Get Moving! Orthopedic Insights
Signs of a Concussion in a Child
Medically reviewed by Angelo Ciminiello, M.D.
Though common, not many people know the signs of concussions in children, which causes many cases to go unnoticed. Because children’s brains are still developing, they’re more at risk of experiencing severe side effects from getting a concussion, especially if that concussion goes undiagnosed or the child receives multiple concussions.
Are Custom Orthotics Worth It?
If you’ve been experiencing bothersome pain in your legs or feet, you should consider getting an orthotic. Orthotics provide fantastic foot support that can reduce discomfort and pain in your feet, legs, hips, and back. People young and old use orthotics to alleviate their discomfort. While some buy orthotics in the store, others choose to spring for a pricier custom orthotic. So, what’s the difference between the two? And are custom orthotics worth it?
Knee Stress Fracture Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
Everyone experiences occasional pain in their knee(s). But there are some symptoms that you just shouldn’t ignore. These can point to larger problems in your knee, like a stress fracture. Even though stress fractures are not as serious or painful as a broken bone, they should not be ignored. If left untreated, they can lead to tiny cracks that transform into more serious issues. If you are experiencing knee pain, you should be aware of certain sensations that might point to something worse that needs attention.
Pulled Hamstrings: Everything You Need to Know
A hamstring refers to a solitary 'string' comprising three muscles - semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris - situated on the backside of your thighs. An injury or tear of your hamstring resulting from overloading or overstretching could lead to partial or total tearing of the muscles. Hamstring muscle injuries are prevalent in athletes and tend to be quite painful.
Can Sciatica Cause Hip Pain?
What is Sciatica?
Your hip joints, like your knee and ankle joints, are highly active joints that debilitate with age, causing you pain. More often than not, hip pain may not be related to your hips but could be traced to a pinched nerve in your lower back leading to pain going down the leg, commonly referred to as Sciatica.The Most Common Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Used for Orthopedic Issues
A variety of medications are available today to help patients feel more comfortable following orthopedic surgery or after a musculoskeletal-related injury. Pain relief allows people to get back to regular activity, improve strength, and recover from painful events more quickly. It also helps patients follow post-surgical physical therapy programs with more comfort and early success.
7 Common Orthopedic Injuries Seen at OrthoCare Express
Urgent musculoskeletal issues are more prevalent than you might think
Every day of the week, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons and physician assistants provide prompt emergency evaluation and treatment for unexpected injuries of one's bones, muscles, joints or connective tissue. Visiting an orthopedic urgent care facility, such as OrthoCare Express, ensures that you will be seen by a trained orthopedic physician or physician assistant who specializes in issues and injuries to the musculoskeletal system.
What is the Difference Between a Podiatrist and an Orthopedist?
People often ask what are the differences between Podiatry and Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Surgery. Below we answer the most frequent questions we hear.
Both the podiatrist and orthopedic foot and ankle specialist at OrthoConnecticut are highly qualified, board-certified doctors with different training, expertise, and focus.
Is Having Flat Feet a Disability? Should I Worry?
Should I Be Worried About Flat Feet?
Story By Randolph Sealey M.D., Foot and Ankle Specialist at OrthoConnecticut.
One of the most common patient consultations to my foot and ankle practice is a parent bringing their child in for evaluation of “Flat Feet." The referrals for this common condition come from a range of sources; pediatricians, family members, coaches, shoe salesmen, dance instructors, military recruiters and worried parents.
Athletes Need to “Rest and Test” After COVID-19
Athletes Need to “Rest and Test” After COVID-19 Before Returning to Exercise and Sports
Athletes and weekend warriors, who have had COVID-19, will need to take special care and be cleared before resuming exercise, intense training and/or competitive sports. Why?
Shoulder Labrum Tears: What Are They?
There’s a name for that: Shoulder Labrum Tears
Shoulder Labrum Tear Symptoms
Do you feel aching pain in the front or back of your upper arm or shoulder? Do otherwise normal shoulder movements cause pain? Do you have less strength or less range of motion when lifting or throwing, or feel popping, grinding, catching, locking, or less stability when moving your arm? These are symptoms of a Shoulder Labrum Tear. What exactly is a shoulder labrum tear?
Frozen Shoulder
Signs and Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder
If you’ve had a “frozen shoulder”, you know this is an extremely painful condition where you are unable to move your shoulder or lift your arm upward or backward, either on your own or with the help of someone else. It’s scary when everyday activities such as sleeping, dressing, washing dishes, combing hair, clasping and unclasping a bra, or reaching for a wallet in a back pocket can become difficult or impossible.
Avoid Orthopedic Injuries When Cleaning
Take precautions when cleaning and avoid orthopedic injuries
During these unusual times, we all are busy cleaning our homes and wiping off delivered packages. Be sure to take adequate precautions to avoid musculoskeletal injury as you take care of your family and home. Here are a few tips for preventing or reducing accidents from happening.
Text Neck
Text Neck, It’s a Real Thing!
Neck Pain? Texting too much at the wrong angle (15 to 60 degrees forward) for too long can lead to "Text Neck". Also called “Tech Neck”, it's a real, modern-age issue of neck muscle pain, headaches, and potentially "dowagers" hump.
Resolved to Exercise … Next Steps
Anytime is a perfect time to make a resolution including moving more through exercise. Make an exercise plan that includes small, achievable goals that encourage and motivate you as you succeed. It takes 90 days to build a habit, so be sure to add the critical ingredient of patience to your mix of planning and activity. And be sure to include an attitude of flexibility, and adapt and change your exercise routines to keep them fresh and motivating. Combining different types of activities, such as Pilates with running, or yoga with cycling, can help you maximize muscle strengthening while bolstering your commitment.
De-stress with a gentle yoga practice
De-stress this holiday season with a gentle yoga practice
Practicing yoga can be a great way to get exercise and stay calm during the stressful holiday season. A consistent yoga practice has so many incredible benefits, including reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, reducing anxiety and depressive tendencies, and easing back pain -- not to mention the stretching and muscle strengthening benefits to the body.
Tips to Avoid Back Pain During Leaf Clean-Up
Fall in New England is synonymous with beautiful changing leaves, but it also a time for yard work, slippery leaves, and avoiding ticks. Here are some tips from OrthoConnecticut to protect you during leaf season.
Tips to help with Osteoarthritis
Nine tips to help with Osteoarthritis
If you’re middle-aged or older, it’s likely you have some Osteoarthritis in your hands, fingers, hips, knees, feet or spine. The most common form of arthritis, Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between joints and bone gradually wears away causing joint swelling, pain, stiffness, deformity, and reduced range of motion. Most often X-rays are used to diagnose and assess the amount of joint loss, or other issues that can occur like thinning bone, reduced joint space, joint fluid, or bone spurs.
Girls and Sports
Girls and Sports is a Win-Win
Girls participating in sports is a win-win that stretches far beyond known physical aerobic benefits. Being part of a team encourages cooperation, self-reliance, confidence/self-esteem, friendships, adventure, fun, health benefits and the joy of movement and teamwork that carries into adult life. Are there obstacles? Yes! There are fewer obstacles because of Title IX, but disincentives such as cost, access, and “throws like a girl” comments still exist. Even so, the benefits certainly outweigh them.
Managing Knee Pain When Driving and Traveling
10 Tips for Managing Knee Pain When You Travel
Knee pain while traveling is common, but if you’re prepared you don’t have to be sidelined.
What Causes Knee Pain While Traveling?
Sitting in tight, no-room-to-stretch airline seats, bouncing trains or buses, and sitting in one position in a car for too long can exacerbate pre-existing knee conditions or create knee stiffness and muscular cramping. Whether it’s arthritis, runner’s knee, kneecap, meniscus, ligament, or other knee conditions causing you discomfort, employing these helpful strategies can reduce or eliminate knee pain while traveling.
