Eastside Orthocare

06/26/2023

8 Questions to Ask During Your First Orthopaedic Appointment

It can be hard to know where to begin with your first orthopaedic appointment. Planning questions to ask in advance can make your visit more efficient and clear for both you and your doctor. Understanding your condition is the first step towards managing your long-term health. While each case is subjective and may need slight variations, this list can help get you started with your questions.

1. What do you need to know about my medical history?

Your doctor can guide you through what information is relevant. You will have a more thorough consultation if you compile lists and records relevant to your health prior to your visit. If you have seen another doctor about your issue, bring any medical records and contact information. If you are taking any prescription medications, over the counter medicines, or supplements regularly, you should disclose those as well.

2. What does this pain mean?

Describing your level of pain can be helpful for your diagnosis. A great way to describe your pain to your doctor is using the pain scale. The most common pain scale is numbered 1-10, with 1 representing no pain and 10 representing excruciating pain. Though it seems simple, pain scales are a helpful, clear way to communicate with your doctor.

3. How can I prevent other orthopaedic issues?

Discussing future prevention methods and treatments if another condition arises is a helpful way to plan ahead. Especially if you are beginning a new sport, talking to your doctor about this now can prevent injury. They can provide a list of easy exercises or activities to complete at home to stay healthy.

4. What foods, drinks, or activities should I avoid for my treatment?

If your doctor does recommend a path for treatment, be sure to get all the information you need before any procedure, therapy, or surgery. Having information on what to avoid early on can ensure that healing stays on track.

5. What are the risks and benefits of this treatment plan?

Making an informed decision involves knowing all of your options for treatment. Be sure to ask about the possible negative side effects as well. Understanding the positives and the negatives is important to help you reach a comfortable decision with your doctor.

6. Can I have more information to take with me?

If you’re in the position of making a decision on your treatment and would like time to think and research at home, let your specialist know. Doctors often have helpful brochures or other resources to help you feel prepared and confident in your treatment plan.

7. What resources can I trust for medical information?

Medical care works best when it is a partnership between the patient and the doctor. Always ask your physician if they know of any trusted sites to get your information from.

8. What experience do you have in treating my condition?

Respectfully asked, this question can be very helpful in giving you peace of mind. Chances are there are many other patients dealing with the same problem and numerous success stories.

06/12/2023

Just in time for Sandal Season... here are some suggestions to keep your feet happy this Summer!

Give your feet the comfort and support they deserve with a pair of top-notch orthopedic sandals — details here

06/07/2023

10 Orthopedic Doctor Tips for Your Joint Health
Tip #1 Go for anti-inflammatory foods.
Making healthy food choices is one of the best ways to show your joints some love. Reduce your risk of developing arthritis by avoiding foods that cause inflammation. These include ultra-processed foods, red meats, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates.

Instead, incorporate the following foods into your diet:

Whole grains
Colorful fruits
Cruciferous vegetables (e.g., brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.)
Garlic and root vegetables
Sources of omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc.)
Tip #2 Choose exercises you enjoy.
Exercise brings on a multitude of health benefits. For your joints, in particular, it boosts the circulation of the thick, lubricating fluid (synovial fluid), which gives your cartilage a healthy dose of essential nutrients and oxygen and consequently keeps your joints limber and strong.

Our orthopedic doctors recommend that you choose exercises that you find enjoyable. Fun is a great motivation and gets you through times when having to engage in physical activity does not seem as exciting.

Tip #3 Warm up.
Before you get to your main exercise routine, don’t forget to warm up. Warm-up exercises raise your body temperature, consequently prompting the release of synovial fluid and boosting blood flow to your muscles. This means less strain on your joints. Well-lubricated joints also enable you to execute sudden or explosive movements with ease while ensuring minimal risk for injury.

Tip #4 Stay at a healthy weight.
Did you know that for every 10 pounds you gain, you add 50 pounds of pressure on your knees and your other weight-bearing joints? This increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis by up to 36 percent. So, the next time you contemplate gorging on your favorite Big Mac meal, think about your joints.

Tip #5 Don’t smoke.
If you desire to maintain your joint health all the way through your golden years, quit smoking or don’t ever think of trying. Smoking is linked to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, which attacks the lining of your joints, causing painful swelling and eventual damage to them.

Tip #6 Improve your posture.
Albeit you cannot entirely blame your osteoarthritis back pain on poor posture, it is a potential contributor.

Proper posture helps keep your joints in the correct alignment and ensures the muscles that support them are being used properly. This, in turn, helps prevent the wear and tear of joint surfaces, thereby minimizing your risk of developing arthritis.

Tip #7 Observe proper body mechanics.
Just as you should mind your posture, make sure to observe proper body mechanics, which revolves around maintaining correct alignment and balance, and coordinated movement. This helps you work effectively without hyperextending your joints, which can put you at risk for dislocation and other types of injuries.

Tip #8 Respect pain.
Pain is essentially your body putting a message across that you’ve pushed it too hard. If you place too much stress on your joints, you will likely feel pain.

Learn to take frequent breaks in between your activities. If you feel pain, stop. If it persists even after an extended period of rest, consult your orthopedic doctor.

Tip #9 Stay adequately hydrated at all times.
Your cartilage, which is the flexible, connective tissue that cushions your joints, is made up of approximately 80 percent water. If you don’t keep yourself adequately hydrated, your body will pull water from your cartilage, and this can be harmful to your joints.

Instead of drinking soda and energy drinks, choose water. Increase your water intake during exercise and hot weather.

Tip #10 Partner with your orthopedic doctor.
Regular visits to your orthopedic doctor are especially imperative when you get to an age when you become susceptible to joint problems, such as osteoarthritis. Your orthopedic doctor can teach you additional self-care strategies to help you safeguard your joint health. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and other soft tissues that support your joints.

06/02/2023

06/02/2023

Joke of the day 😂