis International suggested ribonuclease-enhanced lactoferrin may reduce bone resorption and increase osteoblastic bone formation. Whey protein is reported to prevent bone loss and promote bone growth.
Add whey […]
Tis the season for healthy herbs and spices
“I’m hungry,” nine-year-old Mike whined. “What’s for dinner?”
“What IS for dinner?” Jesse groaned. “The same old meat, potatoes and green beans. It’s all you guys ever want to eat. Bor-ing!”
Jesse flung open the spice cupboard. There has to be something in here that will tickle our taste buds, but what?”
While rummaging through the cabinet, Jesse pulled out the smartphone to google the best tasting combinations for tonight’s chicken and mashed potatoes.
Jesse didn’t realize many of herbs and spices that create appetizing flavors also boost the family’s health.
What’s in your cupboard?
From mulled-apple cider to rosemary-and-sage-laced stuffing, […]
Cross country running requires special conditioning
The movie McFarland, USA, tells the story of a small group of underprivileged young men who gained confidence and developed life-long relationships as they became a winning cross country team. The film, starring Kevin Costner, also portrays what it takes to succeed in cross country running – hard work, conditioning and the will to win.
In a few weeks, you may see teams of high school students running on roadways, in fields, and through parks, as they get in shape. There’s a good reason why these students are not running on a conventional track.
During a cross […]
Stretch before winter fun
Bare trees, snow, ice, and brisk air can only mean one thing it’s time to break out the cold-weather gear and head outside for winter activities. But, while the winter season creates an opportunity for frosty fun, competing and working out in the cold temperatures can leave your muscles, bones, and joints prone to injury.
Snow and slush can cause strains and sprains.
A change in season usually means a change in your regular workout or activity. Unless you have been conditioning your bones and soft tissues, they will be unprepared to handle the stress of the new movements, increasing your risk for strains and sprains.
Cold […]
Prevent ladder injuries. Follow the “Rule of Three” and other ladder-safety tips.
Cleaning gutters. Washing windows. Holiday decorating.
These are just a few of the chores people will complete this fall while using a ladder.
They also may be the reasons that orthoinfo broadcasts public-safety-announcements (PSAs) about ladder safety. Or perhaps the good people at orthoinfo want you to avoid becoming part of EHS Today’s “Idiots on Ladders” photo gallery. Caution: The stunts depicted in these photos should only be undertaken by trained stunt professionals.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 500,000 ladder-related injuries required medical treatment in […]
Winter is a great time for groin pulls
Whether you play hockey or your foot slips while you’re walking across an icy driveway, stretching one of your inner thigh muscles past its normal limits can cause significant pain.
Most groin pulls occur when you move your leg with a fast and forceful motion or your leg changes direction rapidly. The level of pain accompanying a groin pull depends on the severity of the adductor muscle injury. Like other strains, groin pulls are diagnosed using a graded scale.
- Grade 1 – The adductor injury is classified as a slight tear. After the initial sharp pain, […]
