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Elbow Pain

Compression Socks After Surgery: What You Need to Know

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Paulina Piekarska Key Takeaways If you’ve just had surgery, compression socks might seem like a small detail, but they can make a big difference in your recovery. This guide is for post-orthopedic surgery patients looking to optimize recovery and reduce complications. Not only do compression socks improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots, but they can also help alleviate swelling and discomfort. We’ll explore exactly what compression socks are, and some of the most common questions we get relating to wearing them after surgery. Let’s dive in! What are Compression Socks? Compression socks are specialized socks that are designed to improve blood flow in the legs by applying pressure to the lower limbs. In the medical field, they are commonly used to prevent and treat various conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, edema, and varicose veins. Doctors often recommend them after surgery because they help reduce swelling, boost circulation, and lower your risk of complications. Compression socks come in a variety of styles and strengths, and should be worn as directed by a healthcare provider. Most Common Questions About Wearing Post-Surgical Compression Socks: Why do I need to wear compression socks after surgery? Compression socks are designed to help improve blood flow and circulation in the legs. They do this by applying pressure to the legs in a graduated manner, with the most pressure at the ankle and gradually decreasing up the leg. This helps to push blood and other fluids back up toward the heart, reducing the risk of blood clots and swelling in the legs. Compression socks are often used by people who spend a lot of time sitting or standing, such as travelers, office workers, and people with varicose veins or other circulation problems. They can also be helpful for

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Elbow Pain

Why Does My Elbow Hurt When I Bend It?

Elbow pain can be a frustrating and debilitating condition that affects people of all ages and activity levels. It can make even simple tasks like getting dressed or lifting objects difficult, and can severely impact a person’s quality of life. There are many different causes of elbow pain, ranging from overuse injuries to fractures and dislocations. In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes of elbow pain and their associated symptoms, as well as discuss some of the most effective treatments for alleviating elbow pain and restoring function to the joint. Whether you are an athlete dealing with a sports-related injury or simply someone experiencing chronic elbow pain, this article will provide you with the information you need to understand your condition and find relief. My Elbow Hurts When I Bend and Straighten It: What Gives? Elbow pain can cause difficulty when getting dressed, cooking, lifting and of course when playing racket sports. Because the elbow is a complex joint, made up of bones, muscles, ligaments (connecting the bones) and tendons (connecting muscles to bone), it isn’t always easy to determine what is causing elbow pain. Some of the most common causes for elbow pain are: 1. Tendonitis When the tendons in the elbow become inflamed, most often due to repetitive or overuse, the result is tendonitis. Tendonitis can cause pain that radiates from the elbow up the arm or down the arm, depending on which of the two tendons are affected. 2. Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow These conditions are also a form of tendonitis, resulting from overuse of the tendons in the arm. Tennis elbow is a result of inflammation of the outer arm, while Golfer’s elbow results in pain along the inner arm. These conditions are not restricted to those who play golf or tennis

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Toe Pain

Toe Pain Causes: 6 Most Common Reasons Your Toe Hurts

Medically reviewed by Dr. Randolph Sealey Key Takeaways If you’re dealing with toe pain that’s interfering with daily life, this guide is for you. Whether you’re a runner, a weekend athlete, or someone simply struggling to walk comfortably, we’ll help you pinpoint the cause and what to do about it. The toes contain 14 bones, as well as joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels, all of which can be injured, compressed or infected. The truth is, there are a multitude of reasons why your toes may be hurting, from minor injuries to serious medical conditions. In this article, we will explore the 6 most common causes of toe pain, including arthritis, hammer toe, and neuroma, and discuss their symptoms and treatment options. We’ll also provide tips for relieving toe pain at home, as well as guidance on when to see a doctor. So, if you’re looking to learn more about the possible causes of your toe pain, read on to discover what you need to know. 6 Most Common Causes of Toe Pain 1. Broken, dislocated or sprained toes After an injury to the foot, you may notice swelling and bruising, and feel pain in one or more toes. These types of injuries can often resolve on their own with icing, pain relievers, rest and elevation.  If pain and swelling persist after three days, consult a physician, particularly if the injury is in the big toe. 2. Arthritis (including Gout and Hallux Rigidus) Toe Osteoarthritis Caused by wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint, most often in the big toe, arthritis can cause pain, aching, and possibly burning. It can also lead to pain in the arch and the other toes. This can be treated with pain relievers and ice, as well as a change in footwear.

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acl-surgery

What to expect after ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Post-operative recovery following ACL reconstruction typically involves a rehabilitation program that includes a customized combination of physical therapy, exercises, and rest. The goal of rehabilitation is to regain range of motion, strength, and stability in the knee. This process can take several months and may include the use of crutches, bracing, and other assistive devices. Physical therapy is generally started within the first week or two after surgery and may continue for several months. It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions and adhere to the rehabilitation plan to ensure the best possible outcome.

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jogging in winter

Exercising in Cold Weather: Here’s How You Can Take Advantage of the Benefits While Staying Safe!

Now that temperatures are getting cooler, many of our patients halt their outdoor workout routines (running, walking, outdoor sports) to avoid the chilly temperatures.  While it’s tempting to take the cold weather months off and simply curl up by the fireplace with a good book or binge a series, the truth is there are many benefits to working out in colder temperatures. What Are The Benefits Of Working Out In Cold Weather? Studies have shown that working out in colder temperatures can actually improve your endurance and boost your metabolism. This is because your body needs to work harder to perform in colder temperatures to generate enough heat to keep your muscles and organs warm.  The result is burning more calories while performing the same tasks in warmer temperatures.  While working out in the heat causes you to sweat and become exhausted more easily, cold-weather workouts usually enable you to go longer without those factors, allowing you to build endurance and stamina. Moreover, getting a dose of sunlight when working out outdoors provides a dose of Vitamin D and a release of endorphins, both of which improve your mood and can help fight against Seasonal Affective Disorder (which can cause depression in the darker winter months). Studies have also shown that people who exercise in the cold experience improvement in decision-making, focus, and memory. When is it too cold to exercise outside? While the ideal cooler temperature to work out in is around 50 degrees, the American College of Sports Medicine has stated that “exercise can be performed safely in most cold-weather environments without incurring cold-weather injuries. However, they recommend avoiding an outdoor workout in wind chill temperatures lower than -18 degrees. What are the best outdoor exercises in cold weather? All “cardio” or aerobic exercises like running, fast walking, jogging or

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Medial-Patellofemoral-Ligament-Reconstruction

Stressed Knees: Inside MPFL Reconstruction

Did you know? The knee is one of the body’s most intricate joints. As the largest and most complex joint in the body, it joins together the thigh bone, shin bone, fibula (on the outer side of the shin), and kneecap. As it is essential for movement, the knee is also one of the most stressed joints in the body and is quite vulnerable to injury.

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Custom Orthotics

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? What Are Custom Orthotics? Custom orthotics are a medical device that you insert into a pair of shoes to support your feet, ankles, and legs as you walk. Custom-made orthotics are tailored to your feet, meaning they provide even more support by correcting unbalanced steps. They are used to treat a variety of conditions, such as: Orthotics also act as shock absorbers and help to prevent injuries, which is why many athletes use custom orthotics. The shock absorption technology that custom orthotics use reduces pressure and stress from the feet and ankles, which can lead to healthier joints in the long-term. Custom orthotics also do a better job at providing support than store-bought orthotics because they are tailored to your foot, height, size, weight, and medical condition. Is it Worth Getting Custom Orthotics? While a regular orthotic may cost between $50 and $200, custom orthotics are usually much more expensive — between $200 and $800. Although this seems like a lot of money, custom orthotics offer many benefits that store-bought ones do not; and they are much more effective. Why? The science of correcting your gait in a way that aligns and supports your foot, ankle, knee, and hip is very complex and extremely difficult. When you are being fitted for custom orthotics, the specialist will analyze each of these components to design an orthotic that

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Knee Pain

Knee Stress Fracture Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Key Takeaways 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. The Most Common Knee Stress Fracture Symptoms A stress fracture is a minuscule crack in the bone that is caused by repetitive use or trauma. Commonly seen in athletes, stress fractures occur over time and are often in the shins, foot, heel, and knee. Because the crack is so small, pain from a stress fracture tends to be less severe than broken bone pain and the problem is sometimes harder to diagnose. Stress fractures that occur in the knee are normally harder to diagnose than a stress fracture in the tibia or foot. The most common knee stress fracture symptoms include: If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have a knee stress fracture and should contact an orthopedic knee specialist at OrthoConnecticut as soon as possible. Causes of Knee Fractures Knee fractures are not common and are usually caused by direct impact to the kneecap. This can happen from a car accident, a hard fall, or a sports injury. If you suffer from osteoporosis or a bone infection you may be at higher risk of a knee fracture from seemingly minor injuries. Stress fractures in the knee are more common among long-distance athletes like runners. The repetitive movement causes trauma to the bones that make up the knee structure.

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Pulled Hamstring

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. Hamstring muscles are essential to movement. They enable you to bend your knees, and together with the quadriceps muscles (at the front of the thigh), they let you extend your knees. These important sets of thigh muscles are used for performing physical activities such as squatting, striding, and walking. Intense athletic activity such as training vigorously for a marathon or a racing competition puts athletes at great risk of suffering a hamstring sprain, strain or injury. Other possible risk factors for a hamstring tear or sprain include: How to Know if You’ve Pulled a Hamstring: Hamstring Injury Symptoms We thoroughly address how to know if you’ve pulled a hamstring, as well as signs of injury and self assessment techniques in the article “How to Know If You Pulled Your Hamstring”. Symptoms and signs of hamstring injury or sprain are based on the severity or extent of the injury, which can range from mild to severe. Mild tears cause minimal discomfort. However with a severe tear, you’ll struggle to perform everyday activities like standing, sitting or walking. A strain or sprain is graded based on the damage suffered by tendon fibers and muscles: Pulled Hamstring Treatment and Recovery Time Mild or minor injuries to the hamstring usually heal fairly quickly. To expedite the healing process, you can adopt the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) treatment method. It is the most popular therapeutic method for dealing with hamstring strains and sprains. This

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wrapping ankle

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. 7 Common Orthopedic Injuries Orthopedic injuries are more common than people realize, and with the help of a trained specialist you can avoid the emergency room and be promptly diagnosed and treated for your unexpected injury. The most common orthopedic injuries we treat at our OrthoCare Express offices in Danbury, Darien, New Milford, Norwalk and Westport, Connecticut fall under a few main categories: 1. Fractures When someone comes in with a broken bone it is either an open or closed break. The physician will evaluate and x-ray it onsite to diagnose and treat the fracture. If the break is an open one, it needs to be treated immediately. Closed fractures are the most common and require treatment to ensure the bone is set properly. We commonly see fractures of the hand and wrist, and foot and ankle at our acute urgent care facilities. 2. Soft Tissue Injury Many injuries occur to the tendons, ligaments and muscles which work to hold the body together. A soft tissue injury can happen to almost any part of the body and we frequently see soft tissue injuries to the knee, ankle, hand, wrist, and rotator cuff. While a soft tissue injury may seem more benign than a fracture, it can sometimes take more time to fully heal than a break. Our specialists treat soft tissue cases in the urgent care facility

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woman riding bicycle in the park

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? Because COVID-19, a viral infection, can cause heart complications such as arrhythmia or myocarditis. Since many people don’t actually know if they had Covid-19 (many people are non-hospitalized, mildly symptomatic, asymptomatic, or pre-symptomatic), this warrants caution for everyone. So, what to do? I feel fine… is it okay to exercise again? Here are some thoughts on returning to exercise and sports, but you must consult with your physician and your cardiologist to be sure you are cleared to exercise: Exercise and physical fitness, especially outdoors now that the weather is good, can be an excellent way to improve health and emotional well-being following the pandemic outbreak and stay-at-home period. If you had Covid-19, be sure you are knowledgeable about any impact on your heart and be sure to have a cardiologist engaged that will monitor your heart health as you build your musculoskeletal strength. OrthoConnecticut Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants advise caution beginning exercise after COVID-19 and recommend consultation with a cardiologist about any cardiac conditions. For exercise advice or orthopedic concerns we’re here to help. Contact us today for an appointment and #getmovingCT!

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Man biking falls and hurts his shoulder

Shoulder Labrum Tears: What Are They?

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? A shoulder labrum injury, or dislocation, is an injury to the front or back ring of soft fibrous cartilage (called the labrum). The labrum surrounds the shoulder socket (glenoid) where the bicep tendon attaches to the upper arm bone (called the humerus). The labrum cartilage helps hold the head of the humerus in place and provides stability to the shoulder and upper arm. Three Types of Shoulder Labrum Tears Why a Shoulder Labrum Tear Happens How and why does this happen? Labral tears are difficult to prevent. People who experience this range from athletes to people 30 and over with overused and worn cartilage, to elderly with aging brittle cartilage. Younger people more often experience a labrum tear as a partially or completely dislocate the shoulder. What kinds of activities or accidents are prone to tears? Diagnosing Shoulder Labrum Tears What can you do for a shoulder labrum tear? It’s important to see your physician, or orthopedic surgeon, for proper diagnosis and treatment options. A physical exam may include: What tests are used in diagnosing? To help review the severity of the tear plus check for other possible shoulder issues, sometimes these tests are conducted: Treating Shoulder Labrum Tears Non-surgical steps are usually the first treatment option including: If surgery is necessary – what happens? Surgery, if required, has different options depending on level of tear or shoulder stability. For example:

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Frozen Shoulder

Symptoms and Signs of a 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. What is a frozen shoulder? First, to clear up a misconception, frozen shoulder is sometimes confused with arthritis, but the two conditions are unrelated – whereas signs of a rotator cuff tear could be instead a frozen shoulder. Sometimes called “adhesive capsulitis”, a shoulder “freezing” occurs when the shoulder’s joint capsule membrane thickens. This tissue band surrounding the joint becomes stiff and tight and can also grow new adhesions making mobility even more difficult. View OrthoConnecticut’s animation from ViewMedica, which illustrates this process well. Why does this happen? It’s not well understood why the shoulder “freezes”, but these situations make it more likely to happen: Who does this most often affect: What are the symptoms and stages? Signs and symptoms typically begin gradually, worsen over time and then resolve, usually within one to three years. The stages are fairly typical across patients: What can you do for a frozen shoulder? See a physician for a diagnosis which may include a review of symptoms, physical exam of arms and shoulder, and x-ray or MRI to identify structural issues. For 9 out of 10 patients, time and treatment bring relief. Here are some options to help reduce pain and improve functionality: Here is an interesting takeaway from OrthoInfo that reviews some of the basics of a frozen shoulder. OrthoConnecticut Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants are available to help

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Female with back pain after dusting floor

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. Watch Out For Falls Wear proper footwear. Athletic shoes or rubber soled shoes are preferred. Don’t wear sandals, open-toed shoes or shoes with slippery soles. Look for good traction. Watch out for long cords, toys, throw rugs, and other objects on the floor. Avoid wet floors and let your family members know when a floor was just mopped. Watch Your Back Be sure to lift packages and heavy cleaning supplies safely. Bend at the knees and not at the waist and use caution when vacuuming and mopping. Avoid overly repetitive motions that can cause injury. Use a lightweight upright vacuum if possible, with handles that are comfortable to the grip. Bend your knees and use a dustpan and brush to pick up recently swept piles. Avoid Ladder Injuries Use sturdy ladders that are in good condition. Don’t stand on chairs, desks, boxes or other objects in order to reach high areas. Never stand on the top rung of the ladder and don’t over-reach or lean too far to one side when standing on a ladder. Don’t use a step ladder as a straight ladder. Step ladders must be fully open with spreaders locked in place. Following these simple tips can help minimize orthopedic injury while staying safe and clean at home. Should you have an injury or experience severe pain, our orthopedic surgeons are available for emergencies. Be safe and avoid the hospital emergency department, especially now while it is busy managing Covid-19 patients. Visit

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Man experiencing Text Neck discomfort

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. Less common symptoms are numbness, weakness, balance issues, and jaw pain. Adults have it. Children are now developing it, and worse still, it may impact how young bodies’ grow and develop – leading to prolonged neck, shoulder, curving of the spine, and low-back issues. Holding phones and mobile devices at different angles is linked to pounds of downward pressure exerted on the neck. Studies have shown how holding the phone at different angles varies this pressure: So, what can we do to prevent pain and inflammation associated with texting, or treat it if you already have it? Wear proper footwear. Athletic shoes or rubber soled shoes are preferred. Don’t wear sandals, open-toed shoes or shoes with slippery soles. Look for good traction. Watch out for long cords, toys, throw rugs, and other objects on the floor. Avoid wet floors and let your family members know when a floor was just mopped. OrthoConnecticut Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants are available to help you if you’re experiencing text neck or other spinal issues. Contact us today for an appointment and #getmovingCT.

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Teacher and active senior women yoga class on chairs

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. Here are some thoughts to consider. OrthoConnecticut Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants are available to help you if you need assistance with your exercise plan, getting advice for orthopedic or musculoskeletal limitations, or if you’ve injured yourself. Contact us today for an appointment and #getmovingCT.

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Group of women in a yoga class, using blocks to assist in pose

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. Understanding Joint Anatomy Yoga uses every muscle and joint of the body. One key thing to remember is that each joint functions differently. For example, the knee is a hinge joint, meaning it allows the leg to extend and bend back and forth with minimal side-to-side motion. Its motion during yoga should remain within the natural back and forth movement of this “hinge”. The hip, on the other hand, has a unique anatomy which enables it to be both extremely strong and amazingly flexible, so it can bear body weight AND allow for a wide range of movement. The hip joint allows the leg to move back and forth (flexion and extension), out to the side (abduction) and inward toward the other leg (adduction). It also enables rotation, allowing us to point our toes inward (internal rotation) or outward (external rotation) and moving the straight leg in the direction of the toes. OrthoConnecticut recommends a few tips to as you enjoy your yoga practice this season: OrthoConnecticut Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants are available to help you if you’ve injured yourself this holiday season. Contact us today for an appointment and #getmovingCT.

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mature couple raking autumn leaves in yard

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. OrthoConnecticut Can Help Our physicians and physician assistants are available to help you if you’ve strained your muscles or back during Fall Leaf Season. Contact us today for an appointment and #getmovingCT.

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Call OrthoConnecticut today at 1.833.678.4628 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.