If you suffer from a bone, ligament, or joint condition, finding a skilled orthopedist to treat you is essential. Below, we will take a look at how and where you can find the best orthopedic surgeon in Huntington Beach.  

When to See an Orthopedist

You should visit an orthopedist if you have symptoms that could be consistent with an orthopedic problem. Sometimes, if you sustain a sudden injury, it is obvious that there is a problem. If symptoms are severe or last for longer than a few days, you should contact a doctor.

When chronic conditions like arthritis develop, it is common for patients to come to accept their pain as the new normal, perhaps dismissing it as a normal part of aging. The fact is that experiencing frequent pain or becoming less mobile are not a normal part of aging, and should be evaluated by a physician.

Researching Orthopedic Surgeons

The quality of your orthopedic surgeon can have a big impact on how successful the treatment is. You can use the Internet to research doctors, as well as ask for recommendations from people you trust. As you research orthopedic surgeons, look for the answers to the following questions:

• How does the doctor approach treatment?
• Is he a board-certified orthopedist?
• Is he experienced in sports medicine?
• How many years has he worked in the field?
• Does he have good bedside manner?
• What treatments does the doctor offer?
• Does he have a clean disciplinary record with the state board?

Best Orthopedic Surgeon in Huntington Beach

Dr. Howard Marans is the best orthopedic surgeon in Huntington Beach. Throughout his decades in the field, Dr. Marans has treated thousands of patients for orthopedic issues and sports injuries, and has even treated Olympians. Dr. Marans approaches treatment with a combination of clinical judgment, technical skill, and clear communication that facilitate the best possible outcomes from treatment.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

At your consultation, your doctor will begin by asking you about your symptoms – what you experience, when your symptoms started, and what makes the symptoms worse or better. The doctor will also ask about your medical history, current medications, and your family history.

Next, the doctor will physically examine the affected area, which provides more information about the nature and severity of the problem. If the diagnosis is not clear at that point, the doctor may order medical imaging tests, such as an x-ray or MRI. In some cases, blood testing may be performed.

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 a knee problem, it is important to meet with a skilled knee specialist as soon as possible so that you can be diagnosed and receive treatment. Typically, one of the questions that comes up earliest in this process is what the cost to see an orthopedic surgeon City of Orange will be.  

Factors Affecting Cost

A variety of factors affect the cost of being treated by an orthopedic surgeon City of Orange, including:

• Cost of living in the area – In areas where the cost of living is higher, it is more expensive for doctors to provide medical treatment. As a result, patients see higher costs for medical services.
• Use of surgery – In some cases, knee specialists can treat knee problems without the use of surgery. This is especially common if the knee problem is mild or likely to heal on its own, or if the patient is elderly or medically unstable.
• Arthroscopic vs. open knee surgery – The majority of common knee problems can be treated with arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the recovery time and resources associated with surgery. If a major procedure such as knee replacement is required, then open knee surgery will be used.
• The physician – Some doctors are dedicated to keeping costs to a minimum for patients.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance will cover the cost of orthopedic surgery, because surgery is only used when it is necessary to treat a medical problem. In addition, if the injury occurred in a car accident or at work, auto insurance or worker’s compensation may also cover the cost of treatment.

How much you pay out of pocket depends primarily on your insurance plan. Some patients who have high premiums have a very low deductible or none at all, resulting in low costs. Others have a higher deductible, which could make the cost of surgery substantial if the deductible has not yet been met.

Managing the Cost of Treatment

Many people are able to manage the cost of being treated by an orthopedic surgeon City of Orange without any issues. If you have a high deductible and are not able to pay the entire cost of treatment out of pocket, there are a variety of financing options available. Many patients turn to patient financing companies to handle the cost of treatment. Other options include credit cards, health care credit cards, and loans.

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

Many people develop problems affecting their joints, muscles, bones, or tendons at some point, particularly athletes or older people. If you are experiencing an orthopedic issue, scheduling an appointment with orthopedic specialists as soon as possible is the best thing you can do for your health. Below, we will take a look at when you should consider seeing an orthopedist, as well as what you can expect in terms of costs.   

When to Visit an Orthopedic Specialist

Orthopedic specialists should be consulted when there are signs of an orthopedic problem. When a traumatic injury occurs, it is sometimes immediately clear that the assistance of a specialist will be needed. Sometimes, you may know that there is an injury but want to give it a few days before seeing a doctor. Unless symptoms are severe or getting progressively worse, waiting for a few days is typically fine.

Chronic conditions usually develop slowly over time, and may become a new normal, to the point where patients may dismiss symptoms as part of the process of aging. It is important to realize that experiencing chronic pain is never a normal experience.

Visiting an orthopedic specialist early on after symptoms develop is a good choice for many reasons. It ensures that you do not live with uncomfortable symptoms for longer than necessary, and prevents you from developing a worse condition or complications that could cost more to treat later on.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance covers the cost of visiting orthopedic specialists, so your insurance coverage is the primary factor that determines what you will pay out of pocket. In some cases, you may need to be referred to an orthopedist by your primary care doctor before you insurance will pay; this depends on your insurance plan.

Some patients have a low deductible, so that even invasive surgery is very affordable. Other patients have a higher deductible. While these patients may not experience high costs for appointments and non-surgical procedures, the cost of surgery can be high for patients with a higher deductible.

Managing the Cost of Treatment

In cases where a patient needs surgery but cannot pay their out-of-pocket costs all at once, financing may be used to manage the cost of treatment. Patient financing companies allow patients to spread the cost of treatment out over the course of several months. Other financing options include loans, lines of credit, credit cards, and health care credit cards. The right choice for you depends on your unique financial situation.

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 injured a joint, bone, or tendon, it is important to visit a doctor once you realize that there is a problem. Visiting a physician early on can prevent the condition from worsening and ensure that you get treatment as early as possible. Below, we will take a look at where you can find the best orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange.  

When to See an Orthopedist

It can be hard to know when to visit an orthopedist. Sometimes, people who are reaching middle age or older dismiss real orthopedic injuries as an expected part of aging. Similarly, athletes may accept their pain as part of training, or attempt to push through it so that they do not have to lose time training and competing.

The fact is that pain is never a normal sensation. If you start having pain in a joint, it is best to stop the activity that is causing pain. If the pain is mild to moderate, you may apply ice, compress the joint, elevate the joint, and rest it for a few days. If the symptoms get worse or do not resolve within a few days, you should contact a doctor. If you have severe pain, you should visit a doctor right away. If you have pain that has been around for a long time, you should also call an orthopedist.

What to Expect at Your Consultation

During your consultation, the orthopedist will be working to identify the nature of your injury. You can expect to answer questions about your health history, your physical activity level, and your family history. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, including when they started, what helps, and what makes them worse.

Next, the doctor will perform a physical examination, focusing on the parts of the body which are injured. In most cases, the doctor will order medical imaging, such as x-ray or CT scan, to confirm the cause of the symptoms. From there, the physician will work with you to develop a plan of treatment.

Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon in the City of Orange

Choosing a skilled orthopedic surgeon in the City of Orange is one of the most important things you can do for your orthopedic health. Dr. Howard Marans is the best orthopedic surgeon in California. Dr. Marans is an experienced orthopedist and sports medicine expert who has treated a wide range of patients and conditions, including Olympic athletes. Dr. Marans works to develop a comprehensive, individualized plan of care that will result in long-lasting recovery from orthopedic problems.

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

The knee is the largest joint in the body, and it is both highly complex and essential to overall orthopedic health. The knee can sustain a wide range of injuries, and ACL tears are among the most common knee injuries. If you have an ACL tear, it is important to get treatment from a skilled orthopedic surgeon in Huntington Beach.  

About ACL Tears

The knee has four ligaments, one of which is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is often torn after sudden twisting of the knee, or after trauma. This makes it a common injury in sports that requires sudden stops and turns, like football and basketball. It is most common in people who are middle aged or older, but can affect people of any age.

ACL tears vary in severity from mild tears, in which the ligament is stretched but intact, to moderate tears, in which the ligament is partially torn, to severe tears, in which the ligament is completely severed in two. Mild tears may be treated non-invasively in some cases. Moderate to severe tears often require surgery, especially in cases where the patient is younger or more physically active.

ACL Treatment Basics

Regardless of whether or not surgery is used, physical therapy forms a cornerstone of treatment for ACL tears. Rest, compression, and icing the knee can also be helpful in moderation.

When surgery is used, it is typically possible to use minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to treat ACL tears. During arthroscopic surgery, the doctor creates tiny incisions around the knee in order to operate. A camera is used to see the inside of the knee without opening it up, and small tools are inserted through the incisions.

Choosing a Surgeon 

It is important to find an orthopedic surgeon in Huntington Beach who has the skills and experience to provide excellent treatment. As you research surgeons, ask the following important questions:

• How long has the surgeon worked in the field?
• If you are an athlete, does the surgeon have experience with sports medicine?
• Is the doctor dedicated to using minimally invasive procedures whenever possible?
• Does the doctor have good bedside manner?
• Does the doctor accept your insurance?

Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic, is the best orthopedic surgeon in Huntington Beach. Dr. Marans has worked in orthopedics for over two decades, during which time he has continued to incorporate modern, minimally invasive procedures into his practice. Dr. Marans accepts most major insurance providers.

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

Although athletes are typically the most fit people in the community, they are also highly prone to orthopedic injuries due to the nature of their training. Because athletes seek to return to their high level of physical achievement, aggressive treatment is often administered, including orthopedic surgery in many cases. If you are an athlete and have been injured, it is important to find an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine to treat you.  

When to See a Doctor

All too often, athletes let developing injuries go untreated. An overuse injury may be dismissed as a normal sensation associated with training until the injury becomes very severe, or an athlete may choose to push back an injury that causes only moderate pain in order to continue achieving.

Although these actions are understandable, it is best to visit an orthopedic surgeon as soon as you realize you have a problem. Left untreated, orthopedic problems will become worse over time, especially if you continue to train at an intense level. Pain is never a normal part of training, and should be treated as a sign of a potentially serious condition.

Choosing a Doctor

The quality of your doctor can make a big difference in how successful your treatment is. Some key factors to consider when choosing an orthopedic surgeon in Tustin include:

• Experience – Although all doctors have extensive training and education, physicians continue to hone their skills and gain experience as they practice. It is best to choose a doctor who has at least a few years of experience in the field.
• Expertise in sports medicine – The needs of athletes are distinct from the needs of other patients in many ways, so athletes should always see a doctor who specializes in sports medicine.
• Use of minimally invasive procedures – There are a variety of minimally invasive procedures that can be employed to treat the most common sports injuries. Your surgeon should be dedicated to using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible.
• Bedside manner – Communication is a cornerstone of a positive relationship between doctor and patient. If you do not feel comfortable communicating with your doctor, it may be best to look elsewhere.

Top Orthopedic Surgeon in Tustin

Dr. Howard Marans is the top orthopedic surgeon in Tustin. Dr. Marans has extensive experience treating patients with a wide variety of sports injuries, as well as patients from the general population. Dr. Marans is dedicated to using the most minimally invasive methods applicable, and works to ensure that communication is clear and open with each patient.

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

It is important for athletes to seek treatment for any injuries or changes as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of more serious problems. One issue that concerns many patients is that they may not be able to afford treatment. Below, we will take a look at the fees associated with top sports doctors, as well as how those fees can be managed.  

What Impacts Fees Associated with Top Sports Doctors

The fees associated with top sports doctors can vary widely depending on a number of factors. Some key issues that can impact the fees you encounter include:

• Whether or not surgery is required – Surgery is much more costly than non-surgical treatment. Minimally invasive surgery is less costly than open knee surgery, but the cost of treatment can still be very significant.
• Local cost of living – In areas with a higher cost of living, the cost of treatment is also higher.
• What the doctor does to control costs – Some top doctors are dedicated to minimizing their overhead costs and passing on those savings in order to make treatment as affordable as possible for patients.
• How many appointments are required – If your treatment extends over a longer period of time, you will incur more costs over the course of treatment.

It is important to note that the cost of getting treatment for an injury as soon as it develops is almost always lower than the cost of treating an injury after it has been allowed to worsen over time.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance will cover the cost of visiting a sports doctor and receiving treatment. As a result, the majority of patients are able to afford the cost of treatment, even when the fees that insurance is billed for are high.

Your insurance policy is the single biggest factor that determines what out of pocket costs you will encounter. If you have a large deductible that has not been met this year, your costs may be high if surgery is required. In addition, high copays may boost your out of pocket costs. Conversely, if you have a high premium but no deductible, you may find that treatment is extremely affordable.  

Financing

For people with high out of pocket costs who require surgical treatment, financing may be needed to help spread the cost of treatment out over a longer period of time. You can choose from a variety of financing options to find one that best meets the needs associated with your unique financial situation. Common financing options include patient financing companies, health care credit cards, and traditional credit cards. Loans and lines of credit may also be used.

If you are interested in treatment for your 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.

If you have an orthopedic condition, it can affect every aspect of your health and life. It is important to get effective treatment for joint and other problems as soon as possible. Below, we will take a look at where you can find the best orthopedic specialists in California, as well as the basics of orthopedic treatment.  

How to Find the Best Orthopedic Specialists in California

You can use a number of resources to find the best orthopedic specialists in California. If a friend or family member has been treated for an orthopedic problem, he or she may be able to recommend a skilled physician. Your primary care doctor can recommend a well-regarded orthopedist in the area. In the modern age, the Internet plays an increasingly large role in finding doctors.

Dr. Howard Marans

Dr. Howard Marans is one of the best orthopedic specialists in California. Dr. Marans is a skilled orthopedist with over 20 years of experience in the field. Dr. Marans is able to successfully treat patients for orthopedic and sports medicine problems using a combination of technical precision and excellent clinical judgment.

Common Orthopedic Treatments

Treatment for orthopedic condition varies heavily based on the specific injury and how severe it is, along with a variety of other factors. However, there are a few treatments that have wide applicability. Some of the most common orthopedic treatments include:

• RICE – Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are commonly known as “RICE.” This is the first step you should take after sustaining a new injury, and your doctor may recommend a few days of RICE at the outset of treatment.
• NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aleve and Advil are used to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation. Do not start a long-term regimen of NSAIDs without consulting with your doctor first.
• Physical therapy – Regardless of what other treatments are used, physical therapy often forms a cornerstone of treatment. Physical therapy helps restore strength, functionality, and flexibility to injured parts of the body.
• Steroid injections – Injecting a joint with steroids provides powerful relief of inflammation. However, steroid injections are used as sparingly as possible.
• Arthroscopic surgery – Many orthopedic conditions can be treated using minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery, which lets the doctor operate on a joint using a few small incisions.
• Open joint surgery – Open joint surgery is used to perform more extensive surgery, such as joint replacements.

Only a doctor can determine which treatment is best in your case. If you are interested in treatment for your orthopedic problems, 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 an ACL tear, chances are you are eager to get back to your previous level of activity as soon as possible. While mild tears may take just a few weeks to heal, moderate to severe tears often require surgery, and the recovery time can be substantial. Below, we will take a look at the average ACL recovery timeline.  

How ACL Surgery Works

Usually, ACL tears can be treated using a form of surgery where the doctor operates through small incisions around the knee instead of by opening up the knee. A small camera and tools are inserted through the incisions, each of which is about the size of a pencil.

Here, we will take a look at the ACL recovery timeline for people who have arthroscopic knee surgery, which is the most common form. In cases where the tear is very complex or severe, or when there are other knee injuries in addition to the ACL tear, it may be necessary to use open knee surgery. The recovery time is usually longer and more intensive with open knee surgery than arthroscopic knee surgery.

ACL Recovery Timeline

The recovery time for ACL surgery can be substantial, but the alternative is to not recover from the injury at all. Individual recovery times vary, but most people who have ACL surgery can expect the following:

• Spend a few hours at the surgical clinic for observation, then return home the same day
• Mobility is fairly limited for the first few days, and icing and elevating the knee will be important
• You will need to walk around for a few minutes every day, as directed by your doctor
• Pain can be managed with prescriptions for the first few days, and over-the-counter medications thereafter
• The majority of patients are well enough to return to a desk job and other normal activities after 1 week
• Physical therapy will be utilized
• After 6-8 weeks, patients can return to moderately strenuous activities, such as working a factory job
• It will be several months before it is possible to resume elite athletic training

How to Minimize Your Recovery Time

Patients can take several steps to minimize their ACL recovery timeline after ACL surgery, although some recovery period will always be present. One important step is to be aware of the signs of potential complications, so that you can call your doctor immediately. Additionally, adhere to all activity recommendations – it is important not to over-exert yourself, but it’s also important to walk around and participate in physical therapy as recommended.

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

Severe knee pain can impact every aspect of your life, from how well you are able to get around to how much you are able to engage socially with the people around you. If you suffer from severe knee pain, it is important to get treatment. Below, we will explore the most common severe knee pain treatment options.  

Causes of Severe Knee Pain

Severe knee pain can be caused by damage to the bones, cartilage, meniscus, or ligaments in the knee. Some causes of severe knee pain include:

• Arthritis – Arthritis usually starts off as a relatively mild condition. Over the years, as inflammation increases and the joint sustains more and more damage, pain may become severe.
• Ligament tears – Tears to the knee’s ACL, MCL, LCL, or PCL can cause severe pain, especially when the ligament is completely torn in two pieces.
• Meniscus tears – Each knee has two menisci, wedge-shaped pieces of cartilage that facilitate smooth movement of the knee.
• Fracture – If the kneebone or one of the bones that meets at the knee is fractured, pain can be quite severe.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Even severe knee pain can often be treated with non-surgical methods. In addition, non-surgical methods are usually used as an adjunct treatment even when surgery is also used. Some of the most common non-surgical severe knee pain treatment options include:

• Physical therapy
• Steroid injections
• Over-the-counter medications
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)

Surgical Treatments

In many cases, severe knee pain treatment options include surgery. There are two main types of knee surgery: Arthroscopic knee surgery and open knee surgery. With arthroscopic knee surgery, the doctor is able to operate on the knee without making a large incision and opening up the knee. This reduces the pain, hospital stay, and recovery time.

If extensive knee surgery, such as knee replacement, is necessary, then open knee surgery may still be necessary. During open knee surgery, the doctor makes large incisions on the knee and opens it up in order to operate on it. Open knee surgery is very invasive, but the benefits outweigh the risks and downsides in some cases.

Considering Your Options

Each case of severe knee pain is unique. When you meet with a doctor, he will be able to evaluate the severity of your knee injury and how well you have responded to past treatments and make a recommendation based on that information. At that time, you will learn about the benefits and risks of severe knee pain treatment options and make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you.

If you suffer from severe knee pain, 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.