Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 - (Page 17)

reverse shoulder replacement may be an option. With this procedure, the shoulder’s natural ball-and-socket joint is reversed: A metal ball is implanted onto the shoulder blade, while the upper arm bone is replaced with a cup-shaped socket. “Previously, we had to tell patients who had arthritis and didn’t have a rotator cuff—the muscles which function to lift the arm—that there was not much we could do,” says surgeon Kevin Plancher, M.D., who lectures on orthopedic procedures and injury management. “With the reverse artiﬁcial shoulder, now patients can lift their arms and be rid of their pain.” repairing the damage Orthopedic sports injuries can result from the heavy impact or awkward body positioning found in golf, tennis, running, swimming and cycling. Ignoring a problem can make an injury worse. “When you have pain, particularly in the joint— not burning in the muscle, but in the joint itself—you should stop,” says Robert Klapper, M.D., a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and author of Heal Your Knees: How to Prevent Knee Surgery and What to Do if You Need It (M. Evans & Co. Inc., 2007). The pain may be an important signal, indicating “your body is whispering to you,” Klapper says. “Don’t wait for it to shout.” If you do experience trouble, realize that many treatment options are available: INJURY knee osteoarthritis POSSIBLE TREATMENTS exercise modification, such as swimming instead of running; physical therapy; arthroscopy; partial knee replacement muscle strengthening and brace; surgical reconstruction of the ligament using tendon from the knee or hamstring muscle RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications cartilage implantation; microfracture surgery refraining from the activity that caused the injury; shoe inserts physical therapy program of lower-impact exercise, such as water aerobics or cycling; hip replacement surgery in later stages rest and limiting overhead motions; sling; reverse shoulder replacement joint TLC While advancements in orthopedic treatments offer promise for Tiger Woods and mortal duffers alike, it’s also important to reduce your potential need for surgery by caring for your joints now. This includes proper warm-up, cross-training in a variety of activities, taking rest days and avoiding a “no-pain, no-gain” attitude. Fortunately, it’s not inevitable that you will experience increasing orthopedic problems with age. “People who are smart about their training and understand their body’s limitations should be able to exercise as they age,” Loudon says. “Older athletes may not be able to run as quickly or lift as much weight as a 30-year-old, but they can still be active.” anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain) cartilage damage stress fracture hip osteoarthritis rotator cuff tear Older athletes may not be able to run as quickly as 30-year-olds, but they can still be active. online help go For more info on orthopedic specialists, visit us at the websites below and click “Find a Physician.” St. Anthony North: stanthonynorth.org; St. Anthony Central: stanthony central.org; Avista Adventist: avistahospital.org. vim & vigor · wi nter 2008 17 http://www.stanthonynorth.org http://www.stanthonycentral.org http://www.stanthonycentral.org http://www.avistahospital.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008 Contents Friendly Faces For Your Health 'Tis the Season to be Safe Eat Your Veggies Joint Effort Fresh Beginnings Decades of Opportunity Keeping Score Your Big Give Roll Up Your Sleeve Tidings of Comfort and Health Blueprint for Safety The Smoke-Free Mom-to-Be Childbirth Trends Moms Choosing Midwives Community Sections Dollars & Sense Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2008

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