Long-Term Injuries

When your injury is not severe or has developed slowly over time, it can be especially hard to know whether or not to see a doctor. Many patients come to accept such symptoms as an inevitable part of aging or training, but that is not the case.  If you continue to have pain after treating yourself at home with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, ice, rest, and elevation, you should schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.

Traumatic Injuries

If you have a new knee injury and are experiencing the following symptoms, you should go to the emergency room or urgent care center right away:

• Inability to walk on the knee
• Fever that started at the same time as your knee injury and cannot be explained by an illness
• Swelling with redness and warmth around the knee
• Pain that is very severe
• A large wound
• A puncture wound
• A wound with significant drainage
• Swelling if you are on warfarin

What to Expect at Your Consultation

At your consultation with your doctor for knee pain, your doctor will begin by asking you questions about your symptoms, including when the symptoms started and what steps you have taken to treat them. The doctor will ask about your medical history, your current medications, and your family medical history.

Next, the doctor will physically examine you, focusing on your knee. This examination can often give the doctor a good idea of what is causing the problem, and may be enough for diagnosis in some cases. In other cases, the doctor will order diagnostic testing such as an x-ray or a CT scan to confirm the cause of your pain.

Once the cause of your condition is identified, the doctor for knee pain will talk to you about the available treatments. Depending on the nature and severity of your condition, treatment may be as simple as physical therapy or an injection, or as complicated as open joint surgery.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Some of the most common causes of knee pain include:

• Ligament tears – Tears to one of the knee’s four ligaments are quite common. These types of tears can vary significantly in terms of severity.
• Meniscus tears – The knee contains two meniscii which help facilitate smooth movement of the joint. A tear to a meniscus can cause pain and other symptoms.
• Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects the cartilage and other structures in the knee, leading to inflammation and pain.
• Fractures – A break to one or more of the bones that meet in the knee joint, known as a fracture, requires immediate treatment, including immobilization of the joint with a cast or other means

Top Doctor for Knee Pain

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your knee pain. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you cycle competitively, you are at an increased risk of certain injuries. Seeing a doctor promptly if and when you develop an injury is essential to ensuring that you return to your full level of activity as soon as possible. Below, we will take a look at the basics about cycling injuries, as well as how and where you can find the best reviewed surgeon for competitive cyclists.

About Cycling Injuries

Although cycling is considered a low-impact sport, competitive cyclists are still prone to a number of injuries that the general population is less likely to develop. This includes a higher risk of:

• Wrist problems, thanks to repetitive pressure placed on the wrists
• Shoulder problems, especially given improper form
• Certain knee problems
• Traumatic fractures, especially arm fractures
• Traumatic brain injures after falls

If you believe you have a fracture or a head injury, it is important to visit an emergency room or urgent care center right away. If you have symptoms of a stress injury such as a wrist problem, you should call your doctor. If you have symptoms for longer than a few days, if your symptoms are severe, or if your symptoms are getting progressively worse over time, call your doctor right away.

Choosing a Doctor

The quality of your doctor will have a big impact on how satisfied you are with your treatment. As you look for the best reviewed surgeon for competitive cyclists in your area, keep an eye out for the following features:

• Bedside manner – Communication is a key component of a successful doctor-patient relationship. You should feel comfortable with your doctor, and find that they take your symptoms seriously and takes the time to answer your questions and address your concerns.
• Expertise in treating competitive cyclists – Competitive cyclists have different treatment needs than a typical orthopedic patient, so look for a doctor who is an expert in sports medicine in general and treating competitive cyclists in particular.
• Years of experience – Even though all doctors have extensive education and training, they continue to develop their judgment and skills as they gain more experience in the field. Therefore, look for a doctor who is well-established and has plenty of experience.
• Positive reviews from past clients – Finding out what past clients have experienced can help you decide whether or not a doctor is a good fit. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and read reviews online to get an idea of what others have experienced in the past.

Best Reviewed Surgeon for Competitive Cyclists

Dr. Howard Marans is the best reviewed surgeon for competitive cyclists in California. Dr. Marans has extensive experience treating patients with a wide variety of sports injuries. He is equipped to address problems either surgically or non-surgically as necessary, and is dedicated to using the newest, most effective treatments available. Dr. Marans’ patients appreciate his high level of skill and his professional, kind bedside manner.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

We use our hands for nearly everything we do every day, from basic tasks like hygiene and cooking, to completing our jobs, to leisure activities like sports or crafting. Hand and wrist injuries can be painful and limiting, so it is important to get treatment if you have pain or trouble using your hand or wrist. Below, we will take a look at some basics about the treatment of these injuries, as well as where you can find the best doctor for hand and wrist injuries in Southern California.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Hand and Wrist Injuries

Most of the time, hand and wrist injuries can be treated without the use of surgery. Depending on the nature of the injury, this may include treatments such as:

• Activity modification – Your doctor may recommend strategies to reduce the amount of pain you feel when doing every day activities. For example, ergonomic keyboards can help typists who experience carpal tunnel pain.
• Physical therapy – Physical therapy can help restore function to your hand and wrist, while also promoting flexibility. The exercises you learn in physical therapy should be used daily at home for best results.
• Medication – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like Aleve and Advil can relieve pain associated with hand or wrist inflammation. If you have a specific condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may recommend a treatment geared to that condition.
• Ice or heat application – You may apply ice or heat to help relieve pain and stiffness in your hand. Ice is typically better for acute inflammation after an injury, while heat is used later on. Both should be applied for periods of no more than 20 minutes at a time.
• Splinting – Your doctor may recommend that you wear a splint or other support device to keep your wrist comfortable, especially if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or another stress injury.
• Casting – If you have a closed, simple fracture, your doctor may cast your wrist without the need for surgery. A cast keeps your joint immobile, which allows the bone to heal properly.

Surgical Treatment

Although non-surgical treatment for hand and wrist injuries is frequently possible and appropriate, in some cases these injuries do require surgical treatment. It is most common for hand and wrist injuries to require surgical treatment in cases where the damage was severe, as in traumatic fractures, and in cases where the injury has not responded to non-surgical treatment.

In cases where surgery is necessary, minimally invasive surgery can often be used. Your doctor can help determine whether or not you need surgical treatment.

Top Doctor for Hand and Wrist Injuries

Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic, is the top Southern California doctor for hand and wrist injuries. Dr. Marans has decades of experience treating patients with orthopedic problems. He treats patients of all backgrounds, and has extensive experience treating elite athletes. Dr. Marans’ patients appreciate his use of the newest, most minimally invasive procedures, as well as his clear communication throughout the treatment process.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your hand or wrist injury. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Although athletes are typically in peak physical condition, they are also prone to developing a variety of injuries that the general population is much less likely to develop. Avoiding injury when playing sports is an important consideration, and taking basic steps to keep yourself safe can help ensure that your sports career flourishes without being interrupted by injury. Below, we will take a look at some basics of how to avoid injury when playing sports, as well as what to do if you develop an injury.

Why Athletes are Prone to Injury 

Athletes are prone to injury because of the physical strain of training at an elite level. Because athletes train so intensely, they are prone to overuse injuries from using the same movements over and over again. In addition, many sports place athletes at an increased risk of traumatic injuries. Cyclists, football players, ballet dancers, and others are all at an increased risk of falling and developing traumatic injuries.

How to Avoid Injury When Playing Sports

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to avoid injury when playing sports. Some important ways to avoid injury include:

• If it hurts, don’t do it – It’s a simple concept, but a difficult one for many athletes because of the pressures associated with athletic training. If what you are doing starts to hurt, you need to stop, and talk to your coach about it.
• Talk to your coach about form – Stay in touch with your coach and/or trainer about your form. Incorrect form, even if the problem is only mild, is a major contributor to sports injuries. The body needs to be kept in proper alignment at all times in order to minimize the risk of injuries.
• Cross-train when possible – Cross-training can go a long way towards preventing overuse injuries, as it works other parts of your body in different ways, while still developing your strength and athletic ability.
• Wear protective gear – In sports that have a high risk of injury, like football or cycling, it is important to wear the appropriate protective gear at all times, and to apply it correctly.

What to Do After an Injury

If you develop a sports injury, the best way to minimize its impact and ensure that you heal as quickly as possible is to stop any activity you are currently doing. If the injury is mild, you may try to care for it at home for a few days. After a few days, or if the injury is severe, you will need to visit a sports medicine doctor, who can identify the nature of the injury and recommend a course of treatment.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your sports injury. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have a wrist injury, getting treatment can help you regain use of your wrist and prevent your condition from worsening. The cost of visiting a wrist injury doctor should be covered by insurance, and the majority of patients are able to manage the cost of treatment thanks to their insurance. Below, we will take a look at which factors affect the cost of wrist injury treatment, as well as how patients can manage the cost of treatment.

About Wrist Injuries

A variety of conditions can affect the health of the wrist. The most common wrist problems are chronic problems like osteoarthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, which can be painful and prevent you from doing everyday tasks like typing or washing the dishes. Wrist fractures and other traumatic wrist injuries can also occur after falls or accidents. Because the wrist has many bones and nerves, it is very important to get treatment for traumatic wrist injuries in order to minimize any long-term damage.

Factors Affecting Treatment Cost

Many factors affect the cost of visiting a wrist injury doctor. Some of the most influential factors include:

• Need for surgery – Non-surgical treatments like medication and physical therapy are typically much less expensive than surgery, because surgery takes significant time and resources to perform.
• Local cost of living – In areas where the cost of living is higher, the cost of any medical treatment also tends to be higher.
• Market fluctuations – The cost of medication and materials can fluctuate with the market, resulting in changes to the cost of treatment.
• How long treatment takes – Sometimes, a wrist condition can be resolved with a single office appointment. Other times, multiple follow-ups over the course of months are required. Lengthier treatment is also more costly.
• The doctor – Some doctors are dedicated to minimizing their office’s costs and passing on savings to patients, which helps keep treatment as affordable as possible. You do not have to sacrifice high-quality treatment for affordability.

Insurance Coverage

Your insurance should cover the cost of visiting a wrist injury doctor, since wrist injuries are a medical problem. Therefore, the biggest factor that affects the cost of treatment is the terms of your insurance coverage. Patients with a high copay and deductible may pay a lot for treatment, while patients with a higher premium but lower copays may pay very little out of pocket. If you need further help with the cost of wrist surgery, financing options are available.

Top Wrist Injury Doctor in SoCal

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your wrist injury. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have sustained an injury while cycling, getting treatment is important for your health and to ensure that you are able to keep cycling far into the future. Finding a skilled surgeon to direct your treatment gives you the best chances of having a successful treatment. Below, we will take a look at some basics about cycling injuries, as well as how and where you can find a premier surgeon for cyclists in California.

Common Cycling Injuries

Cycling is considered a low-impact exercise, but competitive cyclists are prone to a variety of stress injuries and traumatic injuries. The pressure from leaning on the handlebars can cause problems with the shoulder, wrist, or elbow. In addition, cyclists sometimes have falls, which can be very traumatic and result in bone breaks and ligament tears, as well as very serious injuries such as head injuries, uncontrolled bleeding, and spinal cord injury.

Importance of Seeing a Doctor

It is important to see a doctor if you believe that you are having an orthopedic problem. A doctor can help identify the cause of your symptoms and treat you so that the impact of your injury is minimized. If you have been in an accident and have signs of a broken bone, head injury, or other traumatic injury, you should seek medical attention right away. You should also contact your doctor if you have mild to moderate symptoms of a stress injury which have persisted for longer than a few days.

Choosing a Surgeon

There are many things to consider as you look for the premier surgeon for cyclists in California. When you are researching doctors, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does this doctor have expertise treating competitive cyclists?
• How long has the doctor worked in the field?
• Does the surgeon have positive reviews from previous clients?
• Are you satisfied with the quality of communication you have received from the doctor and his staff?
• Is the doctor dedicated to using minimally invasive treatments whenever possible?

Premier Surgeon for Cyclists in California

Dr. Howard Marans is the premier surgeon for cyclists in California. Dr. Marans, who is head of OC Orthopedic, has spent decades treating cyclists and other athletes for a wide variety of orthopedic conditions. Throughout his career, Dr. Marans has worked to incorporate the latest, most effective treatments into his practice in order to provide the highest level of care to patients. Dr. Marans believes that a combination of technical skill, expert judgment, and attention to the specifics of the individual’s clinical situation are necessary to provide excellent care.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have developed tennis elbow, it is important to get treatment for your condition so that you can get relief from your symptoms. Below, we will take a look at some basics about tennis elbow, as well as how and where you can find the best doctor for tennis elbow treatment in the City of Orange.

Tennis Elbow Basics

Tennis elbow is a repetitive stress injury common among tennis players, powerlifters, grapplers, and other athletes and workers who frequently use the elbow. Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a state of inflammation that occurs due to overuse of the extensor muscles in the forearm. Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that develops slowly over time.

In most cases, tennis elbow treatment is non-surgical. Methods like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and physical therapy are usually effective at controlling the inflammation.

Choosing a Doctor

The quality of your doctor will make a big difference in how satisfied you are with your tennis elbow treatment. You can find out a lot about doctors in your area by reading reviews and visiting doctors’ websites online. You can also ask friends or family to recommend an orthopedist they have worked with in the past, or you can get a referral from your primary care physician. However, your own experiences will be the ultimate indicator of whether or not a doctor is a good fit.

There are many factors to consider when choosing a doctor for tennis elbow treatment in the City of Orange. Some key considerations include:

• Years of experience – Although all doctors have years of education and training, doctors further develop their skills and judgment as they continue to work in the field. A doctor with more years of treatment is more likely to provide great medical care.
• Communication skills – The doctor should listen to your concerns, and take the time to answer your questions as fully as possible.
• Expertise in sports medicine – If you are an athlete, be sure to choose a doctor who has expertise in sports medicine, since athletes have unique needs when it comes to the treatment of orthopedic problems.
• Board certification – Look for a doctor who is board-certified in orthopedic medicine, and who has a clean disciplinary record.
• Affordability – Affordability and excellent care can go hand-in-hand, so look for a doctor who is dedicated to keeping costs low without sacrificing the quality of care. In addition, make sure that the doctor accepts your insurance before you schedule an appointment.

Best Tennis Elbow Treatment in the City of Orange

Dr. Howard Marans is the top doctor for tennis elbow treatment in the City of Orange. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your tennis elbow. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, affecting millions of Americans each year, most of them middle aged or older. Osteoarthritis can be painful, reducing your quality of life and preventing you from participating in your normal activities. Fortunately, the majority of cases can be effectively managed, and most osteoarthritis patients can live full, healthy lives.

Common Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Exercising on a regular basis can help control the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Exercise can be used to gently stretch joints, maintaining a good range of motion. It can also help strengthen the muscles that support the affected joints, which reduces the amount of pain and degeneration.

In some cases, your doctor may simply provide information on which exercises are likely to be of benefit to you, and you can practice your exercises at home. In other cases, your doctor may recommend that you go through physical therapy, which will help restore your strength and flexibility and teach you exercises that you can continue to use at home.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs like Advil and Aleve are one of the most common treatment options for osteoarthritis. NSAIDs reduce the amount of inflammation in the affected joints, which help relieve symptoms. Some people take NSAIDs daily, while others may only need to take NSAIDs during times of flare-ups or increased activity levels.

Although many NSAIDs are available over-the-counter, there are still risks associated with taking this type of medication. In particular, they increase the risk of bleeding and gastritis. You should only take NSAIDs on a regular, long-term basis if your doctor has specifically recommended that you do so.

Weight Loss

Carrying extra weight places an increased amount of strain on the joints, which exacerbates the symptoms of osteoarthritis. If you are obese, losing as little at 5 – 10% of your body weight can greatly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as prevent the condition from worsening further. Weight loss is one of the most common treatment options for osteoarthritis, and it can be highly effective at controlling symptoms.

Losing weight can be a daunting task, especially if you also have issues with mobility caused by osteoarthritis. If you are looking to lose weight, it is best to look for support and information. Taking steps such as reading books and online resources, joining a Weight Watchers group, having a gym buddy, or consulting with a nutritionist can all increase your chances of successfully losing the weight and keeping it off.

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about which treatment is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have injured your wrist, it’s important to determine whether you have simply sprained the wrist or broken a bone. Both types of injuries may require medical treatment, but treating a fracture promptly is very important for preventing complications. Below, we will take a look at the difference between and treatment for wrist sprains and fractures.

Wrist Sprains

Wrist sprains occur when one or more of the ligaments in the wrist is twisted, which typically causes swelling, inflammation, and pain. Sprains vary in severity. More mild sprains may heal on their own within a short period of time, while more severe wrist sprains may require medical treatment.

Wrist Fractures

A wrist fracture occurs when there is a break in the continuity of one or more bones in the wrist. Symptoms of a fracture include:

• Severe pain
• Wrist appears visually deformed or broken
• Bone protrudes from the skin
• Inability to move the wrist
• Numbness or tingling in the wrist or hand

Left untreated, a wrist fracture may not heal correctly, or may lead to serious complications such as compartment syndrome. If you believe that you may have a wrist fracture, it is important to get medical treatment right away.

Diagnosis of Wrist Sprains and Fractures

In some cases, a doctor may be able to diagnose a wrist sprain simply by physical examination of the wrist. If the doctor suspects a fracture or other wrist injury, he will order an x-ray of the wrist and hand, which can reveal injuries to the bone and other structures. In some cases, other types of imaging studies, such as PET scan, may also be ordered.

Treatment Options

The treatment for wrist sprains and fractures can vary considerably. For wrist sprains, the most common treatments include rest, ice, and compression, as well as medication and physical therapy. It is rare for a wrist sprain to require surgical treatment.

Wrist fractures are usually casted, which immobilizes the wrist so that the bone can heal correctly. If the bones are badly displaced from their normal position, the doctor may need to perform open reduction and internal fixation, a procedure in which the doctor surgically opens up the wrist and puts the bone back in place, then secures it with screws or pins. The wrist can then be casted and will heal over a period of time. Once a cast comes off, it is usually necessary to go through physical therapy to restore function to the hand and wrist.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your wrist injury. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have ACL surgery, it is helpful to go in with an idea of what to expect. Each case is different, and your doctor can give you more detailed information that takes into account your unique case. Below, we will take a look at the expected ACL recovery timeline.

How ACL Surgery Works

Most ACL repairs can be performed arthroscopically. During this minimally invasive procedure, the doctor makes two or more small incisions along the knee. Through one incision, the doctor inserts a camera, or arthroscope, which provides an image of what is going on inside the knee. Through the other incisions, the physician inserts the necessary tools and repairs the ACL tear.

Expected ACL Recovery Timeline

Here’s what most patients experience in terms of an ACL recovery timeline:

• The day of surgery – If the surgery is performed arthroscopically, you should be able to return home the same day as the procedure. Because sedation is used, you will not be able to drive during that day. You will rest for most of the day, and may be instructed to elevate and ice your knee. It is important to walk around for at least a few minutes that day.
• The first few days – For the first few days after surgery, your activities will be limited, and you may require a prescription medication to control pain. However, you should be able to do a little more each day, and walking for a few minutes will remain important.
• After a week – After a week, you will feel up to most of your everyday activities, such as walking or driving. Many patients begin physical therapy at this point, if not sooner. Most people with desk jobs can return to work within a week.
• After 6 weeks – At this point, most patients are able to return to a wider range of activities that use the knee, and people with physically active jobs may be able to return to work.
• In several months – Within several months to a year, the majority of patients will make a complete recovery. After a complete recovery is made and the leg’s full strength is returned, the physician may give the go-ahead to resume very physically strenuous activities, such as athletic training at an elite level.

Ways to Minimize Recovery Time

You can take a number of steps to minimize your recovery time after surgery, including:

• Following your doctor’s instructions regarding how much or how little you should be moving
• Monitoring yourself for signs of infection and other complications, and calling your doctor if such signs arise
• Refraining from smoking
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting plenty of sleep

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your knee health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.