News - The Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic of Raleigh NC

How Effective is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

If your back pain hasn’t resolved after more conservative treatment, spinal surgery can be a way to get your life back and return to the activities you love. Through minimally invasive spine surgery, our orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh are able to provide effective treatment that has several advantages over the traditional, “open” procedure.

We’ll examine the benefits and effectiveness of this spine surgery, what it is used to treat, and how to determine if you may be a candidate. Continue reading “How Effective is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?”

Having Total Knee Replacement Surgery? 5 Tips for You

Total knee replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgeries in medical history.

While this procedure used to be exclusively performed on older adults with arthritic joint deterioration, we’re also seeing total knee replacement surgeries in younger patients.

But what does that ultimately mean?

It means that the vast majority of those 800,000 have been able to regain their mobility without the agonizing pain they had before.

Each of those surgeries represents a grandfather now able to play with his children, an athlete being able to return to the basketball court, or someone who can move more comfortably.

Are you having joint replacement surgery? We have 5 useful tips to help you.

5 Useful Tips for Those Having Total Knee Replacement Surgery

1. Do Your Physical Therapy “Homework”

Most likely, your physical therapist will assign some “homework”— exercises that you need to do in order to restore functioning in your knees.

By following your physical therapist’s instructions to the letter, you’re going to have a smoother and quicker recovery. While these may be a bit uncomfortable to start with, eventually, as your knee heals, you’ll discover that your hard work has paid off.

If you have any questions about these exercises, don’t hesitate to talk to your health care team.

2. Have Your Home Prepared Before the Surgery

Do you have any area rugs? Is there clutter on the floor? Maybe there’s an ottoman that you could easily stub your toe on.

These are red flags and tripping hazards. Remember to have these out of the way before you have total knee replacement surgery. We don’t want anything to impede your recovery or put you at risk for an injury.

If possible, enlist the help of a friend to do grocery shopping or some light housework. You’ll not be able to tackle these tasks when you first return home. It’s best to have this plan in place before your procedure.

3. Be Mindful of How You Move

When you’re recovering from a joint replacement, there are certain motions that will be off-limits while you are healing. For example, if you’ve had a total knee replacement, you’ll need to avoid movements that twist your knees. It’s important to avoid placing any unnecessary stress on your knee.

4. Be Sure You Have an Updated List of Medications

Speak with us to ensure we have a complete list of your medications and their dosages. It’s important to also tell us about any herbal supplements or vitamins that you are taking.

After your surgery, you’ll need to take any new medications exactly as directed. When taking pain medicine, remember to take it according to instructions. This will help you “get ahead” of the pain. Do not wait until you are in pain to take the medication.

5. Take Care of Yourself

This is not the time to try to finish up that big work project or tackle cleaning out your closets. Leave these tasks for when you are feeling better. Your body needs rest for the first few weeks after your surgery, and we’ll tell you what activities are permitted and which ones need to be put on hold for a while.

Of course, a major part of taking care of yourself is following the directions of our orthopedic surgeon in Raleigh and the Triangle. We believe in a team-based approach to medicine, and that means we want to partner with you on this journey.

We’re the Area’s Premier Practice for Total Knee Replacement Surgery

We want you to regain the joy of your everyday life—no matter what that looks like. For some, that means beating their best time in a run around the neighborhood. For others, it could mean being able to walk without pain. Whatever your goals, our experienced team of experts will work with you to help ensure you meet your goals.

For decades, we’ve provided comprehensive services so our orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh and the Triangle area can treat anything from carpal tunnel syndrome, to sports injuries.

We believe it is important that you have a choice in where you receive treatment. That’s why our orthopedic surgeons are affiliated with five local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers.

Could a total knee replacement surgery be the key to relieving your chronic pain? Schedule an appointment with one of our physicians today to find the answer.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma? What Every Runner Needs to Know

If you’re an avid runner, you may be concentrating on beating your best time when you run around the track. Even if you’re a casual jogger, you can appreciate the sense of satisfaction and “feel good” endorphins you get from a lap around the neighborhood.But have you heard of Morton’s neuroma, a disease that can affect your running? We’ll take a closer look at what causes Morton’s neuroma.

For example, it’s important to take care of your feet by selecting the right running shoes.

We’ll take a closer look at what this disease is, its symptoms, what causes Morton’s neuroma, and how our board-certified orthopedic physicians in Raleigh can help you get back in motion.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

This condition affects the ball of your foot in the area between your third and fourth toes. It is the result of thickening tissue around your toe nerves.

5 Signs You May Have Morton’s Neuroma

Have you ever felt like there was a pebble in your shoe, but once you checked, you found there wasn’t one? This is one of the classic signs you might have Morton’s neuroma.

Other symptoms include:

Sharp pain
Burning
Numbness in the affected area
Feeling that you’re standing on a marble or pebble
If you sprint, there may be pain when you come off the starting block

Sometimes you’ll find relief in taking off your shoe and rubbing the affected area. It’s important to note that you will not see any outward signs of the disease. Your feet and toes will look normal.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

Research is still ongoing into the details of what causes Morton’s neuroma, but it’s most likely due to the compression or squeezing of these specific toe nerves. For example, tight shoes—or even high heels—have been linked to developing Morton’s neuroma.

Those at risk for developing Morton’s neuroma have foot issues such as flatfeet, bunions, hammer toes or high arches.

High-impact exercises such as running can also put you at risk because during this activity your feet experience repetitive trauma. In addition, any sport that involves tight shoes, such as rock climbing or skiing can put additional pressure on your toes. Over time, this consistent pressure can lead to Morton’s neuroma.

Next, we’ll take a look at what causes Morton’s neuroma.

What Are the Treatments for Morton’s Neuroma?

The first line of treatment is to use better footwear. Avoid high heels and narrow shoes. Often by using wider shoes that give your toes more room, you can relieve the pressure on the nerves. In addition, custom inserts help at relieving irritation.

At The Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic in Raleigh, we believe in taking a conservative approach to medicine. We will always explore non-surgical options before considering an operation or procedure.

If your pain is not resolved by the methods listed above, we may suggest steroid injections that will bring relief. Each line of treatment will depend upon the individual patient. We realize there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to medicine.

Trust Your Care to the Oldest and Best-Known Orthopedic Practice in Wake County

Our practice has roots dating back to 1971. Since then, we have never wavered in our dedication to providing care that is both compassionate and state-of-the-art. Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are leaders in their field. For your convenience, we always have a physician on call 24/7.

We understand what causes Morton’s neuroma, and are dedicated to helping patients whether they are avid runners or just those getting a dose of regular exercise.

Are you showing signs of Morton’s neuroma? Have foot and ankle pain made you susceptible to sports injuries?

FREE SCANNING OPEN HOUSE AT BONE & JOINT SURGERY CLINIC – SEPTEMBER 13TH

Do you wake up every night, shaking your hands out to make them stop hurting? Are you dropping things? Does pain or shooting electricity interrupt some of your favorite activities? Dr. Johnny Nelson is hosting a free educational open house and scanning event at The Bone & Joint Surgery Clinic on Tuesday, September 13th at 6PM. Read More.

What Happens During An Ultrasound-Guided Injection?

Joint pain can be unrelenting.

It transforms your entire life. Everyday activities that you may have taken for granted have now become the source of discomfort and even agony. You can no longer participate in your favorite sports. Instead, you have to take a seat on the bench instead of running on the field.

Don’t worry: There is hope. Through carefully placed ultrasound guided medication injections, we can provide the relief that you need to help you get back to your normal routine.

But you may wonder, what is an ultrasound-guided injection? What are its benefits and how can it help me?

As leading orthopaedic physicians in Raleigh, we’re glad to answer some of your most commonly asked questions about this procedure.

What Is an Ultrasound-Guided Injection?

An ultrasound-guided medication injection utilizes ultrasound technology to give our physicians an accurate view of the precise area that is causing pain. We then use this ultrasound image to guide the injection needle into the problem area.

Typically, this type of injection takes less time and is less painful than traditional injections.

What Happens During an Ultrasound-Guided Injection?

First, we place a sterile gel onto your skin where the pain is located. We place the ultrasound probe near the source of the inflammation. The ultrasound signals are translated into an image projected onto a screen.

From there we insert the needle to precisely the area needed, using the ultrasound images as a map. Once in place, we inject the medication.

What Are the Benefits of an Ultrasound-Guided Injection?

There are several benefits of ultrasound-guided medication injections. These include:

Accuracy

Because our physicians carefully monitor the ultrasound, we can see exactly where we need to administer the medication. This is not only safer and more accurate, but it also means the medication has the best chance of pinpointing the problem area. As a result, it is the best chance to relieve the pain.

Efficiency

Another one of the benefits of an ultrasound guided medication injection is that it takes minimal time. The procedure will be completed much sooner than a standard injection.

Ease of Access

Joints are complex structures. They have to be flexible enough to allow the body to perform all kinds of tasks of everyday living. In some cases, the area that needs the injection may only be millimeters in size. This means that an ultrasound-guided medication injection enables us to access the area easily due to ultrasound imaging.

Minimal Risk

This is a very safe procedure that carries minimal risks. Ultrasound technology has been around for more than two decades, and it has demonstrated a safe track record.

Because we can accurately follow where the needle is located, we reduce the risk of complications.

No Radiation is Involved

An ultrasound utilizes sound waves. These waves bounce off structures and are translated into an image that is projected onto a monitor. This enables our orthopaedic doctors in Raleigh to precisely monitor the needle’s location.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From an Ultrasound-Guided

It’s important to rest the joint where the injection was administered. You should take it easy for the first 24 to 48 hours.

Remember that the medication doesn’t work instantly; it may take a while before you feel the full effect.

Am I a Candidate?

If you have severe joint pain that hasn’t been helped by more conservative treatment, then you could receive benefits from an ultrasound guided injection.

Take Advantage of the Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Injections at the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic of Raleigh

At the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we concentrate on getting you back to the life you enjoy. We also emphasize conservative treatment; we don’t consider surgery until other options have been tried. For nearly 50 years, our fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopaedic surgeons in Raleigh have provided the best in personalized care.

We also offer care that is both state-of-the-art and affordable. For example, if you need to have a joint replacement, ask us about our “bundle payment” program.

See why we’re the leading provider of orthopedic services in Raleigh. Schedule an appointment today.

How To Fully Recover From an Achilles Tendon Injury

Your tennis game was going well—your serving was at its best, and you were easily returning balls from the baseline.

But then you heard a pop, and a searing pain—like you’ve been kicked in the calf—overwhelmed you.

This is a situation where you could have sustained an Achilles tendon tear. This injury requires immediate medical attention.

We’ll take a closer look at this common, yet painful condition, provide an outline of Achilles tendon tear treatment, and tell you how long it takes to fully recover from an Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles Tendon Tear Treatment: How to Fully Recover

First, we recognize that the path to recovery is different for everyone, and there is no one “schedule” to which all patients should adhere. However, we do have some information that will help you as you are undergoing Achilles tendon tear treatment.

While a minor injury to the tendon may not require surgery, an Achilles tendon tear treatment often involves some type of operation.

At Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we take a conservative approach to Achilles tendon tear treatment. This means that we will try and consider all nonsurgical options before suggesting surgery. Surgical intervention is a choice we don’t make lightly.

Achilles Tendon Recovery

It goes without saying that one of the most important aspects of full recovery is to follow instructions to the letter.

Remember that, at first, you may have difficulty keeping your foot pointed downward while the Achilles tendon tear heals. Don’t push it. Only perform the tasks that your doctor or physical therapist have agreed upon as part of your recovery.

Following are some other helpful aspects Achilles tendon tear recovery that you’ll find useful:

If you’ve had surgery, you’ll likely be in a walking boot for around six to 12 weeks, depending upon your individual situation. It may even be set so that your foot faces downward. This is to give the tendon room to heal correctly.
It may help to keep your foot elevated when sitting or sleeping.
If your surgeon or physician has approved it, you can take over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen for pain.
If you smoke, this would be the perfect time to quit. Smoking can slow your healing.

Where Is the Achilles Tendon?

This is one of the largest tendons in your body, and it connects your back calf muscles to the heel bone. Overstretching this causes an Achilles tendon tear. Sometimes it ruptures partially, but other times the entire tendon is torn.

What Are the Signs of an Achilles Tendon Tear?

You may find it surprising that sometimes, it’s possible to have an Achilles tendon tear or rupture without any symptoms. However, most people do exhibit some signs that the Achilles tendon has been torn or seriously injured. These include:

A strong feeling of being kicked in the calf
Pain, which can be severe
Swelling near the heel
Difficulty or inability to stand on the injured leg
Inability to “push” the injured foot downward or stand on the toes

As we mentioned earlier, you may have heard a pop or snapping sound when the injury occurred.

Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic Has the Expertise to Help With Achilles Tendon Tear Treatment

We know how challenging an injury can be. While you’re trying to recover, you’re also still facing the challenges you did when you were well—going to work or school, helping your family, and even the mundane routine of household chores.

We understand, and that’s why we always try nonsurgical solutions before we decide to perform surgery. For almost 50 years, we have remained the oldest and most well-know orthopedic practice in the Raleigh and Triangle areas.

See why so many patients have selected us as their provider of choice. Schedule an appointment today.

How Long Does It Take for an Ankle Fracture Recovery?

The length of time it takes an ankle fracture recovery depends upon several factors, including the extent of the break and whether or not it required surgery. Complicated fractures require additional recovery and healing time.

While each individual case is different, in general, it can take four to eight weeks for your ankle fracture to heal. If you had to have surgery, it could take up to several months.

We’ll take a look at why it’s important to get immediate care for a broken ankle, a common surgery that may be needed to help ankle fracture recovery, and useful advice to help avoid ankle injuries.

How Do You Know If Your Ankle Is Broken or Sprained?

Sometimes, it may be challenging to tell if your ankle has been broken or if you’ve suffered a bad strain. In either case, you need to seek medical care from orthopedic doctors in Raleigh at the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic.

Occasionally, you may be able to have an idea of whether it’s a sprain or a fracture by where the pain is located. If the pain is in the softer part of your ankle, you may have a sprain, while if it hurts when you touch it directly over your ankle bone, it’s more likely that you have a fracture. In addition, you’ll often hear a “pop” when an ankle fractures. Numbness or tingling are other telltale signs of a fracture.

But the bottom line is that the only way to tell for certain is to have an X-ray and be examined by one of our orthopedic physicians. This is crucial to have a successful ankle fracture recovery.

What Happens If a Broken Ankle Goes Untreated?

If your ankle has been fractured and you do not get medical attention, it can lead to long-term consequences. The main concerns are that it could cause a nonunion or a delayed union.

A nonunion occurs when the broken bone fails to heal.

By comparison, a delayed union fracture does eventually heal, but it takes much longer than is typical.

Failure to get timely treatment could cause foot deformities that can interfere with walking, running or even completing daily tasks. You’re also at a higher risk of developing an infection or arthritis if you delay with your ankle fracture recovery.

What Kind of Surgeries Are Used for a Broken Ankle?

First, it’s important to realize that you may not need surgery to treat your broken ankle at all. In fact, at the Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we always implement conservative approaches to treatment. That means we will only consider surgery if it is absolutely necessary.

If surgery is needed, one of the most common procedures to help a fractured ankle is an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

During an ORIF, the pieces of your bone are repositioned so that they are properly aligned and then physically reconnected, usually involving screws, rods, plates or even surgical nails. This helps ensure that the bones will heal in their proper alignment, which is a key part of ankle fracture recovery.

How To Avoid Ankle Injuries

As orthopedic specialists, we want to help you maintain your active lifestyle in the safest way possible. The best way to do that is to avoid injuries if it is at all possible.

We suggest:

Be sure to warm up properly before you play sports.
Be sure you’re using appropriate and well-fitting shoes.
Try to avoid playing or running on uneven surfaces.
Many falls occur in the home, so try to eliminate clutter that may cause you to stumble.
Consider removing throw rugs or other similar items that can create a tripping hazard.
Make sure to use handrails when possible.

The Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic Will Guide Your Through Your Ankle Fracture Recovery So You Can Return to Your Everyday Activities

For decades, we’ve helped hundreds of Raleigh and Triangle area residents recover from injuries and regain their everyday lives by treating ankle and foot injuries. We have assisted them throughout their ankle fracture recovery journey.

In addition, we also help our patients by providing a comprehensive scope of services to help them with anything from carpal tunnel syndrome to sciatic nerve pain to joint replacements.

Because our surgeons are affiliated with five local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers, our patients have a choice of where they’d like to go. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

8 Advantages of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery and Recovery

Did your last tennis game leave you with an extensive shoulder injury? Maybe you’ve torn your rotator cuff or injured your knee on the basketball court. You want to get back into the game as soon as possible.

For many injuries, arthroscopic surgery is a viable treatment option that is minimally invasive and highly effective.

At Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we’re proud to offer the latest, state-of-the-art arthroscopic surgical treatment to help us treat and diagnose problems within your joints. It also produces successful outcomes, especially for arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery.

Not sure what to expect after arthroscopic knee surgery? We’ve got the answers you need as well as 8 distinct advantages of utilizing this minimally invasive surgical technique.

What Is Arthroscopic Surgery?

This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing joint problems. It involves making a narrow incision and inserting a thin tube (called an arthroscope) that is attached to a tiny, fiber-optic video camera. Then the images are relayed to a video monitor so one of our orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh can carefully evaluate the problem area.

Depending upon the extent and scope of the injury, your surgeon may be able to repair the problem using small surgical instruments that are also inserted through very small incisions. It’s particularly useful in arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at eight of the main advantages of arthroscopic surgery.

8 Advantages of Arthroscopic Surgery

1. Smaller incisions

Because the arthroscope only needs a tiny incision, your recovery is faster. There’s also less blood loss as compared to an “open” procedure where larger incisions have to be made.

2. It can be performed as an outpatient

Due to its minimally invasive technique, arthroscopic surgery can be performed as an outpatient. This is not only more economical, but it also means that you can return home several hours after the surgery.

3. You can return to work faster

Not only can you return home a few hours after your procedure, but in general, many patients resume work and regular activities within a few days. (However, athletes and those who are very active in sports may need to wait a few weeks before returning to their routine.) This is one of the key benefits of arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery.

4. It minimizes trauma to healthy tissue

With a traditional, “open” procedure, some tissue may need to be cut to give the orthopedic surgeon access to the problem area.

5. Less scarring

Because arthroscopic surgery is conducted using tiny incisions, it minimizes scar tissue because the surgeon is able to easily adjust the tiny tools to get access to the problem area. This means less damage to healthy tissue.

When the procedure is completed, you’ll only have evidence of a small incision where the arthroscope was placed.

6. Reduced risk of infection

Because the incisions are so small, less internal tissue is exposed, which greatly reduces the risk of infection.

7. Less postoperative pain

It’s common to experience some discomfort and pain after any surgery. However, with arthroscopic surgery, the postoperative pain is much less because the incisions were so small. It’s one of the great benefits of arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery.

8. Less blood loss during surgery

After arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery, patients find that they have lost less blood than they would have with an “open” procedure. This is because arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive.

What to Expect After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery varies according to each patient’s individual situation. There is no magic formula to determine how long it will take you to fully recover.

However, we have compiled this general guideline on what to expect after arthroscopic knee surgery.

The week of the surgery, you’ll find that you may be able to walk with minimal pain. As we discussed, this is because the arthroscope uses small incisions instead of one large “open” incision. During this first week, you’ll likely need to use a walker or cane. This will help take some of the pressure off your knee.

During this time, we’ll examine you to monitor how your healing is progressing. At this point, we may recommend physical therapy, depending upon your individual situation.

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery and Recovery: When Can I Return to Work?

This is perhaps the most common question we receive, and there is no one answer. A lot of it depends upon the type of work you do. For example, someone who has a desk job will be able to return to work sooner than someone who has a job that requires a lot of manual labor. In general, you can return to work within two to six weeks after surgery. The most important thing to remember is to speak with us before you begin working. Failure to do so could cause you to re-injure yourself.

Within three to four months after surgery, you’ll notice great improvements in both your strength and range of motion. While you still may have swelling and pain, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying some of your regular activities. However, please speak with us before you engage in any high-contact sports, as these could lead to reinjury.

The Raleigh Bone Joint Surgery Clinic Is the Area’s Leader in Arthroscopic Surgery

All of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh have received extensive training and are experts in arthroscopic surgery. We’ve worked with hundreds of area patients to help them return to the activities they once loved. Because arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, you can expect to return to work faster with minimal pain and scarring.

Want to discover more? Just contact us to schedule an appointment.

How You Can Avoid These Most Common Sports Injuries

When you think about orthopedics, you most likely envision physicians who help you rehabilitate from accidents that can frequently occur from participating in sports. But did you know that our Raleigh orthopedic doctors and surgeons also strive to help you prevent sports injuries?

To help you, we’ve compiled this useful, compact guide about the most common sports injuries and prevention for them.

Common Sports Injuries and Prevention

Below you’ll find a list of the most common sports injuries we see in our office and how we advise our patients to avoid them.

Common Sports Injury: Strains and Sprains

The difference between a strain and a sprain is that a sprain involves the band of tissue connecting bones together. A strain occurs when there is damage to muscle or to the tissue that attaches muscle to a bone.

Prevention:

Often, one of the best ways of preventing strains and sprains is taking time to stretch and warm up. This provides enough time for your joints to get ready. You should also be sure to warm up if you haven’t exercised regularly, as lack of activity can put you at risk for a strain or sprain, particularly if you are starting a new exercise regimen.

If you do repetitive motions either while playing sports or during your work day, be sure to take frequent breaks and give yourself time to stretch and relax.

In addition, it’s equally important to invest in the right equipment, such as a good pair of well-fitting shoes with reliable tread. This can prevent slipping during activity or tasks of daily life.

Common Sports Injury and Prevention: Torn Rotator Cuff

You don’t have to be a baseball pitcher or avid tennis player to sustain a rotator cuff injury. These can occur any time you repeatedly raise your hands above your head.

Prevention:

Did you know that the shoulder has a greater range of motion than any other joint in your body? Because of this, you should engage in a preventive exercise program that gently works and supports the rotator cuff muscles. This may include retracting the shoulder blades or stretching the chest.

Want more information? We’ll be glad to provide some simple, straightforward exercises that can help you prevent rotator cuff problems.

Common Sports Injury and Prevention: Dislocations

A dislocation happens when two connected bones slip out of their “sockets” or positions within a joint. These are most commonly seen after falls during contact sports. Dislocations most often affect the:

Fingers
Shoulders
Hips
Elbows
Knees

Prevention:

In order to prevent dislocating your shoulder or another joint, be sure to wear any required protective clothing if you’re participating in contact sports. A regular exercise routine will help ensure your muscles and tendons are strong so they can support your joint.

If you are overweight or obese, you could be putting additional pressure on your joints, which can place you at greater risk for an injury. If you’re interested in starting a comprehensive workout, speak to us about ways to begin your routine safely.

Common Sports Injury and Prevention: Shin Splints

This is an overuse injury that can frequently occur in those who are regular runners or even those who are developing osteoporosis. It occurs when your lower leg muscles and bones become irritated, placing them at greater risk of becoming stress fractures.

Prevention:

Be sure to stretch adequately before beginning your exercise routine and wear good running or athletic shoes that will provide the support you need. If you can exercise on softer surfaces, we encourage you to do so.

Remember that maintaining a healthy weight will reduce the stress on your joints.

Common Sports Injury and Prevention: Fractures

These are some of the most common injuries and one of the main reasons patients seek our services. Fractures can happen at any time, regardless of whether you’re playing team sports or simply climbing a flight of stairs.

Treatment depends upon the scope and severity of the fracture. In some cases, physical therapy may be required to help you completely heal.

Prevention:

If you’re playing a high-contact sport, be sure to wear protective equipment. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and cool down. Don’t play a contact sport unless you’re already familiar with the rules of the game, and don’t play if you’re injured or have a strain or sprain.

The Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic Is Ready to Help With Common Sports Injuries and Prevention

As one of the few community-based practices, our orthopedic doctors in Raleigh have treated a wide range of sports injuries. Equally important, we provide education and guidelines on how you can avoid these injuries.

When we evaluate your condition, we always seek non-surgical solutions first, taking a conservative, yet effective approach to orthopedics. Whether you’re seeking treatment for a fracture, a torn tendon or other common injury, our compassionate, board-certified doctors are ready to serve you.

And if you do need surgery, our orthopedic doctors are affiliated with five local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers in Raleigh and the Triangle area, which presents you with a wide variety of options for where you’d like to receive treatment.

If you’ve been injured, we urge you to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible, as a delay can cause the situation to get worse.

Scheduling an appointment is easy. Simply contact us to get started.

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Be Cured?

The tingling and numbness associated with carpal tunnel syndrome can make it difficult to even hold a steering wheel. Often, those with this disorder complain about wrist pain so severe that it wakes them from sleep.

But can carpal tunnel syndrome be cured?

The good news is that yes, this syndrome can be cured with our advanced and minimally invasive treatments that can help you regain your functionality. By working closely with one of our hand doctors, we can help eliminate the pain that is making everyday activities difficult.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

To fully understand carpal tunnel, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the wrist.

There is a major nerve in the hand called the median nerve. The nerve passes through what is called the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway about one inch wide. This tunnel helps protect the nerve and the tendons that are responsible for bending the fingers and thumb.

When this major nerve is compressed, the resulting pain numbness, burning, and heaviness signifies carpal tunnel syndrome.

Patients most often complain of waking up at night to “shake their hands out,” and may also do this during the day during activities that require gripping and squeezing, such as holding a steering wheel or using a tool.

Can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Go Away on Its Own?

In some cases, extreme rest for at least two weeks can reduce some of the pain caused by mild cases. Wearing a splint, particularly at night, can help because it keeps your wrist straight and removes pressure from the nerve.

However, in many cases, this only relieves pain temporarily, and it often returns. In fact, it typically gets worse over time.

This is why wrist pain treatment is so vital to helping you return to normal functioning.

What Will Happen If Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Is Not Treated?

Over time, carpal tunnel syndrome usually gets worse, which means it will become more and more difficult to use your hands without having symptoms.

Delaying treatment can make you prone to permanent nerve damage. Although the painful symptoms may seem to get better if you live with them for many years, this is a sign that the carpal tunnel nerve may be permanently damaged.

How Do You Know if Your Symptoms Are Getting Worse?

If you have any of the following symptoms, it can be a sign that your case is getting worse:

Reduced grip strength
Increased pain
Dropping objects
Muscle cramping
Loss of coordination between thumb and fingers (difficulty with buttons)
Nightly awakenings
Constant, or nearly constant numbness in the thumb, index, and middle finger

How Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?

Treatment depends upon what stage you are in the disease. If caught early, treatments may include:

Wearing a split (particularly at night)
NSAIDs, which are anti-inflammatory medications
Adjusting your activities in order to rest your hand
Avoiding repetitive motion tasks
Steroid injections
Specialized exercises

Do I Have to Have Surgery to Correct Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

At the Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we seek conservative, nonsurgical treatments first. We will always work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your individual situation. It is only when these treatments are unsuccessful that our hand doctors consider surgery.

Often, injections or tests may be performed or ordered at the first visit with your hand doctor to make sure that carpal tunnel syndrome is actually the cause of your symptoms. Injections can provide significant relief, but also can help your surgeon know for sure that you are suffering from carpal tunnel.

What is Carpal Tunnel Surgery Like?

During surgery, we relieve the pressure on the median nerve by releasing the tight ligament that holds the carpal tunnel tightly together. This gently increases the size of this tunnel, and as a result, there is less pressure on the median nerve, which allows the nerve improved blood flow and allows it to once again send signals back and forth. This will provide relief from pain, tingling and numbness, and you will be able to sleep again!

Your hand doctors at The Bone & Joint Surgery Clinic are experts on the most advanced techniques of carpal tunnel release. One of these, called “endoscopic” carpal tunnel surgery, is performed through a tiny poke incision about the size of your pinky fingernail made at the base of your palm. A small waterproof dressing is applied over the site for two days, which is then replaced by a single band-aid. Most patients are able to return to light activities (eating, dressing, computer use) on the day of surgery, and heavy use (tools, lifting weights) after 3 to 5 days.

Generally, we can perform carpal tunnel surgery as outpatient (meaning you go home the same day), and usually medication is given to make the patient sleepy during the procedure. However, patients that would like to remain awake during the procedure and avoid these medications are also free to do so, much like going to the dentist.

What are the Causes?

There is no one issue that causes carpal tunnel syndrome. Rather, it’s a combination of several factors. You may be at risk of developing it if:

You use your hands repetitively in everyday work (computers, hairdressing, heavy machinery).
If it runs in your family—some people have a smaller carpal tunnel than others.
If you’re pregnant—swelling related to hormones can lead to the syndrome.
You have diabetes.
You have been diagnosed with a thyroid problem.
You have rheumatoid arthritis.

Why You Should Trust the Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic in Raleigh for Wrist Pain Treatment

We realize that you have choices when it comes to selecting a hand clinic or a medical home. The Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic has more than five decades of experience in providing the highest level of comprehensive care. In addition, because our surgeons are affiliated with three local hospitals and many outpatient surgery centers, you can select where you would like to have your procedure or surgery.

Whenever possible, we utilize non-surgical options. However, if surgery is needed, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons have the expertise needed to help you return to the activities you enjoyed.

Don’t let your carpal tunnel pain gradually get worse. Contact us for the solution you need by easily scheduling an appointment.