Drew Stein, MD- Orthopedic Surgeon Specializing in Sports Medicine

Avoid Orthopedic Injuries with Physical Therapy to Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

Physical therapy has a broad range of applications to help people live more active lifestyles. One way that physical therapists can improve movement is by improving balance. Orthopedic surgeons also use prescribe physical therapy to treat sports injuries.

This video explains the dangers of poor balance and falls, particularly for older individuals. By visiting a physical therapist, one can focus on maintaining balance, which will help in both everyday activities and more specialized movements in sports and hobbies.

To learn more about the benefits of physical therapy, contact the office of Dr. Drew Stein online or at (212) 398-2300.

Achilles Tendon Injury: The Causes and Treatment Options

The Achilles tendon is a piece of connective tissue that helps you move your feet by connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. This tendon is a common site for incredibly painful sports injuries. Typically, injuries to this area can be avoided by taking proper measures prior to physical activity, but if Achilles tendonitis or a complete rupture of the tendon occurs, there are many non-surgical treatment options available.

Preventing Achilles injury

A leading cause for trauma to the Achilles tendon is tight calf muscles. Make a habit of including calf and leg stretches in your warm-up routine so that the muscles are limber and ready to move. You can avoid training injuries by varying your workout from day to day and putting an emphasis on low-impact activities such as swimming, biking and aerobics. Every time you are participating in any activity, wear proper clothing and supportive footwear, as this will help you maintain good posture and protect soft tissues from injury. If an injury is sustained, then you should seek medical attention immediately and review your options which may include:

• Physical therapy: Stress on the tendon can be relieved with specific exercises to strengthen surrounding muscles. Working regularly with a physical therapist will allow you the one-on-one training needed to address your specific concerns.
• Surgery: If the tendon has ruptured or a bone spur is the cause of the injury, then surgery may be recommended. However, other options may be exhausted before a physician will resort to surgical repair.
• Corticosteroid injections: Pain caused by tendonitis may be significantly relieved with the use of steroid injections, but this type of medication should always be closely monitored by an orthopedic physician.

For expert diagnosis and treatment of your Achilles tendon injury, visit the office of Dr. Drew Stein, M.D. We specialize in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine in the NYC area. Contact us online or call (212) 398-2300.

New York Times: How Coffee Can Galvanize Your Workout

Want to learn how a cup coffee can affect your workout? Check out this recent article from the New York Times!

4 Sports Injuries that can be acquired from Overuse

Sports medicine doctors see overuse injuries every week. Injuries that are sustained from consistent use of a certain muscle group or portion of connective tissue are caused by degeneration of vital soft tissue structures within the body. These injuries begin to present minor irritation that does not prevent an athlete from continuing use, but as the injury goes unaddressed it will cause more pain and soreness. Here are some of the most commonly seen injuries for athletes:

1. Tendonitis: Tendons are the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to the bone. In areas where consistent strenuous movement takes place during physical activity, these connective tissues can become worn and inflamed. Common sites for tendonitis are the rotator cuff, the heel, and the wrist. Physical therapy is usually the best route for treating these issues.
    
2. Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow: These injuries affect the same muscle on opposite sides of the bone in the elbow. As the arm is extended in a tennis or golf swing, pressure is put on the muscle causing the tissue to weaken and tear. Non-surgical treatment is often effective, but the patient should be monitored in the long-term to prevent further damage.
    
3. Back Injury: There are many complex structures found in the back, and many of them can be irritated by repetitive movements that put pressure on specific areas—commonly the lower back and the neck. Persistent back pain should be brought to the attention of an orthopedic specialist for specific diagnosis, but the cause could range from narrowing of the spinal canal to rupture of a disc.
    
4. Bone Spurs: Repeated stress in any given area can put pressure on the skeleton and cause extra growth of bony mass called bone spurs. In some areas they are completely unnoticeable, but in the shoulder, neck or ankle these spurs can cause extreme pain and difficulty moving comfortably.

Dr. Drew Stein can help you stay in your best physical condition with comprehensive orthopedic treatment including physical therapy and surgery. Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific sports injuries on our website or call (212) 398-2300.

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