If you have an orthopedic condition, visiting an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible is one of the most important things you can do for your health and quality of life. Below, we will take a look at where you can find the top orthopedic surgeon in Tustin, as well as when you should start to think about visiting an orthopedist.

When to See an Orthopedist

You should see an orthopedist when you notice a change to your orthopedic health, or you suspect that you are injured. It is not normal to experience pain on a regular basis, even if you are growing older or are in the midst of athletic training. If you have pain that lasts for longer than a few days, you should visit an orthopedist.

You should also call a doctor if you have signs of a serious injury. If you suspect that a bone has been broken, are experiencing severe pain, have muscle weakness, or are experiencing numbness or tingling, you should call a doctor or urgent care center right away.

Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon

The quality of your orthopedic surgeon will have a big impact on how successful your treatment is. Some of the most important things to consider when choosing an orthopedic surgeon in Tustin include:

• Years of experience – A doctor who has more years of experience in the field is more likely to have the advanced level of skill and judgment that is necessary to provide outstanding medical care.
• Areas of expertise – If you have a medical condition that requires a special approach to treatment, be sure to find a doctor who has experience treating patients like you. For example, find out how many patients like you the doctor has treated, or get data on how many times the doctor has performed a particular procedure.
• Approach to surgery – The doctor should be dedicated to using minimally invasive forms of surgery whenever possible, since minimally invasive methods are associated with better patient outcomes.
• Reviews from past patients – Although your own experiences will be the best indicator of whether or not a surgeon is a good fit, finding out what other patients have experienced in the past can help you get a better idea of whether or not an orthopedic surgeon in Tustin is the best fit for you.

Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Tustin

Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic, is the top orthopedic surgeon in Tustin. Dr. Marans has decades of experience treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic conditions, always incorporating the latest in evidence-based medicine to provide the best care possible.

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 (714) 979-8981.

If you have a severe arm fracture, surgery will probably be required to treat the fracture. The prognosis after surgery depends on the nature of the arm fracture, but most patients are able to regain full use of the arm after a period of rehabilitation. Below, we will take a look at the treatment of severe arm fractures, as well as how effective surgery is as a treatment.

About Severe Arm Fractures

Dr Marans MD

The majority of arm fractures are relatively minor fractures in which the bone is broken, but remains intact. In contrast, with a severe arm fracture, the bone may be broken into several pieces. Parts of the bone may become displaced and press on the nerves. Major blood vessels may be severed, resulting in blood loss. In some cases, the bone is snapped in two, and part of the bone may protude from the skin.

Although the exact nature of a severe arm fracture can vary from case to case, the results can be quite severe. Complications such as compartment syndrome and fat embolism are more common with severe arm fractures, though still rare, so it is essential to seek treatment of severe arm fractures as soon as possible after the fracture occurs.

Treatment of Severe Arm Fractures

The treatment of severe arm fractures usually requires surgery to repair the tear. Doctors treat fractures with a procedure known as open reduction and internal fixation. During this procedure, the doctor makes an incision to access the arm, then puts the bone back into its normal position. If necessary, the surrounding structures can be repaired. Then, screws, rods, and other hardware are used to fix the bone in place before a cast is applied.

Open reduction and internal fixation requires the patient to be placed under general anesthesia. The procedure is performed in the hospital, and in many cases the patient stays in the hospital overnight or for a longer period of time.

Outlook

The outlook after a severe arm fracture varies based on the nature of the fracture and how quickly treatment was given. If a lot of damage has been done to the bone or the surrounding structures, it can take a long time for the bone to heal, and longer to regain strength in the arm; there may be residual effects later on. However, surgery is the most effective treatment for severe fractures, and is life-saving in many cases.

A doctor can give you a better idea about the outlook for your fracture surgery. Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your arm fracture. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have an orthopedic problem, visiting a skilled orthopedic doctor is important to your health and for preserving your quality of life. Many people put off visiting an orthopedic surgeon because of concerns about the cost, but visiting an orthopedist should be affordable as long as you have insurance coverage. In addition, the cost of treatment will typically be higher in cases where a condition has gone untreated and worsened over time, so seeing an orthopedist as soon as necessary helps minimize costs. Below, we will take a look at some factors that influence the orthopedic surgeon visit cost, as well as methods for managing the costs.

When to Visit an Orthopedic Surgeon

You should call a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Pain that lasts for longer than a week or two
• Pain that gets progessively worse over time
• Severe pain
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness or tingling
• Inability to move a joint
• Signs of a broken bone
• Any other symptoms you are concerned about

If you have mild symptoms such as mild pain, you can try managing the condition at home before calling a doctor. However, you should call a doctor immediately if you have more severe symptoms such as muscle weakness or severe pain.

Factors Affecting Cost

The orthopedic surgeon visit cost should be quite affordable for the initial visit. From there, the cost of treatment may be higher or lower depending on how the patient’s condition is treated. Some of the biggest factors that affect the cost include:

• How severe the injury is
• Whether or not surgery is used
• Whether or not a hospital stay is necessary
• Market fluctuations in the cost of medications and materials
• The local cost of living
• The doctor

Orthopedic Surgeon Visit Cost

Your insurance should cover your orthopedic surgeon visit cost and the cost of treatment, which means that the biggest factor that controls your costs is your insurance plan. If you are not sure about the terms of your plan, contact your insurance company for more details.

Many people can pay for their treatment out of pocket, especially if surgery is not used. However, if you have a high deductible and copay, and surgery is required, then you may need help covering the cost of treatment. Financing options such as patient financing companies can help you spread the cost of treatment over a longer period of time, so that the cost is more manageable.

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.

The knee’s medial collateral ligament (MCL) can tear after trauma to the knee such as a fall or an accident. Because the ligaments receive little blood, a torn MCL will not heal on its own; it needs to be treated by a doctor. Below, we will take a look at how MCL tears are treated, as well as where you can find affordable MCL treatments in Malibu.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Minor MCL tears can sometimes be treated without surgery, especially if the patient is older and less physically active. Even when surgery is used, non-surgical treatments are usually used alongside surgery. Some of the most effective non-surgical MCL treatments include:

• Rest – After trauma to the knee, a limited amount of rest can give the opportunity for swelling and discomfort to go down. However, more than a few days of rest, unless directed by your doctor, can lead to more problems.
• Ice – Icing the knee can help bring down inflammation and relieve symptoms. For several days after the injury or after surgery, you can ice your knee for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours.
• Elevation – Elevating the knee above the level of your heart helps bring down swelling. Make sure to use pillows to fully support the knee if you elevate it.
• Compression – Your doctor may recommend a bandage or device to keep the knee in place and keep swelling down.
• Physical therapy –  Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles that support the knee and restore flexibility to the knee.
• Medication – Taking NSAIDs like Aleve or Advil can help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with an MCL tear. Do not take NSAIDs for an extended period of time unless your doctor directs you to do so.

Surgical Treatment

Moderate to severe MCL tears often need to be treated surgically, especially if the patient is more physically active. Minimally invasive knee surgery can usually be used to treat MCL tears. With minimally invasive surgery, the doctor only makes a few small incisions. The procedure can be performed in an ambulatory surgery center. The risk of side effects is lower, and the recovery time is shorter, although the time until a complete recovery is made can still be significant.

Affordable MCL Treatments

Your insurance should cover the cost of MCL treatment, which means that your insurance coverage is the biggest factor that contributes to how much or how little you pay out of pocket. In addition, some doctors make an effort to keep their costs to a minimum so that treatment is as affordable as possible. Dr. Howard Marans of OC Orthopedic offers the most affordable MCL treatments near Malibu, CA.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about treatment for your MCL tear. To schedule a consultation today, please click below and enter your information and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

If you need shoulder surgery, getting your insurance coverage worked out beforehand can help the process go as smoothly as possible. You should be able to get shoulder surgery covered by insurance, since it is used to treat a medical problem. Therefore, the biggest factor that determines what you pay is your insurance coverage.

Types of Shoulder Surgery Covered by Insurance

There are two main types of shoulder surgery: arthroscopic shoulder surgery and conventional shoulder surgery. During arthroscopic surgery, the doctor makes tiny incisions near the area he is operating on, then inserts a camera and tools through these incisions. That way, the doctor can operate on the shoulder without opening it up. During conventional shoulder surgery, the doctor makes a large incision and peels back skin and other tissue to access the shoulder.

The recovery time from arthroscopic shoulder surgery is much shorter than that for open shoulder surgery, and there is usually no need for a hospital stay. In addition, arthroscopic surgery is less expensive to perform. For those reasons, shoulder surgery should be performed arthroscopically whenever it is appropriate to do so.

Insurance Coverage

You should be able to have your shoulder surgery covered by insurance, so be sure to choose a doctor who accepts your insurance plan, or a doctor who is in-network if you have PPO insurance. Once you provide your insurance information to your doctor, the doctor will bill your insurance. If your insurance company objects to covering the procedure, your doctor can advocate to have the procedure covered; however, this is not usually necessary for shoulder surgery.

Since you should have your shoulder surgery covered by insurance, the biggest factor that determines your out-of-pocket costs is the terms of your insurance coverage. A higher deductible means you pay more directly for the surgery. If you are not sure about how your insurance covers shoulder surgery, you can contact your insurance provider for more information.

Managing Your Out of Pocket Costs

There are a number of methods for managing your out-of-pocket costs. If you have enough in your regular savings or have a health care savings account, you may be able to pay your portion of the cost of treatment without any trouble. If your costs are higher than you can pay all at once, you can apply for financing to spread the cost of treatment out over a longer period of time.

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

If you have symptoms of an orthopedic condition, visiting an orthopedic doctor is the first step to getting diagnosis and treatment. Many people avoid seeing an orthopedist because they worry about the potential cost of treatment, but with insurance your orthopedic doctor visit cost should be very manageable. In addition, seeing an orthopedist soon after you are injured will prevent your condition from worsening and requiring more expensive treatment later on.

When to Visit an Orthopedist

You should visit an orthopedist when you start to have symptoms of an orthopedic problem. If you have severe pain, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or signs of a broken bone, you should see a doctor or go to urgent care or the emergency room right away.

Most of the time, pain and other symptoms develop more slowly and are less dramatic, which can make it harder to know when to see an orthopedist. It is never normal to experience pain on a regular basis. If you have had pain for longer than a few days, or if your symptoms are getting progressively worse as the days pass, you should contact an orthopedist for an appointment.

Expected Orthopedic Doctor Visit Cost

Your orthopedic doctor visit cost should be covered by your insurance, so the biggest factor that determines your out-of-pocket costs is the terms of your insurance plan. If you have a low deductible and a low copay, you may pay little or nothing out of pocket. Those with a higher deductible and copay may pay a more significant amount; however, the cost of the initial visit should still be manageable.

At the appointment, the doctor is likely to order further diagnostic testing and treatment. These tend to be more expensive than the initial cost of seeing a doctor, and some people need financing to help manage their costs if they have a high deductible.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

At your first appointment with your doctor, the doctor’s goal is to get an idea of what is causing your symptoms and decide whether further testing is needed. Usually, the doctor will prescribe an initial course of treatment to help get your symptoms under control. You can expect the doctor to ask you questions about your symptoms and to perform a physical examination. You may be sent to get x-rays or other diagnostic imaging. You may leave the office with a prescription and with a follow-up appointment scheduled.

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 need to have wrist surgery, understanding the expected wrist surgery recovery timeline can help you anticipate and plan for the time after the surgery. The length of the recovery time depends on the condition being treated and the type of surgery used. Below, we will take a look at the basics about what to expect after your wrist surgery.

How Wrist Surgery Works

Wrist surgery can often be performed arthroscopically, which helps minimize recovery time and prevent side effects. During arthroscopic surgery, the doctor makes small incisions near the affected part of the wrist, and inserts tools and a tiny camera through the incisions in order to operate on the wrist. If the doctor is performing more extensive surgery on the wrist, it may be necessary for him to open up the wrist and perform conventional wrist surgery. The recovery time with conventional surgery tends to be longer.

Expected Wrist Surgery Recovery Timeline

You can expect several things as you recover from your surgery:

• Go home the same day – If you had arthroscopic surgery, chances are you will be able to return home the same day. If you had open wrist surgery, it is possible that you will need a short hospital stay.
• The first few days are the toughest – For the first few days, you may feel drowsy and not up to doing much, and require pain medication to stay comfortable. You will feel better each progressive day after the surgery.
• Use support for your wrist as recommended – Your doctor may recommend that you use a splint or other device to keep your wrist still. Be sure to wear any prescribed devices as recommended.
• Return to some normal activities within a week – Most patients can return to some normal activities within a week, as directed by the physician.
• A longer period before returning to heavy wrist use – It may be as short as several weeks, or as long as several months, until you are able to do activities that require heavy use of your wrist, like typing for long periods or playing an instrument.
• Physical therapy – Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to help you regain use of the wrist. You should continue to do the exercises you learn in physical therapy even after you are not having formal sessions anymore.

Some recovery time is inevitable with any surgery, and the biggest factor that determines your recovery time is the type of surgery. However, you can minimize your recovery time by following your doctor’s instructions about wrist use, communicating with your doctor about any unusual symptoms you begin to experience, and generally taking good care of your body.

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

If you have an orthopedic problem, you should visit an orthopedist as soon as possible so that you can have the problem diagnosed and start getting treatment. Chronic pain and mobility problems can have a big impact on your health and quality of life, so there is every reason to seek treatment for your condition. Below, we will take a look at how and where you can find the best orthopedic surgeon City of Orange.

Orthopedic Surgery Basics 

Many orthopedic conditions, such as osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, can typically be treated without the use of surgery. However, conditions which are severe or which have not responded to other treatments may require surgical intervention. There are two main types of orthopedic surgery: conventional surgery and arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which the doctor makes small incisions instead of opening up the area being treated. A growing number of orthopedic surgeries can be performed arthroscopically, but only your doctor can tell you which treatment is right for you.

Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon

A skilled orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange is most likely to be able to provide the high-quality treatment you deserve. In order to find a surgeon who is a good match, it is important to take the time to research surgeons in your area first. Here are some things to consider as you do:

• The logistics – Does the doctor accept your insurance, and is he accepting new patients?
• Experience – How long has the doctor been working as an orthopedist?
• Bedside manner – You should feel comfortable talking to the physician and find that your questions and concerns are respected and addressed.
• Reviews from past patients – Many patients review their experiences with their physician online. Reading reviews from past patients can give you an idea of what to expect, and potentially steer you away from doctors who would be a bad fit.
• Your instincts – If you feel uncomfortable with a physician, there is probably a reason why. In most cases, you should trust your instincts. You have a right to find a doctor you feel comfortable with.

Top Orthopedic Surgeon City of Orange

Dr. Howard Marans is the top orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange. Dr. Marans has spend decades treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic problems; his patients have included elite athletes. Dr. Marans accepts most major insurance providers. Dr. Marans understands that getting treated for any medical condition can be stressful, so he maintains clear lines of communication with each patient, allowing him to approach each individual case with both technical precision and sound judgment.

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.

ACL tears are among the most common sports injuries; they are also relatively common among middle-aged people. If you have an ACL tear, it is important to be treated by a skilled ACL surgeon. Below, we will take a look at the basics of ACL surgery, as well as how and where you can find the best ACL surgeon in Tustin.

About ACL Tears

The knee has four ligaments, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL contributes to stability in the knee, and can be torn if the knee is pushed past its normal range of motion, as can occur during falling or twisting accidents. Athletes like basketball players and ballet dancers are especially prone to ACL tears, although anyone can injure the ligament. ACL tears vary widely in terms of severity, but moderate to severe ACL tears usually require surgical treatment.

How ACL Surgery Works

During ACL surgery, the surgeon usually takes a piece of another tendon or ligament and uses it to repair the torn ACL. ACL surgery can usually be performed in a minimally invasive manner using arthroscopic surgery. During this procedure, the doctor makes several small incisions near the injured part of the knee. A camera is inserted through one of the incisions, allowing the doctor to visualize the inside of the joint. Tools are inserted through the other incisions, allowing the physician to repair the knee.

Choosing a Surgeon

The quality of your ACL surgeon will make a big difference in how effective treatment is and in how satisfied you are with your treatment. As you look for the best ACL surgeon in your area, ask the following questions:

• How long has the surgeon worked in the field?
• Does the surgeon have experience treating athletes?
• Is the doctor dedicated to using minimally invasive or non-invasive methods whenever possible?
• Are you impressed at the quality of communication from the doctor and his staff?
• Does the doctor accept your insurance?
• Is the doctor currently accepting new patients?
• Do previous patients have positive things to say about their experiences with the physician?

Best ACL Surgeon in Tustin

Dr. Howard Marans is the best ACL surgeon in Tustin, CA. Dr. Marans has decades of experience treating patients with a wide variety of orthopedic problems, including ACL problems. Throughout this time, Dr. Marans has incorporated the latest, most minimally invasive procedures into his practice, which allows him to provide the most effective and proven treatments for the patient’s injury. Dr. Marans’ patients appreciate his good bedside manner, clear communication, and individualized approach to each case.

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

Wrist surgery is used to treat wrist problems that do not respond to non-surgical treatments. Only a doctor can determine whether or not you need wrist surgery, based on your particular clinical situation. Below, we will take a look at some of the factors that determine whether wrist surgery is necessary, as well as some basic facts about the procedure.

Common Wrist Problems

The wrist is a complex structure, and a variety of conditions can affect it. People who frequently use the hand and wrist, like construction workers, bikers, and pianists, are at an increased risk of wrist problems; the risk of wrist injury also increases with age. Some of the most common wrist problems include:

• Osteoarthritis – Degeneration of the joints in the wrist, which causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – With this condition, the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel, is compressed. Carpal tunnel syndrome is most common among people who perform repetitive hand motions, such as piano players and typists.
• Ulnar tunnel syndrome – Occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs through the ulnar tunnel, is compressed. Common among cyclists and people who use a jackhammer at work.
• Sprains – If a ligament is twisted, as can happen when the wrist is used to break a fall, a wrist sprain can occur. Wrist sprains vary in severity from stretching of the ligament to complete severing.
• Fractures – The wrist can be fractured, especially after a fall. Because so many nerves run through the wrist, fractures pose a major threat to use of the hand, especially if not treated promptly.

When Wrist Surgery is Used

In some cases, it is possible to treat wrist problems without the use of surgery, especially if the issue is relatively mild. However, some wrist conditions cannot heal on their own, such as ligament tears and complex fractures, in which case surgery is required. Surgery may also be considered in cases where non-surgical methods have already been tried and were ineffective. Only a doctor can determine whether or not surgery is right for your injury.

How Wrist Surgery Works

Most of the time, the doctor can perform wrist surgery arthroscopically, which prevents him from having to actually open up the wrist. During this procedure, small incisions are made near the affected structure, and a camera and tools are inserted through the incisions. The doctor can operate on the wrist without needing to be very invasive. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, and does not require the use of general anesthesia.

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.