All posts by admin

General Ortho

Why You Should See an Orthopedic Doctor

Between home remedies and a variety of doctors and specialists to choose from, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between what injuries you should see a doctor for, which injuries to try and mend at home, and which injuries require the specialized qualifications of an orthopedic doctor. As a general rule of thumb, any persistent joint pain, daily soreness or stiffness, or injury that is taking a long time to heal could all be reasons to see an orthopedic doctor. For more specific reasons why you should see an orthopedic doctor, read about some of the ways an orthopedic specialist can help you.

Diagnosing and Treating Pain

Orthopedic doctors specialize in the entire musculoskeletal system. This system includes joints, muscles, nerves, bone, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. This vast understanding of the musculoskeletal system makes orthopedic doctors experts on pain. Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons why patients visit an orthopedic doctor in the first place. Orthopedic doctors can help diagnose and treat pain in:

  • Shoulders
  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Ankle & Feet
  • Wrists and Hands
  • Elbows
  • Neck

Improve Range of Motion

Inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain can all contribute to a limited range of motion. So many people just accept the limitation as a part of growing older or having been injured, but orthopedic specialists can actually help treat or improve your range of motion. If pain or stiffness makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks, physical therapy, no-surgical treatment, or surgery may be able to help.

Injury Treatment and Prevention

Patients are referred to orthopedic doctors after experiencing injuries such as broken bones, fractures, dislocations, ligament tears, and more. Orthopedic doctors repair and treat these injuries while also working to reduce or eliminate pain. In order to optimize recovery, orthopedic doctors will often work alongside physical therapists and pain management specialists to create a more complete recovery. Athletes and patients alike see orthopedic doctors not only to repair injuries but to prevent them as well. Whether you’re dealing with a minor condition like an ankle sprain or carpal tunnel, or if you have a more serious injury like a hip fracture, orthopedic doctors can help.

Perform Surgical and Non Surgical Procedures 

While certain injuries require surgical treatments, there are many non-surgical procedures that can help with a wide variety of injuries and conditions. While patients may see an orthopedic doctor with surgery in mind, orthopedic specialists can actually help determine whether or not surgery is even necessary. More often than not, surgery is only considered when all other nonsurgical alternatives have been exhausted. This is why orthopedic doctors are a viable option when patients need a second opinion. 

Diagnose and Treat Musculoskeletal Conditions

Orthopedic doctors don’t just work with athletes and broken bones, they also work with conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. These chronic conditions require treatment just as much as broken bones because they continuously worsen over time. 

Consult an Orthopedic Specialist

If you are experiencing chronic pain in the musculoskeletal system, or have recently undergone an injury, our specialists can help. The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you have experienced limited mobility, joint pain, or chronic stiffness, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.

Injury Prevention

7 Common Winter Sports Injuries

The winter season is full of various sports and activities to participate in. Whether it’s snow or ice, these seasonal sports give us something to look forward to in an otherwise cold and dark season. When it comes to winter sports, it’s easy for us to try and pick up where we left off last year without easing back into it, and being this overzealous can often lead to injuries. Even day-to-day activities can become compromised by snow and icy and cause an increase in visits to the E.R. Today we’re examining some of the most common winter sports injuries, and what you can do to prevent them from happening to you and your family.

1. Ankle Sprains and Fracture

It is estimated that around 25,000 people sprain their ankle each day, so it’s not surprising that this is one of the most common winter sports injuries. Ankle injuries typically occur while moving on slippery or uneven surfaces, so whether you’re playing a sport or simply walking down an icy sidewalk, it’s easy to see why winter weather can cause an increase in ankle sprains and fractures. 

If you injure your ankle, it’s a good idea to elevate the injury and to use ice packs to bring the swelling down. Although it may not seem too serious, it’s imperative that you keep weight off of the injury to avoid more serious issues down the line.

2. Concussion

Although helmets are not mandatory when it comes to winter sports, we highly recommend the use of them. Concussions can occur at any point in the year, but sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating definitely carry the risk of head traumas. In addition to wearing a helmet, ensure all of your winter equipment is in good condition before heading out.

3. Knee Injuries

Knees are used to absorbing the shock of most of our day to day activities like running and walking, but winter sports like skiing can put even more pressure on our knees as well as their joints and ligaments. To avoid falls that can put your knee in a compromising position, make sure that you’re practicing the safest technique that your sport requires. Lessons can teach the foundations of any sport that can ultimately prevent future injuries. 

4. Dislocated Shoulder

Both skaters and skiers are at risk of dislocated shoulders. This injury can occur when you fall from high heights, like after going off of a ski jump, or if you hit a hard surface like ice. If you dislocate a shoulder, it’s important to seek medical attention right away to prevent more serious issues such as a frozen or immobile shoulder. Paying attention to the weather forecast, and staying mindful of your experience level can help prevent injuries like dislocated shoulders.

5. Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries can be painful, scary, and disruptive to your life. High-intensity sports carry a higher risk of spinal injuries, but even sports like sledding can cause back problems and injuries, especially when you’re snow tubing down a lope face-first. Avoid unforeseen obstacles in the snow by making sure you know your surroundings. It’s also a good idea to avoid engaging in any winter sport on your own.

6. Skier’s Thumb

Skier’s thumb occurs when a ligament is torn in the thumb. Skiing is one of the only winter sports that require regular use of the hands and the wrists while incorporating the use of poles, which makes this the second most common skiing injury behind knee sprains. 

7. Broken or Dislocated Elbow

Elbow injuries can occur when the elbow is impacted in a fall, or if it’s overused. If you use your hands and outstretched arms to break a fall, it’s not uncommon to push your elbow joint out of its normal position, causing a fracture or dislocation. Avoid muscle fatigue and strain by taking multiple breaks and letting your body recuperate after a long day out on the ice or in the snow.

No matter what winter sport you decide to participate in this year, make sure you take the necessary precautions to avoid these common injuries. A fresh blanket of snow might make us want to get out as fast as we can, but it’s important to go at your own pace and to warm up your muscles before strapping up your ice skates or ski boots. 

Consult an Orthopedic Specialist

The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you have questions about the risks or injury prevention of your favorite winter sport, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.

Bone Health

How to Know if Your Bone is Broken

Broken bones can sometimes be tricky to self-diagnose. On the one hand, you could stub your toe and feel a level of pain that convinces you that it’s broken even when it’s not. On the other hand, you may be surprised to learn that it’s not uncommon for someone to walk around with a broken bone without realizing it. This is especially concerning because an untreated broken bone has the potential to mend at an incorrect angle that can leave you immobile or less capable. While the best way to truly know if your bone is broken is to visit your doctor, we’ve compiled a list of the most common signs of broken bones. 

Hearing or feeling a snap

One of the first signs of a broken bone that you may experience can occur at the very moment the bone breaks. As soon as the injury occurs, you may hear or feel a snap or a crunch. This is usually the first indication of the broken bone. After the initial break, you may also be able to feel crunchiness underneath the skin, which is a sign that broken pieces of bone are rubbing against each other.

Bruising or discoloration

Following the initial breaking of the bone, bruising and swelling is very common. Large bruising is due to the blood escaping from the capillaries within the damaged tissues. 

Tenderness

When a bone is broken, it is typically incredibly painful to touch, press, move, or put weight on it. A good way to see if the bone is broken is to try and move the injured body part. While tenderness is common with bruising of any kind, the tenderness of a broken bone is usually far more intense. 

Loss of function

In addition to not being able to move your injury due to pain, a broken bone may also make it so you’re physically incapable of moving your body part due to the fracture of the bone. If you are able to move it but feel pain, it’s probably not broken. If you have a complete loss of function, however, this is usually indicative of a broken bone.

Deformation

If you need a clear indication of a broken bone, deformity is a sure signifier to help you know that your bone is broken. If your bone is ever bending in an abnormal direction, this means that it is definitely broken. In some cases, the bone may also be poking out of the skin, which means that it is either dislocated or broken. 

After you’ve broken a bone, it’s not uncommon to feel faint, sick, or dizzy as a result of the shock. If you suspect your bone is broken, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. If a broken bone isn’t corrected right away, you may be subjecting yourself to the possibility of developing an infection or a permanent deformity. 

Broken bones that are not realigned and healed properly may also create long-term joint problems. As you grow older, it’s important to be extra careful, as bones become weaker with age. 

Consult an Orthopedic Specialist

The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you have questions about the broken bones, or bone health call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.

Bone Health

Maintaining Healthy Bones at Every Age

October is a big month for bones, and that’s not just because of the skeleton Halloween decorations. Both World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day (Oct. 19), and Bone and Joint Health National Action Week (Oct. 12-20) take place in the month of October. To help commemorate these important dates, we wanted to share some tips on how you can maintain healthy bones at any age. Developing and maintaining strong, healthy bones typically can be attributed to three main components: calcium, vitamin D, and exercise. While all three of these elements are relevant at any age, we wanted to take a closer look at the role that they play in throughout each stage in life.

Childhood 

The habits that are formed in childhood are likely to stick throughout a lifetime. This is why healthy habits, like well-balanced diets and activity, are so crucial to implement early on. Learning the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise promotes overall health and wellness, as well as bone health. As bones develop in childhood, you should ensure that your child is consuming plenty of calcium-enriched foods like leafy greens, milk, cheese, and yogurt. Activities like tennis, soccer, and gymnastics are all examples of weight-bearing exercises that help build bone density by requiring the body to work against gravity. In addition to contributing to building strong bones, sports and activities played outside can help ensure your child is absorbing healthy levels of vitamin D.

Adolescence

While some may assume that the childhood stage in life may see the most bone growth, it’s actually adolescence where up to a quarter of adult bone mass is built. At this point in life, teenagers should consume 1300 mg of calcium per day. In fact, adolescents and seniors are tied for having the highest recommended intake of calcium. In order to properly absorb this elevated amount of calcium, it’s important that teenagers also maintain healthy levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D can be obtained from foods, and from sunshine. In this stage of life, it’s also important to continue participating in regular weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones.

Adulthood

Throughout your 20s, there is still some time left to build your bone mass. After the age of 30, however, you can only maintain the bone density that you have. You can help maintain strong bones by continuing to monitor your calcium and vitamin D intake and to exercise regularly. It’s important to avoid certain lifestyle choices that can negatively impact your bone density, such as smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. 

Senior

Age is an uncontrollable risk factor for decreased bone density and osteoporosis, but there are still steps you can take to maintain your bone mass. Increasing calcium intake may help to offset losses associated with growing older. While consuming higher amounts of calcium may not have the same bone density building effect that it did when you were a teenager, it can help to slow down the loss of bone density.

Consult an Orthopedic Specialist

The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you have questions about how to maintain bone density, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.

Injury Prevention

10 Ways to Prevent Falls and Fractures

Tripping and falling can cause major problems, especially for older people. Unfortunately tripping and falling is not uncommon among a population that may have problems with mobility, vision, or coordination. Even though trip-and-fall fractures are most common in older people, they can happen to people of all ages. Because fractures can lead to long-lasting problems for some people, we have come up with 10 ways you can prevent falls and fractures. 

The 10 Ways to Prevent Falls & Fractures

  1. Stay physically active. Plan an exercise program that is right for you. Regular exercise improves muscles and makes you stronger. It also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Mild weight-bearing activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, may slow bone loss from osteoporosis.
  2. Have your eyes and hearing tested. Even small changes in sight and hearing may cause you to fall. When you get new eyeglasses or contact lenses, take time to get used to them. Always wear your glasses or contacts when you need them If you have a hearing aid, be sure it fits well and wear it.
  3. Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take. If a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
  4. Get enough sleep. If you are sleepy, you are more likely to fall.
  5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your balance and reflexes. Studies show that the rate of hip fractures in older adults increases with alcohol use.
  6. Stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop. That can make you feel wobbly. Get your blood pressure checked when lying and standing.
  7. Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk. Appropriate use of canes and walkers can prevent falls. If your doctor tells you to use a cane or walker, make sure it is the right size for you and the wheels roll smoothly. This is important when you’re walking in areas you don’t know well or where the walkways are uneven. A physical or occupational therapist can help you decide which devices might be helpful and teach you how to use them safely.
  8. Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces. They can be very slippery! Try to have sand or salt spread on icy areas by your front or back door.
  9. Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet. It is important that the soles are not too thin or too thick. Don’t walk on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles.
  10. Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you aren’t hurt when you fall. A fall can alert your doctor to a new medical problem or problems with your medications or eyesight that can be corrected. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, a walking aid, or other steps to help prevent future falls.

Consult an Orthopedic Specialist

The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you have questions about the best how to prevent falls and fractures, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.

Sports Medicine

11 Low-Impact Exercises to Try

 We all know that staying active is crucial for your overall health. However, if you have issues like osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, you need to be mindful of the type of exercise you get. If you want to get your heart rate up, burn some calories, and build strength, try these 11 low-impact exercises.

1. Walking & Hiking

Walking is one of the most popular and most accessible low-impact exercises. It is easier on bones and joints than running or jogging and if you do it right, you can still get your heart pumping. If you have trails nearby, try hiking as well. It will do you good to get some outdoor exercise and any incline or obstacles will add intensity to your workout.

2. Walking the Stairs

Similar to hiking, walking the stairs can add intensity to your walking workouts. To keep things low impact, don’t go too fast or do it too long. If you feel any knee pain, stop immediately. If you don’t have access to actual stairs, you can use a stair-climbing machine to get those steps in. Just use the same caution about going too fast or using it too long as you would with real stairs.

3. Swimming

Swimming is probably the lowest impact exercise you can find.  Swimming is very easy on your joints but it can really get your heart pumping and your muscles working. You’ll get a good workout even if you don’t feel like you’re sweating. If you swim regularly, you can get faster and up your intensity to get an even better workout.

5. Dance/Step Aerobics

Dance and step aerobics classes are great options for people who love choreographed exercise but want to steer clear of high-impact moves. Most routines are effective at getting your heart rate up without any jumping. If you can’t go to the gym right now, there are plenty of classes online that you can follow along with at home. If the routines you find have high-impact elements, you can skip those or modify them.

6. Water Aerobics

Water aerobics is another great option if you want to participate in a class that focuses on low-impact exercise. If your local gym or rec center isn’t open or you don’t feel comfortable going, you can save this option for later on. Or if you happen to have access to a private backyard pool, find a routine online that you can replicate on your own.

7. Rowing

Rowing is low-impact but it can be high-intensity. Rowing engages your core and your upper body. It’s great for burning calories and building upper body strength without causing joint pain. Rowing machines are a popular choice for this exercise, but if you have access to a boat, go for it. Kayaking doesn’t use the same motion of traditional rowing, but it can also strengthen your muscles and get your heart pumping.

7. Cycling

While you might not want to do a full-on spin class if you’re looking for a lower-impact or lower-intensity workout. However, you can still do some moderate cycling if you keep a comfortable pace. Stationary bikes or standard bicycles are both acceptable for this type of exercise.

8. Yoga

Yoga is an amazing low-impact workout if you’re also looking for some quiet time to try and center your mind. There are many different types of yoga that can provide you with a variety of workouts. Some are more intense and move quickly, while others are slower and more relaxing. The slower versions still burn calories, but the high-intensity versions can burn a lot more.

9. Pilates

Pilates is all about core strengthening and flexibility. Pilates can burn calories, give you muscle tone, and improve your posture. While there are many pilates studios around that have fancy machines (called reformers), you can find a good online course to do at home using just a mat and your own body weight. 

10. Bodyweight and Resistance Training

Bodyweight training is a great option because you don’t need a gym or equipment. It can also be modified to any fitness level you are and you can customize workouts to eliminate any high-impact components. This type of exercise uses your own body weight to help you strengthen muscles (which is beneficial to bone health). Because your body is the only equipment you need, you can do it anywhere and you can always progress your workouts to keep building strength.

11. Elliptical

If you are used to running on the treadmill and are looking for a low-impact alternative, the elliptical machine is the most obvious choice. You’ll get the same benefits as running with much less stress on your joints. It also gets your arms in on the action to give your upper body some attention.

Consult an Orthopedic Specialist

The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you have questions about the best low-impact exercises for your joints, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.

General Ortho

How to Avoid 5 Common Household Injuries

If you’re following the CDC guidelines for reducing the spread of COVID-19, you’re staying home as much as possible. Many people are using this time at home to get some projects done around the house.  Not only do we have more time to notice things we want to fix, but these projects can also help us feel productive when we can’t get out and about. While checking things off of your home improvement list is gratifying, you have to watch out for common household injuries.

Common Household Injuries to Avoid

Some people are finally cleaning out their garage. Others are making long-needed repairs. And some people are just tired of looking at the same thing day after day and undertaking redecorating projects. All of these activities have the potential to cause common household injuries.

1. Sprains & Strains

Sprains and strains are both common orthopedic injuries. Sprains are injuries to ligaments. Strains are injuries to muscles or tendons. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), the areas of the body that are most vulnerable to sprains are the ankles knees and wrists. The areas most vulnerable to strains are the back and the leg.

2. Fractures

Fractures are common household injuries that can occur during the impact from a fall. Wrist fractures are one of the most common fractures caused by landing after a fall. Other common fractures include ankle fractures, collarbone fractures, leg fractures, and forearm fractures.

3. Tears

While these injuries are often associated with sports, it is possible to tear cartilage or a ligament doing things around the house. Repetitive motion is usually the culprit in these injuries which occur from damage to tissues in the joint. Tears can affect any of the joints in the body. Common tear injuries include:

  • Meniscus tear
  • ACL tear
  • Rotator cuff tear

4. Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon. It can be caused by overuse or an acute injury. It can occur in many joints including the knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. Examples of tendonitis include:

  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Jumper’s knee
  • Swimmer’s shoulder
  • Pitcher’s shoulder

5. Dislocations

Joints can be dislocated during a fall. Shoulders are the most common joints to dislocate, but it can also happen to fingers, elbows, ankles, knees, hips, and the jaw.

Tips to Prevent Injury at Home

You can prevent common household injuries in many ways. Find out how you can prevent injuries due to falling, lifting, and overuse below.

Preventing Falls

A large number of common household injuries are caused by falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury.

  • Use non-skid rubber mats or pads to ensure rugs are secure
  • Secure all electrical cords away from places that get foot traffic
  • Manage clutter to ensure there’s a clear path through rooms
  • Use caution when descending the stairs and use the handrail
  • Get a non-skid rubber mat for the shower floor if it’s slippery
  • Install and use grab bars in showers and bathtubs, especially if kids use them
  • Get your eyes checked to make sure you can see everything clearly
  • Always stabilize ladders and don’t climb too high. Most ladders will have a warning on the last rung that it is safe to climb. Get someone to spot you if possible.
  • Don’t use chairs or other objects to climb on. Use a stable ladder or step stool.

Preventing Lifting Injuries

  • Avoid lifting heavy objects when possible. 
    • Ask for help and do a team lift
    • Use a cart or a dolly to move heavy objects
  • If you do lift something, do not lift with your back muscles, use your legs.

Preventing Other Injuries

  • If you have a hobby that requires repetitive motion (exercising, playing certain sports, doing projects around the house), warm-up beforehand and take breaks to avoid overuse.
  • Use caution when doing chores that require scrubbing or sanding. Take breaks and stretch to avoid shoulder pain.

Consult an Orthopedic Specialist

The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including common household injuries. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you have questions, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.

General Ortho, Sports Medicine

6 Tips for Avoiding Summer Sports Injuries

Summer is upon us once again, and with that comes a variety of summer sports for kids to participate in. While kid’s sports leagues may or may not be up and running where you live, kids are still going to play summer sports even if it’s just in the back yard. 

Even without organized sports kids will be cycling, playing soccer, playing baseball, and swimming. All of these activities have the potential for orthopedic injuries like sprains, overuse injuries, fall injuries, and broken bones. While accidents happen, here are five things you can do to prevent sports injuries this summer.

1. Hydrate and Eat Well

It’s always important to stay hydrated while playing sports, but during the summer when temperatures rise, it becomes even more important. If you’re losing fluid by sweating more than usual, you can become dehydrated more quickly. Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, lack of energy, and even fainting. All of those things could contribute to an injury either by distracting you or causing a fall. 

You also need to pay attention to feeding your body well so you have the energy to perform. Eating well can also fuel you so you can make your muscles strong and limber. That will help protect you against injury by protecting your bones. Not eating well may also lead to a lack of energy and fatigue-related injuries.

2. Stay Well-Rested

It can be difficult to get enough rest when you’re a busy athlete. This is especially true for kids during the summer that might not have to observe bedtime during the summer. But getting enough sleep is not only important for your overall health, but it can also help you prevent injuries while playing sports. It will prepare you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Rest is important for improving focus and preventing fatigue-related accidents or overuse injuries. To find out how much sleep you should be getting, check out these recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation. 

3. Always Warm-Up

Just because the temperatures outside might be high to make you sweaty, that doesn’t mean you can skip warming up before participating in summer sports. Warming up is a ritual that can prepare you for playing sports in several ways. A good warm-up can provide the following:

  • Injury prevention
  • Mental readiness
  • Physical readiness

Physically, warming up properly can increase your blood flow, muscle temperature, and core temperature. A good warm-up can also disrupt temporary connective tissue bonds. All of these things will help prevent injury before, during, and after you play your sport. Mentally, it gets your head in the game and makes you sharp. Being focused and having a clear head can also help you avoid accidents that can cause injuries.

Some good warm-ups include:

  • Squatting
  • Lunging
  • Crawling
  • Mobility exercises for the spine
  • Change of direction drills
  • Dynamic stretching

4. Gear Up

One of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent summer sports injuries is to wear the right equipment to protect your body. For baseball, wear the right type of shoes and always wear a helmet while batting. Soccer players should also wear proper footwear and make sure they have shinguards. If you’re cycling, a helmet and other protective pads can help protect you in the event of a fall.

5. Know When To Take A Break

If you are in pain, tired, or know you have an injury, stop playing. Don’t try to play through the pain or tough it out. Playing with an injury can make the injury worse and cause permanent damage. Injuries take time to heal and getting back into the game too soon can have serious consequences and keep you out even longer. Listen to your body and sit out until your pain goes away and you are cleared by a doctor.

6. Seek Medical Attention When Needed

If you do get an orthopedic injury playing summer sports, stop playing and seek medical care from an orthopedic specialist. Signs that you should see the doctor include:

  • Pain that lasts more than a few days
  • Excessive swelling
  • You can’t bear weight on a limb or joint
  • Bone or joint deformities

The team at Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions and injuries. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you’re having trouble with bone loss, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.

Bone Health

6 Osteoporosis Treatments

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), more than 53 million people in the US either already have osteoporosis or at high risk of developing it due to low bone mass. That’s Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month each may is so important. At Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we are proud to provide care for people suffering from osteoporosis and bone loss at our Bone Health Clinic. A few of the osteoporosis treatments we recommend include the following options:

1. Bisphosphonate Medications

Bisphosphonates are the most common medications used for osteoporosis treatments. Doctors usually recommend them as the first line of treatment, especially in women who are postmenopausal. Common bisphosphonates include:

  • Alendronate (Fosamax) – Oral medication taken either daily or weekly
  • Ibandronate (Boniva) – Taken as a monthly oral tablet or IV injection that is given four times a year
  • Risedronate (Actonel) – Taken as a daily, weekly, or monthly oral tablet
  • Zoledronic acid (Reclast) – Available as an IV infusion that’s given every 1-2 years

2. Hormone Therapy Osteoporosis Treatments 

Hormone therapy is also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and is a common treatment for the symptoms of menopause. It is primarily used to treat hot flashes and night sweats. Estrogen HRT can also be used as an osteoporosis treatment, but it is not the first choice of most physicians due to potential side effects. When HRT is used to treat osteoporosis it may include estrogen on its own or a combination of estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal treatments can come as creams, skin patches, oral tablets, or injections.

3. Hormone-Related Medications

Some medications that are used to treat osteoporosis are not hormone replacement drugs, but they mimic hormones. These drugs include:

  • Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs): These drugs recreate the effects of estrogen to preserve bone. These medications are taken daily as an oral medication. Common forms of SERM used to treat osteoporosis are raloxifene and bazedoxifene. 
  • Calcitonin: Calcitonin is a hormone made by the thyroid gland that regulates the body’s calcium levels. Synthetic forms of calcitonin are used as osteoporosis treatments in people who can’t take bisphosphonates. It can also be used to treat pain in people who have osteoporosis-related spinal compression fractures. Calcitonin can be given as an injection or taken as a nasal spray. 
  • Parathyroid Hormones (PTHs): Parathyroid hormones are responsible for controlling calcium and phosphate levels in the body. Osteoporosis treatments that use synthetic PTH can help promote bone growth in people with severe symptoms. These drugs tend to be expensive.

4. Antibody Medications

There are two antibody medications used at osteoporosis treatments.

  • Denosumab (Prolia): This medication slows the process of bone loss and helps maintain bone density. It is given as an injection every six months.
  • Romosozumab (Evenity): This newly approved medication helps increase bone formation. This medication is also given as an injection, but you get two injections once a month for up to a year.

5. Vitamin Supplements

Getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D is an important addition to all osteoporosis treatment. Calcium is the mineral that makes up most of your bones, so consuming it is good for maintaining bone mass and protecting bone health. Vitamin D is important as well because it helps your body absorb the calcium you consume through food and supplements. 

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease’s basic recommendations for calcium intake are as follows:

  • Adults 19 – 50 years old: 1,000 mg per day
  • Men 51 – 70 years old: 1,000 mg per day
  • Women 51 – 70 years old: 1,200 mg per day
  • Adults 70 years old and over: 1,000 mg per day.

Consult the entire list for more information on recommendations for young people and women who are pregnant or lactating. 

6. Physical Activity

Along with other osteoporosis treatments, exercise is an important part of protecting your bone health.

  • Weight-bearing activity (30 minutes daily): These activities can help build and strengthen the bone.
    • Walking, dancing, aerobics, using the elliptical machine
  • Muscle-strengthening exercise: This type of exercise doesn’t strengthen bones, but it strengthens your muscles to protect bones and prevent falling.
    • Weight lifting, weight machines, lifting your own body weight
  • Flexibility exercise: Thes exercises improve muscle flexibility, balance, and strength. People with bone loss, especially in the spine, should check with their doctor about safe positions to practice during activities like:
    • Yoga, pilates, Tai chi

The team Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions and injuries. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and osteoporosis treatments at our bone health clinic. If you’re having trouble with bone loss, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.

*To read our policies regarding COVID-19, please visit the home page of our website for an update.

Sports Medicine

5 Sports Injury Treatments

When you are playing a sport, working out, or engaging in pretty much any physical activity, you may become injured at some point. Sports injuries can be caused by an accident, fall, impact poor training practices, using improper equipment, and lack of conditioning. The most common body parts that get injured during physical activity are the ankle, knee, wrist, elbow, forearm, and wrist. You may experience the following type of injuries in any of those areas:

  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Tendinitis
  • Fasciitis
  • Bursitis
  • Dislocation
  • Fractures
  • Contusion
  • Muscle cramps & spasms
  • Cuts and scraps

While the sports injury treatments will vary depending on the type of injury, the following types of sports injury treatments are commonly used to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing.

1. PRICE

The first line of treatment for sports injuries is summed up by the acronym PRICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

  • Protection: When you have a sports injury.  you need to protect the injured body part from further damage. USe bandages, elastic wraps, splints, or braces to immobilize the injured body part. 
  • Rest: You need to rest your injured extremity to give the tissues time to heal. Don’t ignore the symptoms and keep doing the activity that caused the injury or one that irritates it.
  • Ice: Use ice to help control swelling and inflammation. Ice will also help with pain relief when it is applied. Place an ice pack on the affected area for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect your skin from an ice burn.
  • Compression: Pressure helps reduce swelling and inflammation. Use an elastic bandage that is snug but not too tight. If swelling develops over time, loosen the compression wrap to accommodate it. 
  • Elevation: Elevate the injured extremity above the level of your heart when possible. This can reduce swelling and inflammation, which may help with pain reduction. Use a pillow or cushion under the injured limb when you are sitting or lying down.

2. Pain Relievers

If the steps of PRICE don’t provide enough relief, you may need us pain relievers. There are over the counter pain relievers that come in cream or balm form that you can apply to the tender spot. Pain relievers in pill form may also help during a sports injury treatment. You can get some like Advil, Tylenol, and Aleve over the counter or your doctor may prescribe one to you.

3. Injections

If topical or oral pain relievers or physical therapy do not provide enough pain relief, your orthopedic doctor may recommend injections for pain reduction. The orthopedic specialist will inject a pain-relieving substance directly into the affected area, usually a joint.  Corticosteroids are the most commonly used injection for sports injury relief. Other injections include hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich-plasma (PRP), and placental tissue matrix (PTM) injections.

4. Physical Therapy

Once you have starting healing and your swelling has gone down, you can start with rehabilitation. Depending on how severe your injury is, you may need to do physical therapy under the care of your doctor and a physical therapist. If you require surgical treatment you will need to go to physical therapy after you have healed from the procedure. 

5. Surgical Procedures

If you do not respond to other treatments or if your injury is severe, you may need to have surgery to repair the injury. The type of surgery used for sports injury treatment is entirely dependent on the type of injury, the severity of the injury, and its location. Surgeries may be done in either an open procedure or a minimally-invasive procedure. Minimally invasive procedures generally have a shorter hospital stay and recovery time than traditional open procedures. 

When to See a Doctor

Some times self-treatment with the PRICE method and over-the-counter medication is sufficient for a minor or superficial sports injury. However, there are times when you should see a doctor. If you have the following symptoms, call to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.

  • Difficulty using the injured limb
    • Difficulty walking or lifting your arms
  • Inability to place weight on the injured limb
  • Bleeding or skin injury
  • Limited mobility in a joint
  • Deformity around the injured area
  • Fever, chills, or other signs of infection
  • Headache, dizziness, or confusion following a fall or head injury
  • Loss of consciousness

The team Paris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are dedicated to helping our patients recover from a wide range of orthopedic conditions and injuries. Our services include general orthopedic medicine, joint replacement, sports injury treatment, and a bone health clinic. If you’re having trouble with a suspected strain or sprain, call (903) 737-0000 to make an appointment.