Whiplash: An Overview

Posted September 21, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopedic Specialists in Louisville, Kentucky can treat your whiplash and complications at the highest level of care and expertise.

If you’ve ever been knocked around in a way that displaces your head and causes it to whip forward and backwards, but then experienced pain in your neck, shoulders, or head, then you may have contracted what is called whiplash.

Whiplash is a very common injury that results from a rapid and abrupt extension and flexion of the muscles in the neck – like the motion of a whip, hence it’s name. Any event causing this motion can bring about a case of whiplash, such as being in a car that puts on the brakes suddenly without you being able to prepare yourself, being rear-ended, or taking a big fall without properly supporting your neck. Even rollercoasters can give whiplash! The most common causes of whiplash in the US, however, is via a sports injury or a car accident.

How serious is whiplash? Does it need to be treated medically? Find out more in our overview of whiplash!

The Mechanics of Whiplash

This type of injury is known by terms other than whiplash, such as neck strain or neck sprain, so it might be called by a different name when it comes to articles on the internet or health providers. It also refers to a broader range of injuries rather than just one, like most other injury-related terms do, because when the neck bounces back and forth, the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and/or joints are manipulated past the point of their normal range of motion.

Case-by-case, the severity differs and cause for concern will depend on where the damage extends to, which can include:

The intervertebral joints
The cervical discs (also known as intervertebral discs)
Cervical muscles
Nerve roots
Neck ligaments
Tendons in the neck

Because of this range of potential injuries, symptoms, recovery time, and complications that can potentially develop from a whiplash injury can only be determined by a doctor who can recognize the extent of the whiplash.

When Should I Become Concerned About My Whiplash?

Like many sprains or strains, it might take a few days for the body to catch up with the injury and manifest in pain and loss of mobility, so some symptoms could be delayed. Immediate pain, paresthesia (burning or prickling sensation), or excruciating pain in the neck, shoulders, or back is certainly a cause for concern, as there could be damaged nerves, torn tendons, or injured cervical discs (herniated discs, bulging discs, or pinched nerves) which are severe conditions that result from serious cases of whiplash.

However, whiplash isn’t usually used to describe the more extreme injuries, as they have specified diagnoses and names. In general, the condition is considered a very minor and mild injury with symptoms such as:

Neck pain
Neck stiffness
Injuries to the muscles and ligaments (myofascial injuries)
Headache
Dizziness
Mild shoulder or back pain

In cases where the whiplash is sever enough to cause a concussion, some people might also experience memory loss, impaired concentration, nervousness/irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, or depression. But, again, when the whiplash is serious enough, the diagnoses is referred to and treated as the specific medical term.

How Should I Treat My Whiplash?

All depending on the severity of symptoms, the treatment of whiplash can range from letting mild pain resolve on its own to wearing an immobilizing cervical collar for increased stability of the neck during recovery. Many healthcare providers will prescribe over-the-counter pain medications, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, as well as rest, at-home physical therapy, ice, and heat treatments to combat inflammation and tension.

For more extreme cases, medical imaging may be done on the neck area, such as an MRI, CT Scan, or X-Ray and muscle relaxants, in-office physical therapy, cervical traction, and cervical collars may be prescribed.

The recovery time for those who have experienced whiplash is rather short, with symptoms in studied cases averaging a full recovery within 2-3 months of obtaining the whiplash injury; however, residual neck pain and headaches were known to be reported and should be tracked in case of a concussion or extended injury.

If you or someone you love has suffered a whiplash injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

From the Desk of Dr. Grossfeld: Plantar Fasciitis

Posted September 4, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

Dr. Stacie Grossfeld tells about the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain and discomfort in the heel and the bottom of the foot. Its signs and symptoms typically include:

1. Heel Pain

The most prominent symptom is pain in the heel, usually felt as a sharp, stabbing pain that’s worse with the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

2. Pain After Rest

Pain often subsides during activity, but can return after periods of rest or prolonged standing.

3. Stiffness

Stiffness and tightness in the bottom of the foot, especially in the morning or after long periods of sitting.

4. Pain that Radiates

Pain might radiate along the arch of the foot, and sometimes even into the calf.

5. Tenderness

The affected area, particularly the inner part of the heel where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone, can be tender to touch.

6. Increased Pain with Activity

Prolonged standing, walking, running, or other weight-bearing activities can exacerbate the pain.

Risk Factors

People who are overweight, wear shoes with poor arch support, have high arches or flat feet, or engage in activities that involve repetitive impact on the feet are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

Treatment

Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually starts with over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, physical therapy, and supplementary medical gear like splints, shoe inserts, walking boots, or crutches. If the pain persists at a high level, surgical recommendations may include injections, shock wave therapy, or surgery, which is the last option after all other treatments fail.

If you suspect you have plantar fasciitis, give our office a call to set up a consultation to diagnosis and treat your plantar fasciitis. We use our feet and legs every day, and they are very important to getting enough exercise to properly prevent plantar fasciitis and other conditions, so it’s better to address the pain early to avoid complications in the future.

If you or someone you love suffers from plantar fasciitis in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

Sprains vs Strains

Posted August 29, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists is double board certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. Work with her today to resolve your sprains and strains!

Not all injuries are complicated, serious, or uncommon, and most of us have likely managed to get a variety of sprains and strains during our daily lives. However, while they might be painful, after a few days of rest and healing, the swelling and pain recedes, and a couple of weeks after that, everything is completely back to normal – not so serious, right?

Sprains and strains are often obtained from physical activities and sports, but can also originate from overuse, awkward movements or positions, and improper lifting. Make sure you consider the risk factors for certain activities as well, as uneven ground, slippery conditions, failing to warm up and cool down after workouts can heighten your risk.

Depending on the type and severity of pain that you experience with the injury, it’s important to know which is which and how risky it can be to overuse an injured joint or muscle. Simply put, while they are both acute, soft-tissue injuries, a sprain is an injury to a joint or the connective ligaments and a strain is an injury to muscles or tendons.

Sprains

Sprains happen when the joint capsule or surrounding ligaments of a joint are stretched or torn. A joint capsule is a dense, fibrous connective tissue that is attached to the bones in a joint that seals the joint space, and a ligament is a stronger band of connective tissue that connects the end of one bone with another to stabilize and support the body’s joints. All joints are susceptible to sprains, but the most vulnerable are the ankles, knees, thumbs, and wrists.

The symptoms of sprains will vary with severity, but may include pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced stability and function. Regarding severity, there are 3 grades of sprains that your injury can fall into:

Grade 1 (Mild): There is slight damage to the fibers of the ligament that can cause pain and mild swelling, but mobility and function are mostly unaffected.
Grade 2 (Moderate): There is partial tearing of the ligament, which causes abnormal looseness in the joint when it is moved in certain ways and decreases mobility.
Grade 3 (Severe): There is a complete tear of the ligament, which causes significant instability and loss of function.

Strains

A strain is similar to a sprain, except that with strains, the muscles and tendons are majorly affected rather than ligaments. They are caused by a sudden stretching or tear of your muscles or your tendons, which are heavy bands of fibrous tissue that connect your bones to your muscles and allows movement. This function is what sets them apart from ligaments, which are there only for bone-to-bone connective purposes. The most common muscles affected by strains are the hamstrings, the back, and the gastrocnemius muscle in the calf.

Symptoms of a strain may include pain, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, swelling, inflammation, and cramping.

Treating Sprains and Strains

Usually, sprains and strains will heal by themselves with enough care and time off. Be careful not to overuse an injured joint or muscle, or you risk re-injury or worsening of the injury. Instead, the R.I.C.E. method is recommended: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. If you have a severe grade 3 sprain or strain, then you may be directed towards an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist to assist in the healing process.

If you or someone you love has suffered a sprain or strain injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

Preventing Pickleball Injuries: An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Perspective

Posted August 14, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

Dr. Grossfeld treats sports injuries of all kinds, including ever-growing Pickleball injuries.

As an orthopedic surgeon, my primary concern is the health and well-being of my patients. In recent years, I have noticed a surge in the number of Pickleball-related injuries among both seasoned players and beginners. Pickleball, a popular racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has gained immense popularity across all age groups. While it is an enjoyable and low-impact sport, the risk of injuries cannot be ignored.

Understanding Pickleball Injuries

Pickleball injuries can vary from mild sprains and strains to more severe fractures and dislocations. The most commonly affected areas are the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Due to the fast-paced nature of the game and the quick lateral movements involved, players may experience overuse injuries and sudden twists that lead to acute injuries.

Common Pickleball Injuries

Shoulder Injuries
- Rotator cuff strains and tears are prevalent among Pickleball players, often caused by repetitive overhead motions during serves and smashes.
Elbow Injuries
- Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, can develop due to the repetitive gripping and swinging of the paddle.
Wrist Injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist sprains can result from constant paddling movements.
Knee Injuries
- Meniscal tears and ligament strains may occur due to quick lateral movements and sudden stops.
Ankle Injuries
- Sprained ankles are common, especially when players change direction abruptly or land awkwardly.

Prevention is Key

While injuries may seem inevitable in any sport, preventive measures can significantly reduce their occurrence in Pickleball:

1. Warm-up and Stretching:
Before stepping onto the court, players should perform a thorough warm-up and gentle stretching exercises to prepare their muscles and joints for the game’s demands.

2. Proper Technique:
Learning the correct techniques for strokes, serves, and footwork can minimize the risk of overuse injuries and improve overall performance.

3. Footwear:
Investing in good-quality, supportive court shoes can provide stability and reduce the chances of ankle sprains.

4. Rest and Recovery:
Adequate rest between matches and proper recovery strategies can help prevent overuse injuries and ensure optimal performance.

5. Listening to Your Body:
It is essential for players to listen to their bodies and recognize any signs of discomfort or pain. Ignoring early warning signs can lead to more severe injuries and prolonged recovery periods. If any pain or discomfort persists, players should seek medical attention promptly.

Returning to Play After an Injury

For players recovering from a Pickleball injury, it is crucial to follow the orthopedic surgeon’s guidance and engage in a structured rehabilitation program. Rushing back to the court prematurely can exacerbate the injury and lead to long-term consequences.

From the Desk of of Dr. Grossfeld

In conclusion, Pickleball is an enjoyable and social sport that offers numerous health benefits. However, like any physical activity, it comes with inherent injury risks. By understanding these risks and implementing preventive measures, players can continue to enjoy the sport safely and reduce the likelihood of seeking orthopedic care due to Pickleball-related injuries. As an orthopedic surgeon, my goal is to ensure that all Pickleball enthusiasts can enjoy the game while prioritizing their musculoskeletal health.

If you or someone you love has suffered a sports injury or pickleball injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

August 2023 Sports Events in Louisville, KY

Posted July 25, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

Orthopaedic Specialists treats injuries of all kinds, including sports injuries and accident injuries.

Playing and participating in sports are a great way to stay in shape, have fun, and keep your mind sharp for people of all ages. Whether it’s football, pickleball, cross country, wrestling, yoga, or synchronized swimming, there are clubs and events all around us to participate in; sometimes, however, we don’t want to participate, we just want to watch!

Luckily, Louisville is home to three minor league professional sports teams, the Bellarmine Knights college sports teams, the University of Louisville Cardinals’ sports teams, and the KFC Yum! Center, which is a popular stop for other sports teams and events on tours. Want to know what coming up for the month of August? Orthopaedic Specialists has you covered! Which sporting events in Louisville will we see you at?

Louisville Bats

Omaha Storm Chasers
- Aug. 1-3 @ 6:35 pm
- Aug. 4-5 @ 7:15 pm
- Aug. 6 @1:05 pm
Toledo Mud Hens
- Aug. 22-24 @ 6:35 pm
- Aug. 25-26 @ 7:15 pm
- Aug. 27 @ 1:05 pm

Louisville City FC

Charleston Battery
- Aug. 9 @ 8:00 pm
Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
- Aug. 12 @ 8:00 pm
Oakland Roots FC
- Aug. 26 @ 7:30 pm

Racing Louisville FC

Angel City FC
- Aug. 19 @ 7:30 pm

KFC Yum! Center

WWE Friday Night SmackDown
- Aug. 25 @ 7:45 pm

Have a Sports Injury? Orthopaedic Specialists Can Help!

It doesn’t matter where the injury came from – Dr. Stacie Grossfeld is double board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, both through the American Board of orthopedic surgeons. You don’t have to be a professional sports player to become injured doing the activities that you enjoy, but you will need the same quality care and recovery process.

While your chosen hobby can be fun to watch, fun to play, and a great way to keep yourself healthy, be sure to have a plan for when things go awry and you get aches, breaks, pains, or sprains. Until then, make the most of Louisville’s sports scene and support our local teams!

If you or someone you love has suffered a sports injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

How to Avoid Shin Splints and What to Do If You Get Them

Posted July 11, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

If you’ve ever suddenly gotten back into an exercise routine, feeling good about making the leap and getting your steps in or working up a sweat, and then woken up the next day having to hobble everywhere because of the pain in your shins, then you aren’t alone! In fact, even the most experienced of athletes can develop this kind of pain that we call shin splints.

What Are Shin Splints?

The term “shin splints” refers to pain along the tibia when the surrounding muscles, tendons, and bone tissue become inflamed and irritated from repetitive, vigorous, or altered exercising. Shin splints are not a serious injury, initially, which is good considering how many people develop this particular condition. Those who are particularly prone to shin splints are:

Women
Those with flat feet
Those with rigid arches
Inexperienced exercisers
Dancers
Runners
Military members

If shin splints are left unaddressed and are continued to be irritated, there is a chance that they can escalate into detached muscles or stress fractures, but those are extreme cases. Stress fractures, tendinitis, and chronic exertional compartment syndrome are all conditions associated with shin pain, so it’s suggested that a doctor become involved if the pain persists. Shin splints usually heal completely within 2-6 weeks, depending on the severity and how much rest you allow yourself, but pain will usually subside within a week.

How Do You Prevent Shin Splints:

1. Stretch

Having a warm-up and stretch routine before you get into the heat of your workout will allow your muscles time to loosen up and get ready to support you as you exercise! Everyone from first-time exercisers to children to professional athletes should have some method of stretching incorporated to keep these types of preventable injuries away. If you know your workout is going to be different, make sure your stretching session is a little bit longer and more comprehensive!

2. Wear Proper Footwear

Improper or worn-down footwear can have a very large impact on your risk of getting shin splints, for runners especially. Don’t know when to replace your sports gear? Check out our overview here! Worn-out shoes can displace your weight and put stress on parts of the body that aren’t supposed to be stressed or aren’t prepared to be stressed. This is why shin splints develop if your regiment changes suddenly, like running hills and trails or switching from a treadmill to a sidewalk, as well!

3. Don’t Overexert Yourself

Once we get it in our heads that we’re going to stick to a schedule and not deviate from it, backing off when it starts to get painful can feel like a failure and be very disappointing and disheartening. But that’s not the case! Taking care of your body so that you can train better and longer is just as important as the exercises themselves. Especially for newer exercisers, or those who are just getting back into exercising, this can be difficult, since it throws off a still-developing schedule. Slowly ease into a regiment instead of starting at 100% to prevent any overexertion injuries and get yourself an accountability buddy if you have to take a break because of an injury.

4. Crosstrain

One of the simplest ways to make sure that you aren’t neglecting a part of your body and setting it up for injury is by cross-training your muscles. This can look different for everyone, but just like a weight-lifter wouldn’t only do arm workouts, or only build the muscles in their legs, every exerciser can benefit from working on all parts of their body. Swimming, cycling, and using machines such as the elliptical are all great cardio alternatives to each other.

How to Treat Shin Splints:

Shin splints is a variable condition that affects each person differently – it’s highly dependent on what you do that caused the shin splints and how you respond. As mentioned before, pain can go away in as short as a week’s time, but that doesn’t mean that the injury isn’t still there. Make sure you have total and complete painless motion back before returning fully to your sport or exercise regiment so that you don’t end up re-injured or making your injury worse.

All the popular methods of rest and recovery apply to mild cases of shin splints:

RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
Over-the-Counter pain medication
Decrease your activity

If the pain persists, physical therapy, stabilizing boots, orthopedic inserts, or crutches may be utilized to take the pressure off the injured leg and allow proper healing.

If you or someone you love has suffered a sports injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

Best Places for Lap Swimming This Summer in Louisville, KY

Posted June 21, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

Orthopaedic Specialists recommends swimming as exercise for how easy it is on joints while still being a full-body aerobic exercise.

Swimming is a wonderful aerobic exercise that is often used in recovery and physical therapy plans due to its low impact on joints and bones while strengthening the muscles of the body to support us. A few general benefits of swimming as exercise are:

Arthritis Relief
Improved Mental Health
Decreased Risk of Disease and Injury in Older Adults
Improved or maintained Bone Health of Post-Menopausal Women
Full-Body Workout at Once
Increased Heart and Lung Health
Builds Endurance, Strength, and Flexibility
Practice of a Life-Saving Skill

There are plenty of other benefits to swimming for exercise but, in the summer, one of the biggest pros is having an exercise in the summer that won’t overheat you; in fact, you can use it to cool off as you exercise!

Louisville has plenty of places to get your laps in this summer, so make use of the pool and take a dip sometime!

1. The J
Address: 3600 Dutchmans Ln, Louisville, KY 40205

The Trager Family Jewish Community Center has an indoor and an outdoor pool open for members to use for heated lap swimming as well as several water-based exercise classes if you prefer a structured workout. Their hours are Monday-Thursday from 5:30am-9pm, Fridays from 5:30am-7pm, and Saturday-Sundays from 8am-6pm.

2. Lakeside Swim Club
Address: 2010 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40205

With lap lanes in their 50 meter pool, 25 meter pool, and 20 meter pool, the Lakeside Swim Club has no shortage of space. While you might have to yield some lanes to the competitive swim clubs that hold meets there some days, you’ll have plenty of amenities in the meantime. For a full list of how many lanes will be available during which hours, please visit their Pool and Lap Schedule page.

3. Plainview Swim Club
Address: 10235 Timberwood Cir, Louisville, KY 40223

Located on 8 acres in the Plainview subdivision in Jeffersontown, this swimming hotspot includes:

A 15-meter junior Olympic size pool
An adults-only pool
A children’s playground
A children’s pool
Concession
A dive pool
A gazebo
A historically registered estate and carriage house
Restrooms

Their normal hours are 10am-9pm Tuesday-Sunday and 12pm-9pm on Mondays; however, these hours are subject to change with weather, so be sure to contact the facility about their lap swim before you go!

4. Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center
Address: 201 Reservoir Ave, Louisville, KY 40206

Part of the City of Louisville’s Park System, this indoor pool facility has affordable lap swim prices that will also give you access to their weight room and equipment. With 2 full-sized pools, you’re sure to find a lane without a problem! The Mary T. Meagher Aquatic center also offers water-based classes, but their lap swim hours are from 5am-8pm Monday-Friday and 10am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

5. Floyd County YMCA
Address: 33 State St, New Albany, IN 47150

Located directly off of the Sherman Minton Bridge on the Indiana side, this YMCA is open from 5am-9am all 7 days of the week. In addition to a place to swim, you also have the option to join their local competitive swim team, their 100 Mile Swim Club, or participate in the various swim challenges they hold throughout the year.

Educación del paciente: Liberación del túnel carpiano

Posted June 17, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

Descripción general de la liberación del túnel carpiano
Especialistas Ortopédicos 502-212-2663
Stacie Grossfeld, M.D. / Bess Fley, PA-C

La cirugía de liberación del túnel carpiano se realiza como un procedimiento ambulatorio.
A su llegada al centro quirúrgico, primero se reunirá con la persona de registro para registrarlo. Luego lo llevarán de regreso al área preoperatoria y se reunirá con su equipo de enfermería.

Anestesia

La siguiente persona que conocerá es el médico de anestesia. En este momento, el anestesiólogo discutirá el proceso y abordará cualquier pregunta o inquietud que tenga sobre la anestesia.

Usted irá a la sala de operaciones donde se realiza la cirugía de liberación del túnel carpiano. Luego, el anestesiólogo administrará una breve anestesia general, para que esté completamente dormido durante el procedimiento. Debido a que es una anestesia general, usted no escuchará ni verá nada de lo que sucede en la sala de operaciones.

Procedimiento quirúrgico

El Dr. Grossfeld luego realizará la liberación del túnel carpiano. Este procedimiento dura entre 15 y 30 minutos. Tenga en cuenta que después de regresar a la sala de operaciones, toma alrededor de 30-40 minutos irse a dormir y colocarse en la cama de la sala de operaciones, por lo que es posible que su familia no lo vea durante 1 a 2 horas.

El Dr. Grossfeld hará una incisión sobre el área donde se encuentra el túnel carpiano. Ella liberará el tejido apretado que está presionando el nervio mediano causando el entumecimiento / hormigueo y dolor. La incisión se cierra con 2 capas de suturas. La capa profunda se cierra con una capa de sutura que es soluble. La capa de piel se cerrará con una sutura que se retirará en la primera visita postoperatoria.

El Dr. Grossfeld inyectará un medicamento anestésico de acción prolongada en el sitio quirúrgico, que durará de 6 a 8 horas.

Al salir de la sala de operaciones, se le colocará una gasa de 4 x 4 sobre los sitios de incisión, seguida de almohadillas ABD, que son un apósito esponjoso más grande, seguido de un acolchado de yeso. Luego se aplicará una férula de yeso para que no pueda doblar la muñeca. En su primera visita postoperatoria, se le retirará la férula y se le colocará en una muñequera simple.

Una visión general de la cirugía de liberación del túnel carpiano con el Dr. Grossfeld.

Noche de Cirugía

Es muy importante que te mantengas al tanto del dolor.

Ella recomienda que configure su despertador y tome su medicamento para el dolor cada 6 horas durante las primeras 24 horas para mantenerse al tanto de su dolor. Agregar 800 mg de Motrin cada 6 horas o Meloxicam 15 mg cada 24 horas puede ayudar a controlar el dolor. No use Motrin o Meloxicam si está tomando anticoagulantes o tiene antecedentes de úlceras estomacales o enfermedad renal.

Primera visita postoperatoria

Su primera visita postoperatoria será de 14 a 18 días después de la cirugía. Usted será visto en la oficina en ese momento y le quitarán las suturas. El Dr. Grossfeld o Bess Fley, PA-C responderán cualquier otra pregunta.

Fisioterapia

La fisioterapia se puede ordenar en función de la hinchazón, el rango de movimiento y la fuerza.

Conducción

La mayoría de las personas comenzarán a conducir una vez que hayan dejado de tomar todos los analgésicos. Conducir podría ser dentro de un par de días si se siente cómodo conduciendo un vehículo con una mano. El uso completo de la mano es típicamente con 2 semanas.

Regreso al trabajo

Si trabaja en un trabajo de tipo laboral, lo más probable es que no regrese a ese trabajo hasta que sea liberado al 100%. Esto podría ser de 2 a 3 meses dependiendo de la descripción de su trabajo.
Si su empleador tiene opciones de trabajo ligero, lo más probable es que sea liberado en cualquier lugar entre una o dos semanas de regreso al trabajo liviano, y generalmente el servicio liviano no requerirá el uso del lado quirúrgico / el lado en el que se realiza su cirugía, excepto para tareas simples como usar una computadora o contestar un teléfono.

Si tiene un trabajo de oficina, lo más probable es que pueda volver a trabajar entre una y cuatro semanas. El regreso al trabajo también dependía del nivel de dolor y la descripción del trabajo. La mayoría de las personas tienen muy poco dolor después de esta cirugía, pero algunas tienen más. El dolor es muy personal y diferente de persona a persona.

FMLA y papeleo de discapacidad

Nuestra oficina ofrece el servicio de completar el papeleo para FMLA y / o discapacidad por una tarifa de $ 40, por conjunto de documentos, y se completa en el orden en que se recibe, generalmente toma de 7 a 10 días hábiles. Todas las solicitudes deben originarse con su empleador, ya que su elegibilidad para FMLA y / o discapacidad se basa en sus beneficios con su empleador. Si bien cada paciente es único, hacemos todo lo posible para estimar el tiempo de recuperación y, a menudo, sobreestimamos la cantidad de tiempo para evitar un lapso en los beneficios y / o requerir papeleo adicional. Muchas veces las compañías de discapacidad requieren actualizaciones después de cada cita. Es responsabilidad del paciente comunicar esta solicitud a la oficina. Las actualizaciones no se completan automáticamente. Cualquier pregunta al respecto puede dirigirse a Dorothy.

Patient Education: Carpal Tunnel Release

Posted June 17, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Overview
Orthopaedic Specialists 502-212-2663
Stacie Grossfeld, M.D. / Bess Fley, PA-C

Carpal Tunnel Release surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure.

Upon arrival at the surgicenter you will first meet with the registration person to check you in. You will then be brought back to the pre-op area and meet with your nursing team.

Anesthesia

The next person you will meet is the anesthesia doctor. At this time the anesthesiologist will discuss the process and address any questions or concerns you have about the anesthesia.

You will go to the operating room where the surgery is performed. The anesthesiologist will then administer a brief general anesthesia, so you are completely asleep for the procedure. Because it is a general anesthesia, you will not hear or see anything going on in the operating room

Surgical Procedure

Dr. Grossfeld will then perform the carpal tunnel release. This procedure takes between 15-30 minutes. Keep in mind after you head back to the operating room it takes about 30-40 minutes to go to sleep and get positioned on the operating room bed, so your family may not see you for 1 to 2 hours.

Dr. Grossfeld will make an incision over the area where the carpal tunnel is located. She will release the tight tissue that is pressing on the median nerve causing the numbness/tingling and pain. The incision is closed with 2 layers of sutures. The deep layer is closed with a suture layer that is dissolvable. The skin layer will be closed with a suture that will be removed at the first post operative visit.

Dr. Grossfeld will inject a long-acting numbing medication into the surgical site, which will last for 6-8 hours.

Upon leaving the operating room, you will have 4 x 4 gauze placed over the incision sites followed by ABD pads, which are a larger fluffy dressing, followed by cast padding. A plaster splint will then be applied so you are unable to bend your wrist. At your first post operative visit the splint will be removed and you will be placed into a simple wrist brace.

An overview of Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery with Dr. Grossfeld.

A step-by-step guide on carpal tunnel release surgery with Dr. Grossfeld.

Night of Surgery

It is very important that you stay on top of the pain.

She recommends that you set your alarm clock and take your pain medication every 6 hours for the first 24 hours to stay on top of your pain. Adding 800 mg Motrin every 6 hours or Meloxicam 15 mg every 24 hours can help control pain. Do not use either Motrin or Meloxicam if you are on blood thinners or have a history of stomach ulcers or kidney disease.

First Post-Operative Visit

Your first post operative visit will be 14- 18 days post-surgery. You will be seen in the office at that time and have the sutures removed. Dr Grossfeld or Bess Fley, PA-C will answer any other questions.

Physical Therapy

PT may be ordered based on swelling, range of motion and strength.

Driving

Most people will start driving once they are off all pain medication. Driving could be within a couple days if you feel comfortable driving a vehicle with one hand. Full use of the hand is typically with 2 weeks.

Return to Work

If you work a labor type job, you will most likely not return back to that job until you are released 100%. This could be 2-3 months depending on your job description.
If your employer has light duty options, you will most likely be released anywhere between one to two weeks back to light duty, and typically light duty will not require the use of the surgical side/the side your surgery is performed on, except for simple tasks such as using a computer or answering a phone.

If you have an office type job, you can most likely get back to work between one to four weeks. Return to work also depended on pain level and job description. Most people have very little pain after this surgery but some have more. Pain is very personal and different from person to person.

FMLA and Disability Paperwork

Our office offers the service of completing paperwork for FMLA and/or disability for a fee of $40, per set of paperwork, and is completed in the order that it is received, typically takes 7-10 business days. All requests must originate with your employer, as your eligibility for FMLA and/or disability is based on your benefits with your employer. While each patient is unique, we do our best to estimate the time of recovery and often times over-estimate the amount of time to prevent a lapse in benefits and/or require additional paperwork. Often times disability companies require updates after each appointment. It is the patient’s responsibility to communicate this request with the office. Updates are not automatically completed. Any questions regarding this can be directed to Dorothy.

Bess Fley, PA-C, June 2023 Newsletter: Little League Shoulder

Posted June 12, 2023 by Orthopaedic Specialists

Sports Medicine in Louisville, KY, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bess Fley PA-C, Dr. Stacie Grossfeld Supervising Doctor doe injuries like little league shoulder.

From the Desk of Bess Fley: Little League Shoulder

Spending the day at the ballpark might be a dream come true for all the aspiring ‘Babe Ruth’s and ‘Jackie Robinson’s, and for all their enthusiasm and energy, it might seem like a win-win situation to let them practice and play all day and come home tired. However, did you know that there’s a very common, yet preventable injury that children are at risk for when they repeat the pitching motion frequently? Learn more about Proximal Humeral Epiphysitis (Little League Shoulder) in the pediatric patient below!

What is Little League Shoulder?

Proximal Humeral Epiphysitis – aka ‘Little League Shoulder’ – is a common overuse injury in the pediatric population that occurs when the growth plate of the shoulder becomes inflamed and widens. This condition’s symptoms are most commonly the complaint of pain in the front part of the shoulder and develops in children’s cases more due to the fact that they have increased plasticity of their bones, open growth plates, and less muscle mass.

Bess Fley talks about the optimal amount of pitches young pitchers should be doing per day to avoid injury.

Treatments

Typically, with 4-6 weeks of rest and NSAIDs, patients can return to baseball, softball, or their other sports pain-free if the injury is solely Proximal Humeral Epiphysitis. While the growth plate will appear widened on x-ray, MRI would be able to tell if there was a more extensive injury, such as a fracture, but the treatment is mostly the same.

Prevention Methods

In order to prevent this from happening, becoming a master of the fundamentals is important before adding in more complex pitches. Pitch counts at every practice and game are also an important to track in order to help prevent this injury.

An easy way to do this accurately is to:

1. Keep an App

Our favorite is called Pitch X-Pitch Counter, which can be downloaded and tracks data long-term with the option to add up to 3 players for free before a one-time purchase for unlimited players.

2. Keep Track Manually,

There are also handheld options available if you don’t want to keep your phone in hand as you count, such as these low-cost options on Amazon.

If you or someone you love has suffered a Little League Shoulder injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, Orthopaedic Specialists, PLLC can help! Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.