• 5 Ways To Stay Active and Healthy in The Holiday Season

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    It can be hard to maintain your fitness in the holiday season! Read how here.

    Making time for exercise is always difficult, but it is especially challenging in the holiday season. Whether you feel restricted by freezing temperatures, limited daylight hours, or the pressure of familial and social obligations, you’re certainly not alone if you struggle to get your fitness in during the winter months! According to a Gallup poll, the percentage of Americans who exercise for at least 30 minutes, 3 or more days a week reaches its lowest point each December. What’s more, healthy eating habits are also reported to be at a yearly low in December. The result? Millions of Americans are at an increased risk of obesity and chronic disease. 

    If you struggle to stay active and eat nutritious food during the holidays, keep reading. Today on the blog I’ll share 5 great tips for staying healthy as we enter the holiday season. 

    1. Get a Group

    There’s probably nothing more motivating than feeling obligated to other people! Joining a fitness class, running group, or exercise community of some sort can be both inspiring and fun! In Louisville, there are tons of options: The YMCA, Orange Theory, Baptist Health, barre3, Shred415, Jazzercise, FIT Louisville, WEL at Humana, and Cyclebar are just a few of the gyms that offer group and individual classes. Looking to join a fitness community for free? Check out Meetups.com! This platform brings together people of different backgrounds, such as hikers, women 50+, trail runners, pool players, and more. Facebook is also another good resource for finding local interest groups. 

    2. Dress For the Weather

    Feel hindered by freezing temperatures and 5 o’clock sunsets? The trick to exercising outdoors in the winter is to prepare for the elements! Learn how to layer up your clothing. It’s not uncommon to wear 2, 3, or even 4 layers when it’s cold outside. Also be sure to cover your extremities–investing in warm gloves, socks, and a hat is critical. When it snows, you can purchase rubber shoe grips that allow you to walk and run on slippery surfaces with ease. Plus, sledding, shoveling snow, ice skating, and skiing definitely counts as exercise. Truth be told, if you’re dedicated enough, you can enjoy the outdoors year round. It just takes a little extra effort!

    3. Don’t Wait For the New Year

    It’s easy to push off healthy habits to next week or the new year, especially as we overindulge in food and feel guilty. The trick to any lasting exercise routine? Starting! In fact, it’s far more sustainable to slowly incorporate exercise in a fun, flexible way than try to go too hard on January 1st and burn out. Studies have found that any amount of exercise is better than none at all, even if it’s walking down your street or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Committing to an active lifestyle also improves your quality of sleep, boosts your energy, reduces your risk of depression and anxiety, reduces your risk of dozens of diseases, and has other innumerable health benefits. 

    4. Boost Your Immune System With Food

    Your diet doesn’t just impact your weight, but it impacts your immune response and ability to fight infections! Getting key micronutrients is especially important in the winter months. Vitamin C, B, E, A, zinc, iron, selenium, and protein are especially important to look for in food for immunity. Citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, yogurt, blueberries, lean meats, red bell peppers, beans, seeds, and nuts are some great vitamin-dense and antioxidant-rich foods to incorporate into your diet. Remember: it’s all about balance. It’s okay to indulge in holiday treats on occasion!

    As daylight hours decrease, our Vitamin D levels also drop, so it’s critical to get more Vitamin D from your diet (fatty fish/seafood, mushrooms, egg yolks, fortified milks and cereal) or even dietary supplements. Unfortunately, many people have a Vitamin D deficiency and don’t realize it. 

    5. Get Creative With Activity

    Don’t have time to go to the gym or brave freezing temps? Don’t fret! There’s a huge variety of home-exercise routines you can do. Youtube is a great free resource for finding 10 minute to 2 hour-long fitness videos. From yoga to ab burns to expert HIIT workouts, you can find just about anything, no equipment or experience necessary. Some other popular at-home activities include trampolining, jumping rope, and dancing. 

    If you or a loved one has sustained a sports-related injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists is currently accepting new patients, and same day/telemedicine appointments are also available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment today, call 502-212-2663.

    Shin Splints: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Shin splints are common in runners.

    What Are Shin Splints?

    Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, are a common sports related injury. Shin splints are a result of chronic inflammation caused by repetitive movement and stress to the tibia (shin bone). When overworked, the tendons, muscles, and bone tissue of the shin can sustain tiny tears, irritation, and inflammation. Most common in runners, dancers, young athletes, and military recruits, shin splints can be very painful and debilitating. 

    Symptoms 

    Symptoms of shin splints can include sharp or dull pain along the inner-front of the lower leg. Pain can occur during or after exercise. Pain can be aggravated by touching the shin area. If left untreated, pain will likely grow more constant and chronic, and can even result in a stress fracture.

    Causes

    Shin splints are usually caused by rapidly changing the frequency or length of your physical activity. Quickly increasing your mileage, changing the terrain you run on, or working out with a sudden burst in intensity can trigger shin splints. This is why shin splints are very common in high school athletes and military recruits who go from low fitness to intense physical activity very quickly. 

    Shin splints can also be caused by having irregular arches or flat feet. Furthermore, wearing improper or worn-out sneakers can also cause shin splints. 

    Diagnosis & Treatment

    If you suspect that you may be suffering from shin splints, the first thing to do is to rest and regularly ice the area of pain. If this doesn’t help, seek medical advice. To diagnose the injury, your doctor will likely examine your leg, gait, and previous medical history. They may also order a medical imaging test, such as an X-ray or MRI to rule out other similar conditions, such as a stress fracture. 

    Following diagnosis, your doctor will advise you on how to properly recover. Although they are painful and frustrating, shin splints are not a serious injury and will typically go away if you rest and ice. You may also be advised to take pain relieving medicine (NSAIDs) or go to a physical therapist. 

    Prevention

    Preventing shin splints begins with proper training and awareness. Runners should be well-aware of good training practices, such as following the 10% rule of increasing mileage, always warming up before runs, stretching regularly, mixing up the type of runs (recovery day, intervals, sprints, long run, etc), and taking weekly rest days. Runners should be aware of symptoms of shin splints in order to catch the problem early on; The sooner your shin splints are addressed, the easier it is to resolve the injury.

    Investing in good shoes is also vital to prevent shin splints. Regularly getting new shoes, wearing the right shoes for your sport, and even purchasing supportive insoles can help prevent shin splints. 

    If you or a loved one has sustained a sports-related injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists is currently accepting new patients, and same day/telemedicine appointments are also available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment today, call 502-212-2663.

    Why Are Hamstring Injuries So Common in Football?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Why are football injuries so common?

    If you’re an NFL fan, you’re probably very familiar with hamstring injuries. Hamstring injuries, and hamstring strains in particular, are the most common football injury. On average, they occur over 172 times every season, and are increasing every year. This season alone, dozens of players from almost every team have gone down for weeks with hamstring injuries: the Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins, Bengal’s Chris Evans, Titans’ Julio Jones, Giant’s Sterling Shepard, Eagles’ Miles Sanders, and the Falcons’ Julio Jones, just to name a few. 

    What Are Hamstring Injuries?

    The hamstring is comprised of three muscles: the biceps femoris, the semitendinosus, and the semimembranosus. When you experience a hamstring injury, you have an injury to one or more of these muscles. Hamstring injuries are rated by three grades: 1, 2, and 3. A grade 1 injury is referred to as a hamstring pull or strain. You will feel pain with movement, but still be able to walk. A grade 2 hamstring strain is more serious. You may limp while walking and feel and intense pain in your leg. A grade 3 injury is likely a tear. This is a severe injury, marked by intense pain, swelling, and inability to walk. Most NFL injuries are a grade 1 or 2. 

    What Causes Hamstring Injuries?

    There are 5 proven risk factors for hamstring injuries: tightness in hamstrings, not enough warm up time before physical activity, past injuries, tired muscles, and imbalance in muscular strength between the hamstring muscles and the quadriceps. 

    Unfortunately, football players are especially vulnerable to each of these risk factors. Why? By nature, football is very stop-and-start, requiring long periods of inactivity before rapid bursts of movement and changes in direction. This style of play, of standing still and then sprinting, puts extreme stress on the hamstring. Plus, many players have preexisting injuries, go into the season out of shape, spend a lot of time on the bench, or are tired in between games, which all heightens the risk of injury. 

    Recovering From A Hamstring Injury

    FOX Sports recently published an article investigating the rate of hamstring injuries during football season. Their data found that following a few weeks of rest, athletes never regained their full ability. On average, players experienced “a 34% decrease in SNAP percentage in their first game back, a 24% in the second game back, and 20% by the third game back. After 4-5 games, it levels off to an 11.9% decrease in SNAP percentage for the rest of the season.” In short: if you get a hamstring injury… better luck next season!

    So, why is this the case? It’s because real recovery takes time! Even minor hamstring injuries call for at least 3 weeks off. However, teams are desperate to get their players back on the field, and rush the recovery and healing process. This is why 15.5% of NFL players re-injure themselves after a hamstring injury during the same season, and have a 24% chance of getting a different injury!

    Preventing Hamstring Injuries

    Hamstring injuries are common in all sports, but are very preventable. A study conducted in 1999 found that regular stretching reduces the rate of hamstring injuries by 16%. In addition, strength training and cross-training are proven to significantly reduce the risk of hamstring injuries. Always warming up before exercise can also prevent hamstring injuries for any type of athlete. Properly hydrating, eating well, and getting plenty of rest is hugely important as well, as fatigue can increase the risk of injury. 

    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.

    Recovering From Rotator Cuff Surgery? Try These 5 Tips For Optimal Recovery

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Recovering From Rotator Cuff Surgery? Read Tips Here

    If you’re suffering from persistent, long-term shoulder pain, you’ve lost your strength or range of motion in your shoulder, and you feel like you’ve tried everything (ice, rest, painkillers, waiting) — It’s time to consult an orthopaedic doctor.

    Rotator cuff tears are found in 30-50% of the population ages 50+ and are one of the most common injuries to require surgical treatment. However, the longer you wait to seek help, the lower the chances of recovery are. Optimal healing is contingent on remaining proactive, diligent, and healthy. 

    After consulting with a doctor, they’ll likely order medical imaging tests to determine the extent of your injury. If your rotator cuff tear goes deeper than 50% of the tendon, you will need surgery. Surgery is usually arthroscopic, outpatient, minimally invasive, and highly effective, meaning that the real challenge comes afterwards, in the weeks and months of recovery. 

    Recovery may last 6 months to over a year. During this period, you’ll wear a sling at first and work with a physical therapist to build up strength and mobility. With time and effort, you should be able to recover your entire range of motion. Keep reading to learn an orthopaedic surgeon’s tips for improving your outcome and ensuring fast, efficient recovery from rotator cuff surgery. 

    5 Tips For Recovering From Rotator Cuff Surgery

    1. Sling Stays On 24/7. For the first 4-6 weeks after surgery, you must wear your sling all the time. You shouldn’t drive, lift objects, or use your shoulder/arm in any manner. Wait a few weeks to fly or return to work. This can be very difficult, but it is vital to begin your recovery process.

    2. Watch For Complications. If you have a fever, numbness, unusual pain, or swelling in/around your injury, seek help. Complications are rare, but they can happen. Be sure to keep your shoulder clean/disinfected.  

    3. Be Mindful Of How You Sleep. The position you sleep in can impact your quality of sleep as well as your recovery process. Many people prefer to sleep in a slightly upright or reclined position, with the elbow pointing downward. This keeps your shoulder elevated and limits unnecessary pressure on the injury. 

    4. Don’t Compare Yourself. It’s easy to compare your recovery to friends or family who have undergone the same injury. Don’t. Each person’s recovery timeline, pain levels, and outcome is entirely different. Focus on your journey and pay attention to how you really feel, not how you think you should feel.

    5. Don’t Rush it. Your physical therapist will give you exercises to do everyday, which may feel too easy or even like a waste of time. Do not try to rush your recovery by overdoing or underperforming exercises. Do exactly as your physical therapist has told you, because they are trained to ensure an optimal recovery process. 

    If you or a loved one has suffered a rotator cuff tear or a sports-related injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists is currently accepting new patients, and same day/telemedicine appointments are also available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment today, call 502-212-2663.

    10 Hidden-Gem Parks In Louisville, Kentucky

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Where to Bike, Run, Hike, or Play Sports in Louisville, Kentucky

    Whether you identify as a runner, fast walker, or recreational dog walker, you’re probably well-versed in the public parks around your house. In the past year, record numbers of people have flocked to their nearest park for recreation, exercise, social activities, and enjoying nature. Everyone has been spending more time outside, and it’s no wonder why—Just 20 minutes in a park is proven to have a sizable effect on mental health by reducing anxiety and improving sense of wellbeing! Public parks have become a safe haven, a neutral, grounding space that can be enjoyed for free, anytime of day.

    If you live in Louisville, Kentucky, or the surrounding areas, you probably have a favorite park or two. Jefferson County boasts over 120 parks, so chances are, you haven’t seen them all. Keep reading to learn about 10 of the best, lesser-known parks and trails in Louisville.

    10 Underrated Parks in Louisville, Kentucky

    1. Arthur K. Draut Park

    There’s a park right behind the malls?! Hidden in suburban St. Matthews, Arthur K. Draut Park offers 25 acres of native wetlands, beautiful landscape, and paved paths.

    2. Shawnee Park

     An expansive 285 acres along the Ohio River, Shawnee Park offers baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, and volleyball courts! Enjoy multipurpose fields, miles of paved walking/running trails, and beautiful views of the Ohio, as well. 

    3. Fairmont Falls

    Only three cars are allowed at Fairmont Falls, per day! Located in South Louisville, this hidden-gem of a park offers a short trail to a huge, stunning waterfall. Make sure to book your visit a few days in advance!

    4. Broad Run Park

    The southernmost park in the Parklands of Floyds Fork, Broad Run was opened in 2016 and only continues to expand. It contains over 600 acres of paved and wooded trails, a scenic overlook, huge meadows, multiple fishing/paddling access points, a kid’s waterpark, pavilions, and a state-of-the-art woodland garden. 

    5. Lannan Memorial Park 

    Another beautiful park along the Ohio River, Lannan Memorial is located in the heart of the Portland Neighborhood, adjacent to the Portland Wharf Park. Enjoy verdant trails and fields along the Ohio, jump on the Louisville Loop biking paths, or play basketball. Plus, Lannan will soon be a short walk from the Future Waterfront Park Expansion.

    6. Iroquois Park 

    Iroquois is pretty popular, but it offers so much that it’s worth a mention! Tucked in the midst of downtown Louisville, Iroquois features miles of forest with hiking trails, paved paths, a huge golf course, a frisbee golf course, an outdoor amphitheater, a horse paddock and paths, a stunning scenic overlook, basketball courts, a playground, event patios, huge meadows, ponds, and more. You can explore Iriquois for months and still have more to see.

    7. Waverly Park 

    You may know Waverly for the infamous sanitarium on its grounds, but did you know that it’s also a 300 acre park? Just south of Iriquois, Waverly offers a beautiful fishing pond, mountain bike trails, miles of forested walking paths, a golf course, and a dog park.

    8. Tyler Park 

    If you love Cherokee and Seneca Parks but find them too busy, head over to Tyler Park, located off of Baxter Ave in the Highlands! While fairly small, Tyler Park offers 13 acres of multi-purpose fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, and nice paved paths. 

    9. Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing

    This 300-acre historic property on the river offers beautiful grounds to explore, sprawling fields, and miles of walking/biking paths either North or South, via accessing the Louisville Loop.

    10. Long Run Park

    On the eastern outskirts of Louisville, Long Run features a huge pond for kayaking and fishing, a 2-mile paved loop, a golf course, baseball fields, picnic spots, and a playground/sprayground. This 400-acre park is truly a well-kept neighborhood secret! 

    If you or someone you love has suffered an activity or sports-related 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. Same day appointments and telemedicine appointments are also available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Preventing Cross Country Running Injuries

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Student athletes running in a race are commonly injured

    One of the most popular after-school sports in the fall is competitive, long-distance running, known as cross country. Cross country is highly accessible and draws interest from students of all ages and ability levels. 

    Despite the fact that many running-related injuries are very preventable, the rate of injury remains quite high for cross country runners. Recent studies have shown that around 41% of young female runners and 37% of males are injured each cross country season. 

    Why do so many cross country runners get injured? Injuries can be attributed to many controllable factors, such as running at too high mileage, sudden changes in training routines, running on irregular surfaces, failing to warm up properly, poor sleep quality, or having a preexisting injury. If properly educated on the importance of safe running, coaches, athletic trainers, and athletes can work together to prevent injuries.

    Running injuries commonly occur throughout the legs, in the knees, feet, ankles, and calves. Most running injuries are chronic, overuse injuries. 

    Some very common conditions include: 

    Preventing Cross Country Injuries

    While some injuries are simply unavoidable, there are many ways you can improve your chances of avoiding injuries as well as your strength, ability, and success as a cross country runner. 

    • Build up by following the 10% rule.

    The rule states that you shouldn’t increase your mileage by more than 10% each week. To follow this, coaches should evaluate their training schedules and kids should consider building up mileage on their own before the season begins. 

    • Rest, rest, rest.

    Overtraining is the #1 cause of injuries. Taking regular rest days is essential to improving recovery and injury prevention. Unfortunately, many coaches and athletes are unaware of this.

    • Mix it up.

    Changing the terrains you run on, the distances, and the speed, every workout, can help prevent injury and overtraining. 

    • Focus on form.

    Maintaining good form is vital to reducing injury. However, many kids begin the sport with no knowledge of form. Even high-level runners can have very poor form! It’s generally the coach’s responsibility to monitor and inform the kids if their form needs to be changed. Poor form can also lead to issues with pronation.

    • Always warm up and cool down.

    Cold, tight muscles are far more susceptible to injury, especially during high-intensity runs like intervals or hill repeats.

    • Stretch before running.

    Stretching should be considered a part of conditioning. Static and dynamic stretches can help improve muscle and bone health as well as flexibility and range of motion.

    • Wear proper running shoes.

    Make sure you’re wearing the right shoes, and that they’re not too worn out. If you’ve experienced prior foot pain, consider investing in orthotics. 

    • Hydrate.

    Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, fainting, and more.

    • Eat well.

    Running burns a lot of calories, and many kids have a poor grasp on the proper nutrition necessary to maintain optimal performance. Eating a balanced diet, full of protein, fruits, and vegetables, is essential to optimize energy and endurance.

    • Monitor you/ your child’s mental wellbeing.

    It’s hard to perform well if you are struggling with mental health, social problems, or academic issues. Check in with your peers or kids. If you are a runner who is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek support. Female athletes in particular are susceptible to female athlete triad.

    • Cross-train.

    Incorporating weight-training or other forms of exercise, can help strengthen and balance overworked muscles. 

    • Wear good socks.

    Blisters are very common in runners. While they’re not serious, they are very painful and can hinder your movement.

    • Run for fun.

    If you don’t get fulfillment or pleasure out of running, don’t run! Some kids get “forced” into participating and only give a half-hearted effort, resulting in injury and frustration.

    If you or your child has sustained a running-related injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Read the inspiring story of a high school cross country runner’s recovery here. Orthopaedic Specialists is currently accepting new patients, and same day/telemedicine appointments are also available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment today, call 502-212-2663.

    Common Elbow Injuries In Young Athletes

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    A young baseball player, suffering from Little Leaguer's Elbow

    While the socialization and fitness found through joining a sports team provides innumerable benefits for children and young adults, most activities come with a heightened risk of accidental injury. Elbow injuries are particularly common in kids and young adults who play sports, whether from day-to-day overuse or an acute incident, like falling. Because children often focus on a single sport, year round, they constantly use the same muscles, tendons, and ligaments, placing relentless stress on still-developing growth plates. Before your child starts their very first or last sports season this fall, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the warning signs of these common elbow injuries.

    “Little Leaguer’s Elbow” (Medial Apophysitis)

    Youth (11 to 15 year old) baseball or softball pitchers and throwers are very susceptible to this chronic overuse injury, caused by throwing a ball too hard or too often. This injury occurs when the soft growth plate of the inside arm/elbow is continually stretched and overexerted, beginning with soreness and worsening into swelling, stiffness, loss of motion, loss of strength, and pain. While the injury tends to heal naturally through rest and physical therapy, untreated cases can result in a complete tear of the growth plate, which requires surgery to repair.

    It is actually recommended by the American Sports Medicine Institute that adolescent pitchers are limited to two appearances per week. Check out my blog to see the other recommendations for youth baseball players.

    Tennis Elbow

    Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury, caused by irritation to the bony part of the outer elbow. It is characterized by pain with any activity associated with wrist extension, such as shaking someone’s hand or picking up a cup of coffee. This injury is most common in beginner tennis and racquet-sport players who use the wrong-sized racquet or have poor technique. This injury can usually be fixed by rest and wearing a band.

    Elbow Fractures

    Elbow fractures are quite common, making up about 10% of all fractures found in children. Fractures are usually caused by acute injury, like falling, and result in swelling, sharp pain, discoloration, inability to move the elbow, bruising, and a visibly crooked or deformed appearance. It’s recommended that you see an orthopedic physician immediately if your child shows these symptoms.

    Preventing Sports Injuries

    • Overtraining is a major risk-factor for chronic injury. Adequate rest days, every week, are vital.
    • Proper form is key. Make sure your child has a good coach or professional observing the way they hit, pitch, or throw, so that they don’t further irritate the elbow.
    • Cross-training and strength training can help strengthen the muscles in the arm, shoulder, and wrist, improving the elbow’s wherewithal.
    • Good nutrition and hydration is essential. Kids are far more likely to get injured if they aren’t healthy.
    • Be engaged. When a single coach is handling 30+ kids, it’s impossible for them to monitor everyone. Regularly check-in with your child regarding how they feel and the types of activities they are performing at practice.

    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.

    8 Must-Do Bike Trails In Louisville

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Louisville trail biker

    If something positive could be said for the past year, it would be the growing participation in outdoor activity. As pandemic lockdowns shut down restaurants, stores, schools, and our entire way of life, many people began to get more active, whether it be to entertain pent-up children, to get in shape, for mental wellbeing, or to simply occupy free-time.

    Outdoor sports, such as swimming, running, basketball, and tennis, have seen spikes in participation. National parks are overrun with visitors looking to hike, camp, and enjoy nature. One sport that has seen record interest, in particular, is biking. From e-bikes to road bikes to gravel bikes, bike sales are up over 100% in many countries. And it’s no wonder why: biking is an accessible, rewarding sport. It can be as serious as you make it. Whether you join a local league to push your limits or simply enjoy pedaling around your local park, biking is fun, relatively inexpensive, and a great form of exercise.

    Louisville is a biker’s paradise. With hundreds of miles of paved and dirt trails, dozens of bike rental options, and a thriving cycling community, there’s no end to opportunity. Check out these 8 great paths for all types of bikes and skill levels:

    8 Best Bike Paths in Louisville

    1. Louisville Loop: Parklands of Floyds Fork

    One of the most exciting initiatives in recent history is the Louisville Loop, a 100+ mile path planned to circumnavigate the city. While the Loop isn’t fully completed, many sections of it are entirely accessible. One 19-mile section runs through the Parklands of Floyds Fork, a massive system of 4 interconnected parks featuring hiking trails, scenic overlooks, event venues, fishing, sports fields, kayaking, and more. The Louisville Loop at the Parklands is accessible for any level of biker, boasting stunning panoramas, clear mile markers, 5 bike repair stations, and easily accessible parking lots and bathrooms. See the full map here.

    2. Cherokee and Seneca Park (Paved/Dirt Paths)

    Two large, interconnected parks in the heart of metropolitan Louisville are Cherokee and Seneca Park. New bikers, families, and experienced teams can use the web of wooded mountain bike paths, paved paths, and bike lanes. These parks offer challenging hills as well as flat, open terrain.

    3. Louisville Loop: Shawnee Park to Caperton Swamp

    Another completed section of the Louisville Loop path runs 11.6 miles alongside the Ohio. This route goes through the many riverside parks and bridges as well as downtown Louisville, allowing easy access-points. It is very flat and accessible for every type of biker.

    4. Turkey Run Park (at the Parklands)

    For mountain bikers, the Parklands: Turkey Run Park offers multiple rugged forested paths (Paw Paw Trail, Hickory Trail, Chinkapin Trail, etc.) and an incredible bike-only park at the Silo Center. Explore these trails here.

    5. Clinic and Twisty Bend at Waverly Park

    Mountain bikers looking for a thrill should explore the Waverly Park bike paths, a series of fast, manicured dirt loops. Although short, these trails are said to be excellent for race-training.

    6. Iroquois Park Loop

    Iroquois Park offers a 3.3 mile paved perimeter trail as well as a challenging car-free road that ascends to the top of Iroquois Hill, a scenic overlook that provides views as far as downtown Louisville and Floyds Knobs in Indiana. Iroquois offers options for both families and seasoned bikers.

    7. Ohio River Greenway Trail

    While not technically in Louisville, the Ohio River Greenway Trail is a short-trip across the Big Four Bridge. This beginner-friendly, 6+ mile paved trail runs alongside the river, through Jeffersonville, Clarksville, the Falls of The Ohio State Park, and into downtown New Albany, connecting to the Clarksville Heritage Trails as well.

    8. Anchorage Trail

    Another great family option is the 2.1 mile Anchorage Trail, an easy, paved path that offers beautiful views of a creek and rolling fields.

    Get Involved

    If you’re looking to get involved in the Louisville bike community, you may be interested in perusing this list of local organizations and bike shops, linked here, or the local race teams page, here.

    If you or someone you love has suffered a bike or sports-related 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. Same day appointments and telemedicine appointments are also available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.

    Achilles Injuries: Everything You Need To Know

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Achilles rupture, achilles tendonitis, achilles tear

    The Achilles tendon is the most common tendon to rupture spontaneously. In athletes, it is the most commonly hurt tendon of the lower extremities. About 24% of competitive athletes and 40% of runners experience an Achilles tear at some time. In short, injuring the Achilles is certainly not rare. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be taken seriously. Here’s everything you need to know about the physiology of the Achilles tendon, types and symptoms of Achilles injuries, treatment options, and the best prevention practices.

    Physiology

    The Achilles tendon is a tough, fibrous band of tissue that runs from the calf to the heel. More specifically, the Achilles unites the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the back of the calf and connects them to the calcaneus (heel bone). Small fluid bursae sacks cushion the tendon at the heel. The Achilles in the largest and strongest tendon in the entire body. Consequently, a massive amount of tension is placed on it in order to walk, run, jump, or tip-toe, and it is very prone to injury.

    Common Achilles’ Injuries

    While the majority of Achilles injuries are sustained by athletes, they can really happen to anyone in varying degrees of severity.

    The most serious damage that can occur is a complete rupture of the tendon. This is characterized by a “popping” sound and sharp, immobilizing pain. Treating a rupture often requires surgery and a long-term recovery process. Based on severity, surgery can be minimally invasive (through a scope), or require partial/total replacement of the tendon.

    The next most severe injury is a partial tear. Achilles tears can be tiny (microtears) or quite big. They can occur suddenly, or over time. Symptoms of tears include swelling, pain, stiffness, sensitivity, the feeling of being “kicked in the calf”, and the inability to fully bend the foot downward.

    Achilles tendonitis is another possible injury. This is a type of strain and degeneration caused by overuse, usually from running or another repetitive exercise. Tendonitis begins with a mild chronic pain, stiffness, or swelling, and can worsen without proper treatment. Luckily, if handled quickly, tendonitis can usually be resolved in a matter of weeks.

    Preventing Achilles Tear

    While some Achilles injuries are simply unpreventable, you can reduce your risk by taking proper precautions. For athletes, this includes:

    • Wearing proper shoes. Worn-out trainers won’t cushion your feet properly and can increase your risk of injury. Regularly replacing your shoes is a must-do.
    • Stretching daily. A couple minutes of stretching helps maintain flexibility.
    • Doing cross-training and strength training. Diversifying your exercise routine can better prepare your Achilles for stress.
    • Taking your rest. Overtraining is a huge risk factor for Achilles tendon injuries. Gradually increasing the intensity of your activity or following a balanced fitness plan is the way to go.
    • Knowing your risk factors. If you are a male, an athlete, or an older adult, you already are more likely to be injured. Having a naturally flat arch or being overweight can also put more pressure on the Achilles. Certain medical conditions and medications can also increase your risk, such as having psoriasis or high blood pressure, or taking antibiotics like fluoroquinolones.

    If you are experiencing chronic Achilles pain or an injury, it is advisable that you consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment. For those in the Louisville, Kentucky region, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld is accepting new patients. Call 502-212-2663 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

    Common Pickleball Injuries and Prevention

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    For years, pickleball has been the fastest growing recreational sport in the United States. It’s especially popular among elderly Americans, who enjoy it for socialization and low-impact exercise. Though very similar to other racquet sports like tennis and badminton, pickleball does vary in court size, net height, serve style, and other minor specifics. While pickleball is a fun and rewarding sport, it does pose a risk of injury, especially for those aged 65+.

    History of Pickleball

    Developed by Washington state congressman Joel Pritchard in 1965, the sport began with a “pickle”– Pritchard and his friend wanted to play badminton, but couldn’t find a full set of rackets, so they used wooden ping-pong paddles and a hole-filled plastic ball. The game caught on with Pritchard’s family, and soon they built the first permanent court. Legend has it that the sport was eventually named after Pritchard’s family dog, “Pickles.”

    Most Common Pickleball Injuries

    Pickleball’s newfound popularity means that there are few formal studies concerning injury rates. However, this May, a major study was published which compiled data from 2010-2019. The study also compared pickleball injuries to tennis injuries, as a way to establish a standard of injury. According to the study, slip/trip/fall/dive accidents were most common (63% of all injuries), which resulted in strains/sprains (33.2%), fractures (28.1%), and contusions (10.6%). Interestingly, senior males were 3.5 times for likely to suffer strains and sprains, while senior females were 3.5 times for likely to suffer a fracture, and, specifically, 9 times more likely to suffer a wrist fracture! The study found that pickleball injury rates very closely resembled that of tennis injuries. 

    Preventing Injuries 

    While accidents can always happen, especially in competitive sports, there are some preventative measures you can take to reduce the risk of injury:

    1. Invest in yourself. Even if you’re a casual player, you should have a decent pair of court or tennis shoes. Court shoes greatly reduce the risk of injury, compared to wearing regular running sneakers.
    2. Choose the right paddle. Pickleball paddles vary in size and weight, so if your paddle feels heavy or fatigued after playing, you probably need a lighter paddle!
    3. Cross-train. Condition yourself to handle the lunging, balancing, and quick-motion of the sport, not just the technical aspects. As we age, the need to cross-train only becomes more important. Whether you do aerobics, weight training, or stretching, you will better prepare yourself. 
    4. Warm up and recovery. So many people don’t take the extra 5 minutes to warm up, putting themselves at risk for severe injuries. And if you’re sore afterwards, icing, compression, and rest can help bolster achy muscles.

    Play Pickleball Locally

    If you already play pickleball, or are interested in getting started locally, there are a number of locations and leagues to check out. Most tennis clubs and neighborhood facilities have courts. EP Tom Sawyer state park is in the process of converting 6 asphalt tennis courts to 16 pickleball courts! To find courts and leagues nearby, use the USA Pickleball “Places 2 Play” site, linked here.

    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.