What Causes Runner’s Knee?

Runner’s knee is a broad terms used to describe of variety of conditions that can cause pain around the kneecap, including irritated soft tissue, strained tendons, and torn cartilage. These injuries are common among runners because the activity puts repetitive stress on the knee joint, which is what supports and distributes the weight of your body whenever you take a step. Improper training techniques, sudden increases in training frequency or duration, and changes in training shoes or surfaces can cause pain. Anatomically, muscle weakness or imbalance or malalignment in the lower extremities can also be associated with patellofemoral pain. Any activity that involves repeated knee stress, such as biking, jumping, or skiing, can cause runner’s knee.

In some cases, a runner may experience knee pain that’s actually a symptom of another problem, such as a back or hip issue. An orthopedic doctor will be able to determine if this is a case during an examination.

How Is Runner’s Knee Treated?

If you experience knee pain during or after a run, you should see an orthopedist as soon as possible. Your doctor will evaluate x-rays and conduct an examination to determine the reason for the pain. If it’s runner’s knee, you’ll likely be asked to rest for a few days and keep your knee elevated to prevent swelling. To ease the pain, you may be told to ice the area and/or and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen. Your doctor may also recommend compression by wrapping your knee with an elastic bandage.

Once your pain levels have decreased, and depending on the extent of your injury, you may be given at-home exercises to practice or be referred to physical therapist to ensure your knee regains its full range of motion and strength. Orthotics may be prescribed to help improve your alignment or stabilize your foot or ankle. In some cases, surgery may be necessary if your kneecap is misaligned or if the cartilage has been damaged.

If you’re experiencing knee pain after you run, Advanced Orthopaedic Associates in Wayne, NJ, can help. For more than 25 years, the compassionate physicians at this medical center have been treating people facing sports injuries, fractures, and joint conditions. and more They offer a unique, two-phase approach designed to address immediate symptoms while also ensuring long-term recovery and encouraging prevention. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

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Types of Injuries Many Dancers Face

1. Ankle Sprains
   Sprains are injuries to the ligaments around the ankles. While treatment is usually not surgical, ankle sprains can keep a dancer off the dance floor until they heal. This common sports injury plagues many dancers, especially if they do not allow full recovery before returning to dance. Ankle sprains usually involve the lateral ankle ligaments, the anterior talofibular ligament, calcaneofibular ligament, posterior calcaneofibular ligament of anterior tibiofibular ligament.

   Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) are initial treatments. Orthopedic doctors may suggest bracing, a walking cast or crutches depending on the severity of the sprain. To speed recovery and prevent future issues, they may also prescribe physical therapy, which can help decrease inflammation and swelling, strengthen the muscles and improve range of motion.

2. Stress Fractures
   Another common injury for dancers are stress fractures. Repetitive activity, high impact jumping and overuse can place a lot of stress on the ankle joint. This increased stress can cause cracks to develop in the bones. A dancer can be at increased risk for this if their bones are weakened due to osteoporosis or vitamin D deficiency.

   Continuing to dance or “working through the pain” can lead delay healing and lead to more severe injuries. Treatment of stress fractures includes rest and may require immobilization or surgery. Dancers who have a stress fracture have no choice but to stop dancing until the fracture heals.

3. Tendon Issues
   For many dancers, their art form requires a technique known as “en pointe,” where they balance on the tip of their toes by way of a block in their shoes. This movement places the ankle in a position of hyperplantarflexion. The flexor hallucis longus (FHL tendon) runs from behind the ankle posteriorly, medially around the medial malleolus, and under the foot to the big toe. This tendon can become inflamed, a condition known as tenosynovitis.

   Orthopedic doctors will examine you to determine if this is the source of your pain. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, activity modification, NSAIDs and physical therapy. Surgery may be required if the pain is persistent despite nonsurgical treatment. Surgery may include tenosynovectomy with tendon debridement and repair if there are tears.

4. Os Trigonum Syndrome
   Some people have a small bone called an os trigonum at the back of the talus. In most people an os trigonum does not cause symptoms and the majority of people don’t ever realize it exists. Due to the extreme plantarflexion of the en pointe position, many dancers encounter excruciating pain because of impingement of this bone in back of the ankle.

   Treatment by your orthopedic doctor may include activity modification, NSAIDs, immobilization and possible steroid injection. Surgery to remove the os trigonum may be necessary if other treatment does not relieve pain.

Dancers have a responsibility to care for their bodies to help them tolerate rigorous training. Having a trusted orthopedic doctor is a crucial part of this process, and the team at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates has the expertise to diagnose and manage conditions ranging from joint pain to acute injuries. For more information and to schedule a consultation with this Wayne, NJ, based orthopedic doctor’s office call (973) 839-5700 today.

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Common Foot & Ankle Injury Myths

1. You Don’t Need to See a Doctor If You Have a Broken Toe
   A broken toe is a serious injury that requires prompt attention by an orthopedic doctor. It needs to be examined so its severity can be determined. In some cases, the broken bone may need to be reduced (moved back to a normal alignment) or a pin or screw may be needed to hold the bone in acceptable alignment so that it can heal properly. If not appropriately treated you may aggravate the injury further and develop problems when you walk or wear shoes. An orthopedic doctor will review X-rays, reduce displaced fractures (fractures that are unacceptably positioned) and treat you with immobilization or surgery as needed.
2. It’s Impossible to Walk on a Broken Foot
   The origin of this myth is unclear, but it is certainly not true. Orthopedic doctors have seen many patients walk (or more accurately limp) into their offices with a broken foot. In some cases, it may not even cause extreme pain. But regardless of the discomfort level, it’s important to visit your orthopedist as soon as possible if you suspect you have a broken bone in your foot. Persistent weight bearing on the fracture can worsen the damage.
3. You Should Immediately Apply Heat to a Foot or Ankle Injury
   Soaking your foot or ankle in hot water may sound like a good way to relieve pain, but it actually can do the opposite. Applying heat to a fracture, sprain, or dislocation promotes blood flow to the area, which increases swelling and causes more discomfort. An ice pack or cold compress is what you should reach for instead, as it will numb the area and decrease the swelling and inflammation. Swelling, pain and inflammation are signs of injury and should be evaluated by your orthopedist.

If you’re experiencing foot or ankle pain, get in touch with Advanced Orthopaedic Associates in Wayne, NJ. For more than 25 years, the orthopedic doctors at this medical center have been proving comprehensive treatment for a wide range of problems, including sports injuries, arthritis, back pain, and bone fractures. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

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An Introduction to Arthritis

What is arthritis?

Arthritis describes a broad category of symptoms and conditions that cause joint pain and inflammation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 54.4 million people in the U.S. have some form of arthritis. Although it’s typically associated with seniors, this condition can affect people at any age. In fact, even children can develop arthritis as an autoimmune response.

What are the different types?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It’s also called degenerative arthritis, as the cartilage that cushions a joint slowly deteriorates over time. This condition is more common among older individuals and people who have experienced repetitive stress to their joints, such as someone who operates a jackhammer at work.

Post-traumatic arthritis occurs after a fracture or joint injury. The articular can be damaged when a fracture extends into the joint. If a fracture near a joint causes a malalignment then the joint can also be subjected to abnormal stresses that cause arthritis.

Septic arthritis occurs with joint infection. The infection causes inflammation and can destroy the joint cartilage. This type of arthritis should be treated urgently to minimize joint damage.

Inflammatory arthritis is a large category and includes conditions that are usually chronic and involve an autoimmune response. This type usually affects more than 1 joint. Some of the most common examples of inflammatory arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and lupus erythematosus. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and various treatments are needed for each.

What are some common symptoms?

Joint pain is the most common symptom for all types of arthritis, and most people also experience joint stiffness. Additionally, inflammatory arthritis can manifest systemically and produce other symptoms, such as visible inflammation and redness, joints that are hot to the touch, fevers, rashes, and fatigue.

Certain types of arthritis can also affect your eyes, heart, liver, and other organs, so you must work with your doctor to track disease progression and avoid complications by monitoring antibody levels and other blood markers. A comprehensive approach to arthritis treatment can significantly delay or prevent joint damage, which could otherwise become permanent or require surgery.

How is arthritis treated?

People with arthritis often use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or meloxicam, to help relieve pain and control joint swelling. Some might also use topical treatments, which typically contain capsaicin, salicylates, menthol, camphor, cannabidiol, or an anesthetic.

Exercise is crucial for people who have arthritis because it helps strengthen the muscles around joints and improve mobility. To reap the greatest benefits, try a low-impact routine, such as strength training, elliptical machines, bicycles, swimming or yoga. Weight management is also important as reducing weight can decrease stress across painful joints. Some people find an anti-inflammatory diet helpful.

Therapeutic injections of hyaluronic acid or steroid can also be used successfully for arthritis treatment. Hyaluronic acid helps to lubricate and cushion the joints, and steroid can reduce tissue inflammation. Some patients with autoimmune forms of arthritis might also use immunosuppressants, such as hydroxychloroquine, adalimumab, or methotrexate, to manage their disease.

If you have arthritis or a cartilage injury, Advanced Orthopaedic Associates in Wayne, NJ, can help you control symptoms, alleviate joint pain and stiffness, and enjoy a greater quality of life. Dr. Cherise M. Dyal will work with you to develop a care plan that addresses your needs and prevents further damage. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

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Common Signs of a Broken Bone

If the injury is tender and has bruising or swelling, the bone could be fractured (broken). Nondisplaced fractures describe breaks in the bone that do not involve significant movement of the bone fragment positions from their normal alignment. Displaced fractures occur when the broken bone ends move out of their normal position. In some cases, you might be able to see some deformity in the bone. In a compound fracture, there’s an open wound where the bone might be visible. Dislocations change the natural alignment in a joint and can render it immobile. Sometimes, nearby bones break when a joint is dislocated, and the tendons around the joint might tear. Surgery may be needed to restore mobility and function.

One type of severe fracture is a comminuted fracture, which means the bone breaks into several pieces. When this happens, you might be able to detect a slight gravel-like texture beneath the skin called crepitus. Another serious fracture is an intraarticular fracture. This occurs when the fracture occurs at the end of a bone and involves the joint. It can lead to post-traumatic arthritis even if the fracture is appropriately treated.

When You Should Go to an Orthopedic Doctor

Orthopedic doctors provide bone fracture treatment and are usually available by appointment. With most health insurance policies, it’s less expensive to go to an individual doctor instead of an emergency room. However, if you notice deformity of a joint or bone, have an open wound, visible bones, immobility, intense pain, paleness of the limb, or numbness or tingling, you should go to a hospital for emergency care.

Nondisplaced fractures often require immobilization so that they can heal properly. Displaced fractures need to be reduced (put back into their normal position) to restore appropriate alignment. Displaced, comminuted and intraarticular fractures may require surgery and internal fixation with screws, plates, rods or other fixation devices.

If you’re not sure what to do, call an orthopedic office. Most can determine over the phone if you need emergency care in a hospital or can come into the office for evaluation.

If you live in Passaic, Bergen, or Morris County and need immediate help for a bone that might be broken, contact the compassionate team at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates. Located in Wayne, NJ, this practice offers bone fracture treatments and comprehensive care for dislocated and injured joints. Dr. Cherise M. Dyal is Board-certified and provides non-surgical and minimally invasive treatments, in addition to therapeutic injections and rehabilitative counsel. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

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Everyday Items That Can Cause Chronic Back Pain

1. A Fat Wallet
   If you keep your wallet in your back pocket, remember to take it out before sitting down. Otherwise, the resulting pressure could irritate your piriformis muscle and compress the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down both legs. Over time, this can lead to a painful condition known as sciatica, which is characterized by shooting pain on one side of the buttocks and leg. It can also cause muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling that usually takes several weeks to heal.
2. Your Office Chair
   Sitting for long periods can increase pressure to your neck, shoulders, hips, and lower back, particularly if you slouch. Prolonged sitting can increase pressure in the discs between your vertebrae. If your lower back doesn’t have adequate support you may also develop back pain. Sitting for long periods is often associated with tighter hip flexor muscles, which will affect your posture and stride.
3. Cellphones
   When most people talk on their phones, they tilt their heads to the side. If you have a lengthy conversation in this position, you can develop aching caused by muscle tension. Consider switching to a headset or earbuds if you spend a lot of time on the phone to keep your spine naturally aligned and protect your neck and back.

   “Tech neck” is another possible risk, especially for individuals who hold their phones in their lap or at chest level while scrolling. The key to avoiding this is positioning. Remember to hold your device in front of you, so you don’t crane your neck or hunch over and take breaks to change your position about every 15 minutes.

4. Flip-Flops
   If you wear shoes without enough arch and heel support, it can change how you stand and walk, which results in additional strain on your joints. Flip-flops can be especially destructive, because people tend to clench their toes to keep the shoes in place. This abnormal gait throws the musculoskeletal system off-balance, which can lead to back pain and foot and ankle injuries. If the shoe doesn’t have sufficient traction or stability, this further increases the risk of injury.

If you develop back pain or sciatica with symptoms that don’t decrease after a few days, see an orthopedic doctor for an evaluation. In Passaic, Bergen, or Morris County, NJ, turn to the compassionate team at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates. Depending on your condition, they may recommend physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, activity modifications, or surgery. Call (973) 839-5700 to schedule an appointment for back pain.

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Some of the Most Common Summertime Sports Injuries

1. Elbow Pain

   If you play a sport that involves a racket or a club, such as tennis, backgammon, squash, racquetball, or golf pay attention to your form. If you grip the racket or club too tightly or swing from too far away, it can injure the tendons that connect your elbow and forearm muscles. Gradually, this can cause tennis or golfers elbow, which is also called lateral epicondylitis or medial epicondylitis.

   Symptoms of these conditions include elbow pain, inflammation and tenderness, weakness, stiffness, numbness, or tingling, and difficulty moving and twisting your wrist for everyday activities, such as turning a doorknob. Treatment includes rest, ice, activity modification, bracing, NSAIDs, steroid injection and possibly surgery if non-operative treatment does not relief the symptoms.

2. Running Injuries

   Athletes from almost all sports run as part of their training, but the exercise is high-impact and can increase your odds of developing a sports injury. According to Runners World, nearly 13% of runners experienced a knee injury in the last year, 8% had Achilles tendonitis, 7% developed a hamstring injury, and 10% had plantar fasciitis. Shin splints are 15% of running injuries. Part of this frequency has to do with shock absorption—when your foot strikes a hard surface, such as pavement, the impact radiates.

   Form is another pervasive issue. Running is an easily accessible, free exercise, and most people assume they know how to do it well. However, simple missteps, such as overpronation, affect your stride and can lead to injury. Unsupportive sneakers are also problematic.

   Running injuries often include pain in your joints, muscles or bones that gets worse when running downhill, “twinges” that get worse with activity or long periods of sitting, and bruising or inflammation. Symptoms often start out mild and increase in intensity. It is important to recognize the early signs of injury. Rest to allow recovery. If pain persists, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

3. Shoulder Injuries

   Shoulder injuries are common among people who play baseball, tennis, volleyball or swim. In addition to adults, children and teenagers who pitch are especially vulnerable because they might not know when they’re overusing their arms. These sports injuries vary from tendonitis and rotator cuff tears to labral SLAP tears.

   In general, people with shoulder injuries experience pain, locking or grinding, instability, weakness, limited mobility, deep aching, and trouble sleeping comfortably. Initial treatment should include rest, activity modification and NSAIDs. Appropriate diagnosis is key to treatment and will often include specific testing maneuvers by your orthopedist and radiographic studies like X-rays or MRI.

How to Avoid Sports Injuries This Summer

When you play a sport, you usually don’t use muscle groups in isolation, as these movements follow a kinetic chain. For example, when you swing a bat, racquet or club, it involves muscles in your core, back, hips, legs, arms, and chest. Weak connections in the chain are more likely to experience muscle strain or tendonitis. Remember to condition your whole body to help avoid injury instead of targeting just one specific area.

Injury prevention includes appropriate nutrition to maintain healthy bones and muscles, strength training to maintain your muscles and balance, and avoiding sudden increases in frequency or duration of your exercise sessions. Most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel pain during or after exercise that is not relieved by rest and NSAIDs see an orthopedic doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

If your sports injury doesn’t go away after resting, see an orthopedic doctor for an assessment. Athletes in Passaic, Bergen, and Morris counties turn to Advanced Orthopaedic Associates for compassionate and immediate care. Located in Wayne, NJ, this team is accepting new patients for surgical and non-surgical procedures. With X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic testing, they can determine the right treatment. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

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How to Tell If You Should Call an Orthopedic Doctor

1. Trauma or Injury
   Visit a doctor if you have sustained an injury. Doing so can help mitigate long-term effects and prevent the pain from becoming chronic. An orthopedic doctor will check for fractures, muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendon tears and nerve injuries. An accurate diagnosis will help you identify the source of the pain and best treatment method. It’s particularly important to see a doctor if the discomfort lasts more than 48 hours, there is deformity, swelling, bruising, or instability, your sleep is disrupted or if you have difficulty moving the joint or walking.
2. Poor Quality of Life
   Being self-sufficient and enjoying your quality of life are important for your well-being. If pain or weakness prevent you from doing activities you enjoy or if you aren’t able to perform everyday tasks on your own, like dressing, walking, and driving, it’s time to call an orthopedic doctor. They will assess your condition to determine a treatment plan that will help lead to independence and improved quality of life.
3. Limited Range of Motion
   Pay attention to the movement of your joints. Do you have full range of motion or do you feel limited or stiff? Do you have pain when you move? Are you walking, sitting, or sleeping differently than normal. If you are having trouble with these activities, an orthopedic doctor can help. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you get moving again and prevent long-term effects.

When you need an orthopedic doctor you can trust, contact Advanced Orthopaedic Associates. Serving Passaic, Bergen, and Morris counties, NJ, they’ve been helping patients to reduce chronic pain and range of motion issues since 1994. Led by Dr. Cherise M. Dyal, their staff members are compassionate, thorough, and understanding. They offer state-of-the-art treatment options, as well as lifestyle coaching and classes. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

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Ankle Sprains

Ligaments of the fibrous tissues that connect bone to bone. An ankle sprain refers to damage to the ligaments surrounding the ankle that hold the bones in place and stabilize the joint. An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn. Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain and swelling. You may also develop bruising. The ligaments will be tender to touch and you may have difficulty walking.

Your orthopedic doctor can determine the severity of your sprain and the best course of treatment. Typically, sprains heal with time and rest. The doctor will likely recommend compression, elevation, and icing after the injury. Bracing may be helpful and your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories to help relieve pain and swelling.

For severe sprains, you may need to use crutches to avoid bearing weight on the injured ankle. Physical therapy might be necessary to regain full range of motion, strength and function. If the ligament is severely torn and instability develops, surgery may be in order.

Ankle Fractures

The distal tibia, fibula and talus are the bones of the ankle joint. Fractures of the bones can include cracks or small chips, nondisplaced fractures (bone fragments remain in good position), displaced fractures (bone fragments move out of normal alignment) or even comminuted fractures (multiple bone fragments). With a fracture, you may hear a cracking noise at the time of injury. Like sprains, fractures usually cause swelling and bruising, but a broken ankle can also look misshapen or “off.” The swelling may be more severe as well.

X-rays are required to confirm a broken ankle. If the fracture is not displaced your orthopedic doctor will immobilize you in a cast or boot. If the fracture is displaced your orthopedic doctor will need to reduce your bones (put them back in proper alignment). You may need surgery to realign the bones and hold them in place with screws or plates. It typically takes 6-8 weeks for a fractured ankle to heal.

If you’ve injured your ankle, don’t wait to get medical attention. Head to Advanced Orthopaedic Associates in Wayne, NJ, for expert, compassionate care that will have you back on your feet as soon as possible. Serving Bergen, Passaic, and Morris Counties, this orthopedic doctor has over 25 years of experience with foot and ankle injuries, arthritis, shoulder pain, and sports injuries. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

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What You Should Know About Arthritis Flare-Ups

Symptoms

Arthritis flare-ups include increased pain and swelling in your affected joints and the surrounding areas. You may also have difficulty moving the joint and experience stiffness and limited range of motion. The joint is often tender to touch. Moving can be very painful and he may feel a grinding sensation with motion. Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms, and the risk increases with age and joint overuse.

Why They Occur

Overuse, high-impact activities or trauma can aggravate your joints and lead to increased arthritic pain. Other triggers including cold weather, weather changes, gaining weight, repetitive joint movements, infections, and increasing stress levels can also cause a flare-up of pain and symptoms.

Treatment Methods

When you experience flare-up symptoms that last more than a few days or cause severe pain and decreased mobility, arthritis treatment can provide relief. Your orthopedic doctor will order X-rays to determine the extent of the joint damage. This information helps the doctor develop the best treatment plan for your condition.

Treatment may include acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. Physical therapy may be prescribed. Injections including viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid may be used in the knee. Weight loss and regular exercise can help decrease your pain. If these nonsurgical treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be considered.

If you experience painful arthritic flare-ups, seek help from Advanced Orthopaedic Associates in Wayne, NJ. For over 20 years, this team of experienced orthopedic doctors has provided joint pain relief from arthritis and shoulder, foot and knee pain for patients throughout Bergen, Passaic, and Morris Counties. These skilled and understanding doctors will develop a specialized arthritis treatment program to ease your symptoms. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.

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