How Do I Know If I Tore A Ligament

Ligaments are a type of tissue responsible for anchoring the bones to one another and stabilizing joints, such as the knee, ankle, and shoulder. It is possible for the ligaments to tear, especially after a fall or other trauma to the joint. Torn ligaments can cause significant pain and difficulty with movement, depending on the severity of the injury.  

About Ligaments

Ligaments are an integral part of all the body’s major joints. In comparison to the muscles and bones, they are poorly vascularized and receive little blood, which makes it difficult for them to heal if torn. The ligaments often play an important role in keeping the joint stable. For example, the four ligaments of the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL) all work together to ensure that the knee does not move outside its narrow range of motion.

Ligament tears are graded based on how severe they are:

• Grade I – Stretching or a minor tear
• Grade II – Moderate tear
• Grade III – Severe tear, the ligament is torn in two

Torn Ligament Symptoms

Torn ligament symptoms vary widely based on whether the tear is Grade I, Grade II, or Grade III, as well as on how severe the tear is. For example, Grade I tears usually produce relatively mild symptoms of pain and swelling, while Grade III tears may produce severe pain, a feeling of joint instability, or an inability to move or place weight on the joint.

It is often immediately obvious that something has happened to the joint, since torn ligaments are often traumatic or sports injuries. Other times, the damage may occur more slowly.

Diagnosis 

The symptoms of a torn ligament can also mimic symptoms of other orthopedic problems. Therefore, physicians must use diagnostic tools to determine the exact cause of the symptoms. Many times, physical examination and asking the patient about symptoms give a the doctor a good idea of the cause. To confirm the diagnosis, medical imaging such as ultrasound is often used.

Possible Treatments

The treatment for torn ligaments depends on the severity of the tear. Most cases of Grade I tears can be treated without surgery. In such cases, resting the joint and then building it back up with physical therapy can be sufficient.

On the other hand, Grade II and III tears may require surgery, since the ligament typically does not have the ability to heal on its own. Minimally invasive surgery is often available. Surgery is more likely to be used for athletes and younger individuals.

Dr. Howard Marans is the top doctor for torn ligaments in Orange County. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your torn ligaments. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at 714.979.8981.

Find a Surgeon That Specializes in Cyclists

Cycling is a relatively low-impact activity, but cyclists who train and compete on an athletic level are prone to certain injuries, as is true of all athletes. Below, we’ll take a look at when cyclists might need the care of an orthopedist or a surgeon for cyclists, as well as where to find the best sports medicine doctor in Orange County.  

Injuries That Affect Cyclists

Cycling can stress the knees and ankles, especially if incorrect form is used or the cyclist over-trains. In addition, cyclists can sustain traumatic injuries after a fall, which can happen to even the most confident of cyclists.

Some injuries common among cyclists are:

• IT band syndrome – Pain on the outside of the thigh, caused by inflammation of the iliotibial band, a stretch of ligament that runs from the femur to the knee – usually occurs from overuse
• Patellar tendonitis – Inflammation of the patella tendon, which connects the patella, or kneebone, to the tibia, or shinbone
• Knee osteoarthritis – Degeneration and inflammation of the cartilage and bone in the knee joint
• Achilles tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendon that runs from the tibia to the heel
• Plantar fasciitis – Inflammation of the fascia in the arch of the foot
• Clavicle fracture – A broken collarbone, which often occurs after a cycling accident, when the shoulder breaks the fall

About Sports Medicine 

Athletes have unique needs compared to people who are older or not as active. They need a physician who understands the issues of form and training that can contribute to injury. In addition, since athletes perform at a high physical level, treatment is often more aggressive in order to help patients reach that level of functioning again.

Finding a Surgeon

It is important to find a surgeon who has the experience and skill to assist the patient through all aspects of the diagnosis and treatment process. Some important questions to ask include:

• Is the physician a board-certified orthopedist?
• Does the doctor have a clean disciplinary record?
• Does the doctor work with cyclists on a regular basis?
• Does the doctor treat this particular injury?
• Is my insurance accepted by the doctor?
• Is the doctor accepting new patients?
• Does the doctor have good bedside manner?
• Does the doctor take a conservative approach to the use of surgery, preferring to use minimally invasive methods when possible?
• What do past patients say about the doctor in reviews and testimonials?

Top Orange County Surgeon for Cyclists

Dr. Howard Marans is the best surgeon for cyclists in Orange County. Dr. Marans has worked with cyclists and other athletes for decades, and is skilled in the administration of both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Dr. Marans strives to make each aspect of the treatment process as clear as possible in order to reduce stress on patients.

Dr. 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.

Are Trauma Surgeons Always Covered By Insurance

For patients who have sustained a traumatic injury, insurance coverage can be complex because several types of insurance may be responsible for the bill. Although insurance can be complex, treatment by a trauma surgeon should always be covered.  

Types of Traumatic Injury 

Traumatic injuries are injuries that occur after sudden, severe damage to part of the body. Common situations in which a traumatic injury may occur include:

• Workplace injuries
• Sports injuries, especially contact sports
• Car accidents
• Pedestrian accidents

Traumatic injuries often cause damage to the bones or soft tissues of the body. Fractures and ligament tears in areas like the legs, arms, knees, or shoulders are common. More rarely – and more seriously – severe damage may occur, such as “shattering” a bone, breaking the pelvis, or experiencing a brain injury or spinal cord injury.

Other Forms of Insurance Pay First

Often, traumatic injuries occur in situations where several insurances are in play. For example, workplace injuries are covered by workers compensation insurance, while car accidents and pedestrian accidents are covered by car insurance. In cases where both drivers were insured, first the at-fault driver and then the car accident victim’s insurance may cover part of the cost of treatment. The exact amount of coverage depends on the terms of the insurance.

Health Insurance Picks Up the Rest

In general, health insurance will not kick in until all other forms of insurance are exhausted. From there, health insurance will pick up the rest of the bill as described in the insurance policy. Depending on the terms of the policy, patients may or may not face a significant deductible or copay.

Because several insurances may all provide coverage for traumatic injuries, the trauma surgeon may need to obtain all of the insurance information and send bills to all of the insurance providers.

Managing Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

Ideally, insurance would make it possible to manage any out-of-pocket costs of the surgery without trouble, and many people are able to do so. However, because plans with a lower premium often have a high deductible and copay, some patients experience very significant out-of-pocket costs.

Patients who cannot afford their portion of the treatment have several options for financing. The trauma surgeon may be able to recommend a trusted third-party financing firm. All of the traditional forms of credit, like loans, credit cards, and health care credit cards, are also available. The right choice depends on the patient’s preferences and financial situation.

Howard Marans, MD is the top trauma surgeon in Orange County. Dr. Marans accepts most major insurances, including PPO plans. Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your traumatic injury. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at 714.979.8981.

Recovery Expectations Following Your ACL Surgery

Although ACL surgery is often invaluable in allowing people with ACL tears to make a full recovery, there is no denying that treatment comes with significant recovery time. Fortunately, the use of minimally invasive surgery keeps that recovery time as minimal as possible.   

What to Expect During Recovery

Arthroscopic ACL surgery is usually performed in an outpatient setting under conscious sedation and local anesthesia. After spending several hours at the surgical clinic, patients can typically return home the same day.

The first few days after surgery are the toughest. Although it is important to walk around for a few minutes, patients will not be up to much. It is usually necessary to take a prescription painkiller for the first few days. Fatigue is common and activity will be low.

Patients should feel progressively better each day after surgery. Within about a week, most patients are ready to return to a desk job and other normal activities.

Strenuous physical activities must wait longer. One’s activity level will increase progressively in the weeks and months following surgery, under the guidance of the doctor and/or physical therapist. For high-performing athletes, it may be a number of months before the previous level of performance can be resumed.

Methods to Minimize Recovery

Recovery is an unavoidable part of ACL surgery. Some factors that affect recovery time, such as the severity of the tear and the patient’s individual rate of healing, cannot be controlled. On the other hand, patients can take some steps to minimize recovery time. Important steps include:

• Get plenty of rest – Getting a good night’s sleep for several weeks before and after the surgery can reduce mental and physical stress.
• Refrain from smoking – Smoking has a significant impact on the body’s ability to heal. It is ideal to refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery so that the body can heal as efficiently as possible.
• Prepare the home – Activity will be somewhat limited just after surgery, and the home should be prepared with this in mind. For example, it is helpful to put commonly used items within easy reach and to ensure that no clutter is on the floor. It is also helpful to have easy-to-prepare foods, such as freezer meals, ready for the first few days after surgery.
• Arrange your lifestyle – Arranging for child care and taking care of important work projects prior to the surgery can allow patients to focus on recovery with less stress.
• Follow activity recommendations – The doctor will make recommendations on how much activity should be performed. Patients should adhere to recommendations on being active (such as walking for a few minutes on the day of the surgery) and on refraining from activity (such as not participating in athletic training until getting the go-ahead).
• Fully participate in physical therapy – Physical therapy forms an important part of treatment. Patients should attend all physical therapy sessions, and perform any directed exercises on a regular basis.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your ACL tear, and to discuss what you can expect during recovery. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981.

What Treatments Are Available For Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is a condition that often occurs in golfers and other people who do repetitive hand and wrist movements. Below, we will take a look at the basics of golfer’s elbow, as well as what you can expect in terms of golfer’s elbow treatment.  

Understanding Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow. This is where the tendons of the forearm attach to the inside of the elbow. Although the condition primarily affects the elbow, the pain can spread to the forearm or wrist. Golfer’s elbow is usually an overuse injury, associated with activities that require repetitive arm and wrist movements.

Symptoms associated with golfer’s elbow include:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow that may extend along the forearm
• Tenderness
• Elbow stiffness
• Hand stiffness
• Weakness in the hands and wrists
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and wrists

Home Treatment

Often, golfer’s elbow can be resolved at home with simple steps. Icing the elbow, resting from activities for a few days, keeping the elbow elevated, and using a brace on the elbow can often relieve symptoms. Using an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or naproxen may also help.

If you continue to have symptoms after several days of such treatment, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor immediately if symptoms are severe or you think you have a broken bone.

Non-Surgical Treatment 

Most of the time, golfer’s elbow treatment is non-surgical. Golfer’s elbow treatment may include:

• Home exercises – Your doctor may give you a list of exercises and stretches to practice at home to strengthen the arm and improve flexibility. Even if you also go to formal physical therapy, at-home exercises are likely to be an essential part of treatment.
• Physical therapy – Physical therapy sessions can help to strengthen the arm and improve flexibility in a more structured and monitored setting. You will also learn exercises that you can use at home later on.
• Over-the-counter medications – Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can be used to manage symptoms, especially during flare-ups.
• Steroid injections – More severe cases may be treated with steroid injections in the elbow, which help to relieve inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

Although most cases can be treated without resorting to surgery, sometimes symptoms are severe or persist after using non-surgical treatments. In such cases, the physician may recommend surgical treatment. Surgery can usually be performed in a minimally invasive manner using arthroscopic techniques, which allows patients to return to normal activities as soon as possible.

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

10 Points You Should Know Before Undergoing Foot or Ankle Surgery

If you have a foot or ankle condition, you may eventually need foot and ankle surgery. Before undergoing any surgery, it is important to understand some key facts:  

1. Minimally invasive surgery is available. Often, conditions can be treated with arthroscopic foot and ankle surgery, which allows the doctor to operate while creating only tiny incisions.
2. There are risks. Every surgery comes with risks, and foot and ankle surgery is no different. Some patients develop complications such as bleeding, infection, or blood clots. Your doctor will discuss the risks associated with your procedure in detail prior to the surgery.
3. There are benefits. Your doctor will only recommend surgery if he believes that the benefits of surgery outweigh the risks. Speak to your doctor about how the surgery will benefit you, and what could happen if you don’t get surgery.
4. The anticipated recovery period. Depending on the surgery, you may be out of commission for a matter of days or weeks.
5. How to minimize recovery time. There are techniques you can use to make sure your recovery period is as short as possible. For example, smoking cessation, adequate sleep, and good nutrition all help your body to heal.
6. The importance of physical therapy. Physical therapy will likely be prescribed as part of your post-surgery recovery. Physical therapy is vital to healing, and can help you regain full use of your foot and ankle.
7. How skilled your doctor is. It is important to go to a doctor who has the ability to provide high-quality care. Learn about your doctor’s experience and background, and find out about what past patients are saving about their experiences with the surgeon.
8. Your insurance coverage. Your insurance should cover the procedure. Check with your insurance provider for details about how much your deductible and copay will be, as that information will allow you to plan your finances more effectively.
9. Your financing options. You have a variety of financing options if you are not able to manage the entire cost of surgery up front. Patient financing companies, health care credit cards, and traditional credit cards are all commonly used resources. Choose what makes sense given your financial situation.
10. Your work situation. Often, patients want to arrange their surgery so that it has a minimal effect on work. For example, if possible, you can schedule your surgery near a three-day weekend or just after a big project ends.

If you have symptoms of a foot or ankle problem, it is important to contact an orthopedist early on in order to prevent the problem from getting worse over time. To schedule a consultation with Orange County’s top orthopedist, please click below and enter your information or contact Dr. Howard Marans at OC Orthopedics by calling (714) 979-8981.

Find a Doctor For a Fractured Ankle in Garden Grove, CA

If you have a fractured ankle, it is important to seek treatment immediately to ensure your health and safety. At the same time, you want to be sure that you are getting treatment from an excellent physician with the skills to provide the best possible care. Below, we will look at how and where you can find the top doctor for a fractured ankle in Garden Grove, CA.  

Choosing a Doctor

As you begin the process of finding a doctor, the first step is to identify the features that are most important to you. One of the key features to look for in a doctor is great communication. Communication can make or break a physician-patient relationship – it is present in every part of the process, from your doctor reviewing your symptoms to help get an idea of possible diagnoses, to the doctor sending you home with instructions for care after your treatment.

The doctor’s level of experience is also important. More experienced doctors often have better judgment and skills. In addition to years of experience in the field, the doctor should be a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has a clean disciplinary record.

Tools for Finding a Physician

Once you know what you’re looking for in a doctor, the next step is to use the resources at your disposal to find a skilled physician in your area. Useful tools include:

• Primary care physician – Your primary care doctor is familiar with colleagues in the area, and may be able to recommend an orthopedist who other patients have had positive experiences with.
• Friends and family – If friends or family have had a broken bone before, they may be able to recommend a great orthopedist or steer you away from a poor one.
• Doctors’ websites – Many physicians run websites where you can find information such as their areas of expertise and insurance affiliations. This can help you narrow down prospective physicians based on objective measurements.
• Online reviews and testimonials – You can find reviews from past patients on a number of third-party websites, like ZocDoc. This allows you to get a large number of perspectives on the physician, resulting in a more informed decision.

Top Doctor for Fractured Ankles  

The top doctor for fractured ankles in Garden Grove, CA is Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic. Dr. Marans has provided high-quality orthopedic treatment, both surgical and non-surgical, to California residents for decades. Dr. Marans works with each patient to develop and implement an individualized plan of care that results in the best possible outcome.

Dr. 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.

What To Look For To Tell If You Fractured Your Wrist

Wrist fractures are a serious and painful condition that usually occur as a result of trauma, such as breaking a fall with the wrist. Although wrist fractures can be painful, the majority of cases can be completely healed as long as they are treated promptly. Below, we will take a look at what wrist fracture symptoms you should look for.  

Understanding Wrist Fractures

The wrist is composed of a number of bones. Any of these bones can be broken during a wrist fracture. In addition, some people damage the bones in the forearm that articulate with the wrist. Athletes and older adults are especially at risk of fracturing the wrist. A fractured wrist can cause pain and can press against the nerves and tendons that run to the hand to control the fingers.

Symptoms of Wrist Fractures 

If you have sustained a wrist fracture, you may experience a variety of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Some common symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Severe pain
• Pain that gets worse when gripping or squeezing
• Inability or difficulty moving the hand
• Numbness in the hand
• Visibly bent or deformed wrist
• Bone poking from skin

If you are experiencing these symptoms and believe you have a wrist fracture, it is important to seek treatment promptly. Fractures are more likely to heal fully when they are treated promptly.

Treatments for Wrist Fractures

Treatment for wrist fractures depends on the nature of the fracture. If the fracture is a hairline or stress fracture, the location of the bone is left intact. The goal of treatment in this case is to immobilize the wrist so that the bone can heal without sustaining any further damage. This type of fracture is usually casted or splinted.   

If the wrist is fractured in many places, the fracture is an open fracture, or the bone is severed in two, then surgery is usually necessary to put the bones back in their natural positions so that the bones can heal. The doctor first performs open reduction, which is putting the bones back in place, then internal fixation, which is the use of screws, pins, and other hardware to keep the bones in place. Then, the bone is casted.

After the bone heals and the cast comes off, strength and flexibility has often been lost. To relieve these problems, the doctor will recommend exercises you can perform at home. In addition, you might attend formal physical therapy sessions at first.

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

What Are My Options For Surgery If I Tore My ACL

ACL tears are one of the most common orthopedic injuries; athletes are especially prone to this type of ligament tear. If the ACL is torn, surgery is often necessary. Arthroscopic surgery can be used for almost all ACL tears. Below, we will take a look at some torn ACL surgery options, as well as non-surgical treatments.   

Understanding ACL Tears

The knee contains four ligaments, which work together to hold the knee in place. Because the knee has a narrow range of motion, twisting of the knee can place strain on these ligaments, which may result in a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or to one of the other ligaments. Trauma can also tear the ACL.

ACL tears are common among athletes whose sport requires sudden stops or turns, such as basketball and football. This injury is also more common among people who are middle aged or older, because orthopedic injuries in general become more common at that time.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For minor tears, it may not even be necessary to review torn ACL surgery options. Even for moderate to severe tears, non-surgical treatments usually accompany the surgical treatment of a tear. Some common non-surgical treatments include:

• RICE – Rest, ice, elevation, and compression.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroid injections
• Physical therapy

Torn ACL Surgery Options

ACL tears are most commonly treated with arthroscopic surgery. During this procedure, the doctor makes several small incisions near the knee. Through one incision, a camera is inserted, which allows the doctor to view the inside of the knee. Through the other incisions, the doctor inserts tools.

The goal of surgery is to repair the ligament. To accomplish this, it is sometimes necessary to take a small amount of another ligament or tendon from another location, usually another part of the knee.

Recovery from ACL Surgery  

Because most torn ACL surgery options are minimally invasive, the recovery from ACL surgery should not be particularly grueling. Patients do not undergo general anesthesia, and can return home the same day that surgery is performed. Most patients are away from work and other normal activities for a week, but can return to those activities within a week or less.

On the other hand, it takes longer to make a full recovery and return optimal functioning to the knee – several months in many cases. Because of this, tearing the ACL usually represents an end to the season for athletes. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations on how much and how little activity to engage in during the recovery period.

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

Non Surgical Treatment Options For Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a very common knee injury, especially among athletes and older adults. Depending on a number of factors, surgery may or may not be the right choice for this injury. Below, we will take a look at the surgical and non-surgical treatment options for meniscus tears.  

Understanding Meniscus Tears 

The knee contains two wedge-shaped menisci, which are made of cartilage. The menisci are responsible for facilitating the smooth movement of the knee joint. After a traumatic injury or a twisting injury, a meniscus may be torn in one or more places. If that occurs, treatment is necessary because cartilage has a limited ability to heal on its own.

Choosing Non-Surgical Treatment

Whether or not surgery is necessary depends on a number of factors:

• Location of the tear – Mild to moderate tears in some locations may not require surgery.
• Severity of the tear – Mild tears often respond well to non-surgical treatment, while moderate to severe tears may not be able to respond
• Activity level – Someone with a high level of activity, such as an athlete, is more likely to require full use of the knee. Surgery is used more frequently in such individuals.
• Age – Surgery carries higher risks and lower benefits when used in older adults, which makes the decision to use surgery one that should be made especially carefully.
• Response to previous treatments – If non-surgical treatments have been used in the past to no effect, then it may be necessary to move on to surgical treatment.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options 

Some common non-surgical treatment options for a meniscus tear include:

• RICE – Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the recommended home treatments for mild orthopedic problems. Your doctor may recommend these treatments as the first course of action.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – Medications like Aleve and Advil can help to control symptoms and reduce inflammation in the knee.
• Steroid injections – Steroids can be injected directly into the knee joint to provide powerful relief from inflammation. However, there are risks and limitations to this procedure.
• Physical therapy – Physical therapy strengthens the leg muscles that support the knee, which can help relieve symptoms. In addition, physical therapy can restore flexibility to the knee.

Surgery  

In some cases, surgery is the only way to relieve symptoms and restore the knee’s health. Surgery can be performed arthroscopically, which means that the doctor only makes small incisions around the knee, using a camera to view the inside of the knee without opening it up.

Surgery for a meniscus tear is an outpatient procedure which takes under an hour to perform. Patients can return home the same day, and can return to normal activities within a few days. However, it will be longer until it is possible to return to physically strenuous activities.

If you are interested in treatment for your knee pain, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to hear from you.