Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Non-Surgical Treatment for Acute and Chronic Conditions

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are an innovative approach to treat a variety of orthopaedic conditions. If you are suffering from an orthopaedic injury or condition, read further to determine if this might be a treatment approach for you.

Platelet Rich Plasma is a fluid that is derived from a patients’ own blood. This fluid is filled with growth factors that can aid in soft tissue and bone healing. Due to the healing properties of this fluid, Platelet Rich Plasma can be extremely beneficial for orthopaedic patients.

Dr. Joshua Nadaud, of Agility Orthopaedics,  specializes in PRP injections for the lower extremity. This is an innovative and new approach that Dr. Nadaud has incorporated into his practice and can benefit patients of all ages. It is a non-surgical approach that can be used to treat a variety of conditions both chronic and acute.

Mike Johnson, an avid skier and race car driver, recently experienced the healing benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma. After suffering from an acute tennis injury, he sought the expertise of Dr. Nadaud for treatment.

Mike shares his story:

“I was a week away from going skiing with my family when I tore my calf muscle playing tennis.  Luckily, Dr. Nadaud got me right into his office and was able to help me with a boot and some Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) cells.  We were both a bit skeptical that I would make it on the slopes, but once I got my ski boot on, I knew I would be fine.  I’m sure my tear wasn’t as bad as it could have been but at the time, I thought there was no chance I would be able to ski with my family.  Since then, I have sent two friends to see Dr. Nadaud and I would highly recommend him to anyone.”

If you are suffering from an orthopaedic injury or chronic condition, you might want to consider Platelet Rich Plasma injections. In the St. Louis area, contact Dr. Joshua Nadaud at Agility Orthopaedics.

Tennis Injuries and How to Prevent Them

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Tennis injuries can sideline an athlete for an entire season if they are severe enough. As the weather gets warmer, players of all levels will be hitting the courts to get in a workout. Tennis is great exercise but can also lead to a variety of injuries. Taking precautions to avoid such injuries can help ensure a long, healthy tennis season this year.

There are a number of tennis injuries that players sustain while taking in a match. Tennis is a sport that engages all parts of your body. From your arms to your ankles, each play requires the work of several muscle groups and many joints.

Some of the most common tennis injuries include:

  • Ankle sprains
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Tendinitis of the knee, wrist, shoulder and achilles
  • Jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis)
  • Strains of the calf, abdominal muscles, groin, hamstrings
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Meniscus tear
  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries
  • Back pain

Don’t let this extensive list of tennis injuries scare you from enjoying such a wonderful sport. While no amount of planning can fully protect you from injury, there are a few simple steps you can take to prevent a number of these issues.

Preventing tennis injuries:

  • Stretch and warm up before playing a game.
  • Work with an instructor to learn proper form.
  • Practice a variety of swings to prevent overuse. Repetitive motion of any kind can lead to overuse injuries that could otherwise be avoided.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Take breaks. Fatigue is a leading cause of injury. As your body tires, you are less likely to be using proper form.
  • Use supportive footwear.
  • Physical conditioning and cross training in other sports can help strengthen your body and protect against certain injuries.

If you are suffering from one of the above tennis injuries, seek the advice of your doctor or orthopaedic surgeon. Continuing to play tennis with an untreated injury could possibly lead to something more serious.

Ski Injuries: Identifying and preventing common issues

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Ski injuries plague thousands of winter sport enthusiasts every year. Whether you are a first timer or a seasoned veteran, a ski injury can put a major damper on your winter break plans.

Skis injuries range in severity depending on a variety of factors. Injuries to the knee, ankle, shoulder and arm are very common. No matter what your level of experience, it is important to be informed on injury prevention before you hit the slopes this season.

Common Types of Ski Injuries

Foot and Ankle

  • Lateral ankle ligament sprain
  • Ankle fracture
  • Fifth metatarsal fracture
  • Frostbite

Knee

  • Meniscus injuries
  • ACL and PCL tear or strains (anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament)
  • Medial collateral ligament injury

Hand and arm

  • Wrist sprain
  • Wrist tendonitis
  • Skier’s thumb
  • Finger fractures
  • Wrist fracture
  • Frostbite

Shoulder and elbow

  • Shoulder dislocation
  • Shoulder separation
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Shoulder fracture
  • Elbow fracture

Neck and Back

  • Neck strain
  • Whiplash
  • Herniated disk
  • Muscle strains of the back

Prevention of ski injuries can mean the difference between a great vacation and months of painful recovery. Weeks before you hit the slopes, it is important to make sure you are in good shape. Plan ahead with skiing conditioning exercises such as squats, agility drills and hill or stair running. Building up endurance is key for minimizing injuries that happen when your body is fatigued.

In addition to building strength and stamina, focus on building your core strength and flexibility. Improving your balance and posture will give you a good foundation for proper form on the slopes. Increasing flexibility will help your body respond well to the rigorous demands of skiing.

Another key to preventing injury is to take it slow. Even if you are trying to pack a lot of fun into just a few short days, do not overdo it. Plan a shorter day of skiing on your first day so you do not fatigue too quickly. If you do too much at first, you will be more sore and tight for the rest of your skiing days.

If you do get injured while skiing, be sure to allow your body a chance to heal before hitting the slopes again. What might start as a minor injury can quickly escalate if you try to push through the pain with further activity. Be sure to consult an orthopaedic surgeon if you do sustain a ski injury this winter.

Knee Pain: Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment

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Knee pain is not an easy symptom to ignore. If you suffer from pain in your knee and the surrounding area, you know how physically limited life can be. There are several causes for this type of pain as well as a variety of treatments. Understanding the cause of your pain can help determine the best treatment options.

Whether your knee pain is new or you have been dealing with it for an extended period of time, finding treatment now is the best option. But how do you know if you need surgery or if other treatment options will be enough to address your knee pain?

Meeting with an orthopaedic surgeon is a great first step to understanding and treating your knee pain. Some people might assume that consulting with a surgeon means they will have to have surgery. This is a common myth. Orthopaedic surgeons treat both operatively and non-operatively. Surgery is only considered if absolutely necessary.

Depending on the specific type of injury or issue in your knee, an orthopaedic surgeon can determine whether or not your knee pain can be treated without surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatment Approaches

Some knee pain can be managed without surgery. Depending on the severity of your injury or knee issue, you may be able treat your injury with minimal intervention. For some people, use of acetaminophin, ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve swelling and pain. In addition, using the four simple steps of R.I.C.E. can alleviate painful symptoms. Resting your leg/knee, using ice, compressing the area and elevating the knee may provide enough relief from knee pain to get back on your feet. Further, physical therapy exercises, as prescribed by a doctor, often lead to effective recovery from  injury or discomfort in your knee.

Surgical Treatment Approaches

Surgical treatment of knee pain varies widely. Identifying the source of the pain is the first step. Orthopaedic surgeons are able to use physical examinations as well as X-ray images to determine the underlying cause of knee pain. In some cases such as damaged/torn ligaments or cartilage, surgical treatment can be very beneficial. Knee arthroscopy, osteotomy, partial knee replacement and total knee replacement are examples of the surgical approaches that can benefit some patients.

If you have been suffering from knee pain, do not hesitate to contact a board certified orthopaedic surgeon to explore what options are right for you.

Knee Arthroscopy for Meniscus Tear: Recovery and Running

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To a runner, knee injuries can be a potentially devastating occurrence. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (R.I.C.E.) paired with physical therapy, can often lead to a full recovery. However, some injuries are chronic and debilitating, requiring further medical treatment.

Suffering from a meniscus tear is both painful and frustrating. Daily activities become difficult and running can further aggravate the issue. While not all tears require surgical intervention, many patients can benefit from a procedure called a partial meniscectomy.

Lori Heinrichs, an Agility Orthopaedics patient, struggled with a torn meniscus over the course of several months. After fearing that her running career was over, Lori came in for a consultation that changed everything. Dr. Nadaud performed a knee arthroscopy with a partial meniscectomy on Lori. After fully recovering, Lori was able to ease back into her running routine successfully.

Here is what Lori had to say about her experience:

“While training for a half marathon in 2014, I sustained a knee injury that prevented me from running the race. I saw an orthopedic surgeon and was told that it was time to stop running. I was only 32 years old and my running days were over? That’s when I went to see Dr. Joshua Nadaud. After looking at my MRI, he said he would do all he could to ensure I would run again. In 2015, Dr. Nadaud performed surgery on my knee and set me up with physical therapy. It was not long after and I was back in my running shoes. In October of 2016, I ran my first half marathon and was completely free of knee pain for the entire 13.1 mile race! Thank you Dr. Nadaud for the miracle work you did on my knee!”
If you have been struggling with knee pain, don’t ignore it. Make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon to determine the best plan for a full recovery.

Marathon and Half Marathon Training and Race Preparation

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Fall is an exciting time of year for marathon and half marathon runners. Cool, crisp mornings mean perfect weather for distance running. If you have been training for a marathon or half marathon over the past several weeks, you have likely been following a race plan. If you are preparing to start training, you are likely looking for the best method to perform well on race day and to avoid injury.

There are several things to consider while training for a marathon or half marathon. Whether this is your first long race or you are a seasoned marathoner, treating your body right will help you not only before your race but also in recovering after.

Nutrition

When people think about marathon training, one of the first things that comes to mind is the concept of “carb loading.” Carbohydrates before a race can be beneficial in giving your body a boost of stored energy before a long run. However, Nutrition is a huge part of training from day one.

As you start logging several miles on long runs, consider nutritional supplements to eat during your outings. Energy gels like GU Energy, Power Bar Gel and Hammer Gel can give you some added fuel to get through a running slump.

Over the course of several weeks of training, your body will be burning more calories than normal. This is not an excuse to over-indulge in your favorite carbohydrate heavy foods. Rather, balancing your meals with lean proteins, plenty of leafy greens, healthy fats and whole grains will give your body the energy it needs to perform well from day one of training through race day.

Hydration is just as important during race training as nutrition. Make sure to drink water consistently throughout the day and night, not just before hitting the pavement. Consider Electrolyte replenishment in the form of dissolving tabs or sports drinks.

Running Schedule

Both seasoned runners and first-time racers should rely on some sort of training schedule to follow. There are a number of great schedules out there. Most suggest incorporating 2-3 shorter runs during the week and one long run over the weekend. This long run should increase each week as you approach race day. Do some research and ask fellow runners for their best training plan. It is best that you find one that fits best into your schedule and that isn’t hard on your body.

Cross Training

Just as important as the running portion of your marathon and half marathon training is cross training. Running multiple days each week is tough on your joints. Beyond running, incorporating strength training, yoga, cycling and swimming can help with speed and stamina. It also breaks up the monotony of running.

Recovery

Recovery is vital to race training. For both marathon and half marathon race preparation, there are several days in which your body takes a beating from a long run. Be sure to stretch before and after your runs. It is also key to refuel your body with lean proteins and healthy fats. Muscle repair is essential to help avoid injury and build strength. Also be sure to hydrate all day after your runs.

Injury Prevention

Running is great exercise and has wonderful benefits for your body. But even for seasoned runners, competing in a marathon or half marathon is a big trauma to your body. It is very important to allow your body to heal and recover after a long run. Take the day off every time you have a long run. After the race is over, be sure to take a few days off. It is also beneficial to schedule a massage for the day after your race to decrease muscle soreness and inflammation.

If you do sustain an injury during race training for a marathon or half marathon, be sure to consult an orthopaedic surgeon. Don’t try to push through training no matter how much you want to complete this goal. It is important to address any running injuries as soon as they develop to avoid more serious issues.

Friday night football: Common injuries and prevention

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The shift from summer to fall signifies a number of changes. The weather shifts, the leaves begin to turn and weekends become filled with a variety of fall sports. Football is one of the most popular sports of the season. Whether enjoying this activity as an athlete or a parent of a player, there are several things to consider before launching into a busy football season.

There are a number of common injuries sustained by football players during any given game. Despite wearing pads, helmets and supportive footwear, each and every play can result in a serious injury.

Here are the most common football injuries:

Knee Injuries

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears and strains
  • Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) tears and strains
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) tears and strains
  • Meniscus tears
  • Patellar fractures
  • Knee dislocations

Head Injuries

  • Concussions caused by single or repeated trauma to the head
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive, degenerative disease

Overuse Injuries

  • Patellar tendinitis, also known as jumper’s knee
  • Back pain
  • Rotator cuff strains or tears

Shoulder Injuries

  • Shoulder dislocations
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Shoulder tendinitis

Foot and Ankle Injuries

  • Sprained ankles
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Heel contusions
  • Tendonitis
  • Ankle fractures

It is no secret that football can be a very dangerous sport. Prevention is key for avoiding a football injury this season. Addressing any injuries, as soon as they occur on the football field, is the best way to avoid serious issues. Consult a board certified orthopaedic surgeon for a full assessment and treatment options.

Make sure to stay hydrated while playing football or any sport. Choose proper fitting gear that is in good condition while practicing and playing in all football games. Using faulty pads can result in an unnecessary injury. Never play football without a helmet and report any pain or injury to your coaching staff.

Always warm-up before hitting the football field. Many strains and tears can be prevented if you are taking simple precautions such as stretching and warming up appropriately.

 

Identifying and Treating Shin Splints

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As the weather warms and the days get longer, people are dusting off their tennis shoes and getting motivated to get into shape. Whether you are a runner, walker or somewhere in between, it is very important to be cautious when stepping up your fitness routine. Don’t let your enthusiasm backfire!

Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS), can be frequently diagnosed in people that fail to ease into a new exercise regimen. Overuse or even switching your running/walking terrain can result in this painful issue.

What are shin splints?

If you suffer from shin splints, you are likely experiencing pain on the inside portion of the tibia (shin) bone. Specifically, irritation occurs where the muscle attaches to the bone. This irritation is caused by inflammation of your muscles, tendons, and bone tissue. Pain is often felt in both legs but can also be restricted to one side of the body.

How can you treat shin splints?

  • Rest: Taking time off from your exercise routine may be difficult to do. If you are an avid runner or just starting a new routine, hearing that you need to slow down can be frustrating. Resting your body can help alleviate the pain caused by shin splints. This does not necessarily mean that you need to cease all activity. Try low impact exercises like biking, swimming, rowing or an elliptical machine.
  • Ice your shins: While elevating your legs, apply ice indirectly to the painful area. It is important to NOT put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin in order to avoid damaging tissue.
  • Proper footwear and orthotics: Supporting your feet with the right shoes and even orthotic inserts can improve your shin splints. Having stability in your feet and legs can correct the issue over time.
  • Take over the counter medication such as Advil or Aleve.

Always consult your physician before starting any exercise program. If you are experiencing symptoms that have gotten worse or have lasted longer than a week, you should contact a physician. Continuing to exercise despite pain can result in serious injury.