Prepatellar bursitis is an inflammation at the front of the knee that is often caused by trauma to the knee. A bursa is a tiny sac that is filled with fluid. Prepatellar bursitis swells the knee and can be tender to touch. Prepatellar bursitis frequently occurs to individuals whose professions require frequent kneeling. Non-septic prepatellar bursitis is most often treated with rest, ice, and anti inflammatory drugs, especially ibuprofen. Elevation of the leg while resting has proven a speedier recovery time. Severe prepatellar bursitis may involve surgical drainage and removal of the bursa.
Signs you might have a bursitis –
- Stiffness or ability to move the knee like normal
- Fever
- Swelling
- Redness or warm to the touch
If you find yourself suffering with a joint ailment, Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center’s joint specialist’s can help. We recognize that painful joints can interfere with your sleep, limit daily mobility, or keep you from participating in the activities you love. If managing your joint pain is no longer working, let our team of joint replacement, pain management, and physical therapists help. Our goal is to get YOU back to GOOD health. Contact one of our specialists @ 540.347.9220 or visit us at http://www.broava.com
Tennis elbow known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral epicondylalgia is a condition where the outer part of the elbow becomes irritated with soreness or tenderness. The name “tennis elbow” has a unique link to racquet sports but can also be caused by other activities such as climbing, swimming, manual workers, playing instruments and everyday life activities! Repetitive moments are usually the culprit.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Morning stiffness
- Pain on the outer part of the elbow
- Pain when gripping or extension of the wrist
- Soreness in forearm
Tips for Preventing Tennis Elbow Injury
- Stretching is a must! Stretch your fingers, wrist, forearm and shoulder muscles before you begin. Don’t forget to follow up with a proper cool down afterwards. Ice is recommended for your shoulder and elbows.
- Use proper form. Don’t flick your wrist when striking the ball. Try using both arms when contacting the ball; this will cause less exertion from just one arm.
- Make sure your grip is the right size for you. Grip size can be obtained by measuring the distance from the crease of your palm to the tip of the ring finger. Don’t hold the grip too tightly.
- Tension levels for racquet strings should be evaluated and recommended by a professional.
- Counterforce braces can relive some tension of the elbow during your session.
- Listen to your body! Above all – this is critical. If you are a beginner start slowly with your activities. Even if you are an experienced athlete your body will tell you when to stop!
If you feel you might be suffering with tennis elbow, or any joint problems, Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center can help. Whether you require physical therapy, pain management, or diagnosis and treatment from any of our expert physicians, we provide the patient care you deserve all under one roof. Call us today @ 540.347.9220 to speak with a specialist or visit us at www.BroAva.com.
3 Blue Ridge Orthopaedic physicians earn awards
The award is given to select physicians every year in recognition of exceptional patient care, services and compassion, and is granted based on actual patient reviews.
More than 200,000 patients across the United States provide online feedback about their medical care every month. Patients rate their physicians based on the care they receive, including bedside manner, doctor-patient face time, follow-up care and the courtesy of the office staff. Hundreds of thousands of these individual patient reviews were written and shared over the course of 2012. Only physicians with the highest patient rating for their compassion and bedside manner are selected to receive the Compassionate Doctor Award.
Of the nation’s 870,000 working physicians, only 3 percent were awarded the Compassionate Doctor Award in 2012.
Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center’s award recipients are:
• Dr. David Kim, director of pain management, specializes in medical acupuncture, pain management and interventional procedures. Dr. Kim is fellowship-trained in interventional pain management and is the founder of Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center’s interventional pain clinic. He holds privileges at Fauquier Hospital, is a diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and is American Medical Association board-certified in pain medicine. Dr. Kim is a two-time recipient of the Compassionate Doctor Award (2011-12).
• Dr. Robert Smith, orthopaedic surgeon, specializes in sports medicine and serves as the team physician for Fauquier High School. He is fellowship-trained in sports medicine, and helped care for the Baltimore Ravens and regional college teams. Dr. Smith is a first-time recipient of the Compassionate Doctor Award.
• Dr. Jeffrey Wise, orthopaedic surgeon, specializes spinal care, joint replacement and general orthopedics. He holds privileges at Fauquier and Fair Oaks hospitals, is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, and a member of the North American Spine Society. Dr. Wise serves as the team physician for Kettle Run High School and is one of the physicians for Virginia Gold Cup. Dr. Wise is a two-time recipient of the Compassionate Doctor Award (2011-12).
Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center in Warrenton has eight physicians, a team of assistants and subject-matter experts in physical therapy, massage therapy and medical nutrition.
The physicians and staff of Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center would like to say “Thanks” to you, our patients for voting three of our doctors in Excellence and Compassionate care for the 2012 Compassionate Doctor Award!
The Compassionate Doctor Award is given to select physicians every year in recognition of exceptional patient care, services and compassion, and is granted based on actual patient reviews.
More than 200,000 patients across the United States provide online feedback about their medical care every month. Patients rate their physicians based on the care they receive, including bedside manner, doctor-patient face time, follow-up care and the courtesy of the office staff. Hundreds of thousands of these individual patient reviews were written and shared over the course of 2012. Only physicians with the highest patient rating for their compassion and bedside manner are selected to receive the Compassionate Doctor Award.
Of the nation’s 870,000 working physicians, only three percent were awarded the Compassionate Doctor Award in 2012.
Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center is proud of its award-winning physicians:
Dr. David Kim, director of pain management, specializes in medical acupuncture, pain management and interventional procedures. Dr. Kim is fellowship-trained in interventional pain management and is the founder of Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center’s interventional pain clinic. He holds privileges at Fauquier Hospital, is a diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and is American Medical Association board-certified in pain medicine. Dr. Kim is a two-time recipient of the Compassionate Doctor Award (2011 − 2012).
Dr. Robert Smith, orthopaedic surgeon, specializes in sports medicine and serves as the team physician for Fauquier High School. He is fellowship-trained in sports medicine, and helped care for the Baltimore Ravens and regional college teams. Dr. Smith is a first-time recipient of the Compassionate Doctor Award.
Dr. Jeffrey Wise, orthopaedic surgeon, specializes spinal care, joint replacement and general orthopedics. He holds privileges at Fauquier and Fair Oaks hospitals, is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery, and a member of the North American Spine Society. Dr. Wise serves as the team physician for Kettle Run High School and is one of the physicians for Virginia Gold Cup. Dr. Wise is a two-time recipient of the Compassionate Doctor Award (2011 − 2012).
Blue Ridge Orthopaedic and Spine Center (BROAVA) offers world-class orthopedic services, including expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Our practice features nine centers of excellence staffed with eight highly accomplished physicians, a dedicated team of assistants, and subject-matter experts in physical therapy, massage therapy and medical nutrition. The staff and service offerings combine to make BROAVA unrivaled in the region as a provider of comprehensive, multidisciplinary orthopaedic and spine services.
Please contact one of our experts @ 540.347.9220 for more information.
Basketball is a great game for all ages. It also puts a lot of strain on your body, no matter how old you are. The sudden starts and stops, quick direction changes, and jumping—all on a hard surface like wood or blacktop—can lead to muscle strains. Be sure you take these factors into consideration when you warm up before a basketball game or practice.
The Livestrong blog offers these simple but effective ways to get loose before hitting the court.
1) Aerobic warm-up
A short jog around the court or some jumping jacks will increase your heart rate. Continue warm-up until you break a light sweat.
2) Static stretching
A key part of most warm-ups, stretching is particularly important for basketball. Your stretches should allow your muscles to lengthen, and special focus should be given to the legs. Static stretching combined with an aerobic warm-up will result in an effective pre-hoops regimen.
3) Dynamic warm-up
This approach combines stretching and aerobic exercise into one routine. Stretches aren’t held, but rather the body moves continually, elevating the heart rate while loosening up the muscles. Raising your knees up to chest level while running, is an example of a dynamic warm-up element.
A great workout routine starts with great preparation. Our sports medicine and physical therapy specialists can help ensure you’re starting your exercise routines out right. Want more information? Contact us today!
Cycling is great exercise. It’s also very hard on the body—particularly the back. While riding a bike on the road or over rough trails does wonders for your lower body, it’s hard on your back. Riding a bicycle does little to strengthen your back muscles, and the posture required to excel on the bike puts strain on your back, especially if you also ride off-road over uneven, challenging terrain.
None of this should prevent you from enjoying cycling, however. Here, via Spine Health, are some tips you can use to keep your back—and your riding—strong:
- Make sure your bike matches your riding. For casual bike riders, consider a mountain bike with higher, straight handle bars, which keeps your posture more upright, and fatter tires, which offers more cushion and shock absorption.
- Make sure the bike fits your body. Your local cycling shop should be able to help with this.
- Use proper form. Your arms should support some weight, to keep your chest up. Shift positions periodically to keep your body—particularly your neck-from getting stiff.
- Remember to push and pull with the legs while biking. It shouldn’t be just downward thrusts when pedaling!
- Use shock-absorbing bike accessories such as seats and seat covers, handlebar covers, and gloves.
- Work some back strengthening exercises into your off-bike workout routine. Your back will thank you as you roll down the road!
Suffering from back pain? Concerned about adding cycling to your workout regime? Our spine, sports medicine, and physical rehabilitation experts can help. Contact us today and let’s talk!
Admit it, swimmers: after watching the incredible feats of Olympians like Michael Phelps and Missy Franklin, you’ll swim just a bit harder the next time you get back into the pool. There’s nothing wrong with that—so long as you’re taking proper care of yourself between workouts.
One of the most commonly injured areas for swimmers is the shoulder. Preventing shoulder injuries is impossible, but minimizing their likelihood is definitely something all swimmers should focus on.
Here, courtesy of USA Swimming, are some great exercises that you can perform out of the pool to help keep your shoulders strong in the pool.
1) Rotator Cuff—Internal Rotation
2) Rotator Cuff—External Rotation
3) Shoulder Blade Squeeze
As USA Swimming notes, the exercises must concentrate on the intended areas, and should be done until the muscles burn and become tired. Conduct the exercises three days per week with a day of rest in between.
Do you have shoulder pain? The experts in our shoulder care center of excellence are available to assist you, analyze the condition, and recommend the most effective treatment. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Lifting weights can do wonders for your body, even if your not out for an Olympic medal. If you’re not careful, however, it can do painful things to your back.
Here, courtesy of Spine-Health, are tips for protecting your back as you push yourself in the weight room.
- Keep weight amounts within your personal limits before you begin weightlifting. The condition of your back plays a role!
- Use less weight but do more repetitions.
- Use a training machine rather than free weights for certain weightlifting exercises. This helps ensure your form is consistent. A machine may reduce stress on the back and can generally be used by someone with little or no supervision.
- Use a spotter when working with free weights.
- Discuss wearing a weight belt with your spine specialist or trainer. Studies are inconclusive on the value of belts, but your particular circumstance may merit one
- Do not perform exercises such as the clean and jerk, dead lift, snatch or squat without proper supervision. These exercises pose greater risk for back injury and back pain.
Weightlifting can deliver tremendous benefits. Before you develop a program, however, come see our spine and sports medicine specialists to discuss limitations and proper approaches.
So, you’ve planned out your exercise routine—the cross-country run, off-road bike ride, or peaceful row in the lake. But how much thought have you given to your warm-up routine?
The right warm-up can make the difference between a great workout and a bad day. According to this LiveStrong blog post, a proper warm-up routine consists of two main elements”
- 5-10 minutes of cardiovascular exercise,
- 5-10 minutes of stretching, focusing on the muscles that will get the most use during the workout
Beginner or seasoned athlete?
Beginners should spend a little more time warming up—think a 15- to 20-minute walk for your cardio, followed by stretches that hold positions—but don’t involve bouncing or pain—for at least 30 seconds.
More advanced athletes should be fine with five or so minutes of warm-up cardio followed by the stretching.
Did you recently have a bad day working out or playing sports? Our sports medicine and physical therapy teams can help. Contact us and we’ll get you on your way back to the top of your game.
Running can be a very beneficial part of a workout routine. However, like most exercises, if not done correctly or with proper preparation, a good run can do more harm that good.
Many people associate running with putting stress on lower extremities, like knees and feet. While that’s true, running also puts a lot of stress on your back. Here are some tips from Spine-Health to help make sure a painful lower back doesn’t sidetrack your running.
- Warm up properly before you run. This post offers a few tips on stretching and preparing for a run.
- Stretch your hamstrings regularly—twice a day is good—to minimize stress across the low back
- Muscle toning and strength training will help your back—and your entire core—stay strong.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes. This article from the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine offers guidance on proper running shoe selection.
- If possible, run on softer surfaces, like a rubber track or dirt/grass. Avoid running on cement if at all possible—it is harder than even asphalt, and the harder the surface, the more punishment your body must absorb.
Of course, you should always consult with your doctor before starting or making drastic changes to your workout regimen.
Are you experiencing pain from having pushed your workout routine a bit too much? Our team can help. Contact us and we’ll be happy to talk to you.