orthopedic Archives - Warner Orthopedics

5 Most Common Causes of Knee Pain

tagadmin — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 13:00:35 +0000

Knee pain can be unbearable but can be even more frustrating if you don’t understand what is causing or why it’s not getting better. Unfortunately, most pain related to your knees gets worse over time.

What can start out as stiffness or aches can, if left untreated, turn into a problem that can only be fixed with surgery. Sometimes, icing or over-the-counter medications may help. Other times, therapy or braces may be needed.

Recovery is determined by the condition and its severity. However, the first step in recovery is understanding what’s causing your pain in the first place.

(more…)

The post 5 Most Common Causes of Knee Pain appeared first on Warner Orthopedics.

The Stages of Ankle Arthritis

tagadmin — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 13:00:53 +0000

The ankle is a critical joint in our bodies. Not to say that other joints are less critical, but the ankle is a meeting point for cartilage, connective tissues, and tendons. The ankle is the lowest main meeting point of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments used for walking, running and jumping. It is essential for force and speed.

The downside to its importance is that all the force of these muscles and tendons around the ankle area makes the cartilage prone to damage, also known as arthritis. Cartilage coats the surface of a joint to allow motion when damaged, this is why movement becomes painful and less smooth.

Ankle arthritis can be painful, but the key is to understand what stage it is in so you can treat it quickly. Arthritis is a degenerative disease so, the longer you wait, the worse it gets.

Here at Warner Orthopedics & Wellness, we can determine your stage of arthritis and treat it, but there are some steps you can take to help alleviate and articulate the problem before it becomes too much to handle.

The early stage of ankle arthritis

In healthy ankles, cartilage covers the joints to protect them from friction. In ankles that are developing arthritis, this cartilage begins to wear down, therefore enabling the formation of pitting and irregularities of the surface. This is considered the early stages of ankle arthritis and is characterized by an uncomfortable or stiffening sensation in the ankle after a long day of walking or several hours of sitting.

The early stage can be a problematic one, as this pain is hard to distinguish from regular discomfort. It’s important to visit a doctor at this stage of ankle arthritis, so interventions can be made in time to slow the progression.

To remedy this stage of ankle arthritis, take some anti-inflammatory NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen – if you aren’t allergic. Pair with this supportive footwear, low-impact activity, and a healthy, active lifestyle. Low impact aerobic activity has been shown to be best for cartilage health. Note that no activity is not good for cartilage.

Mid-stage ankle arthritis

Later, bone spurs develop in response to abnormal cartilage. Thus, this is the stage where you will begin to realize some discomfort and pain that may not be normal. Symptoms will become more noticeable, as you’ll experience varying levels of pain throughout the day that comes in waves, as well as occasional swelling.

Occasional rest and off-loading of the ankle may become necessary at this point. Doing so can help in the short term. However, for long-term solutions, it is better to stay somewhat active to keep your muscles strong so that they can support the ankle joint.

One remedy to this stage of arthritis, continue to take NSAIDs, do low-impact exercise, and meet with an orthopedic surgeon to determine the next steps. At this stage, surgery may be considered to remove spurs, clean up joins or stabilize or realign the ankle. Bracing and graded socks are often helpful. Rocker bottom shoes also and topical pain methods may also help with this.

End-stage ankle arthritis

The late stages of ankle arthritis are when the cartilage around the joint is almost entirely gone, leaving very little space between the bones, inhibiting motion. This may be true for all or just a portion of the joint. Spurs can be quite large as well.

At this stage, the ankle will be incredibly stiff and sometimes completely immobile. Simple activities like ascending/descending stairs and squatting can become impossible. In the later stages, the lubricating fluid in your joints is absent, so the friction on your bones is increased. Moving at this stage may be painful and could also be damaging to your bones.

However, many people can remain high-functioning and relatively pain-free, despite this arthritis. To treat this stage of arthritis, previous remedies (such as NSAIDs and light activity) may not be enough.

If you’re at this stage and the pain is affecting your daily life, contact an orthopedic surgeon immediately, as surgery could likely be needed. Your surgeon could also recommend a series of nonoperative remedies as well. These could range from physical therapy to acupuncture, to special shoes or CAM (complementary alternative medicine).

Arthritis is a painful disease that can get worse the longer you ignore it. Identifying that the pain or discomfort is in fact arthritis is an important step, and seeking help before symptoms worse is crucial.

Sometimes, our joints are sore, stiff, and hurt a little, especially at older ages. However, if it gets worse or you think it may be ankle arthritis, contact us today and get the help and care you need to recover!

The post The Stages of Ankle Arthritis appeared first on Warner Orthopedics.

How to Prevent and Treat Gout Flare-ups

tagadmin — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 14:50:44 +0000

It’s a sophisticated form of arthritis, one that’s characterized by the quick and severe waves of pain, tenderness, and redness, often in the big toe. It can subside, bringing days without pain, only to be followed by another onset of attacks, known as flare-ups. There is no cure for gout, although prevention and management techniques exist to reduce the side effects of this painful illness.

How is gout caused?

Gout is caused due to too much uric acid in the blood. High levels crystallize the acid, which forms around the bone or cartilage. The exact cause can be attributed to genetics, diet, and various medical conditions. However, those with gout cannot process the crystals properly, and so they collect in the joint. Genetics is the strongest influencer of your uric acid levels, while medical conditions can also affect them, with diet far behind. For the latter, it is believed that a healthy diet, mixed with exercise, can help manage uric levels. Specifically, avoiding foods such as shellfish, red meat, and beer help to control gout.

How can you prevent gout?

The best way to prevent gout is to focus on your uric acid levels, doing what you can to keep them under control. Achieving this involves lifestyle and dietary changes, focusing on drinking plenty of fluids to flush out the uric acid, as well as eating foods with low levels of purine (the compound that creates uric acid). There is plenty of advice out there circulating eating healthier and exercising. Some say coffee and vitamin C help. Other studies show that meditation and breathing can help, mixed with alternating between hot and cold compresses. The general theme here is that, to manage your uric acid levels, you should lead a healthy lifestyle. Everything said, there is no sure-fire, end-all solution out there, only ways to lower your uric acid levels. Even medicinally, there is no medicine explicitly used to treat gout, just medication to treat other illnesses that help with controlling uric acid levels associated with gout. As far as medications, Allopurinol is often used to give baseline control. Colchicine and Indomethacin are used to help with flares.

What do you do during a flare-up?

Prevention is an excellent method of dealing with gout; however, if you already have it, what do you do during a flare-up to alleviate the pain? Let’s assume you are woken up in the middle of the night by an attack: first, you need to schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as you can. Gout is usually not life-threating, but getting treatment within the first 24 hours of the start of attack is recommended. Without professional help, this will remain a problem. Second, take some anti-inflammatory, over-the-counter medicine such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve. Do not take any aspirin, as it can make it worse. Second, create an ice pack for yourself, putting it on the affected area, and drink plenty of fluids while you do this. Take the pressure off your foot and elevate it, so it’s higher than your heart. Avoid alcohol and try to relax – there’s not much else you can do until you see your doctor. Also, considering eating tart cherries or tart cherry extracts for management of gout. Obviously, if you have any type of allergies, don’t do this.

Gout is incredibly painful when it kicks in. Dealing with gout on your own, without professional help, will only make the situation worse. DIY solutions are a short-term solution to a long-term problem. As soon as you have an attack, schedule an appointment with us at Warner Orthopedics & Wellness. We can evaluate your situation, helping you take the proper steps toward recovery. Don’t deal with gout on your own, contact us today!

TO TREAT AND PREVENT PAIN CAUSED BY GOUT, CONTACT US AT (225) 754-8888 OR SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY.

The post How to Prevent and Treat Gout Flare-ups appeared first on Warner Orthopedics.

Shoulder Pain and Common Shoulder Problems

Jazmine Foxworth — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 16:34:50 +0000

Are You Experiencing Intense Shoulder Pain?

There are a few signs you should look out for when determining whether to visit your doctor for a shoulder injury. The first and most immediate sign is extreme pain. If you’re experiencing severe pain as you move or touch your shoulder, it’s time to visit the doctor.

Before scheduling a visit, you may look at your shoulder and note any visible deformities. Your blood vessels and nerves may be damaged if you feel numbness, tingling or cold near the site of injury.

If your shoulder is injured due to trauma, we suggest seeking medical care immediately.

If you’ve been enduring persistent shoulder pain, that has worsened over time call a doctor immediately. Most home treatments are ineffective for serious shoulder injuries, and professional guidance may be necessary to ensure a safe recovery.

A waiting period helps some people determine whether they’ve severely damaged their shoulder. However, you shouldn’t wait longer than a few days if your shoulder is deformed, experiencing loss of feeling or extreme pain.

Again, if there has been trauma or there is moderate to severe pain or numbness and tightening, a professional assessment should occur as soon as possible.

Most Common Shoulder Injuries

People experience many types of shoulder injuries every year and identifying the true condition you’re experiencing is the most efficient route to finding the best treatment.

A rotator cuff tear is one of the most commonly reported forms of a shoulder injury. The condition is caused by tears or strains and often occurs with bursitis or tendinitis.

Frozen shoulder, which causes the tissue in the joint to thickens and tightens, is also one of the more common causes of shoulder pain. Frozen shoulder also presents a loss of motion.

Professional treatment is certainly required for these conditions.

Long-term conditions, like arthritis, cause persistent shoulder pain and are best treated with a professionally-developed treatment regimen.

Why Should You See An Orthopedic Surgeon?

Orthopedic doctors specialize in treatments related to the injuries or damage to the musculoskeletal system, including the shoulder.

Every day these doctors work with patients with injuries that have made it difficult to perform daily activities, suffer from chronic pain, and experience a decreased range of motion.

Orthopedic doctors can identify the source of your shoulder pain and develop a specific treatment path for you.

Part of the board-certification requirement for any orthopedic surgeon includes understanding the shoulder, its diseases, injuries, and proper treatments.

Meredith Warner, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Warner provides non-surgical and surgical treatment options for her patients. Her comprehensive treatment plans are designed to get her patients back to the most functional and best life possible.

Dr. Meredith Warner is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Fellowship trained in Complex Foot and Ankle. She is accepting new patients within her private practice in Baton Rouge, LA.

Care for Shoulder Pain & Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder pain can result from a number of different causes, including arthritis, tendonitis, and joint dislocation.

Damage can occur from lifting heavy weight or through sports-related injuries, creating a dislocated joint or fracture. If you are experiencing any severe pain, visible muscle deformities, or persistent pain that has worsened over time, you should seek medical care immediately.

At Warner Orthopedics & Wellness, we will identify the cause of pain to help find the best treatment for pain relief and healing to suit your specific conditions.

The severity of pain and damage to bones or joints will allow our specialists to prescribe operative or non-operative treatment plans to help you return to a pain-free life.

Treatments Provided at Warner Orthopedics & Wellness

As part of the board-certification requirements, orthopedic doctors specialize in the understanding and treatment of the musculoskeletal system, comprised of the skeleton, muscles, and other connective tissues.

This understanding allows our team to treat the source of pain in all muscles, including the shoulder.

Treatment options range from lifestyle modification to physical therapy, with surgery always presented as the last method of relief.

At Warner Orthopedics & Wellness, we will work with you to find the best and quickest path to your recovery.

We Can Help You With:

Our shoulder pain experts can help you with a variety of treatments.

Sports Related Injuries
Shoulder Dislocation
Shoulder Arthritis & Tendonitis
Shoulder Surgery
Non-Surgical Treatment

Have questions or ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us today!

Call 225-263-1296

To Schedule Your Appointment

Click to Call Now

The post Shoulder Pain and Common Shoulder Problems appeared first on Warner Orthopedics.