Concussion Definition

A concussion is a type of injury to the brain that results from some sort of trauma to the head. This type of injury usually results in temporary symptoms, however, there are sometimes lasting effects impacting memory and concentration. Whether the trauma results from a contact sport like hockey, soccer or football; a car accident; or a fall, the symptoms can have a significant impact on your daily life

Symptoms:

Depending on the severity of the concussion, there are a number of symptoms that can occur. In addition, there can be a delayed onset in some symptoms, making it tricky to diagnose. Some of the most common symptoms of a concussion can include:

• Headache
• Loss of consciousness
• Ringing in the ear or ears
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Feeling drowsy or fatigued
• Feeling dizzy
• Experiencing blurred or double vision
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Feeling disoriented
• Sensitivity to light and noise
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Slurred speech
• “Feeling “dazed” or “seeing stars”
• Feeling in a “fog” or “underwater”

Individuals with a concussion could experience one or more of the above symptoms. In addition, some of the symptoms may be delayed. Therefore, it is very important to monitor a person that has suffered a head trauma to recognize any new or worsening symptoms and to seek diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

Athletes in Contact Sports

Certain types of contact sports could put athletes at a higher risk for concussion. The highest incidence of concussion in sports occurs in football, soccer, hockey, basketball and rugby. Further, athletes that have experienced a concussion are more likely to sustain additional concussions.

Treatment and Steps to Recovery

1. Rest and avoid risk for additional head trauma.
2. Return to light activity first as symptoms leave.
3. Resume moderate activity when symptoms are mostly gone.
4. Return to regular activity when all symptoms are gone and do not return with physical activity.

 

 

 

 

 

Knee Injuries

Knee Injuries are some of the most common orthopaedic injuries. The knee is a complex joint that supports the entire body and takes on a lot of daily stress. No matter your activity level, weight or age, your knees are susceptible to injury.

Types of Knee Injuries

Some of the most common types of knee injuries include fractures, dislocations, sprains and tears. Ligaments, tendons and the meniscus are components of the knee that can easily sustain an injury. If experiencing knee pain or instability, it is important to get the appropriate diagnosis in order to determine the right course of treatment.

• Meniscus tears are often the result of a twisting, pivoting or a cutting motion. This is a common sports injury but can also result from arthritis or a fluke motion while trying to get up from a seated position.
• Knee fractures typically occur from a motor vehicle accident or falling from a significant height. Types of knee fractures include patellar fractures, distal femur fractures and proximal tibia fractures.
• Tendon tears involving the patellar tendon or the quadriceps tendon are common in people who play sports that involve running and jumping. Direct force to the front of the knee can also result in a tear of one of the knee tendons.
• Knee dislocations occur when bones of the knee are forced out of place. These injuries can result from sports related contact, a fall, or a motor vehicle accident.
• Anterior cruciate ligament injuries most often occur while playing a sport such as soccer, football or basketball. The injury typically results from landing incorrectly or changing direction rapidly.
• Posterior cruciate ligament injuries occur frequently from trauma to the front of the knee, while the knee is bent. This type of injury is common in motor vehicle accidents and sports.
• Medial collateral ligament injuries are typically contact injuries that are caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee.
• Lateral collateral ligament injuries are less common as they result from a blow to the inside of the knee, pushing it outwards.

Symptoms and Treatment

With such a variety of injuries that can occur in the knee, it is clear that proper evaluation and diagnosis are key in finding the correct treatment. If you are suffering from knee pain that doesn’t subside or worsens over time, it is important to be evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon. Swelling as well as  inability to bend or straighten the knee are also signs that you may have one of the above injuries. Some injuries will require surgery but others may heal on their own or with physical therapy.

Elbow Pain

Elbow pain can feel like an inconvenience when it begins to interfere with your daily activities. Often time will ease the discomfort. However, elbow pain can be more serious than just a nagging distraction. So how do you know when to see an orthopaedic surgeon for an assessment and when to trust that time and rest will be enough?

Causes

The elbow is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, nerves and ligaments. Elbow pain can be caused by a number of different things. Overuse is one of the most common causes of  this type of injury. Doing a repetitive motion such as throwing, lifting or swinging can produce wear and tear on the joint, resulting in pain.

In addition to overuse injuries, other reasons for experiencing pain in your elbow joint include, arthritis, a strain or sprain of the joint, a fracture, a dislocated elbow or trapped nerves. All of these issues can produce pain but the severity can vary significantly. Just as there are many different causes for this type of pain, there are different methods of treatment depending on the diagnosis.

When to See an Orthopaedic Surgeon

If your pain is keeping you from performing daily activities, it is possible that the injury needs medical attention. Trying to care for your elbow pain at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation (R.I.C.E.) can often times be enough. However, when the pain does not subside with these approaches, it is likely necessary to see an orthopaedic surgeon. If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling and bruising or are unable to fully extend and/or bend your elbow, it would be beneficial to get in to see a doctor. If your pain increases over time, an orthopaedic surgeon could help determine the best treatment plan. When in doubt, it is always wise to rule out anything serious by making a trip to see your doctor.

Living With Shoulder Pain

Are you living with chronic shoulder pain? Have you been avoiding meeting with a physician in fears that your pain might be something more serious? It is common to put off seeking treatment in hopes that pain will subside on its own. But how can you determine the difference between temporary pain and and an issue that requires medical intervention?

Signs You Should Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon:

• Your pain is accompanied by swelling or redness
• Your shoulder joint is tender to the touch
• Your shoulder joint appears to be deformed or abnormal
• You are unable to move your arm away from your body
• Your pain increases over time
• Your pain has lasted more than a few weeks
• Your pain prevents you from doing daily activities or disrupts your sleep
• Methods of self care such as rest, ice and use of pain relievers do not decrease pain

*If shoulder pain occurs in addition to tightness in the chest or labored breathing, you could be experiencing a heart attack. Call 911 immediately.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, you may or may not know the source of the discomfort. If you have experienced an acute injury, you have a better understanding of the source of your pain. However, shoulder pain can often develop slowly over time leaving the sufferer with a lot of questions about the source and solution of the problem. There are a number of reasons for sustained pain in your shoulder joint.

• Bursitis
• Rotator cuff injury or tear
• Damage to your labrum, joint lining or ligaments resulting in shoulder instability
• Frozen shoulder (adhesions in the shoulder joint resulting from underuse)
• Arthritis
• Broken collar bone
• Brachial plexus injury

If you are trying to determine whether or not to consult an orthopaedic surgeon for your pain, know it is often better to air on the side of caution. Be sure to prepare for your appointment by considering the right questions to ask.