Inspiring Personal Trainer & Weight Lifter Lauren Russell

Those who have met Lauren Russell would describe her as the epitome of both dietary and physical health with the physique of a Spartan statue. The 29 year old mom of four, lifts, is active within the CrossFit community, and is also a personal trainer; all of which she has been doing for over 10 years now.

Passionate about helping others achieve their fitness goals, she both created and teaches a Cardio Fit class at the YMCA in Norton Commons, where she met Dr. Stacie Grossfeld. The class which meets 6 times a week, is a mix of a high intensity workout with lifting incorporated. Lauren who has been teaching this class for four years now, prides herself in her student’s loyalty. “No one comes to class if there’s a sub. We’re like our own little family and usually arrive 30 minutes before class just to talk.”

Despite her friendly and personable demeanor, Lauren doesn’t mess around when it comes to her class or her clients. “If someone comes in whining that this is their first time, or to go easy on them, I just say, ‘sit down! Listen! Let’s get to it!’”

Lauren’s no nonsense attitude is equally applied to her Olympic lifting competitions. Her best snatch (the raising of a weight from the floor to above the head in one quick movement) is a 63, and her best clean and jerk (the raising of a weight over the head and then to shoulder level) is a 91.She is currently fully invested in going to nationals for weightlifting and is taking the summer off to train herself before returning to competition. Though Lauren trains under her coach Benjamin Carter, who runs the CrossFit gym Bluegrass Barbell, she keeps close track of her dietary and physical health at home as well.

A Day in the Life

A creature of habit and schedule, she even makes it a point to take advantage of hotel gyms while traveling with her husband for work. Rest days, she says, make her tired. “It’s as if I need the workout to keep my energy up.” When in town, she wakes up every morning around 5 am to drink her coffee, and then work out with her husband for an hour or two. The pair converted their garage into a full scale gym to better utilize the early morning hours as their bonding time.

Throughout the day, Lauren uses the RP Strength program online to track her fats, carbs, and proteins down to every detail and recommends the app for everyone from Olympic athletes to mom’s just like herself. Though she eats the same thing every day, with very few exceptions, she loves the type of training she does and isn’t bothered by a routine diet. “I actually miss it when I don’t eat my usual meal.”

Daily meals include a protein and carb combo as she works out in the morning, and a protein pancake with bananas afterwards. For lunch, its egg whites, Brussel sprouts, a sweet potato, 1 teaspoon of peanut butter, 2 pieces of bread, and a 2-5oz turkey breast. Dinner consists of spaghetti squash, homemade pasta sauce, and handmade sausage from Whole Foods. Her occasional indulgence (usually on date night) is red wine; though she often rewards herself with a black, cold brew coffee from Starbucks.

Female Empowerment

A tattoo in script that runs down Lauren’s thigh reads, “Strong and Beautiful”; a gift for herself after completing her very first pull up. It’s these exact words that exemplify why she lifts. “All women should do something that makes them feel strong,” she says, “I work out because of the way it makes me feel: strong and powerful. There’s a major girl power element to it.” Instead of tearing each other down, she advocates for women to be more supportive of each other in their strength and in general. This is why when a teammate of hers beats her in competition, she doesn’t let her athleticism over power her; instead congratulating them and high-fiving them in support.

On top of her rigorous athletic career and training program, Lauren is a busy mom of four and running for Vice President of the Parent Teacher Association at one of her daughter’s schools. Admittedly, she doesn’t like to slow down, and enjoys staying busy with her kids in tow.

Getting the Kids Involved

Lauren encourages younger generations to stay active as well. “You’re never too young to get started. Just make sure you get a professional who knows how to train your specific age to avoid injury.” She supports her daughters Ezra (age 9) and Lucy (age 3) who also share her love of nutritional health and athleticism. In fact, Ezra just finished competing in her 2nd weight lifting competition, and Lucy lifts a small 1.5-2lb weight. While they also watch what they eat, Lauren lets her kids be kids; never making them stand out of a pizza party, and even baking cupcakes for class parties. And when she does indulge in a treat, she makes sure to do so in front of them so they know it’s normal.

Lauren’s advice to others wanting to be more active is to just do it! “You don’t have to be a certain size, shape, or even in a specific place in your life to start. Small steps make a big difference. First find a workout you enjoy so you will actually stick with it. And when it comes to your diet, don’t try cutting everything out at once, but rather get rid of one bad habit at a time.”

 

 

 

How to Prevent Fall Injuries in Children: Tips from a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

fall injuries in childrenThe most common cause of nonfatal injuries for kids ages 1 to 19 are falls. Every day an estimated 8,000 juveniles are admitted into the emergency room due to injuries sustained from a fall. Fall injuries in children can be as minor as bruises or sprains, but they can also be as serious as head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones.

  • Signs of head injury in children include unconsciousness, abnormal breathing, disturbance of speech or vision, change in pupils, weakness, paralysis, neck pain, stiffness, vomiting, and seizures.
  • Signs of spinal cord injury in children include muscle weakness, loss of muscle movement, difficulty breathing, loss of feeling in extremities, and loss of bowel or bladder function.
  • Signs of a broken bone in children include pain, swelling, and deformity. You may have heard a snap upon impact and it painful for your child to move, touch, or press on the injured area. There should be swelling and bruising, as well.

Preventing Falls and Fall Injuries in Children

If you want to prevent fall injuries in children, you have to prevent falls. You can’t always protect your children from falls, as they grow they still becoming accustomed to their bodies and learning how to control their movements. However, you can minimize hazards around the house to help prevent fall injuries in children. Here are some tips on doing so.

  • Always monitor infants and toddlers. If your baby is on a bed or change table, always have a hand on them especially if something draws your eye away. In order to be safest, change diapers on the floor when possible.
  • If you use a hop swing or baby bouncer, never put it on a surface above the floor such as a table top.
  • As your child grows, prevent them from climbing furniture by keeping their toys and other items of interest within their reach.
  • When your child begins walking, keep pathways clear of tripping hazards.
  • Install safety gates on both sides of stairs until your child is coordinated enough to navigate them on their own.
  • Children under the age of nine are not old enough to use bunk beds.
  • The bath is a common area for slip and falls. Use non-slip surface mats in the tub and teach your children to stay sitting during bathtime and to get out with caution.
  • Use stickers and decor to make glass doors visible when closed.
  • Place locks on windows where children could fall out.
  • Gaps between railings on stairs and balconies should be no wider than 3 ½ inches.

These tips should help to prevent your child from suffering a fall-related injury.

However, accidents do happen regardless of prevention and monitoring. If your child sustains a fall related injury, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld. Dr. Grossfeld has over 25 years of experience as an pediatric orthopedic surgeon and can help with children’s injuries such as broken bones.

You can contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists by calling 502-212-2663 today to schedule an appointment.

Supplements Recommended For Patients By Dr. Stacie Grossfeld

Louisville Orthopedic Surgeon Stacie Grossfeld recommends the following supplements as a means of improving your joint health!

Turmeric

Turmeric is not only a spice, but a member of the ginger family, and is often used in curry powder. The active portion of turmeric is known as curcumin (Curcuma longa). The anti inflammatory and free radical-scavenging properties of curcumin have been well documented and used to treat inflammation. It may have anti-carcinogenic properties as well.

Turmeric is safe for most adults although high doses or long term use can cause indigestion, nausea, or diarrhea. Patients with gallbladder disease should avoid Turmeric because it can worsen their condition. The recommended dose as an antioxidant is 500 mg per day and the max dose is 2000 mg per day.

Glucosamine with Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of normal cartilage and are the building blocks of what makes up articular cartilage in your body. They may be taken as either a tablet, capsule, powder, or in liquid form. In addition to several studies completed, I have had many patients state that this supplement helps to reduce their arthritic symptoms.

Its important to remember that the US food and drug administration does not regulate dietary supplements the same way it regulates medications.The recommended dose is 1500 mg daily of the glucosamine and 800 mg to 1200 mg daily of chondroitin. They can be taken once a day or divided into 2 to 3 equal doses.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is the best source of omega-3 fatty acids and is an essential fatty acid that our body needs in order to function properly. Some soft data suggests fish oil will help to reduce the effects of osteoarthritis on the knee joint. Several studies completed also show a positive affect on those suffering with arthritis when fish oil is ingested. Additionally, we know that fish oil has an excellent cardiac protective effect because it lowers blood triglycerides that circulate in the blood stream, protecting against heart disease and reducing high blood pressure.

The recommended dose is 2500 mg twice a day and up to 5000mg per day.

Dr. Stacie Grossfeld of Orthopaedic Specialists, in Louisville, KY, is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon. If you would like more information on daily supplements that could benefit your joints, contact Orthopaedic Specialists today by scheduling an appointment and calling 502-212-2663.

What is Pulmonary Edema?

pulmonary edemaIn short, pulmonary edema is a condition where a person’s lungs are prone to filling up with fluid. Because of this, the body then struggles to get enough oxygen. Pulmonary edema is especially risky for people with heart problems. Treatment consists of medications, but there are also surgeries and procedures used to drain the fluid from the lungs. Timely treatment of the condition’s underlying causes improves a patient’s outlook.

This condition is also called “lung congestion,” “lung water,” or “pulmonary congestion.”

Pulmonary Edema Symptoms

Pulmonary edema makes a person feel shortness of breath as the body struggles to receive oxygen. The increasing amounts of fluid in the lungs block the oxygen from entering the bloodstream. Until the fluid is removed by a doctor, a patient may feel:

  • Fatigue
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath when physically active
  • Lower body swelling
  • Rapid weight gain
  • Feeling breathless when lying down

People also experience this condition as a side effect of high altitude sickness, when there isn’t enough oxygen in the air. These symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Coughing
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat

When Do Pulmonary Edema Symptoms Become an Emergency?

Acute pulmonary edema develops suddenly and if left untreated the fluid in the lungs can make a person drown. Call 911 or your medical emergency service if you experience:

  • Inability to breathe.
  • Anxiety from breathing issues.
  • Chest pain
  • Sweating and breathing difficulties
  • Pallid, blue or grey skin.
  • A rough cough that produces a frothy, pink mucus
  • Feelings of suffocation
  • Irregular, rapid heartbeat

Treating Pulmonary Edema

The first thing a healthcare team will do to a patient with pulmonary edema is introduce more oxygen to the system. They prop the patient up and deliver 100% oxygen through a nasal cannula or positive pressure mask to assist with breathing. If this does not work, the healthcare providers may insert a endotracheal tube, or breathing tube, down their throat for mechanical ventilation.

From there, the doctor diagnoses the cause of the pulmonary edema and treatment from then on out attempts to fix the underlying cause. They may administer:

  • Heart medications to control pulse and blood pressure.
  • Suction catheter to remove fluid from the lungs.
  • Pain relievers to make the experience more comfortable.
  • Preload reducers to decrease fluid pressure in the heart and lungs.
  • Afterload reduces to dilate blood vessels

Pulmonary edema is a serious lung condition that often develops quickly and escalates to a medical emergency without much warning. If you are susceptible to pneumonia or expect to be exercising at a higher altitude in the future, you must be careful. Taking precautionary steps against pulmonary edema can save your life.

Dr. Stacie Grossfeld of Orthopaedic Specialists, in Louisville, KY, is an orthopedic surgeon with a focus on sports medicine. She has over 20 years of experience treating athletic and non-athletic patients alike. If you feel you may be at risk of developing pulmonary edema, contact her today. Call 502-212-2663 or visit one of her two office locations to schedule an appointment. 

Smartphone Thumb: It’s Real and It’s On the Rise

smartphone thumbSmartphone thumb is a popular term used to describe pain felt at the base of a person’s dominant thumb. The dominant thumb is the one they use to operate their smart cellular device. While updated with a moniker that reflects the technology du jour, this condition isn’t exactly new. In the 1980s, people worried children were all going to get “Nintendo thumb”. In the 1990s and early 2000s the term “Blackberry thumb” was thrown around.

The cause of smartphone thumb is repetitive stress injury or RSI. RSI is a diagnosis of exclusion meaning doctors only reach it after ruling out several other, more serious options. If there is nothing broken or dislocated in the hand, a doctor will come to the conclusion that the pain results from slight inflammation due to repetitive motion.

The repetitive yet limited motions the thumb makes while texting are abnormal motions, which can lead to pain. Eventually, more serious conditions including osteoarthritis and tendonitis can develop. Using other fingers to operate the device, taking breaks from your phone, and stretching the area regularly can all help prevent the pain caused by smartphone thumb. Rest and mild pain relievers can help alleviate the discomfort for a time. However, these are not the only options available.

If you find yourself regularly plagued with chronic joint pain due to smartphone overuse, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are an affordable, in-office treatment that can help reduce discomfort for a prolonged amount of time.

PRP injections involve taking blood from the patient and spinning a portion of it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from red and white blood cells. The platelets are then combined with the rest of the blood to be injected into the affected area. In the case of smartphone thumb, that area is the joint at the base of the thumb.

Some of the world’s top athletes have used PRP injections to treat issues including chronic tendon injuries, acute ligament and muscle injuries, knee arthritis, and fractures. Research backs PRP injections to treat issues such as Partial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears and knee osteoarthritis.

Recovery from PRP injections is minimal. Patients are given a local anesthetic before injections. Depending on the pain levels, most do not need more than two injections total. The patient may feel some residual pain for a day or two. Once the stiffness and soreness diminish, they are left with improved joint function and reduced discomfort.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Grossfeld is the Louisville authority on Platelet Rich Plasma injections. If you are interested in PRP injections as a way to reduce joint discomfort, contact her today. Call 502-212-2663 to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon who has been voted as  one of the Top Ten Orthopedic Doctors in Louisville, KY and has received a Patient’s Choice Award as a top rated doctor from https://www.vitals.com/.

Is Bone Marrow Edema Painful? Understanding Bone Marrow Edema

bone marrow edemaBone marrow is a spongy tissue located inside bones that is vital for the production of important constituents of the blood such as white and red blood cells. Microscopic fractures in the internal bone structure lead to bleeding and inflammation within the marrow. These abnormalities are called bone marrow edema or “bone bruising.”

This swelling leads to pain that can feel like a soft-tissue bruise — hence the nickname “bone bruise.” Sometimes bone marrow edema does not have any noticeable symptoms. Other times it results in dysfunction of the bone or joint. Symptoms depend on the underlying causes and severity of the edema.

How Do You Get Bone Marrow Edema?

A common cause is trauma to the area. Trauma caused by acute injury or repetitive overuse wears down tissue over time. Other causes include:

  • Damage to the cartilage surface of the joint due to arthritis
  • Injury to a ligament
  • Synovitis or “joint inflammation”
  • Osteonecrosis, a specific condition that causes interruption of the blood supply to the bone which in turn weakens the bone leading to fractures
  • Bone tumors

How to Detect Bone Marrow Edema

With Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology, doctors are now able to produce detailed images of the body’s soft tissues — including bones — using magnetic fields and radio waves. With these images, they can spot abnormalities in the bone tissue indicative of fluid accumulation. Doctors were unable to spot this injury before MRIs, so it was not recognized in the medical community. Long-term effects of bone edema are still being studied.

Treating Bone Marrow Edema

The treatment of bone marrow edema often depends on the underlying causes. The most effective treatment for bone marrow edema caused by trauma is rest and relief from stress.  Most surgeons recommend limiting activity when bone bruising is found, especially if it is near a joint. Other options for treatment include medication, steroid injections, and surgery. A doctor should only suggest surgery if non-surgical treatments consistently fail.

Typically bone bruises heal four to 12 months after the injury. However, 10 to 15 percent of people diagnosed with bone marrow edema still have the injury up to two years after the initial injury. For some people, the conditions of the bone bruising can be indefinitely persistent.

Dr. Stacie Grossfeld has over 10 years of experience detecting and treating bone marrow edema and its related symptoms for patients in the Louisville and Kentuckiana area. If you would like more information on “bone bruising” or think you may be experiencing bone marrow edema, contact Orthopaedic Specialists today at 502-212-2663.

Long Term Correction in Sleep Disturbance is Sustained After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

arthroscopic rotator cuff repairThe muscles and tendons that surround and support the shoulder joint in order to reach overhead are called the rotator cuff. Injury to the rotator cuff leads to dull, persistent pain in the shoulder area as well as the neck and even down the arm towards the elbow. Sometimes the area experiences wear and tear with repetitive motions and the injury to the rotator cuff happens gradually over a period. Other times it is the result of a sudden injury like a fall or an intense strain when attempting to lift something heavy. Not all rotator cuff injuries are equal. It’s possible the shoulder pain in the area is simply tendonitis — inflammation or severe irritation in the tendons. A more extreme injury is a partial or full tear that separates the muscles from the bones. In these cases, an orthopedic surgeon may suggest arthroscopic rotator cuff repair as a correction.

What is Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair?

In the case of a full tear from the bone, an orthopedic surgeon may perform arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Using specialized instruments, the doctor is able to sew the muscles in the rotator cuff back to the shoulder bone. Using anchors and sutures, the surgeon reconnects the tissue in its original location. Remarkably, the surgery only requires a few small incisions around the area in order to be performed. Doctors use small digital cameras held inside the shoulder in order to operate with minimal invasion.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair does require general anesthesia prior to surgery. The procedure only takes one to two hours with the possibility of an overnight stay, depending on the pain. Medication is administered to help manage the pain while in recovery. The shoulder should be supported by a sling for four to six weeks post surgery, though full recovery can take up to six months. During this time, the patient should participate in physical therapy to help restore the muscles in the rotator cuff safely.

Sleep Disturbance and Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

It’s very common for people with rotator cuff tear to complain about disturbance in their sleep. The pain is easily triggered when sleeping on one’s side as well as by common, unconscious movements made while sleeping. This pain is so extreme, it often leads to waking.

In a controlled study, the majority of subjects experiencing sleep disturbance before going through arthroscopic rotator cuff repair found that their condition improved over a period of two years. However, those using narcotic medicine for pain relief still experienced sleep disturbance despite having the surgery. To experience long term sleep correction after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the patient must work on rehabilitating the area and alternative means of pain relief other than medication.

If you are suffering from shoulder pain possibly due to a torn rotator cuff, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld immediately. Dr. Grossfeld is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon who routinely performs arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for people in the Kentuckiana area. Dr. Grossfeld can be reached at either of her two office locations in Louisville, Kentucky by calling 502-212-2663.

Successful Return to Play After Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization VS Non-Operative Management in Contact Athletes With Anterior Shoulder Instability

anterior shoulder instabilityAthletes that participate in contact sports are at a higher risk for conditions like anterior shoulder instability. With overuse or after an injury– such as a dislocated shoulder– the joint stretches and becomes unstable. When the joint capsule is stretched out, it stays that way. This means the shoulder remains unstable and can lead to pain or further injury if not corrected.

There are two ways athletes can correct anterior shoulder instability: non-operative management through maintenance exercises and arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery. Here we further explore these two options and their individual benefits and drawbacks.

Anterior Shoulder Instability and Non-Operative Management

Younger athletes can help manage anterior shoulder instability with a combination of exercises that help build muscles that support your joint. In addition to these exercises, athletes should avoid playing contact sports that can undo their work and further de-stabilize the shoulder.

  • Proprioception training – These balance exercises teach your body how to control its positioning of your injured joint.
  • Rhythmic stabilization drills – The purpose of these drills is to re-educate the shoulder muscles on how to react to movement.
  • Scapular muscle strengthening exercises – Building muscle in the scapula can help provide stability when the other overstretched parts of the shoulder cannot.

While non-invasive management mean you don’t have to go under the knife, they also mean giving up contact sport in order to preserve what is left in the shoulder joint. For athletes who wish to return to play, arthroscopic shoulder stabilization may be the answer.

What is Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Surgery?

Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization surgery repairs the overstretched joint by making the capsule and ligaments more tensile. The operation is performed inside the body while the orthopedic surgeon views the operation from a television monitor. The surgeon uses small holes to suture anchors into the shoulder bone. These anchors have stitches attached that the surgeon then passes through surrounding tissues in order to reattach the shoulder labrum and capsule to the socket.

After success arthroscopic shoulder stabilization, contact athletes have a short recovery time before being able to return to play. The athlete helps prevent further injury through further maintenance exercises.

If you are an athlete or non-athlete with anterior shoulder instability, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld today. Dr. Grossfeld has over 10 years of experience in arthroscopic shoulder stabilization as well as non-operative management. Call 502-212-2663 to make an appointment today.

Need to Know Facts about Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP Injections)

platelet rich plasma injectionsWhat is PRP? 

PRP is short for platelet rich plasma. Platelets are a blood component made up of cytoplasm fragments that help stop bleeding by clotting injuries.

Why are platelets so awesome? 

Platelets are awesome because they contain a multitude of growth factors. By separating out the platelets from the rest of the blood cells, modern medicine allows a high contraction of patients to be injected into the area of the body that is injured. Since Platelet Rich Plasma injections are processed from the patient’s own blood there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection.

What kind of growth factors do platelets contain?

Transforming Growth Factor

The transforming growth factor promotes angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the process that promotes new blood vessels to form. The new blood vessels bring in other healing factors to repair the damaged area of the body. If you can imagine the injured part of a body being like a city that is in need of food to feed the people that live there. More roads need to be built so that more critical food supplies can be delivered to the city. Angiogenesis is the process of building the new roads to bring in supplies. Through angiogensis, more blood vessels grown around the damaged area of the body will allow the area to heal faster.

Platelet Derived Growth Factor

This growth factor attracts macrophages and fibroblasts which are naturally floating around in your blood  Both macrophages and fibroblasts help promote collagen growth and all ligaments, cartilage, and tendons are made up of collagen.

Collagen Stimulating Growth Factor

The collagen stimulating growth factor stimulates granulocytes and macrophage proliferation for the growth of healthy tissues and blood cells.

platelet rich plasma injections

How do Platelet Rich Plasma Injections help heal injuries?

Platelet Rich Plasma injections are generally plasma that has more platelets in it. This is achieved by increasing their concentration through centrifugation. The increased amount of platelets then results in an increased amount of growth factors, as outlined above, which promotes faster healing.

What happens the day of my Platelet Rich Plasma Injections?

  1. A healthcare provider will draw some blood from either your right or left arm . Similar to the amount that gets down for a routine blood test.
  2. The nurse will place the blood into a centrifuge which is located in the exam room. The centrifuge spins the blood at a very fast rate : about 4000 revolutions per minute. Through that spinning process the platelets are separated from the other components of the blood
  3. The PRP is then placed in a syringe and under sterile technique is injected into the area of the body being treated.

If you suffer from chronic pain, tennis elbow, or are in pain and not sure what the cause is, Platelet Rich Plasma injections may bring you relief. You can get more information on this treatment option, or make an appointment, with Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, KY. Dr. Grossfeld has over 25 years of experience in orthopedic medicine and offers Platelet Rich Plasma injections for a very affordable price. Get more information on PRP Injections then call 502-212-2663 to make an appointment today.

When To See A Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon?

pediatric orthopedic surgeonA pediatric orthopedic surgeon is an expert helping children with musculoskeletal issues including problems with bones, joints, back, or muscles. In addition to medical school and an orthopedic surgery residency, pediatric orthopedic surgeons also undergo additional training specifically for pediatrics. They are able to treat children from newborns to teenagers with issues such as limb deformities, spine curvatures, broken bones, infections in the bone or joins, and limping.

3 Common Pediatric Orthopedic Conditions Every Parent Should Know About

According to a Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon

There are several common conditions in children that a pediatric orthopedic surgeon can help correct early on. Your pediatrician may refer you to see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon if they detect one of these conditions.

Flat Feet

When we’re born, our feet are flat and then they develop arches as we grow. However, for some kids that arch does not fully develop. As they learn to walk, parents may notice that the child’s ankles turn in– a state often characterized as “weak ankles.” Eventually, the lack of arch in the feet can result in foot pain that can make walking uncomfortable.

While arch supports can help reduce pain in the feet, special shoes and inserts can’t affect the development of the arch. Reconstruction surgery can relieve pain and restore function if orthotics do not effectively reduce pain caused by flat feet.

Bowlegs

Also called genu varum, bowlegs are when the legs bend outwards from the knees down in an exaggerated manner. It is an inherited trait common in infants and often corrects itself as a child grows. However, there are two conditions that can lead to persistent bowlegs in children that are toddler age or older: rickets and Blount disease.

Rickets is a condition caused by a lack of the essential vitamins and minerals needed for bone growth. If a child is deficient in calcium and/or vitamin D, the legs cannot develop properly as they grow. This can lead to muscle pain among other problems such as spleen and liver enlargement.

Blount disease causes abnormal growth at the top of the tibia bone which is located by the joints of the knees. Doctors can start to detect Blount disease around the age of 2 and may recommend bracing or surgery to correct it.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where the child’s spine curves sideways. If the curves are large enough, the child may need surgery or a brace to help correct it. Most cases of scoliosis develop in early puberty around age 10.

There are many reasons it is important to be aware of these common conditions that often affect infants. The the well being of your children is one reason. However, the most important one is that all of these conditions can be resolved if treated early on.

Dr. Stacie Grossfeld has over 10 years of experience as a orthopedic surgeon including pediatric orthopedics. If you would like more information on common pediatric orthopedic conditions like flat feet, bowlegs, and Scoliosis, contact Orthopaedic Specialists today at 502-212-2663.