• Understanding & Treating A Torn ACL

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Our ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is the major ligament in our knee that provides stability. It helps keep our knee together and controls the back and forth motion of the knee. A torn ACL is common among young athletes who repeatedly twist, turn, and participate in stop and go movements associated with soccer, football, basketball and hockey. The ACL can be torn as a result of any of these activities including taking a hard hit from the side, resulting in the knee joint to become over extended. 

    This is what it looks like inside of the knee.The image with the red arrows reveals a normal ACL while the image with the green and blue dotted lines and arrow show a torn, blown out ACL.

    Tearing your ACL not only makes your knee unstable, it can also mean another part of the knee is injured as well. An ACL injury is most often signaled by a popping noise, severe and constant pain, as well as some loss of motion.

    A physical examination is needed to diagnose such an injury, though an X-ray or MRI may also provide a clearer picture. In order to repair the ligament, surgery is required. The only way to mend a torn ligament is to reconstruct it. Most orthopaedic surgeons do this by using a tissue graft as scaffolding for a new ligament to grow on. Part of the hamstring tendon or the central part of the patellar tendon are often used as an autograft in these cases.

    Because regrowing a ligament takes time, it is generally a 6 month recovery period before one can resume their normal activities. Older, inactive patients may not require surgery and simple methods such as bracing, physical therapy, as well as icing and elevation can help reduce the swelling and pain.

    While an ACL surgery requires a long road of recovery and rehabilitation, it is worth the process in order to regain the full function of your knee. If not treated properly, chronic pain, arthritis and the limited use of your knee can hinder your lifestyle. 

    If you have sustained an ACL injury, or you have any questions about ACL injuries and the reconstruction surgery, call Dr. Grossfeld’s office at 502-212-2663 for more information. 

    Centre College’s Student Intern Sean Gilpatrick

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    We recently had the pleasure of having Sean Gilpatrick as our Student Intern from Centre College! As an intern, Sean was able to shadow Dr. Stacie Grossfeld during her regular office hours as well as in surgery. 

    “I gained valuable knowledge on diagnosing patients and treatments for certain injuries. Watching Dr. Grossfeld’s surgeries gave me a better understanding of the human body. I was even able to talk to some anesthesiologists about the process of preparing the patient for surgery and got the opportunity to watch surgeries like Rotator Cuff repairs, an Achilles repair, one treating Carpal Tunnel syndrome, an ACL repair, and many more. It was a very enjoyable experience that gave me valuable knowledge to help further my pursuits in becoming a physician.”

    As always, we enjoy working with both medical residents and interns. It’s encouraging to see more and more college students choosing a career path in health and science, and we are glad to mentor them in anyway possible! To learn more about how you can participate in an Internship with Dr. Stacie Grossfeld or the many other programs available to medical students, just visit our website or call our office at 502-212-2663!

    The Orthopaedic Specialists’ Employee of the Quarter!

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Introducing our First Employee of the Quarter, Heather Hardiman!

    A completely employee voted on award, each Employee of the Quarter receives a special bonus. Here are just a few of the reasons why the staff at Orthopaedic Specialists nominated Heather to win this quarter:

    • She is diligent and efficient in her job.
    • She is sensitive to patients and coworkers.
    • You rarely hear her speak negatively about her coworkers.
    • She always stays on task.
    • She does her best at everything she is asked to do.
    • She is usually here early and stays late.
    • She takes pride in her work.
    • She is always willing to help.
    • She goes the extra mile for patients.
    • She never complains.

    From everyone on the team, we thank you for all your hard work Heather and hope you know what a pleasure it is to work with you! (:

    How To Help Your Kids Build Strong Bones

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    bone healthWhen was the last time you thought about your bones? Did you hit your elbow and get that feeling associated with the “funny bone”? Was it the last time you broke a bone and had to get a cast put on? Or can you not even remember? Bones don’t get a lot of attention until they are broken or weakening, but they should. While they go unseen, they are constantly at work to keep us upright and a step above the animal world. Bone health is crucial to a long, prosperous life, and the importance of healthy bones should be taught from a young age. If you are a parent, it is up to you to help your kids build strong bones.

    A lifetime of bone health is determined when a person is a child. Healthy bones during childhood lay a solid foundation for bone health through adulthood. The majority of your bone density is built throughout childhood and into the teenage years. By the age of 20, bone growth is completed and, while old bone is replaced with new bone throughout adulthood, it is a slow process and bones continue to weaken. There are three key steps that you can take, as a parent, to ensure your kids build strong bones and avoid weak bones later in life.

    3 Ways to Help Your Child’s Bone Health

    1. Establish a Diet That Includes High-Calcium Foods

    Calcium is a nutrient found in foods that help to build strong bones. Not only does it help with bone strength, but calcium also helps nerve function and muscle strength. By including foods that are high in calcium in your child’s diet, you are helping them build strong bones. While a lot of people think of milk when they think of high-calcium foods, there are plenty out there. This is especially important if your child is lactose-intolerant or otherwise sensitive to dairy. Some other foods that are good sources of calcium include orange juice, cereal, cheese, and yogurt.

    2. Incorporate VItamin D Into Their Diet

    Just like calcium, vitamin D is another important nutrient that contributes to bone health. It can be a little trickier to get children to eat foods that are high in vitamin D. Why? A lot of foods aren’t high in vitamin D naturally. Those that are high in vitamin D include fatty fishes and oils which kids don’t often eat. This is why a lot of health providers recommend giving children a vitamin D supplement. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about the amount of vitamin D you should be giving your children to ensure bone health.

    3. Encourage Daily Exercise

    Just like our muscles, our bones need to be used in order to grow stronger. Encouraging your children to exercise daily will help them to build up their bone health. Exercising doesn’t even have to be exercising in the sense of working out, either. Taking your children to the park where they can run around or to the pool where they can swim count! It’s recommended your child gets an hour of activity in every day to promote healthy bones.

    While bone health should be maintained throughout your life, there is only one period where it’s possible to establish good bone health and that’s childhood. When kids have strong bones, they are more likely to avoid weakening bones early in adulthood. By incorporating high-calcium foods and a vitamin D supplement into your child’s diet, you’re helping them in the long run. The same goes for exercise. If you can get them running, jumping, climbing, and swimming from a young age, they’ll be better off in the future.

    Dr. Stacie Grossfeld is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with a focus on sports medicine. If you have a child and are concerned with their bone health, contact Orthopaedic Specialists today. Orthopaedic Specialists has two convenient locations in Louisville, KY and can be reached by calling 502-212-2663.

    How Stretching Helps Injury Prevention

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    injury preventionAnyone who considers themselves an athlete is aware of the importance of stretching. There are numerous benefits to stretching and you should stretch before and after a workout to prevent injuries. Whether you are a runner, someone who loves lifting weights, or on a competitive sports league, you must stretch your muscles. While injury prevention is a top reason to stretch, stretching also helps to increase flexibility, improve posture, reduce aches, and much more.

    Stretching helps with injury prevention by warming up the muscles. Movement is easier when your muscles are warm and stretched. When you prepare your muscles for exercise, your risk of injury significantly decreases. However, to properly stretch, you must know the correct technique and target each muscle individually. Learn more about how stretching can help with injury prevention and what stretches should be done to target specific areas of the body before you start your next workout.

    Stretches That Are Important for Injury Prevention

    Leg Stretches

    Stretching your legs is important if you’re preparing to do any kind of cardio or court sport. While Runner’s Knee and Achilles tendinitis top the list of common running injuries, hamstring issues are third on the list and preventable with stretching. Some great stretches to warm up your hamstrings are standing toe touches and knee-to-chest stretches. Butterfly stretches will protect your groin from injury and standing soleus’ will help prevent Achilles tendon tears. This is especially important for anyone over the age of 35 as Achilles tears are more common after that age. Shin splints are also in the top ten on the list of common running injuries, so shin stretches are also important for injury prevention.

    Arm Stretches

    Having warmed up arms is just as important as having warmed up legs in regards to injury prevention. This is especially true when it comes to court sport athletes and weightlifters. Your arms are built of so many muscles including your triceps, biceps, and brachioradialis. it is important to stretch them all to prevent injury from occurring. The overhead tricep stretch and standing bicep stretch may bring back memories of gym class, but they are tried and true stretches that are effective. Alternating wrist pulls where you pull your hand towards your body will stretch your brachioradialis and leave your arms ready to work.

    Shoulder Stretches

    You may not think that your shoulders are being strained during exercise if you’re not playing tennis, squash, or another racket sport. However, it’s important to remember your shoulders are more than just a joint. They work with the neck, ribs, and scapula to create a complex area of the body that needs stretching. Arm circles are a great shoulder stretch that is easy to perform anywhere. The cow-face pose is another stretch you may remember from gym class.  When you stretch both of your arms, like you do in this stretch, you’re not only stretching muscles but increasing flexibility, too. 

    When stretching for injury prevention, it is important to remember the proper technique. Stretching may seem like the warm-up, but it’s not. You need to increase your heart rate and raise your body temperature to effectively stretch. Additionally, you should hold each stretch for 30 seconds. That is the proven amount of time it takes to lengthen tissue safely and effectively. If your stretching starts to hurt, you’re pushing yourself too far. Relax, take some deep breaths, and pull back on the intensity of the stretch before continuing.

    By incorporating stretching into your day-to-day routine, you’re practicing injury prevention. An injury like a torn Achilles tendon or torn ACL can devastate an athlete’s future in sports. Therefore it is crucial to remember the important of stretching and practice it diligently.

    Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    The carpal tunnel is located in our wrist and contains a nerve as well as several tendons used to flex our fingers and thumb. When the tunnel’s nerve gets compressed or pinched, this is known as carpal tunnel syndrome.

    A constant ache, weakness in the hand or wrist, as well as numbness, tingling, swelling or stiffness are warning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. While many health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes or pregnancy can be at the root of the cause, often carpal tunnel syndrome is brought about by overuse.

    Repetitive movements from one’s job and or lifestyle can result in the nerve in the wrist to be compressed. Tasks ranging from a desk job, to playing musical instruments or racquet sports can be at fault if they mean the wrist is being kept in the same position for too long throughout the day.

    While carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition brought on slowly overtime, the pain can be disruptive and long lasting. However, if treated early and effectively, it is not a permanent condition.

    At Home Treatment Options

    • Wearing a wrist brace or splint can offer relief to those with mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Wearing it while sleeping helps keep the wrist from bending and can reduce symptoms that interfere with sleep.
    • Flexing the hand and wrist in warm water routinely is known to lessen the pain and improve blood flow.
    • Elevation helps drain excess fluid that may be built up around the nerve, especially in cases of pregnancy.
    • Ice and anti-inflammatory medicine will reduce inflammation near the nerve.

    Preventative Measures

    In addition to at home treatment options, often lifestyle changes are required to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from reoccurring.

    Resting your hands and wrists from the activities that cause the symptoms to flare up is key. Whether it be taking breaks from typing, holding your phone, or participating in strenuous sports, not overusing your wrists and hands is best when it comes to being proactive.

    If you suspect your job to be the main culprit, consider arranging your work space to better support your wrist and ensure it remains in a neutral position.  

    Additionally, try to be conscious of your grip when holding things. A relaxed grip is better for staving off carpal tunnel syndrome than one that is tight.

    Consulting with Your Doctor

    If at home treatment methods and preventative measures aren’t doing the trick, it’s time to consult with an orthopaedic doctor. Physical therapy can provide you with stretches and exercises that will help strengthen the hand and wrist muscles, as well as relieve pain.

    Cortisone or steroid injections can offer temporary relief as well. In the most severe cases where extensive nerve damage is present, surgery may be required in order to remove pressure from the nerve. While surgery is never a first choice, carpal tunnel surgery often results in permanent relief.

    To learn more about the treatment options best suited for you, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld. Dr. Grossfeld has over 25 years of experience in orthopedic medicine and is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon. If your carpal tunnel symptoms persist,  make an appointment with the Orthopaedic Specialists today by calling 502-212-2663.

    6 Exercises to Increase Bone Health

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    While most people don’t consider bone health to be a core reason to work out, the fact is our bones play a large role in our ability to live an active and independent lifestyle, and exercising them can be vastly beneficial when it comes to maintaining their strength. 

    Whats more, research has shown that by age 30 we stop creating more bones than we lose, and start to lose more bones than we create. While building bone mass before this critical age is imperative in preventing bone diseases like osteoporosis, exercises that are bone focused can also be effective in treating bone loss in older age.

    According to the National Institute of Health, “Like muscle, bone is living tissue that responds to exercise by becoming stronger. The best exercise for your bones is the weight-bearing kind, which forces you to work against gravity.”

    While low impact exercises are easier on our joints, it’s the high impact workouts that are optimal for building and maintaining bone density. This is because we often we need to stress muscles in order to strengthen them.

    Though any form of exercise is good for your health, these 6 are the best when it comes to beefing up your bones: 

    Dancing

    Perhaps the most fun form of exercise, dancing has shown excellent results when it comes to increasing one’s balance and coordination. It is also weight bearing, making it a prime candidate for a bone healthy workout.

    Jumping Rope

    Jumping rope is not just for the kids! In fact, it’s a total body workout that is rich in cardio. Whether you start with slow or rapid jumps, jumping rope is load bearing on your bones and as a result, increases their density.

    Hiking

    The changes in elevation take walking to a whole new level. Going both uphill and downhill has a weight impact on your bones that will make them stronger.

    Stair Climbing

    The lowest impact option, stair climbing machines are a great resource for those with osteoporosis or other health related problems. These machines work to build bone mass but in a way that is easier on your joints.

    Tennis

    While many exercises strengthen the bones in your legs, tennis is a great way to spread the love to the bones in your arms. For example, studies have shown that those who play tennis have a greater bone mass in their swinging arm than those who don’t.

    Weight Training

    Resistance training with free weights or weight machines are both simple ways to stress your bones and strengthen them.

    While exercising regularly results in a greater bone density and strength, it’s important to remember that a well balanced and healthy diet are also an important part of maintaining one’s bone health. If you are new to working out, start small and slowly build yourself up to reduce your risk for injury.

    To consult with an orthopaedic specialist about your bone health and the treatment options available to you, reach out to Dr. Stacie Grossfeld today. Dr. Stacie Grossfeld is a trained orthopedic surgeon who is double board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. You can contact her by using the contact form on her website or by calling 502-212-2663 today!

     

    Tips for Avoiding Edema

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Edema is characterized by immense swelling as a result of excess fluid that is trapped in the body’s tissues. There are many types of edema. Peripheral Edema occurs in the feet, ankles, legs and hands, while Pedal Edema is more concentrated in the feet. Additionally, Pulmonary Edema develops when the lungs fill up with fluid and Pitting Edema is distinguishable if dimples are left in the skin once it is pressed on.  

    Generally speaking, Edema results in shiny and overstretched skin. One with Edema can find that their hands, ankles, feet, and or legs have appeared to double in size over night. This is no doubt an uncomfortable experience, and coupled with numbness, these symptoms can make it difficult to move and or breathe. 

    How To Avoid Edema

    • Refrain from sitting for long periods of time. For example, Edema can be brought on from travel or during a particularly long recovery from surgery. If one is prone to swelling, they should be careful to avoid activities that require them to be immobile for a prolonged time period, such as plane flights. Additionally, standing for too long can also cause inflammation. 
    • As salt causes the body to retain water, limiting one’s sodium intake prevents Edema. This often involves a change in diet. Refrain from processed fatty foods and opt for more vitamin rich fruits and vegetables instead.
    • Drink more water.  Drinking less water actually causes swelling. Staying hydrated keeps one’s body from holding on to excess water.
    • Physical therapy and moving regularly through daily exercises can help properly disperse fluid found in the body’s tissues.
    • Elevation and or massage have been found to be beneficial in moving any built up fluid.
    • Utilizing compression socks prevents fluid from collecting in one’s lower extremities.

    Treatment Options

    Edema is often found during Pregnancy as one produces more fluids to support the developing baby. While this is normal, it should be carefully managed throughout one’s pregnancy. 

    Additionally, while there are many things one can do to avoid Edema, it could merely be a symptom of a much more serious underlying disease. For example, those with circulatory problems, heart disease, or kidney failure could be experiencing Edema and require a more in depth treatment plan when it comes to recovering. 

    If you feel you are suffering from Edema, you should consult with your doctor immediately. This will help to determine the severity, type, and treatment options best suited for you. It is also possible that the inflammation is a result of an injury, allergic reaction or side effect to a medication. So speak with your primary care physician to decide the best course of action. 

    Dr. Stacie Grossfeld is a trained orthopedic surgeon who is double board-certified in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine. If you feel that you are suffering from abnormal swelling, or have symptoms that align with edema, reach out to Dr. Stacie Grossfeld today. You can contact her by using the contact form on her website or by calling 502-212-2663 today!

     

    How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Frozen Shoulder?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    If you are feeling any pain when moving or using your shoulder, you may be experiencing what is known as a “frozen shoulder” or “adhesive capsulitis.” Pain in the upper most outside of the arm is often followed by stiffness and a steady loss of movement that can limit day to day activities and tasks. 

    In the case of a frozen shoulder, movement is limited not only because of the pain experienced but because tissue has hardened around the shoulder capsule causing it to literally be stuck. 

    A shoulder’s capsule is basically strong connective tissue that surrounds the joint of your shoulder’s blade socket and rotator cuff tendons. When this joint becomes inflamed, scar tissue forms and hardens making the shoulder stiff.

    There are 3 stages of a frozen shoulder:

    • Freezing
    • Frozen
    • Thawing

    During the first stage, one feels a gradual amount of pain and limited range of motion. The second stage brings on less pain, but no movement as the shoulder is effectively frozen in place. By stage three, the patient is beginning to regain strength and movement. However, this whole process can be very time consuming. Freezing may take anywhere from 6 to 9 months, and it could remain frozen for an additional 4 to 6 months. Recovery has been known to take as little as 6 months and as many as 2 years or more. 

    While there is much debate around the cause of adhesive capsulitis, it has often resulted from prolonged periods of immobilization due to surgery. Injuries that restrict arm movement, such as a torn rotator cuff or bone fracture are also possible culprits.

    Treating a Frozen Shoulder

    When it comes to treating a frozen shoulder, time and physical therapy are the best healers. Consistent stretching will eventually unlock the shoulder. That being said, anti-inflammatory medicine and steroid cortisone injections can offer short term relief. Both have been known to reduce pain and swelling around the area.  

    If these treatment options are not successful, surgery can be preformed to manipulate the scar tissue and capsule so that they are not restricting mobility. This is usually done during stage two, otherwise known as the “frozen” period. The recovery time for frozen shoulder surgery ranges from 6 weeks to 3  months. 

    It is possible that a frozen shoulder can reoccur. To ensure you are able to fully regain mobility of your shoulder, those who are experiencing severe stiffness should consult with an orthopedic specialist. An experienced orthopedic physician can demonstrate the proper exercises and set you on the path to a long lasting recovery. 

    If your frozen shoulder symptoms persist, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld.  With over 25 years of experience in orthopedic medicine, Dr. Grossfeld has extensive knowledge surrounding shoulder injuries and rehabilitation. If you are in the Louisville or Kentuckiana area and are suffering from frozen shoulder, contact Orthopaedic Specialists today at 502-212-2663.

    What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when there is consistent and damaging pressure on the rear tibial nerve.

    The tibial nerve branches off the sciatic nerve and can be found near the ankle. As this nerve runs through the inside of the ankle in what is called a tarsal tunnel, it is surrounded and bound by bone and tissue. Too much compression of this area can result in a sharp pain or tingling sensation usually felt in the foot or ankle. However, it is possible to feel the effects of this pressure anywhere along the tibial nerve.   

    Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is the equivalent of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the foot and ankle.

    Common causes of this syndrome include:

    • Flat Feet that stretch the nerve
    • Varicose Veins that surround the nerve
    • Inflammation from Arthritis
    • Inflammation from Diabetes
    • Injuries like Ankle Sprains or Fractures

    Treatment Options for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

    If not treated in a timely manner, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can develop into permanent nerve damage affecting the way one walks and participates in normal activities. If you are suffering from sharp pain near or around the ankle, see an orthopedic surgeon immediately to determine the most effective treatment plan for you. 

    Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections may be recommended to reduce swelling around the nerve. Other conservative corrective measures include rest, ice and elevation. A brace and or arch inserts in your shoes can also help offer support. Additionally, physical therapy may be used to strengthen the muscles around the nerve thus relieving the area of pressure.

    If your symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome persist, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld. Dr. Grossfeld has over 25 years of experience in orthopedic medicine and is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon. To get more information about treatment options or to make an appointment with the Orthopaedic Specialists, call 502-212-2663 today.