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.

The wrist and hand are complex structures responsible for some of the most complicated and important movements that people do throughout the day – there are few activities in which the hand and wrist aren’t essential. Therefore, hand and wrist injuries require prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.

The wrist connects the bones of the hand to the forearm. The wrist is a complex of eight small bones. The hand, including the fingers, has 27 bones. The wrist and hand are controlled by a complex set of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves.

Common Injuries

A wide range of conditions can affect the hand and wrist. Since the symptoms can be similar and the cause may not be clear, a doctor will need to examine the hand and order diagnostic imaging to determine the exact cause. Some common hand and wrist injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Common among piano players, typists, and other people who perform repetitive motions with the hand, carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when swelling compresses the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel.
• Ulnar tunnel syndrome – Ulnar tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed in the wrist, often due to chronic pressure or trauma. This condition is common among cyclists, due to the wrist pressing against the handlebars, as well as people who use a jackhammer at work.
• Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis refers to degeneration of the joints in the hand, which results in inflammation. One or more joints may be affected.
• Wrist sprains – Wrist sprains usually occur after sticking out the hand to break a fall, which can cause twisting and trauma. Sprains vary in severity from tiny tears in the ligament to a complete severing of the ligament.
• Wrist and hand fractures – One or more of the wrist and hand bones can be broken. This can be a serious threat to the use of the hand.
• Finger fractures – One or more fingers may be fractured. Again, finger fractures are serious.
• Nerve damage – After a trauma or fracture to the hand or wrist, nerve damage may occur. This can make it difficult to control the hand, can cause sensations of pain, or may cause numbness in the hand and fingertips. Depending on the nature of the injury, nerve damage in the hand and wrist may or may not be permanent.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Many injuries can be treated without hand and wrist surgery. For example, wrist sprains respond well to rest, ice, and compression. Conditions like osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome often respond well to bracing, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Hand and Wrist Surgery

On the other hand, some wrist and hand conditions cannot respond to conservative methods, or are so severe that immediate treatment is required. Hand and wrist surgery usually involves opening the hand up so that the doctor can align the bones, repair tears, or perform other procedures.

When to See a Doctor

If a wrist, finger, or hand fracture is suspected, it is important to get medical care immediately. Although the bones of the wrist or hand are small, they are precisely arranged. Prompt treatment can ensure that the fractures heal smoothly and full use of the hand and fingers are preserved. If prompt treatment isn’t received, serious complications can occur.

Immediate treatment should always be sought for severe pain and for being unable to move the hand. Other conditions develop more slowly over time. If mild to moderate pain occurs persistently over a case of several days, weeks, or months, medical care should be sought.

The knee’s medial collateral ligament (MCL) may tear after sudden twisting or trauma to the knee. Older people and people who are very physically active are most likely to get MCL tears. Below, we will take a look at some of the most common MCL tear symptoms, as well as how the condition can be treated.

4 Common Slight MCL Tear Symptoms

MCL symptoms may be more or less intense depending on how severe the tear is. Some of the most common MCL tear symptoms include:

• Knee stiffness
• Knee swelling
• Knee pain, especially while walking or moving
• A feeling that the knee may “give out” if you walk

If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, it is important to stop doing your current physical activity immediately. Severe symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. If your symptoms are more moderate, you may do at-home care measures such as rest, ice, over-the-counter medication, and elevation before deciding whether or not to contact a doctor.

The symptoms of an MCL tear can be quite similar to the symptoms of other knee problems, like tears to the ACL or MCL or tears to the meniscus. To make a definitive diagnosis, your doctor will perform a physical examination followed by diagnostic tests. Ultrasound, x-ray, and CT scans may all be used to visualize the knee.

MCL Tear Treatment

The treatment for an MCL tear will depend on how severe the tear is, as well as the patient’s situation. Mild tears, which are less common, can often be treated with a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation. On the other hand, moderate to severe tears do not usually have the capacity to heal on their own. For patients who are older and less active, strengthening the muscles that support the knee may be preferable to surgery, but younger and more active patients typically require surgery.

Doctors can perform MCL surgery arthroscopically, by using a small camera to view the inside of the knee. This allows the doctors to operate on the knee while making only small incisions. As a result, the procedure is much less invasive than conventional knee surgery, and the procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting without using general anesthesia.

Because each case is unique, only a doctor can diagnose your MCL tear and work with you to decide which treatment is right given the state of the knee and your complete clinical picture. Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your MCL tear symptoms. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.