Affordable Sports Medicine Doctor Serving Orange County

Sports Doctor - November 5, 2016

Affordable sports medicine helps you focus on your recovery. You must seek treatment for an athletic injury from an experienced sports medicine doctor who has received specialized training. Dr. Howard Marans of OCOrthopedic+ is an affordable sports medicine doctor who accepts most health insurance plans. Sports medicine is a specialty of practice beyond traditional musculskeletal healing.

Affordable Sports Medicine Doctor in Orange County

The goal of a sports medicine doctor is to treat your injury, return you to activity as soon as possible, and educate you in preventing future injuries. When you are injured, one of your biggest concerns might be the cost of treatment for your injury. You need an affordable sports medicine doctor who will accept your insurance provider’s plan. Your insurance plan willreduce your out-of-pocket costs and lessen concerns about how you will pay for your injury.

Surgery is Not Always Needed

Most sports injuries do not require surgery. Dr. Marans takes a conservative approach to treating your injury whenever possible. Each patient is treated as an individual and the Doctor recognizes this by taking your individual needs and desired outcome in consideration when developing your treatment plans.

Dr. Marans also focuses on:

Guiding you through your recovery and monitoring your progress in physical therapy
Educating you on preventing a reoccurrence your injury or new injuries
Monitoring your progress as you return to your sport or activity
Helping you improve your performance and meet your activity goals

Some Injuries Treated By Sports Medicine Doctors

Sprains
Strains
Dislocations
Overuse injuries, including tendonitis
Fractures and stress fractures
Rotator cuff injuries

When Your Only Option is Surgery

When conservative treatments fail or if surgery is needed, Dr. Marans is also a skilled orthopedic surgeon. Depending on your injury, you might be a candidate for arthroscopic surgery, which is usually performed on an outpatient setting. Dr. Marans also specializes in open/internal fixation surgery to stabilize complex fractures.

Experience and Reputation Count

Dr. Marans has treated hundreds of patients who participate in sports or just maintain an active lifestyle. The Doctor’s distinguished credentials include:

Graduate of the University of Toronto Medical School
Completion of University of Toronto Medical School’s Orthopedic Residency Program
Fellowship Training in the Knee and Shoulder from Toronto’s Orthopedic and Arthritic Hospital
SportsMed.SA from Royal Adelaide Hospital, South Australia

Sports Medicine Doctor in Orange County

Do not delay treatment of your sports injury. Dr. Howard Marans is an affordable sports medicine doctor treating patients throughout the Orange County area. To schedule your consultation, please click below or call 714.979.8981.

Tips for Preventing Recurrent Sports Injuries

Sports Injuries - November 1, 2016

Medical conditions occurring during athletic exercise are referred to as sports injuries. You do not need to be a professional athlete to suffer a sports injury. However, any injury that keeps you from doing the activities you enjoy can be very frustrating. What is even more frustrating is when you fall into a cycle of recurrent sports injuries causing you continual pain and affecting your ability to perform.

Common Recurrent Sports Injuries

Many reoccurring injuries can be prevented through proper treatment, training and addressing underlying causes. It is important to always remember that most injuries can be prevented by properly warming up before undertaking your physical activities.

Recurrent Ankle Sprains

You are at a higher risk of reinjuring your ankle if you have suffered a previous sprain.

When the initial injury occurred, your ankle become extremely swollen
You did not receive proper treatment or physical therapy for the previous injury
Your treatment included your ankle being in a cast and being on crutches for a prolonged time
Your ankle did not have enough time to heal before you returned to activity

When a recurrent ankle sprain does occur, it is possible that the ligaments in your ankle did not heal properly. A weakness in the surrounding muscles that provide support to your ankle may also be present.

A sports doctor such as Dr. Howard Marans will provide a thorough assessment to determine if there are underlying factors for recurrent injuries, such as:

Predisposing factors, such as flat feet or other abnormalities in the foot or ankle
Impaired function of your brain’s proprioceptive system
Inappropriate footwear or sports gear

Dr. Marans will determine the course of treatment, which may include exercises, surgical repair or physical therapy. To prevent further sports injuries from occurring, you may be advised in warmup techniques to improve the flexibility in your ankle and footwear or supports that will help provide stability.

Recurrent Hamstring Pain

Pain or tightness in the hamstring area in the back of the thigh does not always mean that you have a strain or tear. Discomfort in the hamstring area is usually caused by:

Overusing the hamstring because of poor core stability because your gluteal muscles are weak
Improper warmup or stretching of the hamstring
Pain stemming from a muscle, joint or disc injury in the back
Overuse of muscles in the back or pelvic area
Actual hamstring strain

After determining the underlying cause, Dr. Marans will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to loosen your hamstring area to prevent continued pain from pulling or tightening.

Treating Recurrent Sports Injuries

Dr. Howard Marans of OCOrthopedic+ has been treating recurrent sports injuries of Orange County athletes for over 20 years. If you suffer a sports injury, immediate treatment is key to returning you to your sport as quickly as possible and prevent future reinjury. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Marans, please click the icon below or call 714.979.8981.

Where to Find the Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Tustin, California

Orthopedic Surgeon - October 30, 2016

A top orthopedic surgeon will accurately diagnose your symptoms and provide you with the proper treatment. Specialized treatment will provide you with the best results regarding all musculoskeletal system illnesses. Top orthopedic surgeons will be able to provide you with the guidance you need in choosing from a variety of surgery options. Getting medical attention from an orthopedic surgeon will aid in relieving pain from a variety of injuries and medical conditions.

Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Tustin, California

Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic+ is one of the best surgeons in the area for many reasons. Dr. Marans has a consistent twenty year practice in the same location. The Doctor’s reputation speaks volumes as a professional and a member of the community. The reasons for his top rated reviews go beyond his credentials as a surgeon.

Dr. Marans’ stellar credentials include:

Masters of Science, Orthopedic Research – University of Toronto
Medical School – University of Toronto
Orthopedic Residency – University of Toronto
Knee and Shoulder Fellowship – Orthopedic & Arthritic Hospital – Toronto
SportsMed.SA & the Royal Adelaide Hospital – Adelaide South Australia

Dr. Howard Marans strives to help every patient regain their strength after arthroscopic surgery. He is prepared to help you return to a healthy regime with his successful treatment plans. The Doctor will help inform and reassure you about the choices you make regarding your health.

OC Orthopedic+ is comprised of a supportive and kind staff helping patients feel less overwhelmed by their condition and treatment needs.

Patients at OC Orthopedic+ are always seen within a reasonable amount of time to properly deal with traumatic injuries quickly. Every patient’s time is valued during appointments.

Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Tustin

With over two decades of experience in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Howard Marans is renowned as a highly skilled surgeon practicing in the Tustin area. The Doctor’s approach to treatment of any condition or injury focuses on catering to the personal needs of each individual patient to ensure a lasting recovery.

Dr. Howard Marans is highly qualified to address every patient’s treatment needs. To schedule your consultation with a top orthopedic surgeon, click the icon below and enter your information online – or – call 714.979.8981.

Top Reviewed Knee Specialist in Orange County, CA

Knee Specialist - October 26, 2016

Your knee is the largest joint in your body and one of the most complex. Any injury to your knee can threaten its stability, which makes your entire body more vulnerable. An injury to a single knee component can cause it to give out and possibly injure another part of your body in the process.

Knee Specialist in Orange County

Obtaining immediate medical attention for a knee injury is vital to preventing additional damage from occurring. It gives you the best possibility to returning to your normal activities as soon as possible.

Anatomy of the Knee

The structure of your knee is comprised of four main parts:

1. Bones that provide stability, flexibility, and strength to the knee.

Tibia – known as the shin bone, two pieces of cartilage reside on the flat areas on the tibia
Fibula – a thin bone in your lower leg that runs along the tibia
Femur – known as the thigh bone, the femur is the strongest, longest and largest bone in your body
Patella – triangular, flat bone that moves when your leg moves. The patella protects the knee joint and relieves friction between muscles and bones when bending or straightening your knee.

2. Cartilage acts as a shock absorber within your knee. It’s a stiff, but flexible tissue that does not heal well on its own.

Medial meniscus – cartilage that is attached to the tibia on the inside of your knee
Lateral meniscus – cartilage that is attached to the tibia on the outside of your knee
Articular cartilage – cartilage that covers the ends of the femur and tibia and the back surface of the patella. With the aid of synovial fluid, the cartilage is kept smooth and slippery to reduce friction on the bones.

3. Ligaments connect bones together and help stabilize the knee.

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) – attaches the medial side of the tibia to the medial side of the femur and controls your knee’s sideways motion
Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) – attaches the lateral side of the fibula to the lateral side of the femur and controls your knee’s sideways motion
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) – attaches the femur and tibia to the center of your knee and controls rotation and forward motion
Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) – attaches the femur to the tibia and controls backwards motion
Patellar ligament – attaches the tibia to the kneecap

4. Tendons connect muscles to the bone and work to stabilize the knee.

Quadriceps – connects the quadriceps muscles to the kneecap and allows for straightening the knee
Patellar – technically considered a ligament, this tendon connects the kneecap to the tibia

Top Knee Specialist in Orange County

Many things can go wrong with your knee. For knee injuries, you want a top knee specialist. Dr. Howard Marans is a fellowship-trained knee specialist in Orange County with over 20 years of experience in repairing knee injuries. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

How To Properly Treat That Painful Elbow Arthritis

Arthritis Treatment - October 22, 2016

When the surface of the cartilage in your elbow is damaged or has become worn down, you may develop osteoarthritis of the elbow. This is often a result of having a previous elbow injury such as a fracture or a dislocation. Arthritis may also set into the elbow joint because of age-related degeneration of the cartilage.

Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis in your elbow can be painful, but relief is available through proper treatment.

Signs You May Need Arthritis Treatment

A variety of symptoms may occur with elbow arthritis. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Pain in your elbow
Stiffness in the elbow joint
Limited range of motion in your elbow
Scraping or grating sensation in elbow
Locking or instability of your elbow
Swelling in the elbow

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you should seek arthritis treatment to prevent further damage from occurring to your elbow.

Nonsurgical Options for Elbow Arthritis

Most orthopedic surgeons will start by taking a conservative approach to treat your elbow arthritis. The surgeon will develop a treatment plan based on several factors, including:

Prior injuries to your elbow
Your current health status
Amount of joint deterioration
Results from X-rays or MRIs

If your elbow arthritis is at an early stage or appears treatable through nonsurgical methods, the orthopedic surgeon will advise treatments to reduce your pain and inflammation.

Treatments may include:

Resting your elbow and avoiding activities that cause discomfort
Using ice packs to reduce swelling and numb pain in the elbow
Placing heat packs on your elbow to improve circulation, soothe pain and relieve stiffness
Taking NSAIDs over the counter medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
Physical therapy to help improve and maintain your elbow’s range of motion and strengthen your arm

Surgery to Treat Your Elbow Arthritis

When nonsurgical interventions fail to relieve your elbow pain, it may be time to consider surgery. The type of surgery that will be recommended will be based on the amount of damage in your elbow.

If there is limited damage, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend arthroscopy to remove the damaged cartilage or any loose pieces of cartilage or bone that may be present. In some instances, bone spurs may have developed in the elbow joint and can be removed through arthroscopic surgery. With arthroscopy, you will have smaller incisions and a shorter recovery period than traditional surgery.

If the arthritis damage to your elbow is advanced, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery to replace your elbow joint. This surgical option can provide a dramatic improvement in restoring function and eliminated pain in your elbow.

Orthopedic Surgeon for Arthritis Treatment

Dr. Howard Marans of OCOrthopedic+ has treated patients throughout Orange County for over two decades. The Doctor will develop a treatment plan to treat your painful elbow arthritis that best fits your needs. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Where is the Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Huntington Beach?

Orthopedic Surgeon - October 18, 2016

An orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor specializing in treating injuries and diseases effecting the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes your bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints, and nerves. Injuries treated by an orthopedic surgeon do not always require surgery.

Orthopedic Surgeon

Whenever possible, a conservative, non-surgical treatment approach is taken to heal or correct the injury or problem. However, when surgery is recommended, the best orthopedic surgeon will recommend options based on our particular surgery and rehabilitation needs.

Injuries and Conditions

An orthopedic surgeon can treat a wide range of injuries. From a simple sprained ankle to a complex joint replacement surgery.

Injuries that an orthopedic surgeon would treat include:

Broken bones
Shoulder injuries, including torn rotator cuff or impingement syndrome
Knee injuries, including torn meniscus or ACL
Sprains and strains
Tendonitis and bursitis, including infections in the bursa
Repetitive stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome
Spine injuries, including herniated or bulging discs
Degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis

Sometimes you might not be aware that you have a specific injury or condition. However, you should seek medical assistance from an orthopedic surgeon if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

Difficulty with normal daily activities, i.e. going up and down stairs or carrying groceries from your car
Persistent pain in joints, muscles or bones
Bruising or swelling around a joint
Joint pain that increases while resting
Inflammation, heat or redness in joint area, which may also be accompanied by a fever

Surgeries an Orthopedic Surgeon Performs

When non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief, your orthopedic surgeon might recommend surgery to relieve your pain and restore proper function to the injured area. For an injury such as a torn ligament, torn meniscus or torn rotator cuff, your surgeon may be able to perform arthroscopy to make needed repairs.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that requires one or more small incisions. The surgeon will insert a tiny camera to view the injured area and make the repairs through the incisions. This type of surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis and provides a quicker recovery.

Some surgeries, including joint replacements or complex bone fractures, require traditional open surgeries. In the event a broken bone requires stabilization, an open reduction/internal fixation surgery might be performed.

Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Huntington Beach

When searching for the best orthopedic surgeon in Huntington Beach, Dr. Howard Marans is the choice to make. The Doctor has over two decades of experience treating orthopedic injuries and performing surgeries for patients in the Huntington Beach area. Please click below to schedule your consultation – or – call 714.979.8981.

Where to Go for Orthopedic Surgery in Fountain Valley, CA

Tustin, CA Orthopedic Surgeon Locations

Orthopedic Surgeon - October 10, 2016

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Dr Marans MD

Orthopedics is specialized area of medicine treating injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. At one time, orthopedic surgeons focused mainly on caring for children suffering from spine and limb deformities, such as clubfoot or scoliosis. Today, the field of orthopedics focuses on patients of all ages from newborns to the elderly.

Orthopedic Surgeon in Tustin, CA

If you are one of the more than 28 million Americans who suffers from some type of orthopedic injury or disorder, you might need to see an orthopedic surgeon. You might be advised to see one by your primary physician or after being treated for a fracture or dislocation in an emergency room. It is also a good idea to see an orthopedic surgeon if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:

Pain in your leg, arm, back, or neck that interferes with your normal daily activities, including climbing stairs or carrying groceries in from your car
Persistent pain in your joints, muscles, or tendons lingering for several days
Joint pain that increases while resting or sleeping
Injuries where there is swelling or bruising around a joint
Reduced range of motion, such as being unable to bend your knee or straighten your back
Heat, inflammation, or redness coming from injured area, which could be a sign of infection

Treatment from an Orthopedic Surgeon

The term orthopedic surgeon can be misleading because not all treatments performed by an orthopedic surgeon actually involve surgery. Often, surgery can be avoided through a conservative, non-surgical approach for many injuries, including:

Sprains and strains
Closed fractures
Dislocations
Repetitive stress injuries
Torn ligaments
Osteoarthritis

After your injury has been evaluated and diagnosed, your orthopedic treatment may include:

Rest and avoidance of activities that cause pain
Heat/ice therapy to reduce swelling, pain, and increase circulation to the injured area
NSAIDs or pain medication to reduce inflammation and control pain
Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and maintain or improve range of motion

Surgeries Performed by an Orthopedic Surgeon

If conservative treatments are not likely to fix your orthopedic problem, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery technique where one or more small incisions are made to accommodate a small camera and surgical tools to repair injuries.

Meniscal or ligament tears to the knee
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingement syndrome
Herniated discs, bone spurs, or other spine conditions

Open reduction or internal fixation surgery is recommended for bone fractures requiring stabilization using implants including plates, screws, rods, or pins.

Leading Orthopedic Surgeon in Tustin

Dr. Howard Marans is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon who has served patients in the Tustin, California area for over 20 years. OCOrthopedic+ accepts most insurance plans and Dr. Marans’ new patients are often seen on the day they call.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Howard Marans, please click the icon below and enter your information online – or – call 714.979.8981.

Huntington Beach Orthopedic Surgeon Locations

Orthopedic Surgeon - October 6, 2016

When unexpected injuries and accidents happen in life, you never know when you or someone in your family may need to be treated by an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Howard Marans of OCOrthopedic+ serves patients in over 20+ cities throughout Southern California – including Huntington Beach.

Orthopedic Surgeon in Huntington Beach

Dr. Marans is renowned throughout Orange County for successfully treating injuries and conditions affecting your body’s musculoskeletal system. Your musculoskeletal system is a complex system that includes:

Bones
Joints
Muscles
Ligaments
Tendons
Nerves

When there is an injury or a condition interfering with the musculoskeletal system’s inner workings, it can be difficult to function normally.

How an Orthopedic Surgeon in Huntington Beach Can Help

After an injury, it may be recommended that you follow up with an orthopedic surgeon for further treatment. An orthopedic surgeon, such as Dr. Howard Marans of OCOrthopedic+ in Huntington Beach, will provide care for orthopedic injuries or conditions by:

Diagnosing the injury or condition through physical examination, reviewing your medical history,y and ordering diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRIs
Creating a treatment plan that may include a combination of rest, physical therapy, NSAIDs or pain medications, or in some cases, surgery
Providing you with information to help you prevent further injury or to slow the progression of your condition, such as arthritis or other degenerative conditions

Orthopedic Injuries and Conditions Treated

Dr. Marans is a whole care orthopedic care provider, rendering treatment for most injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including:

Sprains
Strains
Excessive use injuries
Repetitive injuries
Fractures
Torn ligaments
Torn tendons
Dislocations
Degenerative conditions

Many injuries and conditions can be treated with a conservative, non-surgical approach. However, when surgery is needed, Dr. Marans can provide you with the best surgical options, including arthroscopy surgery and open reduction – internal fixation surgery.

Extensive Education and Training

An orthopedic surgeon is better qualified to diagnose and treat injuries and conditions that affect your musculoskeletal system. They have received extensive training and have usually completed up to 14 years of post-secondary education to become an orthopedic surgeon.

Dr. Marans’ distinguished education and training includes:

University of Toronto – Masters of Science, Orthopedic Research
University of Toronto – Medical School
University of Toronto – Orthopedic Residency
Orthopedic & Arthritic Hospital, Toronto – Knee and Shoulder Fellowship
Adelaide South Australia – Royal Adelaide Hospital & SportsMed. SA

Centrally Located Orthopedic Surgeonurgeon

Dr. Howard Marans of OCOrthopedic+ serves more than 20 cities throughout Southern California. OCOrthopedic+ is centrally located in Orange County at11190 Warner Avenue #306 in Fountain Valley.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Howard Marans, please click the icon below and enter your information online – or – call 714.979.8981.

Best Treatments for Rotator Cuff Pain

Rotator Cuff Pain - October 2, 2016

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint allowing for the mobility of your arm. The rotator cuff, which is comprised of a group of four tendons and muscles covering the shoulder joint, helps keep your upper arm bone in your shoulder’s socket. When an injury has caused a tear to the rotator cuff, you are likely to experience pain and immobility.

Rotator Cuff Pain

Rotator cuff pain is accompanied by difficulty lifting your arm and using it normally. It is important to have your shoulder examined by an orthopedic surgeon to confirm whether a tear has occurred. Surgery may be required to relieve your pain and return you arm’s mobility.

Initial Appointment for Rotator Cuff Pain

During your first appointment, your orthopedic surgeon will examine your shoulder and observe your ability to move your arm in various directions. He will ask which movements are causing you pain to help pinpoint where the injury has occurred. The surgeon will usually order one or more diagnostic tests, including:

X-rays of your shoulder, including special views
MRI
Arthrogram with an X-ray or MRI where dye is injected into the shoulder joint to provide greater contrast
Arthroscopy that allows a view of the rotator cuff by inserting a tiny camera through a small incision in your shoulder

These tests will help rule out other injuries or conditions that may be causing your shoulder pain. If your surgeon orders an arthrogram or arthroscopy, he is often certain that you have a rotator cuff tear requiring surgery to repair.

Treatments for Rotator Cuff Pain

The good news is that not all rotator cuff tears require surgery. However, it is important to treat your pain and prevent further injury to the area. A conservative approach is often the best way to treat your rotator cuff pain.

Non-surgical treatments include:

Resting and keeping your shoulder elevated when sitting
Immobilizing your shoulder and arm with a sling
Taking NSAIDs for pain relief and inflammation
Icing your shoulder to numb pain and reduce swelling

Following exercises provided by your orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist to maintain range-of-motion and prevent additional muscle atrophy. When non-surgical options have not been successful in treating your rotator cuff pain, surgery to repair the tear may be recommended.

Depending upon the severity and location of the tear, your orthopedic surgeon will recommend one of the following procedures:

Arthroscopic surgery
Removal of bone spurs
Open tendon repair
Tendon transfer

The recovery process after surgery can be long. It is important to continue with physical therapy throughout the healing process to ensure a complete recovery.

Leading Doctor Treating Rotator Cuff Pain

Successful recovery from a torn rotator cuff requires the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon such as Dr. Howard Marans. With over two decades of experience treating patients, the Doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment for your rotator cuff pain.

Please click the icon below to schedule your consultation online – or – call 714.979.8981.

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