OrthoCarolina

Sprain vs. Strain

The words “sprain” and “strain” may sound similar, but these common sports injuries affect different tissues within the body. A sprain is an injury, such as a stretch or a tear, that affects a ligament. Ligaments are connective bands of tissue that provide support and stability to the joints by linking adjacent bones. A strain affects the muscles and tendons of the body, and does not always take place in joints. Tendons are connective tissues that connect muscles with nearby bones. Sprains can also be stretches or tears in these tissues, and most frequently occur in the legs. If you experience either a sprain or a strain, doctors recommend rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If your sprain is severe and has torn a muscle beyond its ability to repair itself, orthopedic surgery may be needed to repair the damage.

For orthopedic treatment of sports injuries and more in Charlotte and beyond, contact OrthoCarolina by calling (704) 323-2778. Our orthopedic doctors proudly provide comprehensive care ranging from physical therapy to surgical solutions. Please visit our website to find the nearest location or to learn more about your treatment options.

Your Guide to Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, causing compression of nerve roots or the spinal cord itself. It can occur in either the cervical or lumbar spine, often causing sciatica-like symptoms. Orthopedic evaluation is needed to determine the cause, severity, and best treatment options to address your symptoms.

Causes

Spinal stenosis is often an age-related condition. It occurs as the spinal discs which provide cushioning to the spine degenerate, causing them to bulge outward and impinge upon spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis can alternatively be caused by thickening of the ligaments and bones of the spine, which is also related to age. Arthritic patients may experience spinal stenosis as a result of bone spurs or chronic arthritis-related inflammation. Other possible causes of spinal stenosis include congenital bone defects, disc herniation, injury to the spine, and spinal tumors.

Symptoms

The symptoms or spinal stenosis often depend upon the area of the spine that is affected. Symptoms of lumbar spinal stenosis include sciatica-like pain, tingling, and numbness in the buttocks and legs. Leg pain and cramping tends to worsen with movement or during long periods of standing, and lessens when sitting or bending over. Symptoms of cervical spinal stenosis include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. Incontinence related to significant nerve compression should be brought to the attention of a doctor immediately.

Treatments

Your orthopedic doctor can offer a variety of treatment options to address spinal stenosis. Physical lifestyle changes including activity modification and the adoption of specific exercises may be helpful. Medication can be taken orally or delivered via spinal injections to relieve inflammation and address pain. If these treatment options prove ineffective, your orthopedic doctor may suggest a surgical procedure such as a laminectomy or spinal fusion.

If you have questions about spinal stenosis, the experts at OrthoCarolina have the answers you need. We provide physical therapy, medication, and surgical solutions for sports injuries, back pain, and more in Charlotte and across the Carolinas. Click on our website or call (704) 323-2778 to schedule an appointment today.

What You Need to Know About Pediatric Orthopedics

As a parent, it’s important to be aware of the orthopedic problems your child might face. This video explains common orthopedic concerns that can occur throughout childhood.

Hip dysplasia is a condition that frequently affects newborn girls birthed in the breech position. Girls more commonly suffer from scoliosis during childhood as well. While female athletes typically experience more ACL problems during adolescence, both boys and girls may incur elbow injuries from throwing or tumbling activities. Regardless of your child’s athletic interests, he or she may at some point suffer a forearm fracture, as it is the most widespread injury in children.

OrthoCarolina provides comprehensive sports medicine and physical therapy services for our pediatric patients in the greater Charlotte area. To schedule an appointment, call (704) 323-2778.

What Are the Most Common Knee Injuries?

The knee plays a pivotal role in a person’s ability to move and walk. It also bears the brunt of the considerable force people often place on their bodies while engaging in sports and repetitive activities. As a result, orthopedic surgeons frequently see patients come in with knee injuries. The following offers a look at some of the most widespread knee problems in the United States.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

ACL tears have gained notoriety in recent years due to the number of high-profile athletes who have suffered this injury. The reason why this ligament is so prone to injury stems from the activities that often put strain on it. The ACL, which rests in the center of the knee, is largely responsible for maintaining a person’s balance and keeping the lower leg in alignment. The sudden stop-and-go movements common to many sports frequently test these functions. If the force on the ACL proves too great, it can tear.

Meniscus Tears

The menisci help to offset the considerable pressure placed on the knee. These shock-absorbent discs alleviate the force from both sudden movements and chronic pressure, but they can also experience trauma and damage. Due to the ongoing demands that athletes often put on their knees, the menisci can tear and cause considerable pain.

Knee Sprains

Like any other joint in the body, the knee is apt to suffer from sprains. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect bone to bone become overextended or inflamed. As with ACL and meniscus tears, knee sprains can occur quite frequently in sports. Unlike other knee injuries, though, many knee sprains require only rest and time to heal. Many times sprains come with swelling, stiffness, and discomfort.

Don’t let a knee injury keep you from the activities you love. OrthoCarolina provides capable orthopedic care for many types of knee problems, including knee sprains, ACL tears, and meniscus tears. For more information on the sports medicine services we offer Charlotte area patients, call (704) 323-2778 or visit our website.

The Basics of Joints

Joints are the areas of the body where two bones meet. This meeting point typically allows for movement of some sort, such as bending of the knee or rotation of the ankle. Joints require some sort of cushioning between the two bones in order to keep them from rubbing together and causing damage. Many types of joints house multiple structures that provide ease of motion between the bones. Cartilage, ligaments, and synovial fluid all help to facilitate smooth and comfortable motion within the joint. When the joints break down, they can cause considerable pain and stiffness for sufferers. That’s why individuals suffering from shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle problems seek help from orthopedic surgeons who can remedy their joint issues.

Have you been diagnosed with a joint problem? If so, call OrthoCarolina today at (704) 323-2778 to set up a consultation at our Charlotte orthopedic center. We offer comprehensive care for a range of joint conditions, including osteoarthritis and ACL injuries.