Orthopedic problems, or problems affecting the bones, joints, muscles, or tendons, are among the most common health problems in America. Athletes and middle-aged people are especially prone to these issues. If you have symptoms of an orthopedic condition, visiting an orthopedic specialist can help you get treatment for your condition. Below, we will take a look at how and where you can find the best orthopedic specialists in Tustin, CA.

When to Visit an Orthopedist

You should visit an orthopedist if you have symptoms of an orthopedic problem. Issues like severe pain, signs of a broken bone, or inability to move a body part should be evaluated immediately, and you should go to the emergency room or an urgent care center. In such cases, it is usually immediately obvious that something is wrong.

In other cases, there can be more ambiguity in whether or not you need to see a doctor. For example, some people experience mild to moderate pain on a regular basis, but believe that having pain is a normal part of aging. It is important to understand that it is never normal to experience pain on a regular basis. Not getting treatment for an orthopedic problem early on can allow the condition to worsen, so that treatment is both more expensive and possibly less likely to be effective later on.

Choosing a Top Orthopedic Specialist

The quality of your orthopedist will have a big influence on how effective your treatment is. Some of the most important things to consider when researching orthopedic specialists in your area include:

• Experience – A doctor who has more experience in the field is most likely to provide high-quality treatment. Although all doctors have extensive education and training, doctors continue to develop skills and judgment over time.
• Areas of expertise – Look for a doctor who has experience treating patients like you. This is especially important if you are an athlete or if you have a rare or serious condition.
• Use of minimally invasive procedures – Minimally invasive procedures such as arthroscopic surgery are associated with better outcomes for patients. Your doctor should be dedicated to using minimally invasive treatments whenever it is appropriate to do so.
• Bedside manner – You need to be able to communicate effectively with your doctor in order to get the high-quality treatment you deserve. Therefore, the doctor’s bedside manner is essential to your experience.

Dr. Howard Marans is one of the top orthopedic specialists in Tustin, CA. 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.

If you have an orthopedic problem, an orthopedic surgeon can treat your injury and help you achieve optimal health. Ideally, your orthopedic surgeon should be both skilled and affordable. Below, we will take a look at how and where you can find an affordable orthopedic surgeon in Huntington Beach, CA.

Types of Orthopedic Surgery

There are two broad categories of orthopedic surgery: arthroscopic surgery and open joint surgery. During arthroscopic surgery, the physician makes small incisions near the joint, and inserts a camera to see the inside of the joint and tools to operate on it. Arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, and is associated with shorter downtime and lower risk of complications than open joint surgery, in which the physician creates a large incision to access the joint.

Cost of Orthopedic Surgeon 

The cost of orthopedic surgery varies from case to case, depending on the type of surgery necessary. Most arthroscopic surgeries cost less than open joint surgery, as they take less time to perform and do not usually require a hospital stay.

Your insurance should cover the cost of surgical treatment or any other treatment you need for your orthopedic injury. This means that the primary factor influencing your out-of-pocket costs is the terms of your insurance policy. If you have a high deductible that you have not met, your costs may be relatively high; if you have a low deductible and copay, and have already met your deductible, your costs may be lower. If you cannot manage the entire cost of surgery out-of-pocket, you can use patient financing to manage the cost.

Choosing a Surgeon

The quality of your orthopedic surgeon will make a big difference in how successful your treatment is. In addition, the surgeon should be dedicated to offering affordable treatment. As you research surgeons in your area, ask yourself the following questions:

• How long has the surgeon worked in the field?
• Does this surgeon have experience working with patients like me?
• Is this surgeon dedicated to using non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments whenever possible?
• Do past patients have positive things to say about the surgeon in their reviews?
• Does the surgeon accept my insurance plan?
• Does the surgeon take steps to make treatment as affordable as possible for patients?

Affordable Orthopedic Surgeon in Huntington Beach

Dr. Howard Marans is the most affordable orthopedic surgeon in Huntington Beach. Dr. Marans works to balance affordable treatment with high-quality care, which ensures that patients get positive outcomes without breaking the bank.

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.

Although athletes are typically in peak physical condition. The intense physical training associated with performing at a high level means that athletes are at a high risk of developing orthopedic problems, especially problems related to trauma or overuse. An orthopedic specialist who has experience working with athletes can help treat injuries and prevent future injuries in athletes. Below, we will take a look at how orthopedic specialists are helping athletes in California.

The Unique Needs of Athletes

Athletes are a unique population. They often train for hours every day, which can take a toll on the joints, especially when the same types of exercises are performed many times. Overuse injuries such as rotator cuff tears and runner’s knee are common. In addition, many sports, such as hockey, football, and ballet, put athletes at risk of being injured from contact or from a fall.

At the same time, because athletes perform at such as a high level, treatment for orthopedic injuries in athletes must be much more intensive than treatment for the same injuries in older or more sedentary individuals. Doctors often work with patients for months in order to ensure that the patient is well enough to go back to performing at a high level.

How a Skilled Orthopedist Can Help

A skilled orthopedist can be invaluable to an athlete’s health and success. It is best to see a doctor as early on as possible after an injury has occurred, to prevent the injury from worsening and ensure that you begin to heal as quickly as possible. Orthopedic specialists can identify the cause of your symptoms and recommend and execute an appropriate course of treatment.

Orthopedic specialists also help athletes to develop plans to prevent future injuries. For example, an orthopedist can work with a patient to identify factors, such as overtraining or improper form, that contributed to the injury. The patient can then collaborate with both the doctor and the coach to develop a new training plan that lets the athlete achieve at a high level while also preventing further injuries.

Top Orthopedic Specialists in California

Dr. Howard Marans is one of the top orthopedic specialists in California. Dr. Marans has helped hundreds of athletes to recover from their orthopedic problems, including Olympians. Dr. Marans understands the unique needs of athletes, and is dedicated to helping athletes recover as fully as possible and return to their athletic training as soon as possible after the injury. Safety and healing are of the utmost importance.

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 an orthopedic problem, visiting an orthopedist as soon as possible can help you get relief from your symptoms and return to your previous level of health. Many people put off making an appointment because they worry that the cost of visiting an orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange will be too high. Below, we will take a look at what influences the cost of treatment.

When to Visit an Orthopedic Surgeon in the City of Orange

You should visit an orthopedist if you have symptoms of an orthopedic problem, such as pain or mobility issues. If you have severe pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness, you should call a doctor or visit an emergency room or urgent care center right away. You should also call your doctor if you have pain that lasts for longer than a few days or gets progressively worse instead of getting better.

Visiting an orthopedist is your first step to getting treatment for your condition. It is not normal to experience pain on a regular basis, even if you are getting older or train athletically. Orthopedic problems can have consequences that affect many aspects of your overall health and quality of life, so it is best to visit a doctor as soon as you believe there is a problem.

Factors Influencing Cost

Many factors influence how expensive treatment by an orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange is. Some of the most influential factors include:

• Whether surgery is necessary
• Type of surgery used
• Local cost of living
• Fluctuations in the cost of medication and materials
• The physician’s dedication to keeping costs low

Managing the Cost of Treatment 

The cost of being treated by an orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange should be covered by your insurance plan, since your orthopedist will be treating a medical condition. Therefore, the biggest factor that determines the cost of your treatment is the terms of your insurance coverage. If you have a higher deductible and copay, you may pay a large portion of the cost out-of-pocket. Those with a lower deductible may find the cost more manageable.

In most cases, patients are able to manage the cost of treatment without issues. If you have a high deductible and are getting surgery, the cost of treatment may be higher than you can handle in one payment. You can spread the cost over a longer period of time by applying for financing. Financing options include patient financing companies, health care credit cards, and traditional loans.

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 an ACL tear, getting treatment is essential to preventing further damage to the knee and to helping you get relief from your symptoms. Many people avoid getting treatment because they worry it will not be affordable, but ACL treatment tends to be quite affordable with the help of insurance. In addition, the cost of getting treatment early on is much lower than waiting to get treatment until the condition has worsened. Below, we will take a look at where you can find affordable ACL treatments in Huntington Beach, CA.

About ACL Tears

The knee contains four ligaments that help keep the knee in place and facilitate movement. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most commonly injured parts of the knee, especially among athletes and older people. Twisting the knee or forcing the knee past its normal range of motion commonly causes this type of injury.

ACL tears vary significantly in severity. If the ACL is merely stretched, symptoms can be mild and treatment more conservative. Moderate ACL tears and complete ACL tears usually require more aggressive treatment, and the symptoms are likely to be quite dramatic.

Treatment for ACL Tears

Mild ACL tears can usually be managed without the use of surgery; rest, medication, and ice can all help inflammation go down. In contrast, moderate to severe ACL tears usually require surgical intervention to restore full function to the knee. It is particularly likely that surgery will be necessary if the patient is younger and more active. For older, more sedentary individuals, it is sometimes possible to manage moderate ACL tears medically. Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment in your particular case.

Affordable ACL Treatments

Dr. Howard Marans works to provide affordable ACL treatments in Huntington Beach, CA. Dr. Marans is the top orthopedist in the area, and is also dedicated to keeping his rates as low as possible in order to reduce the burden of cost on patients. Dr. Marans accepts most major insurance plans.

Your insurance should cover the cost of ACL treatment, which means that the terms of your insurance coverage is one of the biggest factors that determines the cost of treatment. If you are not sure about the size of your deductible or copay, you can contact your insurance company for more information. In addition, your doctor’s office can contact your insurance on your behalf when the treatment process has actually begun.

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

If you think you may have fractured your ankle, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. Below, we will take a look at the signs of a fractured ankle, as well as what you can expect in terms of treatment.

Signs of a Fractured Ankle

In most cases, it is immediately obvious that something is wrong when an ankle is fractured. If you have a fractured ankle, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Pain, which may stay at all times but get worse with movement or pressure
• Swelling, which may be dramatic and immediate
• Inability to put weight on the ankle
• Inability to move the ankle
• Visibly displaced bones
• Bones protruding through the skin

What to Do After Fracturing an Ankle

Fracturing an ankle is not usually a life-threatening injury. However, it is important to seek treatment immediately if you believe you may have fractured your ankle. Left untreated, there is a potential for severe complications to develop. The ankle is most likely to heal fully if it is treated early on. Finally, fractured ankles are usually so painful that seeking treatment immediately is essential for your comfort.

If you believe you have a fractured ankle, it is important to avoid putting weight on the ankle. You should seek medical care immediately. You may call your orthopedist, go to an urgent care center, or go to the emergency room, depending on which is most accessible at the time.

Treatment for Ankle Fractures

The treatment for an ankle fracture is to put the bone back in place and then stabilize the bone so that it can heal. If the fracture is simple, this may be a matter of only casting the ankle. If the fracture is complex or severe, the doctor may need to operate on the bone. If you receive fracture surgery, you will be kept at the hospital for one or more days.

Recovering from a Fracture

The process of recovering from a fracture can be relatively lengthy. In most cases, you will need to wear a cast for several weeks, until the bone is completely healed. After taking the cast off, there will have been some loss of muscle tone and flexibility; you will work with a physical therapist and at home to regain your usual strength and range of motion.

The majority of people with ankle fractures eventually experience full healing, without any long-term effects from the fracture. Your doctor will discuss what you can expect in your unique case.

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

Rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement are two of the most common shoulder injuries, especially among athletes. The two conditions can be treated with a similar surgical approach, but rotator cuff surgery and shoulder impingement surgery are different. Below, we will take a look at the nature of each condition, and how they can be treated surgically.

Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a set of four tendons and ligaments that keep the shoulder stable and are responsible for moving the shoulder. The rotator cuff may tear in response to repetitive stress or sudden, traumatic force. This can cause pain and limit the arm’s range of motion. Left untreated, a torn rotator cuff could lead to more serious conditions, like osteoarthritis, so rotator cuff surgery may be necessary.

Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder impingement is a repetitive stress injury that most commonly occurs in athletes who take the shoulder through its full range of motion, such as in swimming or tennis. With shoulder impingement, the space between the rotator cuff and part of the shoulder blade narrows, so that the two structures rub against each other. This causes pain and inflammation, and could lead to joint degeneration if left untreated.

Surgery

Depending on how severe the shoulder injury is, as well as on the patient’s health and activity levels, it may be necessary to treat either rotator cuff tears or shoulder impingement with surgery. Both conditions can usually be treated with arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive form of shoulder surgery. Here’s what you can expect in shoulder impingement or rotator cuff surgery:

• The procedure occurs in an outpatient clinic
• You will be placed under local anesthesia and sedation (“conscious sedation”)
• The doctor will make two or more small incisions near the shoulder
• Through one incision, the doctor inserts a camera. The camera provides a high-quality, real-time image of the inside of the shoulder
• Through the other incision(s), the doctor inserts surgical tools and begins to operate
• The doctor uses several stitches to seal the incisions
• You can return home the same day

Recovery 

Patients can return home the same day as surgery, and most patients can return to desk jobs and some other normal activities within a week of surgery. However, it usually takes months to restore the shoulder’s full range of motion and strength. During this time, use of the shoulder will be quite limited, and most athletes will not be able to train.

If you are interested in treatment for your shoulder injury, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have a sports injury and need treatment, one of the first questions that comes up is of how much treatment might cost. Each case is unique, but there are some principles you can keep in mind as you seek treatment for your injury. Below, we will take a look at what you can expect in terms of sports medicine surgeon fees.

What Contributes to Sports Medicine Surgeon Fees

A variety of miscellaneous factors combine to result in the sports medicine surgeon fees associated with a particular procedure. Some of the most significant factors include:

• Doctors’ fees – The time the doctor spends performing the procedure is taken into account in sorts medicine surgeon fees.
• Staff – Other staff, such as nurses and OR techs, must also be paid for their role in the surgery.
• Anesthesia – Drugs used to produce conscious sedation or general anesthesia contribute to the cost.
• Anesthesiologist – If general anesthesia is used, an anesthesiologist will need to be present throughout the surgery.
• Operating room fees – It costs money to reserve the OR for surgery.
• Office maintenance – A small portion of the fees goes into the cost of general office maintenance, which costs more in areas with a higher cost of living.
• Materials – The cost of materials can be significant, especially if a prosthesis is used, such as in joint replacement surgery.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance does cover the cost of treatment, because orthopedic surgery is only used in cases where it is medically necessary. Therefore, the biggest factor that determines how much a patient ends up paying out-of-pocket is not the cost of the surgery itself, but rather the terms of the patient’s insurance coverage.

Some people who pay high premiums have very low deductible and very low copays. As a result, their out-of-pocket costs will be quite low even if the insurance company is billed for very high costs. Conversely, patients with a high deductible that has not yet been met, or patients with high copays, may pay as much as several thousand dollars out-of-pocket.

Managing the Cost of Surgery

For people with robust insurance coverage, managing the cost of surgery may be no issue. For people with a high deductible, it may not be possible to pay the entire cost of surgery at once. If that is the case, financing can be used to spread the cost of surgery out over a longer period of time. Financing options include third-party patient financing companies, credit cards, and health care credit cards.

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

Nerve damage in the hand can be painful and troubling. Nerve damage varies widely in its nature, but it is possible to improve nerve damage in the hand to some extent in the majority of cases. Below, we will take a look at the basics of nerve damage in the hand.

Causes of Nerve Damage in the Hand

Nerve damage in the hand can be caused by a variety of conditions, most commonly traumatic injuries to the wrist, hand, or finger. Some possible causes of nerve damage include:

• Cuts – Cuts may occur as kitchen injuries, yard work injuries, or as a result of falls or accidents.
• Crush injuries – If the hand is crushed in a motor vehicle accident or fall, nerve damage can occur.
• Burns – Burns can cause nerve damage. The severity of the damage will depend on how much of the hand was affected by the burn and how deep into the tissue the burn extended.
• Overstretching – An injury that causes the hand to be overstretched can damage nerves.

Symptoms of Nerve Damage

The nerves in the hand and wrist are responsible for moving the hand and for transmitting sensation in the hand to the brain. Damage to the nerves can result in trouble with any of these functions. If the motor nerves are damaged, you may experience weakness in the hand, or issues such as twitching or paralysis. If sensory nerves are damaged, you may experience pain, burning, numbness, or tingling. If both types of nerves are damaged, you may experience a combination of both types of symptoms.

Treatment to Improve Nerve Damage in the Hand

Most of the time, it is not possible to completely resolve the nerve damage. However, certain treatments can improve the symptoms associated with the nerve damage, and some degree of nerve regeneration may occur over time. Common treatments include:

• Rest – Resting the hand prevents further irritation and inflammation, which can contribute to the symptoms experienced with nerve damage.
• Immobilization – Immobilizing the hand with a brace or cast can allow the underlying injury that caused the nerve damage to heal. It also enhances hand rest.
• Physical therapy – Physical therapy can help restore flexibility and function to an injured hand, and may also relieve inflammation. The degree to which function can be restored depends on the individual injury. Even when it is not possible to restore complete function, occupational therapy can help you adapt to the changes in your hand.
• Surgery – In some cases, surgery is used. Surgery is normally used to treat the underlying injury. If nerves are being pinched, surgery can relieve pressure on the nerves.

If you would like to improve nerve damage in your hand, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or all OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

In some cases, the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is only slightly torn, so that it stretches but is still able to provide support to the knee. A slight ACL tear still requires treatment, although treatment may be less intensive than for a severe ACL tear. Below, we will take a look at the most common slight ACL tear symptoms, as well as how this type of knee injury is usually treated.

Types of ACL Tears

ACL tears are classified as Grade I, Grade II, or Grade III. Grade I tears are slight, and constitute a stretching of the ligament, which is still able to provide support and structure to the knee. In Grade II tears, the ligament is actually torn, but is not completely severed. In a Grade III tear, the ligament is torn all the way through, so that it is in two pieces. The symptoms of a severe ACL tear can be dramatic, and the patient may be completely unable to use the knee.

Slight ACL Tear Symptoms

In contrast, slight ACL tear symptoms tend to be much less severe. Patients tend to experience symptoms like:

• Swelling in the knee
• Discomfort while walking
• Tenderness on the knee

Treatment for Slight ACL Tears

It is often effective to treat the symptoms of slight ACL tears in a non-invasive manner, especially if the patient is older or more sedentary. In contrast, more severe ACL tears almost always require surgical intervention. The following treatments can help reduce inflammation and restore functionality to the knee:

• Rest – Resting the knee for a few days can give an opportunity for inflammation to go down, easing the symptoms associated with the tear.
• Ice – Applying ice for 20-30 minutes at a time several times a day can reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Compression – Wearing a compression bandage can help support the knee, allowing it to heal.
• Elevation – If you have a lot of swelling, elevating the knee above the level of the heart, while ensuring that the knee and leg are fully supported, can help swelling go down.
• Physical therapy – Your doctor may recommend certain exercises, or refer you to a physical therapist. The exercises you learn will strengthen the muscles that support the knee, relieving symptoms. You should continue to practice these exercises even after formal physical therapy ends.
• Medication – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aleve and Motrin can help bring down inflammation. Always follow the instructions on the label, and avoid taking any over-the-counter medication on a long-term basis unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.

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