Author Archives: hummingbird

How to Choose the Right Orthopedic Surgeon

Choosing the right orthopedic surgeon is the first step toward a successful surgery and a fast recovery. You may be wondering, but how do I know which surgeon is right for me? Here are a few tips and questions to keep in mind through your decision process:

Ask around

Just as you consult your friends, family or neighbors about products and services, so should you about doctor recommendations. AOC’s Dr. Barber says that asking around is the safest bet. He added, “There are a lot of people in the community that have these surgeries. So if you know 10 people that have had a great result from one surgeon that’s usually a pretty good endorsement.”

Don’t just take your friends and family’s word for it, also seek professional recommendations from your doctor or healthcare provider. Asking around can help you find a starting point in your search for an orthopedic surgeon.

Quick search

Go to your search engine of choice and type in your potential surgeon’s name. Review what others have said and any other available information. Remember: not everything on the Internet is concrete – some reviews can be exaggerated. Take the information and use it with discretion.

Research further

Narrow down your search by looking at your potential surgeon’s credentials. Visit their practices website, and learn more about their work experience and area of specialty. If you want more information about a particular surgeon, a great source is the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Before you make your final decision, consider these questions:

Questions to Ask Before Having an Operation

1. Why do I need this operation?
2. How will the operation be performed?
3. Are there other treatment options, and is this operation the best option for me?
4. What are the risks, benefits, and possible complications for this operation?
5. How will I be monitored during the operation?
6. What can I expect before the operation?
Will I need any special preparation – tests, blood donation, blood thinners and change in my routine medications?
Will I need any special diet?
When do I have to stop eating and drinking?
Should I take my home medication on the day of my operation?
7. What can I expect for my recovery in terms of treatment, medication, diet, and home care?
What type of care will I have to provide for myself at home?
When will I be able to return to my regular activities (work, lifting, driving, and exercise)?
Will I need any medication—antibiotics, pain medication?
What can I do to help with my recovery?
8. Could you tell me about your experience with this operation?
Do you perform this operation regularly?
What is your success rate, and how often do your patients experience any problems?
Are you board certified?
Are you a member of the American College of Surgeons?
How can I contact you if I have more questions?
9. Is the surgical facility accredited and properly staffed?
10. How much will the operation cost me, and what type of insurance do you take?

What to Consider when Looking at Online Doctor Websites:

1. The Data
Where did they get the data?
How accurate is the data?
Is the data immune from bias?
Does the data consider practice specializations or areas of focus?
2. Healthcare Expertise
Other Resources for Joint Replacement Surgeon Data American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons

 

AOC understands selecting the right orthopedic surgeon can be overwhelming. Please visit our website, www.alortho.com, to learn more about our team of doctors and the services they provide. To schedule an appointment or consultation, please call: 251.410.3600

Resources:
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Playing Injured: Not a Tough Call

Playing Injured: Not a Tough Call

Playing Injured: Not a Tough Call

Did you know that many NFL players risk their health by playing through injuries? Tough or not, their desire to stay on the field is so strong that it can sometimes overshadow their pain. The nature of this sport fosters high pain tolerance and quick recovery, but athletes shouldn’t always “suck it up,” as it increases their chances of re-injury or re-aggravation.

With playoffs approaching, it is important to look out for these four common football-related injuries and encourage players to seek proper treatment:

ACL/MCL/PCL/LCL tears – anterior cruciate, medial collateral, posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments are all located in the knee. Each serves a different purpose to the function of the knee. Depending on the area of impact, front, rear or side, these ligaments can be damaged or torn. These tears are dangerous because of their high pain level and long-term healing time. Tears can also affect a player’s long-term ability to play.

Concussions – Even though players wear helmets, concussions can still occur. Concussions are the result of a traumatic hit to the head and can have serious effects on the player. When in doubt, players should take the bench and seek medical attention.

Shoulder injuries – While shoulder pads are designed to absorb the shock of tackles, injury can still occur. Common shoulder injuries are: shoulder separation/ dislocation and shoulder tendonitis. If a player takes a direct blow below the shoulder, it can cause separation of the acromioclavicular joint. A shoulder dislocation occurs when the head of the humerus detaches from the scapula. Shoulder tendonitis occurs due to overuse from throwing.

Ankle/Foot injuries – The most common sports injury is a sprained ankle. Ankle sprains and strains are caused by soft tissue damage from pivoting, changing direction or applying pressure to the joint.

Reality check: the longer an injury is played on, the longer it takes to retrain the muscle. If you’re injured while playing a sport, please make an appointment with one of our sports medicine orthopedics – Call: 251-410-3600 

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4 halloween Safety Tips

4 Halloween Safety Tips

4 halloween Safety Tips

Halloween accidents can be frightening. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help you and your child avoid bumps, bruises and broken bones this year. Dodge the goblins and ghouls with these four Halloween safety tips.

Creative costumes
The perfect costume is essential to enjoying Halloween. However, before you go trick or treating, give your costume a few safety tweaks. Prevent tripping; always make sure the costume fits properly. If your costume has a mask, make sure it does not obstruct your vision. Lastly, adding reflective tape to you or your child’s costume can help cars see them better in the darkness.

Not so Haunted House
Your house has the perfect decorations, but something is missing – extra lights. Make sure to keep walkways and high traffic areas well lit and free from obstacles. Also, keep in mind fire safety. If you have lit jack-o’-lanterns, make sure they are out of reach.

Safe Trick or Treating
Did you know, only one-third of parents talks to their children about Halloween safety? Let’s increase those odds. Remind your kids to take a flashlight, always look for cars before crossing streets and to never accept homemade goods from strangers. It’s also important to never let children, under the age of 10, trick or treat alone.

Carve Pumpkins wisely
If you haven’t carved your pumpkin already, keep these carving tips in mind: always use safe carving tools, follow all instructions provided in the pumpkin-carving kit and never allow young children to carve a pumpkin.

Teal pumpkins
Friendly reminder: if you see a teal pumpkin on a doorstep, it’s not the latest pumpkin trend, the house is offering non-food treats in support of children with food allergies.

Avoid a scary situation this Halloween, keep these safety tips in mind. Happy Halloween everyone!

Resources:
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4 Tips to Picking the Right Backpack

4 Tips to picking the right backpack
As kids get older they are tasked with carrying home bigger books and more technology. Such heavy loads can create a burden on their young, growing bones, which may cause injury to their muscles and joints. It’s important to pick a backpack that will help share the load. Here are four tips to help you and your child, choose the best backpack that will stand up to the educational weight.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All 

Don’t buy your child a larger backpack with the expectation that they will grow into it. It is important to buy a bag that fits your child properly, now. A proper fitting backpack should sit just below your child’s shoulder blades and ends at their waist.

Keep it Light

Kids have enough to carry around, they don’t need their backpack to be heavy too. Be sure to pick a bag made of lightweight, yet sturdy fabric. Don’t let them overpack, take out any unnecessary items they won’t need and make sure their school allows them time to utilize a locker. Quick tip: Help reduce the weight of their bag by placing heavier items lower and toward the center of their bag.

Hot Wheels

Consider buying a backpack with wheels. These types of backpacks is the best way to keep unnecessary weight off your child’s shoulders. Also, make sure the bag is stable and easy to haul upstairs, if necessary.

Check the Straps

Look for a bag with wide, padded shoulder straps. These will help distribute the weight evenly and reduce the risk of muscle strain or injury. The padding should be made of durable foam that bounces back from your touch. Children should also use both straps of the bag, ensuring the weight isn’t burdening one side of the body. Tighten the straps so they are closer to their back to keep the weight close.

Keep an eye out for your children struggling to lift their heavy backpacks, and learn how to help ease their pain. Kids can lug around their backpacks for up to 12 hours a day. For more information call (251) 410-3600.

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Recipe for Easing Arthritis Pain

Did you know arthritis, or chronic inflammation, can be eased by adding these nutrients, found in this simple recipe, to your grocery cart? All you need is a fillet of fatty fish, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 glass of orange juice, 1 cup of cherries, 1 teaspoon of ginger and turmeric, and 1 cup of green tea.

 

Fatty Fish are Fantastic

Certain types of fish, like salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel, are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.  These fats fight inflammation and work to increase the health of your heart. Eating fish a few times a week will ease the pain of arthritis and keep the old ticker ticking.

 

Olive You

Olive oil contains healthy monounsaturated fats and a natural compound called oleocanthal which can help prevent inflammation. It combats your arthritis pain by blocking the same inflammatory pathways in the same way as ibuprofen or aspirin. Switch out your vegetable oil for extra virgin olive oil to increase your fight against arthritis.  

 

Orange You Glad I Didn’t Say Banana

The antioxidants in vitamin C can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and promote the growth of collagen, a major component of bone cartilage. Start your day with a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice and increase consumption of foods that are rich in vitamin C: grapefruits, guavas, kiwis, oranges, pineapples, strawberries, broccoli, cauliflower and kidney beans.

 

Pretty Please, With a Cherry on Top

Cherries, especially tart ones, contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins which help reduce inflammation by stopping the production of inflammatory chemicals. They also can help maintain the health of your connective tissue. If cherries aren’t your thing, anthocyanins can also be found in other fruits including blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, boysenberries, elderberries, raspberries, strawberries, red and black grapes, and plums.

 

Spice Up Your Life

The spice turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which could be beneficial in managing chronic inflammatory-related joint disease such as arthritis. Turmeric has been used in India for centuries to ward off inflammatory diseases and is often found in traditional Indian cuisine, especially in curry powder. Ginger is another spice that contains chemicals that work similarly to anti-inflammatory medications, helping fight arthritis pain. Try steeping some fresh ginger with your daily cup of green tea or grate it into your favorite cocktail.

 

A Cup a Day Will Keep the Doctor Away

Unlike black tea, green tea contains a natural antioxidant called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Similar to the anthocyanins found in cherries, EGCG can reduce inflammation by stopping the production of inflammatory chemicals. This can help the cartilage from breaking down, which can help to preserve joint health. Start your morning off right with a steaming cup of green tea

If you’re arthritis pain persists, please make an appointment to see a specialist at AOC.

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There’s a New Type of Knee Replacement in Town

Your knees are, in some shape or form, involved in almost all of your daily activities. Whether you are driving to work, shopping for groceries, or playing golf, you are using your knees. Yet, people rarely think about their knees. That is… until they start to hurt.

Since the first knee replacement surgery was performed over forty years ago in 1968, the world has witnessed countless advances in technology, from the creation of the internet and cell phones, to the sequencing of human DNA.  During that time, knee replacements have become one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine. Therefore, it is only fitting that the technology used in knee replacement surgeries has advanced as well.

AOC physician, Dr. Matthew Barber, is the first orthopaedic surgeon in the Mobile area to embrace a revolutionary technology designed to improve patient outcomes with a better fit, faster recovery, better function and greater overall patient satisfaction. The customized knee replacement technology strives to make the procedure even more successful than when using traditional off-the-shelf implants. The product is called the ConforMIS iTotal® and despite being a relatively new technology, there have already been over 30,000 implantations of these customized devices across the country.

Prior to ConforMIS customized implants being available, orthopedic surgeons could only chose from a limited range of sizes of “off-the-shelf” implants. With ConforMIS, a uniquely sized and shaped implant can be designed and manufactured for each individual patient and matched to their specific anatomy. The first step is a CT scan is taken of the patient’s bone. From there, the CT scan is submitted to ConforMIS and a three-dimensional model of the knee is created using proprietary imaging software. This model is used to create a mold using advanced 3D printing technology, which re-creates the shape of the patient’s knee, corrected for any underlying deformity. Additionally, 3D printing is also used to create a complete set of instruments for the surgeon that are single-use and only used during one procedure. Total production time is only 6 weeks.

“ConforMIS is able to create implants that are within millimeters of a patient’s biological knee, thereby avoiding size compromises often faced with off-the-shelf implants,” says Dr. Barber. The customized fit of the iTotal requires less bone and soft tissue removal by the surgeon, which is believed to help shorten recovery time and offer the potential for a knee that moves more naturally.

At this time, Dr. Barber is the only orthopaedic surgeon in the Mobile area to offer a customized option for partial knee and total knee replacement implants. If you feel you might be a candidate for this innovative procedure, please call Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic at (251) 410-3600 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Barber today.

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Is it just a sore knee?

It’s a fact, kids play hard. However, while they’re playing and having fun, children don’t realize they are sore until it’s time for bed. As their bodies begin to relax, sore muscles and joints begin to ache; these aches are commonly called growing pains. However, if pain persists, it may be more than a sore muscle or joint, it could be juvenile arthritis. Here are a few tips to help you know the difference.

Growing Pains vs Juvenile Arthritis

 

What are growing pains?

Children who complain of growing pains, often describe pain or discomfort in their legs or arms. Growing pains tend to affect children at night; it is not uncommon for aches to wake children from their sleep. Don’t panic, although these aches are called growing pains, there is no evidence linking growth with pain. After all a child’s rate of growth is too piecemeal to cause pain.


Symptoms of Growing Pains

Symptoms of growing pains are pains in the muscle, rather than in the joints. Common spots include the front of the thighs, the calves and the backs of the knees. Pain typically does not last for long periods of time. If pain does persist, it may be time to call a pediatrician.  Quick tip: a warm bath before bed can help soothe sore muscles.

What is Juvenile Arthritis?

Yes, children can get arthritis. Juvenile arthritis affects children under the age of 17. Children who have juvenile arthritis may experience persistent pain, swelling and stiffness in their joints.

Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis


Symptoms to watch out for are tenderness, pain, or swelling of the joints, limited range of motion, joint stiffness, and fatigue. If joint pain persists more than a week, make an appointment to see a doctor ASAP.

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Man Up to Health: Men’s Health Week Tips


Guys, it’s time to put your health at the top of your agenda. Many of us take our health for granted, which for stubborn men, can be especially true. The sad truth is most men would not go to the doctor if it weren’t for their wife, mother or significant other pushing them. This week is National Men’s Health Week, so come on guys, man up and take control of your health.

Here are a few tips to help you step up your game:

Regular check-ups

Did you know women are 100 percent more likely to visit a doctor for regular exams than men? Regular check-ups can help find problems before they start as well as detect pre-existing problems such as arthritis. Regular check-ups may seem tedious, but they can help you live a longer, healthier life.

Healthy Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet is key to living a long, healthy life. Your bones and joints require certain vitamins and minerals to stay strong. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A, C, D and E as well as calcium.

Exercise

Exercise can also help support strong bone and joint health. Strengthening muscles and maintaining a  healthy weight can reduce strain on your joints. Weight-bearing exercises can help maintain bone density. Be mindful high-intensity exercises like running can do more damage than good such as placing more strain on joints and ligaments.

Rest

Go to bed! Your body needs rest. Allow your body to rest for at least seven hours. Sleep has many benefits such as improving retention, reducing inflammation and lower stress.

When was the last time you visited AOC for a check-up? Make an appointment today.

Resources:
http://www5.cbia.com/healthyconnections/article/10-tips-to-keep-your-bones-and-joints-healthy/

http://www.cdc.gov/family/checkup/

http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/joint-and-bone-health/food-and-nutrients-that-fuel-joint-health

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20459221,00.html

Tie Dad to a Healthy Lifestyle: Father’s Day Gift Ideas

With Father’s Day fast approaching, have you thought about what you’re going to get Dad? Before you rush out to buy him a new tie or maybe something else he doesn’t need, put his health at the top of your shopping list. Here are three healthy Father’s Day gifts we recommend you can give the fella in your life.

1. Gym Membership


Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of several health concerns, such as diabetes and heart disease. Exercise can also help support strong bone and joint health. If dad doesn’t already get regular exercise, give him proper encouragement to stay healthy with a gym membership.

2. Bike


If dad suffers from arthritis or joint pain, buying dad a bike might be a better alternative to a gym membership. Riding a bike is much better on knees, feet, ankles and legs than running. Riding a bike is also a full body workout; it will tone, reduce calories and decrease the risk of several health concerns.

3. Healthy Eating Guide/ Recipe Book


Chances are dad has his favorite unhealthy foods. Who doesn’t? However, eating a well-balanced diet is vital to a healthy lifestyle. Make dad a healthy eating guide or a healthy recipe book. Either way, encourage your papa bear to eat nutritious foods.

Father’s Day should be a day you really show dad you care, so treat him to a healthy lifestyle. For all dad’s orthopaedic needs, send him to AOC.

If you need help in a specific area or want an expert opinion, give us a call at Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic, 251-410-3600, or visit us at www.alortho.com.

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6 Easy Tips for Healthy Bones

If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a hundred times, but having healthy bones is very important. AOC knows everyone is busy but making sure you have healthy bones is not a hard task. Here we have 6 easy tips to follow for strong bones:

1. Be sure to have plenty of calcium.

Calcium is a mineral our bodies need in order to live. Our bodies don’t produce calcium so it’s important to eat foods with calcium in them or the body takes it from other places, like your bones. Eat plenty of green vegetables or foods high in calcium, and make sure you get the allotted daily amount. How much do you need? Use this calcium calculator to find out: http://www.iofbonehealth.org/calcium-calculator

2. Also, Vitamin D.

Calcium and Vitamin D go together because your body requires Vitamin D to absorb the calcium. Kids need it to build strong bones and adults need it to keep their bones healthy. So how do you get Vitamin D? Sunlight, food or supplements. Foods that have Vitamin D are fatty fish, and some dairy products or orange juices.
3. Vitamin K is important as well.

Vitamin K helps the calcium bind to the bone matrix. So having the proper amount along with Vitamin D is integral to the calcium intake. Dark green vegetables, like spinach, kale and turnips have Vitamin K, so eat plenty of veggies with your meals.

4. Potassium; your natural protector.

Potassium works to protect your bones against the metabolic acids in your body. So having enough helps protect your bones from breakdown. You can get most of your potassium from eating fruits, vegetables, seeds and certain spices.
5. Exercise those bones.

Bone is a living tissue that strengthens through exercise, along with getting the right amount of nutrients. Adults and children who exercise usually have higher bone density and strength, protecting them from breaks and fractures. So get up and get moving! Try some of these easy exercises.
6. Cut out these things- caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes.

All 3 of these things can hinder calcium absorption into your bones, thus making them weak.

Next time you think about what you are going to eat for dinner, try to remember which foods contain the right nutrients that are good for your bones. If it helps, make a cheat sheet and take it with you, so you know what to buy from the grocery store or order from the restaurant. If you feel you are not getting enough of these nutrients, try taking daily supplements.

If you need help in a specific area or want an expert opinion, give us a call at Alabama Orthopaedic Clinic, 251-410-3600, or visit us at www.alortho.com.

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