The Orthopedic Blog

Malibu’s Best Reviewed Orthopedic Specialists

Orthopedic Specialists

Seeking the best orthopedic specialists in Malibu is essential for a patient’s fast and complete recovery of injuries or other musculoskeletal issues. When searching for an orthopedic specialist, finding the right fit will help reduce anxieties and concerns surrounding the entire treatment process. The best reviewed orthopedic experts are the ones who will work with each patient in an individualized manner to achieve an optimal outcome.

Picking an Orthopedic Specialist

arm3The best way to find orthopedic specialists is by researching available options. The specialist may be recommended from the family doctor, friends, family members or other peer resources. Along with personal referrals and recommendations, use the Internet to search online review boards. Each referral, recommendation, and review will allow a potential patient to gain valuable insight into finding the best reviewed orthopedic specialist in the Malibu area. Different aspects of the orthopedic experts will help narrow down the search for the best choice.

  • Years of Practice– Orthopedic specialists must undergo extensive training focusing on the musculoskeletal system to become board certified. After the initial training, the best doctors will continue to learn new procedures and forms of treatment to give the patient optimal results. Finding an orthopedic specialist with a consistent practice and success rate will help in narrowing the choices.
  • Use of Non-Surgical Methods- Orthopedic specialists who use minimal invasive treatment methods helps a patient in many ways. The non-surgical methods are generally less expensive with reduced recovery time. Allowing patients to return to their favorite sports, health regiment or normal daily activities in a quicker manner.
  • Communication Skills- Orthopedic specialists are well-trained with numerous credentials and education to prove their success. The power of relatable communication is another essential aspect to being one of the top reviewed orthopedic experts in the area. The doctor should be able to explain each step of the treatment program in everyday language to reduce patient’s anxieties. The doctor should be willing to answer all questions and address concerns regarding the treatment program.
  • Types of Insurance Accepted- Along with all the personal and treatment attributes, top rated orthopedic specialists should be willing work with various health insurance plans, including PPO. Under many circumstances, if an orthopedic specialist is not within the health insurance coverage network, the out of pocket costs will be substantial. Medical insurance coverage is designed to help a patient achieve the highest level of care while avoiding an overwhelming financial burden.

In the Malibu area, Dr. Howard Marans has a consistent practice with other twenty years of experience. Dr. Marans strives for seeing his patients or potential new patients in the shortest amount of time possible. He understands being in pain due to a musculoskeletal issue needs fast, efficient care. Beginning with an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Marans will begin designing a treatment program specifically to the patient’s medical needs.

Contacting Orthopedic Specialists

Prior to executing the medical treatment program, Dr. Marans will give a complete explanation on the treatment process with expectations for an optimal outcome. He will take the time to answer all questions regarding the treatment process. Dr. Marans and his courteous staff accept PPO and will work with other insurances. While searching for Malibu top reviewed orthopedic specialists, please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Ankle and Knee Specialists in Huntington Beach

Knee Specialists

From walking to participating in sports, each day millions of people make the decision to be fit. The healthy choices may put extra strain on the body. When continuous joint pain or an injury occurs, the task of finding the right ankle and knee specialists may add to the frustration. An orthopedist treats issues dealing with the musculoskeletal system including, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. In Huntington Beach, finding the right ankle and knee specialists may take research.

Consult Health Insurance Representative

One of the biggest factors to consider when seeking ankle and knee specialists is the current health care provider. Each health insurance provider has different guidelines and rules for medical care. The health insurance representative will be able to send a potential patient a directory of available doctors within the Huntington Beach area.

The doctors within the health care network will accept the insurance for maximum coverage according to the policy’s guideline. Working with the health insurance provider will help in reducing the out of pocket costs for medical treatment. In some situations, surgery may cost thousands of dollars. Working with the health care provider is beneficial for both medical treatment and the final expenses.

Ask the Family Doctor

With the complete medical history, the family doctor is a major resource for recommending ankle and knee specialists. Ask for referrals based on the individualized issues. The family doctor or the courteous staff may be able to make the appointment with the specialist to help speed the process along.

Go to the Internet

The Internet is a valuable resource tool for finding ankle and knee specialist in the Huntington Beach area.

  • Read online review boards to find out how other patients with similar conditions viewed the doctor’s treatment and overall care approach.
  • Consult the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  • Check local resources and Huntington Beach directories.
  • Check the potential new doctors’ websites to see if new patients are being accepted.

Get Referrals

Under most circumstances, a person has already needed the expertise of knee and ankle specialists. Ask for referrals from friends, family members, co-workers and others. When seeking out names, find out why the doctor was the best for the treatment received. Each person will have reasons for picking the doctor of their choice. If one doctor does not work for the type of medical issue, a second opinion is available.

Huntington Beach Knee Specialists

In the Huntington Beach area, Dr. Howard Marans will work with each patient in an individualized manner to find the best treatment program for the current medical condition. Starting with an accurate diagnosis based on medical history, physical exam and testing, Dr. Marans will explain all medical treatments available with the desired outcome for each option.

In most cases, he will start with a non-surgical approach to allow a patient to return to normal, healthy activities with the shortest amount of recovery time. When the injury or disease is too severe, Dr. Marans will explain the need for surgery to correct the issue. Along with the expectations the procedure will provide in the treatment process.

Dr. Marans accepts PPO and works with other insurance companies to give each patient a chosen medical treatment program without creating a financial hardship. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981

 

Affordable and Effective Arthritis Treatment Options in Fountain Valley

Arthritis Treatment Options

In broad terms, arthritis is the inflammation of one or more of the joints within the human body. Every day, thousands of people of all ages experience pain and stiffness due to the degenerative effects of arthritis. In general as a person ages, the pain associated with arthritis may increase due to the simple wear and tear on the human body.

Beginning with an accurate diagnosis from a Fountain Valley orthopedic expert, arthritis treatment options will vary with each patient. Depending on the degree of degeneration, affordable and effective non-surgical methods may be enough to combat the symptoms of the disease to allow a patient resume normal daily activities.

Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment Options

arthritis-pain-hand-caIn Fountain Valley, seeking the expert knowledge of an orthopedic doctor will help find the best type of arthritis treatment options for the best price. The orthopedic doctor will begin with a complete medical history, physical examination, and testing to determine if the symptoms are related to arthritis. After a precise diagnosis, the doctor will design an effective program and explain the desired expectations for the various non-surgical arthritis treatment options.

  • Maintain a healthy weight; losing the extra pounds will help reduce the stress on the joints. Working to stay in good physical condition will be more helpful in the long term as the degenerative disease slowly progresses.
  • Strength training and low impact exercises will help in reducing symptoms while increasing flexibility and range of motion. For example, numerous arthritis sufferers opt to use swim exercise programs to help get the most out of a workout with limited impact on the joints.
  • Physical therapy may be ordered by the orthopedic specialist to help restore range of movement. The sessions will use stretching exercises to help with everyday activities, including walking, sitting, climbing small sets of stairs and much more.
  • Corticosteroid medication or injections to help reduce inflammation which will reduce the pain of the joints.
  • Over the counter or prescribed pain medications to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
  • The use of a brace or splint to give extra support when symptoms are overwhelming.
  • Walking with a cane for added support during daily activities
  • Hot or cold compresses to ease symptoms, including pain and inflammation

Surgery

After all the non-surgical arthritis treatment options have been exhausted, surgery may be the next step in the treatment program. Surgery may involve replacing the entire joint with a prosthetic one or alignment of the existing joint for better range of movement. The types of surgical arthritis treatment options usually fall into one of four categories.

  • Arthroscopy is a medical procedure where small incisions are made around the diseased joint. Inserting small instruments in the incisions allow for removal of pieces of bone, cartilage or tissue away from the joint to reduce symptoms.
  • Arthroplasty is a total joint replacement.
  • Joint fusion removes the joint completely to fuse the bones together.
  • Osteotomy is a surgery designed to preserve the joints by cutting a section of the bone.

Arthritis Treatment Options

With the various arthritis treatment options available, Dr. Howard Marans will individually work with each patient to achieve an optimal outcome. Dr. Marans accepts various insurances including PPO to provide the highest level of care without creating a financial hardship for the patient. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

 

What Does Tennis Elbow Treatment Usually Cost?

Tennis Elbow Treatment Cost

Tennis elbow is a medical condition creating pain and soreness around the outer part of the elbow. Repetitive motion is generally the cause of the damage to the tendons which attach the forearm and elbow muscles. Tennis elbow treatment cost will vary with each individual. From the type of treatment to the degree of damage, numerous factors need to be considered.

Non-Surgical Approach

The biggest factor to consider when estimating tennis elbow treatment cost is the type and coverage amount of the primary health care provider. Health insurance coverage is different with each individual patient. Depending on the type of coverage, co-pays and deductibles, health insurance will lower the amount of out of pocket costs for both surgical and non-surgical treatment methods.

Under most circumstances, using non-surgical methods is less expensive with a faster recovery rate. The non-surgical treatment approach has a high success rate with a majority of tennis elbow sufferers.

  • Rest of the injured area is the least expensive way to help combat the symptoms of tennis elbow. By reducing activities or participating in sports, the elbow will have a chance to heal.
  • Applying ice packs to the elbow to help reduce swelling and pain may be done at minimal costs.
  • Another form of low-end tennis elbow treatment cost is the use of pain relievers. Pain medication may be purchased over the counter or by a prescription to help reduce symptoms associated with tennis elbow.
  • Brace or other support aids are a lower tennis elbow treatment cost. In some cases, the cost is under $25.
  • Cortisone injections to help reduce swelling and elevate pain are an effective method to treating tennis elbow with the minimum cost involved.
  • Physical therapy is one of the higher non-surgical treatment cost for tennis elbow. Each session may run an uninsured patient over a $100. When four or five weeks of sessions are ordered, this form of tennis elbow treatment cost can add up quickly. The benefits often outweigh the costs by helping a patient reduce the painful symptoms and help restore range of movement.

Surgical Approach

When non-surgical methods fail to yield the desired results, surgery may be the next step in the treatment process. Depending on the type of health insurance coverage, surgery the tennis elbow treatment cost may be in thousands of dollars. Arthroscopy and open surgery are usually the two methods used to fix issues associated with tennis elbow. With most patients, the surgery for tennis elbow involves one of the following:

  • The removal of inflamed tissue away from the tendon
  • Providing a release for the tendon through an incision
  • Repairing the tear in the tendons

Treatment Cost Tennis Elbow

The surgical method used to correct the medical issue depends on the degree of injury. When arthroscopy is used, the total cost may be lower than with traditional open surgery. If the surgery option requires the use of an anesthesiologist, the tennis elbow treatment cost will increase and an overnight stay in the hospital may need to be factored into the final expense.

The best way to determine tennis elbow treatment cost is to begin with an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Howard Marans will give a patient a complete explanation of the all available treatments with desired expectations for each approach. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

 

Where to Go for Sports Medicine Help in Orange County

Orange County Sports Medicine

Every day, thousands of people participate in sports related activities on various levels. From amateur leagues to paid professionals, sports provide individuals with numerous health benefits, including physical activity, self-worth and a defense against diseases. Along with the health benefits, one of the main negative attributes is a higher risk of injury or other orthopedic related issues. Dr. Marans <http://www.ocorthopedic.com> is a leading Orange County sports medicine doctor who works in a timely manner to return an athlete back to the chosen, active lifestyle.

Understanding Athletes Needs

A person who engages in an active lifestyle by engaging in sports has different medical needs. Dr. Howard Marans understands and practices the concept that all athletes need to be treated on an individual basis. Individualized treatment helps to achieve an optimal outcome for current health issues and concerns.

  • Athletes want to return to their chosen sports with the shortest amount of recovery time
  • Athletes may experience injuries during extensive training routines
  • Athletes desire to remain in top physical form even when injured
  • Restoring range of movement back to the injured area is critical to sports participation

Non-Invasive Treatment Options

kneeDr. Marans begins each treatment program by determining an accurate diagnosis based on medical history, physical examination, and various testing methods. The Orange County sports medicine expert may begin a treatment program with non-invasive methods. In numerous cases, rest and education about how the body reacts to specific activities will reduce or eliminate the symptoms. Other non-invasive treatment methods may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs may be over the counter or prescribed to help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
  • The use of a brace, sling, or other support aid to keep the injured area immobilized.
  • Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises to help the injured area slowly go back to a normal state. The exercises will improve strength and flexibility while promoting the overall healing process.
  • Cold and heat packs may be used separately or by altering between the two. In general, the packs are placed on the injured area for 20 minutes every two to three hours or as directed by the health care professional.

Surgery

When all other options have been exhausted or the damage is too severe, surgery may be needed to restore function. Under most circumstances, surgery may fall into one of two categories.

  • Arthroscopy is performed by making small incisions around the injured area to repair damage with the use of small surgical instruments. Arthroscopy is less invasive with a shorter amount of recovery time.
  • Open surgery requires the Orange County sports medicine expert to make a larger incision. Open surgery allows the orthopedic surgeon to gain direct access of the injury. The process may be more extensive requiring a hospital stay and a longer require time.

Sports Medicine Orange County

Each individual will have different concerns and questions involving all the different type of treatment options available. Dr. Howard Marans, an Orange County sports medicine expert understands the anxieties involving a sports injury and the desire to return to an active lifestyle in the shortest amount of recovery time. To have all questions and concerns addressed, please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

 

Fountain Valley’s Best Orthopedic Specialists for Athletes

Orthopedic Surgeon Fountain Valley

Fountain Valley orthopedic specialists understand the medical issues concerning athletes. Participating in sports on any level provides a person with a healthy lifestyle. Athletes understand a few aches and pains are just part of the rigorous training program. The problem arises when discomforts fail to go away. Seeking one the expert knowledge of one of the Fountain Valley orthopedic specialists should be the next step.

What is a Sports Injury?

From playing league sports to exercise routines, numerous athletes are at risk for an injury. An athlete may receive an injury due to various reasons, including:

  • Accidents
  • Poor training programs
  • Failure to properly warm up with stretching prior to participation
  • Improper fitting or absence of sports gear

Prior to participation in an exercise training program or sports, obtain knowledge of proper training to help avoid injuries.

Types of Injuries: Acute and Chronic

Fountain Valley orthopedic specialists handle all types of athletic injuries and concerns. An injury may be acute or chronic depending on varying factors.

Acute or Sudden Injuries

An acute injury may happen suddenly with the body providing an immediate response to the action.

  • Pain is usually the first indicator of a distress to the body. The pain is often sudden and severe creating a need for immediate attention.
  • Inflammation, bruising and swelling of the injured area
  • Inability to move joints creating a limited range of motion in the limbs
  • A deformity over the injured area signaling a broken bone or dislocation

Chronic Injuries

Chronic injuries occur over a period of time. The receptiveness of a sport or general wear and tear on the body may be the cause of chronic injuries.

  • Pain or a dull ache while participating in a sport or exercise routine
  • Swelling of the joints
  • An ache while resting or sleeping

anthroscopicThe human body will give indicators when the time for professional help from Fountain Valley orthopedic specialists is needed. Severe pain, swelling and the inability to put pressure on the area are strong warning signs a doctor specializing in athletic injuries is needed immediately.

R.I.C.E

Depending on the severity of the injury, Fountain Valley orthopedic specialists will either begin with a non-surgical treatment method or surgery. With some injuries, the application of R.I.C.E may be enough to provide relief from painful symptoms.

  • Rest- During times of injury, the body needs to rest to help the healing process. Limiting activities and reducing movement of the injured area will help a person return to a normal, active lifestyle.
  • Ice- Apply ice packs to an injured area for 20 minutes every two to three hours or as directed by a healthcare professional will help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
  • Compression-With the use of elastic bandages or other support aid, compression may keep swelling down in the injured areas.
  • Elevation-Keeping the injured area propped up will help reduce swelling. The best way to do this practice is while resting and applying ice.

Over the counter or prescribed pain medications may also be used to help reduce symptoms relating to an injury.

Seeking the expert advice from one of the leading Fountain Valley orthopedic specialists, Dr. Howard Marans will allow an athlete to return to the desired activity with the shortest amount of recovery time. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

 

Orange County Orthopaedics – What Makes Dr. Marans the Best Orthopedic Surgeon

Orange County Orthopaedics

The decision to have any type of surgery can be an emotional thought provoking process. A feeling of nervousness and anxiety often helps fuel the decision to visit a doctor. An orthopedic surgeon can help correct any issue related to the musculoskeletal system. Finding the best surgeon helps in making the decision process easier. Dr. Howard Marans an Orange County orthopedics is listed as one of the best surgeons in the area for many reasons.

Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Orange County

The Top Reasons to Pick Dr. Marans

Dr. Marans has a consistent twenty year practice in the same location. His 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.

1. Value of Time

Dr. Marans values the patient’s time. He commits to seeing a potential or returning patient as soon as possible. When an appointment is made, he accepts to see the patient in the practice within one or two days. The value of time is used at the office too. He understands sitting for a long period of time may make the pain of an injury or degenerative disease worse. He keeps all waiting times down to a minimum.

internal bone fracture

Dr Marans MD

If he knows the patient has been injured, Dr. Marans will do his best to see the individual on the same day. He understands, no one wants to be in pain while waiting to see a qualified Orange County orthopedics. He is committed to providing the best health care results for each patient.

2. Each Person is Unique

Dr. Marans understands each person’s health circumstance is unique. He does not believe in treating two patients in the same manner. Dr. Marans gives each person specialized individual attention based on their current health care needs. The first consultation is designed to help ease the patient’s concern and address questions.

3. Accurate Diagnosis

Dr. Marans believes in giving an accurate diagnosis based on each individual’s situation. The accurate diagnosis will be obtained through a complete medical history, x-rays, MRI’s and other testing to help pinpoint the exact nature of the health concern. By receiving an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Marans can provide a variety of treatment options for an optimal outcome.

4. Treatment Programs

If the injury or degenerative disease is not severe, Dr. Marans may implement a variety of non-surgical approaches to help ease the symptoms of the health care concern. By providing an accurate diagnosis from the start, he can create a treatment program to help maximize the healing process. When all the non-surgical options have been exhausted, Dr. Marans will proceed with best surgical option to fix the problem.

The decision to see Orange County orthopedics professional is to address current health care concerns. Beginning with an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Howard Marans will help return a patient back to a normal healthy lifestyle. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981

5 Things You Should Know About Shoulder Impingement Surgery

Shoulder Impingement Surgery

One of the most common causes of shoulder pain is shoulder impingement syndrome. The cause of the pain generates from an inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons narrowing the space between acromion. With each shoulder movement, the narrowing space becomes irritated and inflamed which generates pain. Along with the pain, limited range of movement and weakness often occurs which effects normal daily routines.

In many cases, shoulder impingement surgery may be the only way to eliminate the pain and other symptoms. Starting with an accurate diagnosis, a highly qualified orthopedic surgeon will approach each person’s shoulder impingement in an individualized manner. Consider these five aspects of shoulder impingement surgery.

5 Things about Shoulder Impingement Surgery

1. Prior to shoulder impingement surgery, the doctor will often try non-surgical methods, including rest, physical therapy, cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications to help relieve the symptoms.

2. The shoulder impingement is assigned a grade based on symptoms, physical exam and multiple tests. The shoulder impingement surgery is generally not an option until a patient has experienced symptoms for at least six months.

  • Grade I refers to the inflammation of the shoulder’s tendons and bursa sac. The inflammation limits the space under the acromion. As the bursa sac continues to swell, pain will be more noticeable.
  • Grade II has the bursa sac beginning fill more with fluid and scarring will occur. The bursa sac will create a dull ache and limit movement.
  • Grade III occurs when the rotator cuff tears or has degenerated.

3. Shoulder impingement surgery is done as an outpatient procedure. An overnight stay in the hospital is not required.

4. Shoulder impingement surgery is generally performed with one of two techniques to help create more space for the restore space for the rotator cuff to function properly.

  • Arthroscopy technique is done by inserting surgical instruments through tiny incisions around the shoulder area. The orthopedic surgeon will use a scope to help perform the procedure to remove the bursa sac or repair the damaged area.
  • Open surgery is performed by creating an incision along the front of the shoulder to allow the surgeon to view the damaged area. The open surgery option is usually performed on patients with severe damage or degeneration.

5. Shoulder impingement surgery requires a fair amount of recovery time to allow the newly attached tendons to heal properly to the bone.ACL surgery

  • For approximately six weeks, the shoulder will be immobilized as much as possible to help protect the surgical area and promote the healing process.
  • Physical therapy is used to help rebuild strength and regain full range of movement.
  • Recovery time may take six months or in some cases over a year.

What To Know About Shoulder Impingement Surgery

In California, Dr. Howard Marans can answer all questions concerning any type of shoulder surgery. Dr. Marans strives to give each patient an individualized, complete explanation of all the treatment options including surgery prior to proceeding. He will go over the expectations and the desired outcome of each procedure.

Being in the same location for over 20 years, Dr. Marans understands the need to get back to a normal active lifestyle. He accepts PPO and will work with other insurance companies to give each patient the highest level of care without creating a financial burden. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

 

What Will Surgery for a Torn MCL Cost?

Surgery For A Torn MCL

In general, a knee injury creates pain and reduces range of movement. Each knee injury is different based on the person’s health, degree of damage, and various other factors. Receiving an accurate diagnosis from an orthopedic surgeon will help determine if surgery for a torn MCL is necessary.

The out of pocket costs may be difficult to estimate. Each individual will have different aspects to consider that will affect the final payment. The amount of health insurance coverage is the major contributor in the treatment program costs.

What is a Torn MCL?

An injury due to bending or changing directions can create a rip or tear in the medial collateral ligament or MCL. The MCL is located on the inner side of the knee; connecting the thigh bone and the lower leg together. When the knee is injured, the MCL can rip or tear creating a need for treatment. Depending on the degree of injury, each treatment option will have specific costs.

Non-Surgical Treatment Methods

The less expensive and least invasive treatment for a torn MCL is the non-surgical approach. In some cases, the non-surgical methods are all that is needed to heal.

  • Protect the injured area by using a brace or other support agent to help keep the knee from moving. Continually moving the knee will create further damage and lengthen the recovery time.
  • Use a set of crutches to help keep weight off from the injured knee.
  • Apply ice to the area to help reduce any swelling and pain. Unless directed otherwise by a health care professional, the ice can be placed on the knee for a length of 15 minutes every three hours.
  • Apply compression to help reduce swelling through the use of an elastic bandage.
  • Elevation of the knee area can help reduce swelling and allow for fluid to drain properly.
  • Physical therapy or exercises may be prescribed as a way to restore strength back to the knee area.

Surgery for a Torn MCL

anthroscopicAfter receiving an accurate diagnosis, surgery for a torn MCL may be the only option. If the MCL is torn completely, surgery is the only way to repair the painful damage. The cost of surgery for a torn MCL is determined by different variables.

  • Health care coverage is the primary variable in determining costs. Deductibles and co-pays are usually the out of pocket costs for a patient with significant coverage. Each health insurance policy is different; checking with the provider will help in estimating a total. A person with no coverage can pay over $20,000 for surgery for a torn MCL.
  • Degree of injury is another factor in costs. The higher amount of damage will usually raise the amounts of co-pays, deductibles or percentage of coverage.
  • The surgeon is out of the health care network. Everyone wants the best possible care when dealing with a long lasting injury that can affect the overall stability of the knee.

Torn MCL Surgery Costs

The costs for surgery for a torn MCL may seem high. However, finding the best treatment for the injury is vital for returning to a healthy lifestyle. An experienced surgeon, Dr. Howard Marans will accept PPO and will work with other insurance develop a treatment program without creating financial hardship for the patient. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Where Should I Go for Shoulder Pain Management in Fountain Valley?

Shoulder Pain Management

In Fountain Valley, finding the best doctor to help with shoulder pain management will take some research. Ask for referrals, research online reviews, speak to the health insurance representative or get a recommendation from a family doctor. Each option will produce the best choice.

Allowing for a wide range of movement, the shoulder consists of two main bones the scapula and the humerus with a connecting flexible joint. Arthritis and various shoulder injuries, including a torn rotator cuff or impingement syndrome may cause pain and limit range of motion. Using different shoulder pain management techniques may help in alleviating the symptoms.

Diagnosis

Before implementing a shoulder pain management routine, an accurate diagnosis should be the first step. Pain may be an indicator of a larger problem, including pinched or damaged nerves, a bone fracture, and numerous other related joint disorders. In Fountain Valley, in order to receive an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will usually begin with a physical exam followed by testing.

  • X-rays to determine if the shoulder area has fractures, a tumor or arthritis
  • MRI to help in diagnosis any types of problems with nerves, tendons or ligaments
  • Electrodiagnostic study may be implemented if the shoulder pain is combined with numbness and tingling

Non-Surgical Shoulder Pain Management

Unless the damage is too severe, the best Fountain Valley doctor will begin with non-surgical options to help with the overall healing process. In many cases a non-surgical shoulder pain management treatment program is enough to ease the symptoms of pain and discomfort.

  • Rest and avoiding any activities that contribute to the stress or adds pressure to the shoulder.
  • Ice packs to help reduce swelling and pain may usually be applied in 20-30 minute intervals every 3-4 hours or as directed by a health care professional.
  • Heat may also be applied to help ease the pain in the muscles
  • Anti-inflammatory medications with or without a prescription may help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Corticosteroids may be administered through injection. The medicine will go directly into the joint area aiding in reducing inflammation.
  • Topical creams with an analgesic to help ease the pain
  • Physical therapy exercises to help strengthen muscles to ease the pain

Surgery

shoulder-surgery-caWhen conventional approaches fail, surgery may be the next step in the shoulder pain management treatment options. The type and invasiveness of the surgery depends on the problem. In most cases, shoulder surgery will be conducted in one of the two major methods.

  • Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive with small incisions made to fix joint damage. The recovery time is less with this option, getting a patient back to a normal daily routine in a faster manner.
  • Open surgery is often implemented in more severe cases where the orthopedic surgeon needs a better view of the damaged area. Open surgery has a longer healing and recovery process.

Fountain Valley Shoulder Pain Management

Under some circumstances, physical therapy may also be prescribed after surgery to help regain strength and flexibility in the shoulder area.

In Fountain Valley, Dr. Howard Marans can guide a potential new patient through all the various shoulder pain management options to achieve an optimal outcome. He accepts PPO and will work with other insurance companies to give the highest level of care without creating a financial burden. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

 

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