Ways to Alleviate Joint Pain
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Joint pain can occur in various body parts, including the shoulders, knees, and hips. Previous joint injury, weight, age, underlying medical conditions and joint overuse can increase the risk of developing joint pain. While joint pain may be constant, it can also occur episodically.
Along with pain, you may notice your joints feel sore, achy or stiff, with a limited range of motion. Severe joint pain may cause throbbing, burning or grating sensations. Fortunately, numerous joint pain solutions minimize joint pain and inflammation and restore a proper range of motion.
Natural Remedies
Many natural or at-home remedies provide relief for joint pain. Generally, natural remedies are often the first line of treatment people consider when they experience joint pain, while more severe pain may require professional intervention. Many at-home treatments are effective for mild to moderate pain. Some of these at-home joint pain solutions include:
Ice and Heat
Ice and heat therapy is an effective joint pain remedy that can alleviate joint pain, discomfort and inflammation. Applying an ice pack to a sore joint can improve swelling and painful symptoms. Generally, experts recommend icing a painful joint for 15 minutes two to three times a day or as needed to improve symptoms. Physicians recommend applying ice first before heat therapy when joint pain becomes noticeable.
After a day or two, you can apply a heating pad or hot water bottle to improve joint pain and alleviate any muscle spasms. If you don’t have a heating pad, you can take a hot shower, bath or even immerse a painful joint in a basin of hot water. When using heating pads, you should only apply the pad directly to the joint for 20 minutes at a time.
Rest
Rest is essential for joint and muscle pain relief and can take the strain and pressure off an injured or damaged joint. If you notice pain in a joint, you should rest the joint immediately and avoid any activities that may aggravate joint pain. Rest can reduce inflammation and swelling around the joint and alleviate pressure.
While exercise can help a painful joint, knowing when rest is necessary is important. If exercise or simple movements are causing pain, discomfort or limited mobility, you should rest the joint for at least one day. Rest, along with ice and heat therapy, can minimize joint pain. After symptoms improve, you may continue gentle exercises to strengthen the joint and surrounding muscles.
Exercise
Exercise is another important solution for joint and muscle pain relief. It is important only to exercise if you are not experiencing severe joint pain or related symptoms. Exercise can improve flexibility, increase strength and minimize joint pain and stiffness.
Swimming is an excellent exercise for those with joint pain because aquatic activities alleviate pressure and strain on sore joints. While exercise may seem intimidating for those with joint pain, exercising can maintain bone strength, enhance balance, keep an ideal weight and provide energy for the day.
Medical Remedies
Many patients may need medical remedies for moderate to severe joint pain. If you don’t experience relief from at-home treatments, you may want to see your physician and learn more about common medical remedies for joint pain. Some of the most common medical treatments to improve joint pain include:
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections can ease joint pain and minimize inflammation around the joint, preserving the joint’s function. Corticosteroid shots use anti-inflammatory medication to improve various medical conditions, including joint pain and stiffness.
When corticosteroid shots are injected into the joint, the medicine helps minimize inflammation, alleviating pressure on the joint and surrounding structures. Corticosteroid injections can provide joint pain relief from six weeks to six months, depending on your symptoms.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another beneficial treatment for joint pain that can stabilize a joint while strengthening the surrounding muscles. A physical therapist can help you regain a proper range of motion with gentle, guided exercises and stretches. Physical therapy is often combined with cold or heat therapy for the best results.
While physical therapy is quite effective for improving joint pain, it is most effective when combined with proper diet and other joint pain treatments. During physical therapy, you will learn low-impact exercises that improve joint pain and prevent further discomfort.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can minimize discomfort and improve pain-related symptoms for general joint pain and discomfort. Certain OTC medicine can reduce inflammation, improving swelling and joint pressure. Common OTC pain medicine includes aspirin and ibuprofen.
If you take other medications, you should consult your physician before adding any OTC pain relievers. If you don’t need an OTC pain reliever for swelling, you can use acetaminophen to reduce pain. When taking acetaminophen, you should avoid drinking any alcohol.
Types of Joint Pain
The joints are the connection between bones, providing your body with support as your move. When a joint becomes damaged or injured, it can cause pain, discomfort, swelling and limited mobility. Research suggests approximately one out of every four adults in the United States are affected by joint stiffness or pain.
While acute joint pain typically only lasts a few weeks, chronic joint pain can last for months and frequently occur in episodes. Even acute joint pain can negatively impact your overall quality of life. Understanding where your joint pain is located and what may be causing the discomfort can help you find an effective treatment. Some of the most common types of joint pain include:
Knee Pain
The knee is a common joint in the body that can become sore or painful. Knee joint pain can develop from an injury or age as the joint begins to wear down. Knee joint pain often causes an inability to fully extend or straighten the knee and difficulty placing full weight on the knee.
You may notice knee instability, weakness, stiffness or inflammation with knee joint pain. Other common symptoms of knee joint pain include redness, popping noises and the skin being warm to the touch. Approximately 25% of adults experience chronic knee pain.
Shoulder Pain
Approximately 18% to 26% of adults experience shoulder pain at any point in time, meaning it is one of the most common regional pain conditions. The shoulder is a complex joint designed to rotate 360 degrees. While the shoulder joint is impressive in its mobility, it may be prone to pain or stiffness.
Initially, shoulder pain may start as a mild, dull ache and slowly worsen over the next few days or weeks with continual use. Moderate or severe shoulder pain may develop suddenly with more noticeable symptoms. Shoulder joint pain may cause grinding sensations, limited movement and tender redness or inflammation.
Hip Pain
The hip joints are the body’s largest ball-and-socket joints, allowing for fluid movement. The hip joints connect the thighbones to the pelvis, allowing you to walk, run, stand and sit. While the hip joint can withstand repeated use, these joints can become painful and sensitive if they experience too much wear and tear.
Contact Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania
At the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania, our providers are experts in all aspects of orthopedic care and are dedicated to providing the highest level of patient care. We are proud to offer innovative treatments for back pain, foot pain, hand pain and neck pain.
Request an appointment online today to learn more about joint pain and joint pain treatments.
Signs Your Foot Pain is Serious
-Types of Foot Pain
-Other Causes of Foot Pain
-Symptoms That Warrant Medical Attention
In many ways, your feet are your body’s unsung heroes. They support the weight of your body each day, and they take you where you want to go one step at a time.
So when you experience foot pain and other problems, it can keep you from doing the things you want to do. Here are some of the possible reasons your foot pain may be occurring, possible treatment options and when you should see a doctor.
Types of Foot Pain and Treatment Options
Foot pain can occur in different parts of the foot due to various conditions, and the location of your foot pain can inform you of the cause — anything from shoes that don’t fit correctly or trauma to the foot to chronic arthritis, diabetic neuropathy or prolonged strain on the tendons, also known as a repetitive strain injury (RSI).
The treatment options for foot pain also vary depending on foot pain cause and severity. We’ve organized some common foot pain causes and their treatment options below according to where they occur on your foot.
Heel Pain
One area of the foot that is prone to pain is the heel. Causes of heel pain include:
- Plantar fasciitis: Plantar fasciitis is an RSI that’s common among runners or people who are often on their feet. It occurs when the ligaments along the arch of your foot between your toes and heel become stretched and inflamed. To treat plantar fasciitis, your doctor will likely suggest orthotics, rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy. If the pain is intense, they may offer corticosteroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed.
- Heel spurs: Heel spurs occur when excess bone tissue grows on the underside of your heel near your arch. The stress inflicted on the heel from plantar fasciitis is the most common cause. Treatment for heel spurs involves rest, custom-fitted shoes, corticosteroid injections or surgery.
- Heel fractures: Heel fractures are almost always serious injuries caused by trauma from a fall or another accident. Bruised and swollen heels that you have trouble walking on are common signs of a heel fracture. Treatment involves extended rest, splints or casts, physical therapy and surgery if the pain continues.
Other causes of heel pain could include a ruptured Achilles tendon, Achilles tendinitis, stone bruise or psoriatic arthritis.
Ball of the Foot
Common causes of pain in the ball of your foot include:
- Sesamoiditis: If the ball of your big toe causes you pain, you might have sesamoiditis. In that space are two small bones called sesamoids. When the tendons that connect those bones become inflamed from overuse, sesamoiditis occurs. To treat this RSI, your doctor will likely recommend rest, orthotics, NSAIDs, tape to immobilize the big toe and corticosteroids if you experience intense pain.
- Morton’s neuroma: High heels, small-fitting shoes, being on your feet for extended periods or all three together are common culprits of Morton’s neuroma. This condition occurs when non-cancerous tissue builds up between the metatarsal bones located beneath your ankle to the balls of your feet. This tissue pinches the nerves between those bones. Initial treatment for Morton’s neuroma involves rest and footwear changes. You may need corticosteroid injections or surgery in rare cases if symptoms persist.
- Metatarsalgia: Like Morton’s neuroma, shoes that are too small can cause metatarsalgia, or inflammation in the ball of your foot. Treatment involves over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, ice packs, comfortable footwear that fits and shoe inserts to relieve pressure.
Pain in the ball of your foot could also indicate a metatarsal fracture or sprain, bursitis or arthritis.
Toe Pain
Common toe pain causes include:
- Gout: This painful “disease of kings” involves build-ups of uric acid crystals in toe joints. If you have gout, you likely experience swelled, painful toes, especially your big toe. As a form of arthritis, gout treatment involves ice packs, NSAIDs, dietary changes and corticosteroids for intense pain.
- Bunions: Although bunions look like growths beside your big toe, they are actually dislocated big toe joints. Pointy-toed shoes can significantly contribute to bunion formation. As with any dislocation, bunions can cause significant pain. Bunion treatment involves comfortable shoes that fit, shoe inserts or surgery for persistent pain.
- Hammertoes: Hammertoes are related to bunions as they are dislocated toe joints in the middle toes. They cause the toes to bend at the joint with a hammer-like appearance. Ill-fitting shoes or muscle imbalances in your feet are common causes. To treat hammertoes, doctors recommend wearing broad-toed footwear and exercises to strengthen and stretch your toe muscles. If the pain does not subside, surgery is an option.
Some other reasons for toe pain may be ingrown toenails, toe fracture or corns and calluses.
Other Causes of Foot Pain
Some of the other reasons your feet can become painful include the following.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Although you can experience diabetic neuropathy in several areas, it often manifests in your legs and feet. Symptoms include sharp pains and tingling or burning sensations occurring anywhere in your feet. Diabetic neuropathy has no cure, so treatment involves a long-term management plan. These plans aim to slow the progression, relieve pain, manage complications and restore function.
Arthritis
Arthritis is not unique to the feet, but it often shows up there. Treatment depends on the arthritis type and also involves a chronic pain management plan. Several types of arthritis can afflict the feet:
- Osteoarthritis, which is cartilage degeneration between your joints and bones.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks your joint fluid.
- Psoriatic arthritis, which causes rashes and stiff joints.
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually affects the skin between your toes. However, it can spread elsewhere in advanced cases. It involves painful and itchy rashes that can blister. You might experience athlete’s foot when wearing wet or sweaty socks without changing them or going barefoot in public spaces like swimming pools. Treatment involves antifungal cream and powders, but you may need to see a foot care specialist if symptoms do not improve.
Symptoms That Warrant Medical Attention
You can experience foot pain from something as simple as standing on your feet for too long or something as serious as a fractured heel. As such, you may not know if your foot pain is serious enough to see a doctor or if it will improve with rest. To help you know if you should seek medical attention for foot pain, here are some signs that you should see your doctor about your symptoms:
- Chronic pain or swelling in your feet
- Difficulty or inability to bear weight on your feet or walk
- Frequent numbness or tingling sensations
- Infections in your feet
- Intense foot pain
- Open wounds that resist healing
- Tender and warm areas of your feet, especially if a fever is present
See an OIP Orthopedic Doctor About Your Foot Pain
Our board-certified orthopedic doctors and podiatrists at the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania can accurately diagnose the source of your foot pain and provide the most effective treatment option so you can trust the support your feet give you once again. If you are experiencing foot pain and need medical attention, we welcome you to request an appointment to see one of our foot doctors!
How To Relieve Pain From Sitting All Day
Do you have an office job or one that requires you to sit for long periods of time? Or maybe even requires you to sit for the entire day? If you do, you are probably also familiar with the stress that puts on your body, such as back and neck pains. You may even worry about your posture.
Well, worry no more! The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) offers a number of services to relieve some of those pains, as well as provides proper care for the affected areas.
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common pains that results from sitting at a desk all day. There are two types of back pain: upper and lower. Each can be caused by different things, but both are pains you can get from sitting at your desk all day. Let’s take a deeper look at each one.
Upper Back Pain
There are 12 bones within your upper back. The first is at the base of your neck and the twelfth ends just below your ribcage. Upper back pain consists of any pain that occurs within this area.
Most of the time, upper back pain is caused by bad posture. While sitting at your desk, it’s easy to slouch over in your chair without realizing it. But try out these tricks to prevent those pains.
- Take regular breaks from sitting: Every once in a while, try standing up and walking around. This will relieve some of the stress put on your body from sitting all day, and it will also allow you to move other muscles in your body.
- Take stretch breaks: This is very similar to the first suggestion, but here, you want to make sure you are actually stretching your muscles so they don’t tighten up.
- Try getting a regular massage: Getting a massage can release some of the built-up tension in the back.
- Work with a physical therapist: A physical therapist can help you work on keeping your joints healthy and strengthening your muscles.
- Work on your posture: Focus on your posture, whether you’re sitting down or walking. This is huge in preventing back pain.
Most back pains can be fixed with simple lifestyle changes. However, if your pain persists, we’d love to meet you and check out those issues you’re having!
Lower Back Pain
Over 50% of Americans will experience lower back pain throughout their lifetime.
Lower back pain is pain experienced in the vertebrae known as L1 through L5. We have discs which are sacs that prevent your vertebrae from rubbing together. A common cause of lower back pain is bad posture, which puts strain on those discs.
Like upper back pain, lower back pain can probably be fixed by lifestyle changes, one of the most common being working on your posture. But there may be something more going on, such as:
- Sciatica: pain that runs from the base of the spine down your legs
- Herniated disc: pressure on the disc that causes it to reshape, which triggers lower back pain
- Muscle strain/lumbar strain: overuse of the muscles that causes pain to stretch into your buttocks (but not into the legs)
- Degenerative disc disorder: when discs in the lower back are damaged
If your back pain continues after trying to correct your bad habits or you’re worried you may be experiencing one of the conditions above, visit our Center for Spine Care in Camp Hill. Our physicians are able to treat most of our patients without the use of surgery.
Shoulder Pain
This may seem like a strange pain to have from sitting, but it definitely happens. Well, what could be causing shoulder pain at your desk job? Small, repetitive activities can place stress on the muscles in your shoulder, such as using a mouse or keyboard all day. In addition, check out this list of what could be contributing to your shoulder pain.
- Bad posture
- Putting too much pressure on your shoulder, even if in small amounts
- Contact stress, such as how you rest your arms on your desk
- Holding your body in an unnatural position for too long
- Extreme temperatures
Surprisingly, a lot of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are actually computer-related. So study your everyday habits while at your desk or working on your computer and see if you’re making any movements that could be causing that shoulder pain.
What Can OIP Do for Your Shoulder Pain?
Once we figure out what is causing your pain, we can choose the best treatment plan for you. Here are some of the options:
- Rest: Resting your sore and hurting muscles can keep you from overusing the muscles long enough for them to begin healing.
- Physical or occupational therapy: There are always exercises and activities that can improve stability and help relieve some of that pain.
- Medications and/or injections: Certain medicines and injections can be used to treat pains that result from arthritis.
- Small surgical procedures: Some causes of pain may require a simple surgery. We can usually perform these types of procedures in a minimally invasive manner.
We prefer to visit the above methods to see if one of them will work, but sometimes, there is something more serious going on. If this is the case, a more in-depth surgery or treatment plan is the route we have to take. OIP will make sure it does what is best for you physically and financially.
Elbow Pain
Like shoulder pain, you wouldn’t expect that this kind of pain would come from sitting at your desk, but here we are. Maybe you lean on a desk all day, putting stress on your elbow and joints. Maybe you move your elbows in harsh ways all day while sitting at your desk. Whatever the case may be, take a look at these few tips for relieving pain.
- Rest: The most obvious answer for relieving pain is rest. Take the stress off your elbow. You could also be overusing it, which could be causing inflammation.
- Heat: Most of the time, you’re told to ice, but for elbow pain, applying heat could stimulate blood flow, which encourages healing.
- Stretching: Stretching sore muscles can help if maybe your muscles have just tightened up. Try stretching you arm out straight with your palm facing the ceiling. Slowly bring your fingers into your palms. Hold this for 30 seconds. Turn you arm over, where your palm is facing the floor, and repeat the stretch.
- Bracing: Wearing a brace over the affected area can keep the muscles in position and prohibit them from moving, which can aid the healing process.
If none of these work, OIP can help! We take your pain and recovery as seriously as you do, and we want to make sure that we take care of you the best way possible.
Hip Pain
The hip is the largest ball-and-socket joint in our body and is where the bones in the upper part of the leg connect to your body. The hip will support you while walking, running, or any other activity you may take part in. But the hip will also support you while you’re sitting. In fact, your hip bends to support your weight when you’re sitting down, which can put stress on the hip and cause you pain.
Sometimes, hip pain is just a result of sitting down for too long, so you may be able to stand, move around and stretch to relieve the pains. But sometimes, your hip pain could mean there is something more going on with your body.
The kind of pain you are experiencing and where you’re experiencing it can help you determine what the issue may be. Pains on the outer portion of the hip are usually related to your ligaments, tendons and/or muscles. But pains on the inner portion of the hip are usually tied to health issues related to your hip and its connecting joints. There’s also the possibility that your back pain has worked its way into your hip, known as referred pain.
Why Do I Have Hip Pains?
As with all pains related to sitting down for long periods of time, it could be a few different things.
- Bad posture: This puts strain on all parts of your body.
- Crossing your legs: Crossed legs can put stress on either hip and cause pain.
- Leaning to either side: Leaning one way or the other puts stress on your hips.
- Sitting unevenly: Sitting on an uneven surface can strain your hips.
There could definitely be something more serious going on, so if making these alterations while sitting doesn’t help, OIP can check out the hip to look for the cause. We can treat your pains at our Harrisburg location by trying some of our non-surgical methods.
Knee Pain
Pains in the knee can be a result of a previous injury, but they can also be overuse, wear and tear or maybe it’s just the way you’re sitting. While you may not think you would be putting stress on your knee while sitting, you definitely can. So what could be causing those knee pains?
- Sitting for too long: Dr. JoAnn Manson says that sitting for 8 hours or more each day is bad for your body.
- Sitting in an abnormal position: If you’re sitting with your knees in random positions, it could be putting unnecessary stress on them.
- Furniture: If you’re sitting on a chair or couch with an odd design, it could be causing you to strain your muscles and body parts.
These are the most common reasons you could be having knee pains in relation to sitting at your desk all day. However, as always, there can definitely be an underlying condition causing these pains. If you feel you need to have your knees examined, our physicians can take a look to determine the problem.
Most people tend to avoid doctors when it comes to knees because they believe surgery is the only way to fix the pain. However, our physicians will work through all non-surgical treatment methods before surgery. We will do our best to find a method that works for you. We won’t pressure you into surgery unless we believe it is the only way to help you relieve those pains.
How Can I Alleviate Knee Pains While Sitting?
There are some things you can work on to prevent knee pains.
- Pick an office chair that supports your spinal curves. This can help alleviate some of those other pains from sitting as well.
- Adjust your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor and your thighs are parallel to the floor. This will help with your posture and make sure your knees aren’t bent at ridiculous angles. If for any reason you are unable to adjust your chair to accomplish these tasks, consider some sort of footrest. Your feet need to be flat on a surface below you.
- Adjust your armrests so that your arms can rest in a relaxed position.
- Make sure your desk and chair allows room for your knees, thighs and feet.
- When working at your desk, make sure your work is directly in front of you and not too far away. This will keep you from moving into odd positions and putting stress on your body.
Another idea, which may seem very odd, is to look into a standing desk. This keeps you from sitting too long and bending your body at unnatural angles.
If these adjustments don’t help with your pain, reach out to our staff so we can evaluate your pains and struggles.
Pain Management
Now let’s talk about how to manage your pain. It’s important to note that pain is a symptom. Usually, your pain means that there’s something underlying. In this case, the underlying problem is how you’re sitting while at a desk, at work, etc.
If you’ve tried our tips and tricks previously mentioned and your pain is still an issue, contact us today! We will take a look to make sure you don’t have a more serious problem, such as arthritis or chronic joint pain. Whether it is something more or just pain associated with sitting at a desk all day, we will come up with a plan to treat your pain.
You can call our main line (717) 761-5530 or our 24/7 emergency advice hotline (855) OUCH OIP ((855) 682-4647. You can also request an appointment by filling out our online form. We do welcome walk-ins though, so you can visit our Camp Hill or Harrisburg Orthopedic Injury Clinic and see a physician today!
Chronic Knee Pain: Causes and Treatments
Joint pain is bothersome in any form, but when it becomes chronic, it can be debilitating. Chronic knee pain can make the simplest tasks seem almost impossible. Everything from walking to sitting down can be painful, and coping with chronic knee pain without seeking treatment can make the situation even worse.
The knee joints are two of the strongest and most vulnerable joints in the body. Knowing what could injure them and how to properly treat any knee injury can be the difference between living an active life and living in discomfort.
What Causes Chronic Knee Pain?
The causes of chronic knee pain can vary, but they’re usually the result of two reasons:
- Trauma: Traumatic injuries are usually ones that happen suddenly, like falling. However, they can also be the result of repetitive motions or receiving a blow to the knee.
- Medical conditions: As we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to degenerative disorders, such as arthritis. Some of these conditions negatively affect the joints, leading to chronic pain.
Chronic knee pain causes ongoing discomfort in the knee — this can be in the form of swelling or sensitivity, and it can affect one or both knees. Traumatic injuries can lead to dislocation of the kneecap, a fracture or tears in ligaments or in the meniscus — which is a piece of cartilage that provides cushioning.
Traumatic injuries are often preventable with simple activities, like ensuring you warm up properly before exercising and using proper protective equipment when playing sports. Medical conditions aren’t always preventable, though.
Degenerative issues, like osteoarthritis or gout, or more serious concerns, like tumors, can result in chronic knee pain, and there’s little a person can do to prevent them. Other medical conditions that may lead to chronic knee pain include:
- Tendonitis: Typically a pain in the front part of the knee, tendonitis will only get worse with continued movement.
- Baker’s cyst: There is fluid in the knee that helps lubricate it, so it can bend easily and without pain. When this fluid builds up, it can form a baker’s cyst, which can cause ongoing knee pain.
- Bursitis: When the knee is overused, especially without proper rest, it can become inflamed, resulting in bursitis.
- Chondromalacia patella: Chondromalacia patella occurs when the cartilage below the kneecap has been damaged.
- Osteosarcoma: A type of bone cancer that most often happens in the knee, osteosarcoma is also the second most common type of bone cancer.
- Cellulitis: The good bacteria that live on our skin are meant to live on it, not in it. Cellulitis occurs when that bacteria ends up under the skin’s protective surface, causing a bacterial infection.
Chronic Versus Acute Pain
Pain is the body’s way of warning you, which is why it usually comes on quickly and eventually fades away. Pain from stubbing your toe or healing from surgery are both examples of acute pain, because they don’t last longer than a few months. In many cases, the pain will lessen and disappear as the cause disappears.
Alternatively, chronic pain doesn’t go away without medical intervention. However, chronic pain can also occur, even if the initial cause of pain heals or disappears because the pain signals remain active for a long time.
Usually, acute pain is fleeting and often goes away with time. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is the result of a singular significant incident and rarely goes away on its own — it requires diagnosing and treatment.
How to Diagnose Chronic Knee Pain
There are two steps to getting a chronic knee pain diagnosis: a consultation with a doctor, and any potential imaging or lab tests.
The doctor will determine which diagnostic lab tests are needed after they have performed a physical examination of your knee. They will ask you to bend the knee and may feel around to see if certain areas hurt more. Their conclusions will dictate which lab tests will be needed.
Lab or imaging tests for chronic knee pain diagnoses can include X-rays, blood work, MRIs or CT scans. You may need to go in for multiple imaging or lab tests, so the doctor can diagnose what type of chronic knee pain you have, so you can begin the appropriate treatment.
How to Treat Chronic Knee Pain
While chronic knee pain doesn’t fade away on its own, it is treatable. The type of chronic knee pain you’re experiencing will dictate which course of treatment is best for your situation.
There are several types of treatments that are options, including:
1. Therapy
Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles around the painful area of the knee, which helps make it stable. Depending on the cause of your chronic knee pain, you may be prescribed physical therapy or just physical exercise to perform on your own at home.
If you’re active, the doctor may prescribe specific exercises that will help retrain how you use your knees to take some pressure off the injured one. Similarly, you may be required to wear a leg brace or invest in tools to improve your foot’s arch to redistribute your weight.
2. Injections
Your doctor may prescribe injections for chronic knee pain, which will help alleviate the pain for several months. Some substances that can potentially help include:
- Corticosteroids: This drug helps reduce the inflammation and symptoms of arthritis, leaving you pain-free for months. However, corticosteroids don’t work for everyone.
- Hyaluronic acid: This acid mimics the natural fluid used for lubrication in the knees. It increases mobility and reduces joint pain and can last for several months. However, the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid is contested.
- Platelet-rich plasma: Ideal for those whose chronic knee pain is due to ligament tears or sprains, platelet-rich plasma is a concoction of platelets from your own body to help heal injuries.
3. Medication
Pain-relief medication can sometimes be a simple answer to chronic knee pain. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers that are stronger than over-the-counter ones to help you manage any discomfort.
4. Surgery
Often used as a last resort, surgery is sometimes the most effective treatment for chronic pain. Surgery will likely only be an option after other treatments fail. When surgery does become an option, the type will be dependent on the specifics of your chronic knee pain.
One option is to try to fix whatever is injured, such as mending a torn ligament or damaged cartilage. Another option is to partially or completely replace the knee. Partial knee surgery replaces only the extremely damaged parts of the knee with artificial parts made of metal and plastic. A full knee replacement, as its name suggests, replaces the entire knee with an artificial joint.
Find Chronic Knee Pain Treatment Near You
There’s no need to suffer through chronic knee pain, especially when the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania’s physicians are here to help. While surgery may end up being the best option, it is never the first one we suggest. We opt instead to work with each patient to find non-invasive ways to treat chronic pain.
With numerous locations across Pennsylvania, we’re dedicated to helping you live a pain-free life. To request an appointment at one of our locations, simply fill out the form online or call 717-761-5530.
Avoiding Re-Injuring Your ACL
In this article:
- What to Do After ACL Surgery
- What Not to do with a Torn ACL
- Recommended Activities for an ACL Injury
- How Do You know if You Tore your ACL After Surgery?
- Get ACL Help at OIP
The acute cruciate ligament (ACL) is a small but mighty part of the human body. Located in the knees, it connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, stabilizing the leg and allowing the shin bone to slide forward smoothly. Tearing this ligament can be both painful and debilitating, and ignoring the injury can lead to bigger problems down the line.
An ACL injury is most common among athletes — they also have a bigger chance of re-tearing their ACL, especially if they fail to follow rehabilitation guidelines, which begin as early as the day of the ACL surgery.
What to Do After ACL Surgery
Generally, ACL surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital overnight. The surgery itself is fairly simple and uses a graft from the patient’s body to replace the torn ligament. General anesthesia is used and, once you’re awake, the medical staff will help you practice walking on crutches. You may also be fitted with a splint or knee brace.
You’ll be given instructions regarding cleaning and dressing your wound, which you should follow precisely. Failing to properly clean and dress the wound can lead to infection, which will only prolong healing.
The R.I.C.E. method is the most common recommendation to help the injury heal faster:
- Rest your leg and avoid putting any pressure on it.
- Ice the knee to help reduce swelling. Approximately 20 minutes of icing the knee ever two hours is recommended.
- Compression is another way to help the swelling go down. Wrap a compression wrap or an elastic bandage snugly around the knee.
- Elevation helps the blood flow away from the knee. Simply lie down with the injured knee propped up on a pillow.
The two goals immediately after surgery are to get any swelling to go down and ensure the wound heals quickly and properly. Avoid heating pads during this time, since heat will increase the swelling. Avoid putting any pressure on the injured leg until a doctor says you can.
Generally, you’ll be told to start putting slight pressure on the leg a few weeks after surgery. This is dependent on which type of ACL injury you had, such as a partial tear or a complete tear.
You’ll be expected to attend physical therapy to get the muscles around your knees stronger, so your knee can stabilize once again. If you’re an athlete, physical therapy will be crucial, but the timeline for when you can return to playing sports can vary greatly, especially since athletes tend to have a higher chance of re-tearing their ACL.
What Not to do with a Torn ACL
Tearing the ACL means your knee’s range of motion is limited. Physical therapy works to help you regain that range of motion, but it’s important to be patient and follow the physical therapist’s guide on what else not to do with your ACL injury. Doing too much too soon can result in a re-injury.
Physical therapy usually starts with gentle exercises to move the knee. As the wound heals, tougher exercises will be introduced. Because the ACL graft is still healing, it’s important to avoid stretching it. The physical therapist will show you ways to exercise the area without risking the ACL graft.
The goal of physical therapy is to help you begin to put pressure on the injured leg safely — this takes time and patience. It also requires you to abstain from activities that are risky for the ACL, such as running or swimming. Swimming can be beneficial, but it requires the muscles to work a bit harder against the pressure of the water. Tearing the ACL a second time is very possible if you return to swimming or running too soon.
Recommended Activities for an ACL Injury
From day one of your rehabilitation, you’ll be expected to begin exercising your injured leg. The best way to avoid re-tearing your ACL is to follow your physical therapist’s instructions. In the first few months, you’ll need to take it slow, working to strengthen the muscles around the ACL. Exercises such as riding a stationary bike and doing gentle leg presses are good for building up nearby muscles without straining the ACL.
If swimming is something you want to do, it’s best if you stick to activities that don’t require pumping your legs. Paddling with your arms is okay, but avoid paddling with the legs. The physical therapist will be able to tell you when you can begin swimming, based on the type of ACL injury you had and how your rehabilitation is coming along.
The full recovery time varies from person to person. However, studies have shown that those who wok on strengthening the muscles around the ACL and wait at least nine months before returning to sports are less likely to re-tear their ACL.
What to Do If You Re-Tear Your ACL
Knowing how to avoid re-tearing your ACL is important, but since the rate of re-injury is high, it’s beneficial to know what to do if you do re-tear it.
How Do You know if You Tore your ACL After Surgery?
To get an idea if you tore your ACL after surgery, you may hear a popping or cracking sound, which is usually followed by pain that is mild or severe. Swelling or tenderness is also common after an ACL injury, and there may be some redness around the knee.
If you’re unable to move or extend the knee, it’s a sure sign that there’s an injury. Contact your doctor right away and follow any instructions they give you.
The doctor will examine the knee and decide whether it’s an ACL re-tear or something else. If surgery is necessary, you will repeat the process from the initial ACL tear until the new injury heals.
Get ACL Help at OIP
The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania exists to help you with any orthopedic injuries, whether they’re from playing sports or the result of an accident. With several locations across the state and walk-in clinics for orthopedic emergencies, we’re convenient and available to help.
Contact our walk-in injury clinic for 24/7 emergency advice by calling 855-OUCH-OIP or request an appointment by calling the main line at 717-761-5530.
Tips for Finding a Job in the Medical Field as a New Graduate
Medical careers are among the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. Demand for home health aides, personal care aides and physician assistants is expected to grow over 30% by 2028. There’s also a great demand for nurse practitioners, phlebotomists, physical therapist aides and medical assistants, among many others.
If you recently graduated from a medical program, you’re likely excited to get started on your new career. Although the medical field is a fast-growing industry, it can be competitive for new grads. With some business know-how, preparation and determination, you can find the right fit for you and your goals.
How to Get a Job in the Medical Field
Searching for your first medical job will, in itself, feel like a full-time job. However, if you’re prepared, organized, patient and ready to tackle challenges, you’ll land the job you’ve been hoping for. The key is not to get discouraged along the way. Here’s what you can do to increase your chances of finding a job that’s a good match for your skillset and education.
1. Network
Networking presents numerous opportunities and can be a great way to launch your career. When you connect with others in your field, you might learn of a job opening before it’s ever posted. Up to 85% of jobs are found through networking. At least 70% of jobs are never advertised.
As a graduate of a medical program, aim to build relationships with peers, people who work in your field and recruiters. One way medical professionals can network is to join a professional organization. For example, a recent grad of a medical assistant program might become a member of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and attend conferences, programs and events. Most health care careers have an association or society you can join.
2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
Make sure you have a solid resume to highlight your skills and show how you’ll be an asset to a potential employer. Research relevant job descriptions and highlight key skills in your resume. For example, medical career recruiters might look for candidates with excellent attention to detail or strong interpersonal skills.
You don’t need to rewrite your entire resume for every position you apply to, but you will want to edit a few lines to ensure it fits a specific employer’s needs. Make sure your resume also includes the following elements:
- Statement of career goals that relate to the position.
- Academic accomplishments.
- Career experiences.
- Related activities such as internships or volunteer work.
It’s important to submit a cover letter with each resume and job application to express your enthusiasm and showcase your unique background. Here are tips for creating an impactful cover letter:
- Keep the cover letter short, or no longer than a few paragraphs on a single page.
- Use the cover letter to highlight your strengths and how they relate to the specific opening.
- Show you researched the company, and you’re excited about the position.
- Customize the letter for the company and the job.
Consider sharing your resume and cover letter with the career center at your school to receive valuable feedback. There are also plenty of templates and resources online to help you construct a professional-quality resume for free or at a low cost.
3. Search Every Day
There’s no doubt about it – health care jobs are in demand. However, it’s also a competitive market, and a single employer might receive thousands of applications a year. For this reason, it helps to treat your search like a full-time job and look for opportunities every day. A few online resources for medical job seekers include:
Other general job search sites that are considered among the best include:
- Indeed
- CareerBuilder
- SimplyHired
- Monster
- Glassdoor
You can also search employers’ websites and job boards of professional organizations in your desired field. Apply to as many openings as you can, but avoid wasting time with jobs you wouldn’t take. Remember to check out other resources like job fairs, temporary agencies and newspapers.
4. Follow Up
Don’t wait to hear back. Aim to follow up with companies you’ve applied to a week later. When you reach out to a potential employer after applying, you put your name to the front of their mind and help yourself stand out from the dozens of other candidates. Contact the hiring manager by email or phone and briefly restate your interest in the position and why you’d be a good match.
5. Be Flexible
If you struggle to find a position in your field right after graduation, consider volunteering or taking an internship at a local hospital or medical facility, even if it’s a non-medical role. This will help you network, gain experience and land a job when one opens up. You might also consider looking for work outside of your major or in a different location.
6. Prepare for the Interview
The interview is one of the most critical aspects of your job search. It’s your chance to show a potential employer how you can meet their needs. It’s also the time to ask questions and determine if the company is right for you. The key to making a lasting impression is to properly prepare. Here are tips to help you enjoy a successful interview:
- Research the employer and the job opening.
- Prepare thoughtful answers to common interview questions and practice.
- Compile a list of questions to ask the employer.
- Bring copies of your resume and a list of references.
- Dress appropriately.
- Bring a notepad to jot down information.
- Show your enthusiasm, focus on the positive and respond honestly.
- Plan to arrive ten minutes early.
Reach Out to Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania
The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP) understands that the ability to help patients live healthy pain-free lives makes a medical career worth it every step of the way. If you live in central Pennsylvania and are interested in joining a team of dedicated and empathetic professionals, we invite you to browse our open positions. To connect with a team member and learn more about our mission and services, contact us today.
Decrease Pain and Recovery Time of Knee Joint Replacements With Mako Robot
Depending on where your arthritis is affecting your knee, a surgeon may recommend either a partial knee replacement or a total knee replacement. With both procedures, the surgeon replaces the damaged or diseased joint with an artificial implant to restore function and relieve pain.
Stryker, a medical technology company based out of Kalamazoo, Michigan, has developed technology called the Mako robot, which assists surgeons in performing knee replacements. It can help decrease a patient’s pain, recovery time, soft tissue damage and bone damage resulting from the procedure.
The Mako robot application got the approval of the Food and Drug Administration in 2015. However, Stryker officially announced the launch on the first day of the 2017 annual American Academy of Orthopedics Surgeons meeting in San Diego. Today, the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania is using this exciting robotic-arm assisted technology for knee replacement surgeries.
About Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgeries originated in 1968. When walking assistants and medications no longer provide relief or help to restore mobility and function, you might want to consider a knee replacement surgery. Depending on how severe your arthritis is, your surgeon may recommend partial or total knee surgery:
- Partial knee replacements are surgical procedures that help ease arthritis in one or more of the three knee compartments: the medial (inside) component, the lateral (outside) component or patellofemoral (top) component. In this procedure, the surgeon only replaces the damaged knee joint area, helping to reduce trauma to healthy tissue and bone.
- Total knee replacements are surgical procedures where the surgeon replaces the entire injured or diseased knee.
About Mako Robot System Features
Mako robot technology offers an individualized surgical plan based on your own personal anatomy. In both partial and total knee replacement procedures, the orthopedic surgeon guides the Mako robotic arm to eliminate diseased cartilage and bone. The Mako robot system:
- Uses full flexion and extension, enabling the pre-resection capture of kinematic tracking specific to the patient.
- Plans implant size, alignment and orientation accurately, using CT-derived 3D modeling.
- Promotes bone-sparing and minimal tissue trauma.
- Provides a faster recovery, due to its minimally invasive procedure.
- Offers proper soft tissue balance and correct knee kinematics from real-time intra-operative adjustments.
The Mako robot is the most consistently accurate joint replacement technology available worldwide today. It allows surgeons to optimize knee implant sizing, ligament balance, and implant longevity and function. It’s an innovative procedure option for individuals who live with mid-stage osteoarthritis in the patellofemoral, medial or lateral knee compartments.
Overview of Mako Total Knee Replacement Procedure
With Mako technology, you can have an individualized plan for your knee replacement surgery. First, the doctor will take a CT scan of your knee joint. They’ll upload the CT scan into the Mako system software, which will create a 3D knee model. The doctor then uses the model to pre-plan and help your surgeon perform your knee replacement.
The surgeon will follow your individualized plan while they prepare the bone for the knee implant. The surgeon will then guide the robot arm to eliminate any diseased cartilage and bone. The Mako technology helps the surgeon stay within the boundaries of the predefined area, so no other bone or tissue is affected.
Following your surgery, the surgeons, physical therapists, doctors and nurses will help you set goals so you can get back to regular movement in your knee and surrounding areas. They’ll monitor your condition and recovery progress closely. Your surgeon might take an x-ray of your new knee replacement to review it with you.
Benefits of Knee Joint Replacements With Mako Robot
Knee replacements help people get back to their lives. They can improve a patient’s mobility, pain levels and quality of life. Moreover, knee replacements using the Mako robot have several additional advantages. Besides offering increased precision, some benefits of Mako knee replacements include:
Reduced Soft Tissue and Bone Damage
One study, published in The Journal of Arthroplasty, compared the results of 30 consecutive manual total knee arthroplasty surgeries, or TKAs, and 30 consecutive Mako TKA surgeries — all performed by the same surgeon. The results showed that the patients who had the Mako-assisted procedures had less bone and periarticular soft tissue injury than the patients who had the manual TKA surgeries.
Decreased Pain
It’s common for individuals to try conservative treatments and medication to treat their knee pain. However, if you’ve tried these approaches and aren’t experiencing adequate relief, you might be an ideal candidate for Mako knee replacement, which could offer you relief.
If you’re experiencing start-up knee stiffness and pain when you move from a sitting position, a Mako surgery might be able to help. Joint degeneration and arthritis pain can:
- Come and go.
- Be constant.
- Occur after a rest period.
- Occur with movement.
- Be located in many parts of your body.
- Be located in one particular part of your body.
In one clinical study, those who underwent Mako partial knee replacement felt less pain in their 90-day postoperative period. The study’s results showed those who underwent robotic arm-assisted surgery reported substantially lower levels of postoperative pain. There was also a 55.4% lower median pain score in the robotic-arm assist group, compared to manual patients from the first day of the study to the eighth week.
Shorter Recovery Time
The Mako surgery’s minimally invasive nature allows you to:
- Walk shortly after.
- Return to regular day-to-day activities sooner.
- Drive a vehicle within your first few weeks.
Mako helps with recovery from knee joint replacement and spares your healthy tissue and natural bone. It helps to preserve as much of your knee as possible, unlike more invasive surgeries. The robotic arm helps to optimally position the knee implant, making your knee feel more natural after the procedure. Other types of total knee replacement procedures require a longer hospital stay and recovery, but the robotic arm used in a Mako surgery offers pinpoint accuracy, which promotes a shorter recovery time.
Contact the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania for Your Mako Knee Joint Replacement Surgery
The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvaniapledges to provide compassionate and caring service to make sure each and every patient has a positive experience. We’re dedicated to placing your needs first. We’re committed to meeting and going beyond each patient’s expectations to offer outstanding and exceptional care.
Contact our office today to make an appointment for your Mako knee joint replacement consultation.
Cervical Fusion vs. Disc Replacement
In this article:
- What Is Cervical Spinal Fusion?
- What Can I Expect After a Spinal Fusion?
- What Are the Benefits of Cervical Fusion?
- What Is Disc Replacement?
- What Are the Benefits of Disc Replacement?
- Disc Replacement Surgery vs Fusion
- OIP Back Pain Specialists
Neck pain is never easy to live with. Any pain in the back or neck can make daily activities difficult. About 80% of people will experience neck pain in their lifetime, and up to half of them cope with this ailment every year. While neck discomfort is rarely a sign of a serious condition and usually improves over time, it may require surgical intervention if the pain persists.
Spinal surgery in the neck region may involve a bone fusion or disc replacement, depending on your condition and other factors. We’ll explore the differences between cervical fusion and disc replacement to help you weigh your options. If you have any questions along the way, reach out to us at the Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania (OIP), where a member of our team will be waiting to assist you.
What Is Cervical Spinal Fusion?
Spinal fusion is a surgery that connects two or more bones, called vertebrae, in the spine. Cervical fusion joins the vertebrae in the neck region of the spine. By fusing two or more bones together, the vertebrae can no longer move abnormally, ideally improving spine stability and reducing pain.
What Causes Cervical Pain?
The cervical spine contains seven vertebrae, which are separated by discs. The intervertebral discs act like shock-absorbing cushions and keep the vertebrae from touching each other. They also help hold the vertebrae together. Sometimes, the discs break down and can no longer function as they should. This may lead to pain in the cervical spine region. Other possible causes of neck pain include the narrowing of the spine canal or arthritis.
Why Would You Have a Cervical Fusion?
Most patients who experience neck pain do not need surgery, and your doctor will likely recommend other treatment methods first. However, if your neck pain does not improve without an operation, your doctor may suggest cervical fusion.
A surgeon might perform a spinal fusion after removing a herniated or damaged disc to improve spine stability or to treat a spinal deformity or injury.
What Happens During Spinal Fusion Surgery?
There are several different techniques used to perform spinal fusion surgery. Your surgeon would consider the location of your pain and the reason for the operation when selecting the best method for you.
In general, patients are first given anesthesia, so they don’t feel any pain throughout the procedure. Next, the surgeon will make an incision so they can access the vertebrae. They will then place a bone graft between the vertebrae, which will fuse the bones as they heal. Sometimes a surgeon will use a synthetic material to join the vertebrae, rather than a bone graft.
Most modern spinal fusions are minimally invasive and can be performed with small incisions.
What Can I Expect After a Spinal Fusion?
Typically, a spinal fusion requires two to three days in the hospital so your doctor can monitor your recovery and reaction to the surgery. Some patients may experience discomfort after their surgery, which doctors can usually control with pain medication. Overall, it can take a few months for the vertebrae to fuse and heal. Your doctor may recommend wearing a brace during your recovery to keep the spine aligned.
What Are the Benefits of Cervical Fusion?
Cervical fusion surgery can potentially reduce back pain and improve a patient’s quality of life. In particular, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or ACDF, has a high success rate. This procedure involves removing a herniated disc from the neck region and then fusing the vertebrae together, accessing the spine through the front of the neck, instead of the back. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, the majority of patients reported a successful ACDF procedure.
What Are the Risks?
Cervical fusion is generally safe, and complications are uncommon. However, as with any surgery, it carries the risk of infection, poor healing or a reaction to anesthesia. Your doctor will weigh the pros and cons to determine if cervical fusion is right for you.
What Is Disc Replacement?
Cervical disc replacement is a new surgical procedure and a promising alternative to cervical fusion. With this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged intervertebral disc and replaces it with an artificial one. Unlike cervical fusion, disc replacement does not involve welding bones together.
What Happens During Cervical Disc Replacement?
Similar to cervical fusion, a patient will first be given anesthesia. The surgeon will then make a small incision on the front or side of the neck. Next, the surgeon will remove the damaged cervical disc and securely place an artificial disc into the space. They will then carefully close the incision with sutures.
What Are the Benefits of Disc Replacement?
One of the main benefits of disc replacement is increased spine mobility. A disc replacement is meant to mimic the function of a healthy disc, which means patients can potentially maintain normal neck movements and perform regular daily activities after surgery.
What Are the Risks of Disc Replacement Surgery?
A disc replacement procedure is generally safe but includes the potential dangers of any spine surgery, such as a risk of infection, excessive bleeding or a reaction to the anesthesia. Another potential risk of disc replacement is an allergic reaction to the implant. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and talk with you to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Disc Replacement Surgery vs Fusion
Since disc replacement is a relatively new surgery, there’s not a lot of information on the long-term outcomes yet. However, there are known advantages that may make it a better alternative than cervical fusion for some patients. Some known benefits of disc replacement are that it:
- Allows greater movement: Disc replacements are designed to function like your body’s natural discs. This may enable greater spine mobility and allow you to move as you would normally. Cervical fusion, on the other hand, welds bones together and eliminates movement in the affected area of the spine.
- Creates less stress on other spinal bones: If a disc replacement allows more movement, it will put less stress on the vertebrae located below and above the artificial disc. Without the added pressure on other vertebrae, patients could expect a reduced risk of further disc degeneration in the future. According to a meta-analysis from 2017, disc replacement improves secondary surgical procedure reduction.
- Yields a faster recovery time: It usually takes several months for a patient to recover from a spinal fusion and get back to their regular activities. Alternatively, the recovery time for a disc replacement is typically much faster, because a patient does not have to wait for their bones to fuse. Patients who undergo a disc replacement procedure should be able to resume normal activities within four to six weeks. Lumbar disc replacement, a similar procedure that replaces the discs in the lower back, also has a faster recovery time than fusion. A study published in Global Spine Journal found that disc replacement patients were able to return to work significantly faster than fusion patients.
Although there are advantages to disc replacement over cervical fusion, not every patient is a good candidate for this type of spinal surgery. After an evaluation, your doctor will discuss the best option for your unique needs.
Contact OIP for More Information from our Back Pain Specialists
If you are considering spinal disc replacement surgery vs cervical fusion, your doctor will determine if surgery is right for you. Although surgery can help improve the quality of life for some patients with persistent back or neck pain, it’s usually not necessary. Generally, surgery is a last resort, and there are better options available.
If you’re unable to cope with your neck or back pain, reach out to us at OIP. Our spine and back pain specialists will use state-of-the-art tools to diagnose the source of your pain and determine the best treatment for you. To learn more about spine care and how we can help, contact us today or request an appointment.
Good Day PA – Dr. Tyson P. Maugle
Dr. Maugle featured on ABC27 Good Day PA
OIP at Vantage Health Fair
OIP was thrilled to be invited to the Vantage Foods Health Fair this past Sunday!
