• 8 Facts from a Recent Study on ACL Reconstructions from the American Journal of Sports Medicine

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    ACL Reconstruction and Future OutcomesDr. Stacie Grossfeld is a double board-certified surgeon in the fields of orthopedic surgery and also sports medicine. Her combination of specialties means that she spends a lot of time working with injured athletes around Louisville, KY. One of the most common injuries among high school and college athletes are torn Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACLs). In order to offer the best medical care that she can, Dr. Grossfeld stays up-to-date on scientific findings surrounding ACL injuries and ACL reconstruction. One of the main resources that Dr. Grossfeld uses to do so is the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM).

    The AJSM is “an invaluable resource for the orthopedic sports medicine community” and is also a peer-reviewed scientific journal. The most common topics that the AJSM covers include:

    • ACL Injuries & Reconstructions
    • Degenerative Joint Disease
    • New Surgical Techniques
    • Rehabilitation & Physical Training
    • Subjects Specific to Sports
    • Treatment Techniques

    Recently the AJSM released an article in which they discussed updates to 10 previously stated facts regarding ACL injuries, treatment, and reconstructions. These facts came from a study of 2,019 patients who underwent ACL reconstructions in California over a nine-year period from 2005 to 2014. The 2,019 patients were cared for by 200 different surgeons spread out among 46 different hospitals in California. Follow along to read more about what was learned during this study and how it will affect the future of orthopedic medicine.

    8 Facts on ACL Reconstruction Learned from the Newest American Journal of Sports Medicine Study 

    1. 10.5% of Patients Required Subsequent Operative Procedures

    2. 4.3% of Patients Underwent a Second Revision Surgery

    3. Over Half of the Patients had a Concurrent Meniscal Injury

    4. Out of Those Patients, Only 26% Were Reparable

    5. Cartilage Injuries & Damage Were Present in 42% of Patients

    6. Deep Surgical Infections Occurred in 6% of Patients

    7. Deep Venous Thrombosis Occurred in .3% of Patients

    8. Pulmonary Embolism Occurred in .1% of Patients

    The facts learned from the most recent study on ACL reconstruction by the American Journal of Sports Medicine are important for the future of orthopedics. ACL reconstruction surgery has many benefits including regaining mobility and being able to return to normal activity. However, as this study proves, there are also some risks that come with ACL reconstructions. Most risks associated with ACL reconstruction surround the activity level the patient is used to and wants to return to.

    An ACL injury can be devastating to athletes and non-athletes alike. It is highly recommended if you’re an athlete who suffers a torn ACL, you do not return to the same level of sporting activity you were at prior to injury. Multiple studies have been done on re-injury rates in younger athletes and while the studies differ, the findings are similar. Overall, findings prove that once an athlete suffers an ACL tear, the risk of re-injury is extremely high.

    On the other hand, if you are over the age of 60 and tear your ACL, reconstruction can be hugely beneficial. Years ago, the idea of performing an ACL reconstruction on a patient over 60 years of age was almost unheard of. However, in this day and age, researchers have found that elderly patients with no signs of knee arthritis benefit greatly from ACL reconstruction surgery.

    Studies on orthopedic medicine surrounding ACL injuries and reconstructions are highly important to the medical community.

    As studies continue to release data, orthopedic surgeons, like Dr. Grossfeld, can learn more on how to assess, diagnose, and treat patients of all ages and backgrounds who suffer ACL injuries. Studies, like this one, can also help orthopedic surgeons address the risks that come with surgery and discuss other options for rehabilitation with high-risk patients. As more studies surrounding ACL injuries and reconstructions, as well as other orthopedic medicine topics, are released, Dr. Grossfeld will also continue to evaluate that information here.

    To learn more about the American Journal of Sports Medicine, visit their website here. If you are an athlete or non-athlete between the ages of 20 and 60 who has suffered a torn ACL and are in need of medical attention, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld today. Dr. Grossfeld has over 10 years of experience repairing torn ACLs and is constantly reading up on the latest findings regarding ACL injuries. Call 502-212-2663 to make an appointment today.

    Ironman Louisville Q&A with Orthopedic Surgeons

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Louisville Triathlon 2017Ironman Louisville takes place this weekend and competitors from all over the world will be present to participate. The Ironman Louisville is a qualifier for the Kona Ironman World Championship held on the Big Island of Hawaii every year.

    The Kona Ironman World Championship race started in 1978 on the island of Oahu with only 15 participants (12 finishers) . The distance of the ironman were set at that race with a 2.4 ocean swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run. These distances were determined by combining the Waikiki Rough Water Swim, Around Oahu bike race and the Honolulu Marathon move to one continuous race. The event is now held in the lava fields of the Big Island of Hawaii and has over 2000 participants. It is estimated that over 600,000 people have completed an ironman distance.

    An excellent article published in Orthopedics Today in July 2017 interviewed a group of orthopedic (more…)

    Orthopaedic Specialists Recognized as a Finalist in Business First’s 2017 Louisville Business of the Year

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Louisville Business of the Year 2017The finalists for Louisville Business First’s 2017 Business of the Year Awards have been released.

    This program has been recognizing Louisville-area businesses since 2005, identifying companies that demonstrate growth, innovation and excellent leadership. Businesses and organizations of varying sizes and across industries are identified in six different categories: Very Large, Large, Medium, Small, Emerging, Non-Profit.

    Orthopaedic Specialists is very excited to be among the 19 companies and organizations chosen as a finalist for the 2017 Louisville Business of the Year Awards. Orthopaedic Specialists is a finalist in the Small Business of the Year category.

    (more…)

    Hyponatremia: The Signs and Symptoms

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    hyponatremiaIt is a common misconception that sodium is bad for you. While excessive sodium levels can be dangerous and put you at a risk for certain health issues, your body needs sodium. Sodium is on the periodic table of elements and is an electrolyte. When the right amount of sodium is in the body, it helps to regulate water levels in your cells. However, when too much sodium or not enough is in the body, complications can arise. When the sodium levels in the body are too low, cells start to swell. Swelling cells can cause a wide range of health problems that range from mild to life-threatening. Hyponatremia is a result of not having enough sodium in the body. Whether the cause of lowered sodium levels is a medical condition or from consuming too much water, hyponatremia can occur.

    There are many symptoms to this disease, but a lot of them are symptoms shared across a plethora of medical conditions. However, if you’re feeling a combination of any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from hyponatremia:

    • Nausea induced vomiting
    • Headache and confusion
    • Sudden loss of energy
    • Heightened irritability
    • Muscle spasms and cramping
    • Sudden seizures

    There are many reasons that sodium is important for the body. Besides maintaining the level of water in your cells, sodium also helps regulate blood pressure and supports nerves and muscles. A regulated level of sodium falls between 135 and 145 mEq/L. When the level of sodium drops below 135 mEq/Ls, hyponatremia occurs.

    Causes of Hyponatremia

    How does a person’s sodium level drop below 135 mEq/L? There are plenty of different conditions and factors that can lead to hyponatremia including:

      • Problems with the Heart, Kidney, or Liver

        There are certain diseases that affect organs such as the liver, heart, and kidney which can cause hyponatremia to occur. When a major organ fails or starts to fail, fluids tend to collect. This, in turn, dilutes the sodium in the body which lowers it.

      • Severe Diarrhea or Vomiting

        When someone is suffering from a severe bought of diarrhea or recurrent vomiting, fluids are leaving the body at a fast rate. With both of these medical issues, electrolytes leave the body. As electrolytes, including sodium, leave the body the risk of hyponatremia rises.

      • Over Hydrating

        Hyponatremia often occurs in athletes who participate in high endurance activities like triathlons and other marathon sports. This happens for a couple of different reasons. For one, high endurance athletes sweat a lot and when the body sweats, it loses sodium. But more often, it is due to athletes drinking excessive amounts of water and diluting their body’s sodium levels unintentionally. 

      • Extreme Dehydration

        On the other side of the hydration spectrum, dehydration can also result in hyponatremia. When the body becomes dehydrated, it is low on fluids and electrolytes. Since sodium is an electrolyte its levels drop when one is suffering from dehydration.

    Several factors can also heighten the risk of hyponatremia including: age, medications, and recreational drug use. If you are diagnosed after seeking medical attention, the treatment will be determined by the cause. Fluids are administered and depending on the severity of the hyponatremia may vary from solute intake to intravenous administration.

    Hyponatremia is a serious health problem and more often occurs in females, the elderly, and people who are in the hospital. If you feel that you may have signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. For more information, visit HealthLine here.

    If you are in the Louisville, KY area and think you may be suffering from hyponatremia or would like more information on how to prevent hyponatremia, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists. Dr. Grossfeld is double board-certified in orthopedics and sports medicine with 15+ years of experience. Contact Dr. Grossfeld by calling 502-212-2663 to schedule an appointment.

    Back Pain During Pregnancy: How To Find Relief

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    back pain reliefPregnancy is a miracle in and of itself; however, that doesn’t mean that the entire process is painless. For most women, the excitement of bringing a child into the world overpowers any discomfort. That is not the case for everyone though. Some women find themselves in quite a bit of pain while pregnant. One of the most common causes of pain in women who are pregnant is backache. Other causes of pain and discomfort include:

    • Acne
    • Constipation
    • Cramps
    • Heartburn
    • Swollen Joints
    • Migraines

    Regardless, back pain tops this list as a common cause of pain among women that are pregnant. The back pain that most pregnant women experience is due to ligaments loosening up in preparation of giving birth. The posture strain that carrying a baby can cause only intensifies discomfort most women feel in their backs. More often than not, the back pain will be more intense and feel worse at night than during the day.

    While back pain may plague many women, there are ways to find back pain relief during pregnancy. Some ways to find relief are simple and can be achieved quickly. Others require more preparation and the occasional office visit. Below we’ve outlined five ways to find back pain relief during pregnancy.

    Five Ways to Find Back Pain Relief During Pregnancy

    • Prenatal Yoga

    There is no denying that yoga has become a very popular form of exercise and meditation over the last 10 years. The movement-based practice improves strength and flexibility when practiced and is one of the top techniques that women turn to when looking for pain relief. Prenatal yoga has the power to improve posture and get the physical body ready to undergo the birthing process. It also can help women overcome emotional stress through breathing exercises. Prenatal yoga has become a top choice among pregnant women who are in need of back pain relief or a variety of other discomforts during pregnancy including: muscle soreness, joint pain, and problems with nerves.

    • Acupuncture

    Another Asian technique for pain relief is acupuncture. While acupuncture is not medically proven to work there have been studies done that show a direct correlation between back pain relief during pregnancy and acupuncture. During an acupuncture session, very thin needles are inserted into pressure points that are connected to physical and emotional health systems. Those who believe in the practice of acupuncture believe that it removes blockages that are interfering with the body’s energy. Contact your doctor prior to undergoing acupuncture. It is important to consult your doctor and ensure that acupuncture is going to be right for you prior to undergoing a session.

    • Chiropractic Care

    Most people consider chiropractors to only assist with joint paint, but they are very well versed in relieving back pain. Using some of the same techniques such as joint manipulation and soft tissue work, chiropractors can bring relief to back pain. Pregnant women who undergo chiropractic care often find relief from tight muscles, compressed nerves, and misaligned joints.

    • Prenatal Massage

    If a pregnant woman experiencing back pain visits a certified prenatal massage therapist, they will often find back pain relief quickly. This is true of back pain that’s a result of clenched muscles in a certain area of the back irritating a nerve. In particular, the sciatic nerve often causes back pain in women and prenatal massages will help relieve that pain. The most common approach to prenatal massage is Swedish massage because it uses long strokes that are smooth and rarely aggravates joints.

    • Avoiding Strenuous Activity

    One of the best ways to find relief for back pain is to avoid causing it in the first place. As a woman gets further and further along in her pregnancy, it is pertinent that she limits her level of activity. If a pregnant woman avoids strenuous activity then she is less likely to experience moderate to severe back pain. Avoiding heavy lifting and standing for prolonged periods of time will significantly help cut down on back pain. Women can also rest often with their legs elevated and this will often relieve back pain, as well.

    These are just a few of the many ways that women can relieve back pain during pregnancy.

    Some minor changes can also improve the severity of back pain during pregnancy. Minor changes include: practicing good posture, wearing low heeled shoes with arch support, and sleeping on a side instead of the back. However, some back pain – especially severe and sudden back pain – can be an indicator of a larger health issue and should be reviewed and treated by a doctor.

    If you are pregnant, or know someone who is pregnant, and suffering from back pain – contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, KY. Dr. Grossfeld has over 15 years of medical experience and can help relieve back pain and discomfort. Contact the office today at 502-212-2663 to discuss your pain and schedule an appointment.

     

    What is External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

     

    external iliac artery endofibrosisImagine a young athlete at the top of his game– perhaps a cyclist. He works out daily, eats right, and gets plenty of rest. He is visibly healthy in every way with no familial history of cardiovascular disease. Yet this young man could be at risk for arterial disease… but why?

    External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis (EIAE)– nicknamed “cyclist arterial disease”– results from repeated pressure on the external iliac, the part of the artery found in the hip area before it splits in two to run down the legs. Athletes put pressure on the iliac artery when they spend time bending forward while exercising. Over time, the artery becomes kinked and irritated. The body attempts to reduce the irritation by hardening the artery, which in turn restricts blood flow to the legs.

    Symptoms of External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis

    Symptoms of EIAE can seem fairly innocuous. Generally, the person begins to feel cramping in one of their legs when heavily exercising. For athletes, cramping is not unusual; they often feel some degree of muscle pain and fatigue when exercising. However, the cramps don’t go away; in fact, they get worse with time.

    Eventually, a person with EIAE will find that the harder they go, the more difficult it is. The pain will graduate from mere cramping to more extreme bouts of pain. The person may feel like their leg is unstable and on the verge of seizing. Many patients describe the accelerated pain as burning or bursting. Eventually, they are not able to perform as they once did.

    External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis vs Typical Arteriosclerosis

    Typically arteriosclerosis is the product of old age, bad diet, smoking, and other poor health choices. As plaque builds up along the artery walls, it restricts blood flow. Cardiologists consider this as chemical irritation, unlike External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis which is a physical irritation.

    While arteriosclerosis and arterial disease are very common in the United States, EIAE is rather rare. EIAE is difficult to diagnose as symptoms only appear during strenuous exercise and are often confused with general muscle fatigue. Arteriosclerosis symptoms are noticeable once a blockage occurs and require immediate medical attention.

    Treating External Iliac Artery Endofibrosis

    The best treatment for EIAE is to cease training altogether and allow the body to heal. However, since doctors discover most cases of EIAE in professional athletes, quitting is not an option for some. A surgical procedure where the kinked part of your artery is removed and replaced with a bit of vein tissue in its place. Vein tissue is much more flexible and can withstand pressure a bit better. The procedure is risky. In 2007, professional cyclist Ryan Cox died while recuperating from a vascular lesion operation.

     

    If you’re an athlete and you are experiencing debilitating pain in your leg while training, call Dr Stacie Grossfeld at 502-212-2663 today or visit Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, KY to seek medical care.

    From Corporate Executive to Entrepreneur, Competitive Athlete Donna French Offers an Inspiring Family Story of Grit, Courage, Determination and Perseverance

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Unexpected Career Pivot Leads to Joy Helping Others Get Fit

    kickboxing classes louisville

    Louisville entrepreneurs Donna and Glen French have enjoyed bringing kickboxing classes to the Louisville market.

    When their son Hunter went away to college, Donna and Glen French found themselves in unfamiliar territory as neither of them had a job at the time. Having climbed the ranks of Brown & Williamson, Humana and Anthem, Donna was at a career crossroads armed with over 20 years of corporate marketing experience. Her husband Glen, who had spent several years building up a successful career as an accountant, had also recently finished up a job. So between the two of them, they had a powerful combination of skills and talent. Their options were seemingly limitless.

    “At first we considered going out of state to a place like Florida to start a business,” explains Donna. “But then we decided to work with a franchise consultant who presented us with a few different options to consider. And when he suggested kickboxing, we both thought ‘Wow, does that ever sound like us!’”

    Over the years, the French family enjoyed doing a lot of different activities together including martial arts. In fact, all three of them are second-degree black belts. So getting involved in an I Love Kickboxing franchise sounded worth exploring. (more…)

    Back in the Game: How Dr. Stacie Grossfeld Helps Wrestling Champion Recover from Injury

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    Hunter French, Kentucky wrestling champion, came back from multiple injuries stronger than ever.

    Hunter French became the 2013 State Wrestling Champion while he was a student at St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Kentucky.

    Donna French and Dr. Stacie Grossfeld first met on the tennis court. Both women love the game and both have many years of experience competing at a very high level through the USTA. But when Donna’s son Hunter experienced a serious sports injury, she turned to Dr. Grossfield for another area of expertise

    “During Hunter’s 8th grade year, he was 4 weeks away from regionals for wrestling and he got injured,” explains Donna. “We took him to Dr. Grossfeld and she was able to show him strengthening exercises and stretches so that he was still able to compete. Most doctors would have told him to stop competing. But she was able to treat the injury without making him stop the sport that he loved. She really understands competitive athletes and their need to be able to do the sport that they love.”

    Anyone serious about their particular sport understands how important it is to get back in the game. Finding a physician capable of treating a particular injury or condition while understand an athlete’s drive and commitment makes all the difference in the world.

    Shoulder Dislocation Only a Temporary Roadblock for Wrestling Superstar

    As Hunter entered his junior year as a student athlete at St. Xavier High School, he faced another setback. This time he dislocated his shoulder, a serious injury that kept him off the wrestling mat. Once again, Hunter headed back to Dr. Grossfeld for treatment, but the solution was more than strengthening and stretches. This time, Hunter needed surgery followed by months of rehab. (more…)

    Facts of Re-Injury Rates in Younger Patients Undergoing ACL Reconstruction

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    acl reconstructionA torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament, more commonly known as an ACL, can be a difficult injury for a high school or college athlete to sustain. Unfortunately, they are also the most common injuries sustained by athletes. Football, soccer, hockey, and basketball players are highly likely to sustain an ACL injury over their athletic career and ACL injuries are becoming more common thanks to a variety of factors including:

    • Increased competition among athletes
    • Single-sport specialization at a young age
    • Failure to take precaution against injury

    Once an ACL injury occurs, there is only one solution for recovery and that is to undergo an ACL reconstruction. In an article published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in March of 2017, Dr. Toanen and his team of researchers found that regardless of age, ACL reconstruction is the best approach to repairing a torn ACL. Patients who opted for reconstructive surgery were able to return to the same activity level they were at prior to injury.  Additionally, patients were able to twist, turn, jump, and run as well as they were previously.

    While ACL injury rates among athletes  are high, re-injury rates in patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction are high, as well. Furthermore, re-injury rates are consistent among multiple studies and a wide variety of situations can cause an ACL re-injury to occur. There are five major risk factors associated with re-tearing an ACL that has already been reconstructed. Those risk factors include:

    1. Being a younger age (under 20 years old)
    2. A family history of ACL injuries
    3. Returning to sports that strain the ACL
    4. Getting back into sports play too early
    5. Using allografts in active, young people

    Multiple studies on ACL Reconstruction have been conducted. While the data varies study-to-study, the findings are similar.

    Dr. Shelbourne et. al. in 2009

    In 2009, the American Journal of Sports Medicine published a report by Dr. Shelbourne et. al. that found a 17% risk of an ACL injury recurring among patients under the age of 18. This statistic applied to both the surgical side and the contralateral side of the ACL. Dr. Shelbourne also found that as the patient aged, the risk of another ACL injury decreased substantially. Between the age of 19 and 25, chances of re-injury dropped to 7%. After the age of 25, patients were at a 4% risk of re-injuring the previously torn ACL.

    Dr. Kamath et. al. in 2014

    Dr. Kamath et. al. found an even higher rate of re-injury in a study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2014. He concluded that 32% of athletes that had torn their ACLs in high school and were playing Division 1 sports in college were at risk of re-injuring the weakened knee or injuring the adverse knee.

    Dr. Webster in 2014

    A study done by a Dr. Webster that was published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine the same year also reported on the topic of re-injury rates in younger patients undergoing ACL reconstruction. Dr. Webster found a subsequent ACL injury rate of 29% in athletes who were less than 20 at the time of their surgery.

    Additional Studies

    Another study from the Swedish ACL Registry showed that adolescent patients ages 13 – 19 had a 3 times greater risk of contralateral ACL injury after undergoing ACL reconstruction. Additionally, The Kaiser Permanente ACL Registry has shown a 32% revision rate in patients undergoing ACL surgery that were under the age of 21. Furthermore, the revision rate decreased 4% each year the patient grew in age.

    And finally, Dr. Kate Webster, who is of no relation to the Dr. Webster previously mentioned, conducted an extensive study on ACL re-injury fates and made some interesting findings. Dr. Kate Webster found that the highest re-rupture rate after undergoing ACL reconstruction was males who were under the age of 18. Said re-rupture rate was recorded at 28.3% which means that over a quarter of males who have injured their ACLs prior to turning 18 will re-injure the same knee. Webster also found that 74% of recurrent ACL injuries which have occurred after undergoing reconstruction occur within 2 years of surgery and that 18% of patients reported contralateral ACL injuries within 4 years of their initial reconstructions.

    Multiple medical doctors have conducted studies surrounding ACL re-injury rates in a wide variety of situations. Overall, the trend proves that once an athlete under the age of 18 suffers a tear to an ACL, their chances of re-injuring that same ligament or injuring the contralateral ligament are extremely high. This is especially true in athletes who continue to pursue their sports careers into college after the initial injury.

    If you are an athlete in middle school, high school, or college who has suffered a tear to an ACL, undergone reconstruction, and are still playing sports, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld today.

    Dr. Grossfeld is a double-board certified orthopedic surgeon with a focus in sports medicine and has extensive experience with torn ACL injuries. Dr. Grossfeld can help determine a safe approach to strengthening the reconstructed ACL and help establish a preventative exercise routine. Contact Dr. Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists today by clicking here or calling 502-212-2663.

    I Broke My Collarbone… What’s Next?

    Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

    broken collarboneA clavicle fracture, more commonly known as a broken collarbone, is a common injury and one that is most often the result of a hard blow or fall. Athletes who participate in contact sports are highly likely to suffer from broken collarbones; however, clavicle fractures are also common in car accident victims. This is especially true of people who incorrectly wear their seatbelts. There have even been incidents in which newborns have sustained broken collarbones from passing through the birth canal.

    While broken collarbones occur in a wide variety of people and stem from many situations, the symptoms of a fractured clavicle are the same. A broken collarbone is an obvious injury and a crack is usually heard when the bone breaks. Afterwards, if your collarbone is broken you will have some of the following symptoms:

    • Swelling and pain in the area
    • Difficulty moving your arm and shoulder
    • Grinding when raising your arm
    • Shoulder sagging
    • A swollen bump around the area of the injury

    If you have any of these symptoms after suffering a hard blow or fall, visit a doctor’s office for a full physical exam and X-rays. These procedures will help a doctor diagnose you and confirm that your collarbone is, in fact, broken. What are the next steps to take once you are diagnosed with a broken collarbone? There aren’t many things you can do to speed up the healing process, but there are steps to take to ensure that the healing process goes as smoothly as possible.

    Steps to Take After Suffering a Broken Collarbone

    After you’ve visited a doctor and they’ve diagnosed you with a broken collarbone, it is a waiting game as you heal. Most of the time a broken collarbone heals on its own and all you can do is wait; however there are some ways to help speed up the healing process.

    Splint or Brace Your Shoulder

    Applying a splint or brace to the shoulder that is on the same side as the broken collarbone can help with the healing process. The bone will need to fuse back together in order to mend itself and limited mobility is the best way for that process to happen. When you apply a splint or a brace to the shoulder in question, you’re preventing unnecessary movement from disrupting the break.

    Sling Your Arm

    Getting your arm into a sling is another way to help speed up the healing process for a broken collarbone. With your arm in a sling, there will be little to no pressure to support the weight of your arm. This will allow your shoulder to relax and the broken collarbone will quickly start to fuse together. It is important to note that you won’t want to use the sling for more than just a few days.

    Treat Pain with OTC Painkillers

    Anti-inflammatory painkillers aren’t going to help speed up the healing process, but they will help with pain management as your collarbone heals. Over the counter (OTC) painkillers such as Ibuprofen and other aspirins will help ease pain and swelling in the injury area. Be careful on dosages though as painkillers have side effects that include increased risk of ulcers and bleeding. Check with your doctor prior to starting a pain management regimen.

    Participate in Physical Therapy

    Physical therapy is a strenuous part of recovery from any injury, but it is also so important to practice strengthening exercises and improve your range-of-motion slowly. Physical therapy exercises will help to strengthen the weakened collarbone and also increase your chances of avoiding a re-injury.

    Whether you practice some of these tips on speeding up the healing process or not, it will take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks for your broken collarbone to fully heal. In some cases, you may need to consider surgery to completely fix a broken collarbone. This is especially true if ligaments were also damaged when the break occurred. Regardless of surgery and healing time, it is important to take it easy when returning to physical activity. Collarbones are extremely susceptible to suffering from re-breaks. This means it is especially important to exercise caution when participating in sporting events and exercise routines.

    If you have suffered from a broken collarbone and are still experiencing pain, contact Dr. Stacie Grossfeld today. Dr. Grossfeld is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery with a specialty in sports medicine. She has a special interest in knee and shoulder reconstructions, shoulder injuries, and is currently accepting new patients. Contact Dr. Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists today by calling 502-212-2663 or visiting one of her two office locations in Louisville, Kentucky.