Everything You Need To Know About Osteoarthritis Treatment

Osteoarthritis is an orthopedic problem in which one or more of the body’s joints degenerates, leading to pain, mobility issues, and other symptoms. The condition is chronic, but treatment can adequately control symptoms in the majority of cases. Below, we’ll take a look at the most important facts to know about osteoarthritis treatment.  

What Osteoarthritis Is

A joint is where two or more bones meet. The ends of bones that meet at joints are covered in cartilage, which helps facilitate smooth movement. Joints also contain synovial fluid, a fluid which helps the joints move smoothly, and may also contain fluid-filled sacs and other substances.

Arthritis is a broad term that refers to any inflammation in a joint. Osteoarthritis is more specific, and refers to the degeneration of a joint. Cartilage can wear down and even expose the bone, which may become damaged. In large joints such as the knee, the joint’s fluid may become depleted.

Osteoarthritis may occur in any joint in the body. However, it is especially common in the knees, hips, and hands. Anyone can develop osteoarthritis, but the factors such as age, genetic propensity, and obesity can increase one’s risk.

The Outlook

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition. Although it is very possible to manage symptoms of inflammation, it is not possible to reverse the damage that caused that inflammation. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms and prevent further joint degeneration.

The Approach to Treatment

In osteoarthritis treatment, doctors will use the least invasive treatment that is likely to be successful. The majority of cases can be managed without ever resorting to surgical treatment.

Some treatments that may be employed in the management of osteoarthritis include:

• Physical therapy – Teaches exercises that help strengthen the muscles that support the joints, reduce inflammation, and improve flexibility. A cornerstone of osteoarthritis treatment.
• Exercise and stretching – During and after formal physical therapy, it is important to regularly exercise and stretch.
• Occupational therapy – Occupational therapists work to restore the patient’s ability to perform normal tasks, such as dialing a telephone or bathing.
• Weight loss – Carrying excess weight places stress on the body’s joints. Losing as little as 10% of one’s body weight if obese can lead to a reduction in symptoms.
• Smoking cessation – Smoking contributes to inflammation and reduces the body’s capacity to heal. Stopping can help.
• NSAIDs – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve and Advil may be prescribed to reduce inflammation
• Steroid injections – Provide powerful but localized reduction in inflammation.
• Surgery – If the symptoms are severe and do not respond to other treatments, surgery may be necessary. During surgery, the doctor accesses the joint and removes damaged cartilage and bone, replacing it with prosthesis.

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

Sports Medicine Doctors Near Huntington Beach, CA

If an athlete and have sustained an injury while training or competing, it is important to see a skilled sports medicine doctor as soon as possible to minimize damage, loss of function, and downtime. Below, we will take a look at the basics of sports medicine, as well as where patients can find the best sports medicine doctor near Huntington Beach.  

About Sports Medicine

Athletes who train and compete at a high level are at a high risk of injury due to the strain placed on the body. In addition, certain athletes have extra risks – for example, the risk of falls for cyclists and gymnasts, and the risk associated with contact in sports like football.

As patients, athletes have unique needs. A non-athlete and an athlete with the exact same injury require a different approach to treatment. This is due to the fact that the athlete’s injury most likely had different contributing factors, as well as the fact that the athlete most likely requires treatment that will restore full function to the injured body part.

Choosing a Sports Medicine Doctor

The skill of the sports medicine doctor will impact the patient’s experience from start to finish. Some important things to look for in a sports medicine doctor include:

• Experience – Doctors with more experience are typically able to provide care that draws on a deeper well of judgment and which is administered with more technical skill.
• Bedside manner – The doctor should communicate clearly and work to help the patient feel as comfortable as possible. Poor bedside manner can actually interfere with the patient’s overall care.
• Area of expertise – If there are unusual features in the case, such as a rare condition, it is important to find a doctor who has expertise in the area.
• Visiting the office – It should be easy to reach the office and make an appointment, and appointments should start near their scheduled time as often as possible.
• What others say – The experiences of past patients can provide insight into what the majority of patients experience with a particular physician. Reading reviews or asking friends and family for recommendations can be helpful.  

Top Huntington Beach Doctor

Howard Marans, M.D. is the top sports medicine doctor near Huntington Beach, CA. Dr. Marans has spent over two decades providing high-quality to care to athletes and other people with orthopedic problems. Dr. Marans works to individualize care for each patient. He provides technically skilled treatments which are based in sound clinical judgment. Dr. Marans communicates clearly with patients, and considers the patient part of the treatment team.

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

Find Treatment For Shoulder Arthrtitis in Mission Viejo, CA

The shoulder may develop arthritis as a result of degeneration, trauma, or autoimmune disease. Treatment for shoulder arthritis varies based on the severity of the condition, but the majority of patients are able to control their symptoms and maintain functionality in the shoulder.  

About Shoulder Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term that simply means inflammation of a joint. It may be caused by a number of factors. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage surfaces of the joint break down over time. Post-traumatic arthritis may occur after shoulder trauma. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks joints all over the body. There are also some less common types of arthritis, such as infectious arthritis.

Shoulder arthritis is most common among older people. It may also occur in athletes who use the shoulder frequently. Shoulder arthritis can produce pain and stiffness that make it difficult to perform even simple tasks.

Treatment Options

The most minimally invasive treatments available are preferred for treating arthritis. Because arthritis is usually a chronic condition, management is also long-term. Making lifestyle changes can go a long way toward controlling symptoms. Some common treatments include:

• Physical therapy – Can help strengthen the muscles that support the shoulder and maintain a range of motion. The exercises learned in physical therapy should be performed at home regularly. Whatever other treatments are used, physical therapy will form a cornerstone of the treatment process.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Medications like Aleve and Advil can help relieve the inflammation associated with shoulder arthritis.
• Steroid injections – Steroids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. By injecting the medication directly into the joint, it is possible to provide a large dose with only local effects.
• Shoulder replacement – Surgical replacement of the damaged joint surfaces is sometimes necessary in cases where symptoms are severe and the patient does not respond to any other treatment methods.

Another factor that influences the course of treatment is the patient’s age and activity level. Athletes and other people who require full use of the shoulder, such as musicians, will typically receive more aggressive treatment. In contrast, older and more sedentary people will typically receive less aggressive treatment, because the benefits do not outweigh the risks.  

Best Mission Viejo Shoulder Doctor

The best doctor for shoulder arthritis in Mission Viejo, CA is Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic. Dr. Marans has worked in orthopedics for over 20 years. He is skilled at the administration of both surgical and non-surgical treatments, and has helped many shoulder arthritis patients to regain function.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your shoulder pain. To schedule your consultation today, please call (714) 979-8981 or click below and enter your information and we will get right back to you.

How Long is the Recovery Time for ACL Surgery

Tears to the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are among the most common sports injuries, especially among football players, basketball players, and other sports that involve rapid turns and stops. In many cases, surgery is required to treat the torn ligament. Although patients can return to work relatively quickly after ACL surgery, it can take much longer for the knee to fully heal.  

About ACL Tears

The knee has a relatively narrow range of motion, capable of moving only in one direction. It is the largest joint in the body, and one of the most complex joints. The ACL is one of four ligaments responsible for holding the knee in place. The ACL usually tears as a result of sudden twisting or force to the knee, as can happen during sports. Older adults are also prone to ACL tears.

ACL tears are classified based on their severity:

• Grade I – The ligament stretches or sustains a very minor tear. Symptoms are usually relatively mild and confined to pain. Several weeks of rest and care can give this type of tear time to heal.
• Grade II – The ligament tears significantly but is still intact. Symptoms are more pronounced and may include both pain and instability. Athletes often require surgery for this type of tear, but non-surgical treatment may be preferred for older, less active individuals.
• Grade III – The ligament is completely severed. Pain and instability of the knee may be severe. This type of tear almost always requires surgery, especially among athletes.

ACL Surgery Basics

ACL surgery is usually performed arthroscopically, which means that the doctor accesses the joint by making small incisions on the knee. Through these incisions the doctor inserts a camera and the tools used to operate.

Arthrocopic knee surgery is typically performed in an outpatient setting, so patients can return home the same day. Usually, only local anesthesia and sedation are required.

Recovery From ACL Surgery 

For the first few days after ACL surgery, activity is quite restricted. Patients are instructed to get up for a few minutes every day, but will not be up to much more than that. Pain is often managed with prescription medication for the first few days. Each successive day after surgery, pain is more manageable and the patient feels up to doing more.

Many patients feel up to returning to work at a desk job within a week of surgery. Other normal activities can also be resumed. It is around this time that physical therapy usually begins.  

It takes longer for the knee to make a full recovery. For athletes, it usually takes several months until the knee is strong enough to perform at the required level (if such a complete recovery is possible). This means that for most athletes, a torn ACL means an end to the season.

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

Where is the Best Surgeon For Bike Injuries in Orange County

Cycling is a low-impact sport, but people who do it at a competitive level are still prone to stress and overuse injuries, as well as trauma injuries related to falls. People who have sustained a cycling injury should visit a surgeon for cyclists for diagnosis and treatment.  

Cyclist Problems

Cycling can affect the knees, ankles, feet, and shoulders. Cyclists can prevent injury by avoiding overtraining and by cross-training whenever possible. Using proper form when training is also essential. Furthermore, injury can be reduced by cycling as safely as possible and always wearing safety gear.

Common cycling injuries include:

• Clavicle fracture – The collarbone breaks after a fall
• Concussion – Concussion or other head injuries may occur, especially if a helmet was not worn
• Plantar fasciitis – Inflammation of the connective tissue in the foot
• Patellar tendonitis – Tear or inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin
• Knee osteoarthritis – Degeneration of the knee joint’s cartilage, bone, and synovial fluid
• IT band syndrome – Inflammation of tissue running along the lateral aspect of the thigh, resulting in pain
• Achilles tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendon that attaches the heel to the shin

Despite precautions, cyclists may develop injuries at some point in their career. If that occurs, finding a skilled surgeon can ensure that the patient gets accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Finding a Surgeon

There are many factors to consider when looking for a surgeon for cyclists. Some of the most important features include:

• How long the surgeon has been in the field
• Whether the surgeon is accepting new patients
• Whether the surgeon uses non-surgical methods when possible
• Bedside manner and how well the surgeon answers questions and addresses concerns
• What past patients say about their experiences in testimonials and on review sites

Ultimately, one’s own intuition about whether or not the surgeon is a good fit is one of the most important factors in choosing a physician.

Best Surgeon for Cyclists

In Orange County, the best surgeon for cyclists is Dr. Howard Marans. At OC Orthopedic, Dr. Marans provides advanced sports medicine treatments to cyclists and other athletes. Dr. Marans has worked in sports medicine for over two decades. Throughout that time, he has adopted the newest, most effective treatments for cycling injuries.

Dr. Marans understands that quality of treatment is intimately related to the patient’s outcomes. The process starts with diagnosing the problem in a timely manner, drawing on medical expertise and available resources. Next, the doctor and patient work together to establish a course of treatment that will be effective. Finally, Dr. Marans executes the treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, with precision and skill.

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

How Effective is Treatment For Hand Arthrtitis

The hands are essential for most daily activities like hygiene, housework, or typing. As a result, having hand arthritis can significantly impede one’s ability to function and enjoy a certain quality of life. A number of treatments for hand arthritis are available, and most cases can be treated effectively without resorting to surgery.   

Types of Hand Arthritis 

Arthritis is a broad term that refers simply to inflammation of a joint. There are many types of arthritis. The most common form is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that is common with age. Other types include post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The various types of arthritis each require a specific approach, although there is a good deal of overlap in the treatments.

Medication

Medication can be used to reduce inflammation of the joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Aleve and Advil are often used. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis patients may take medications specific to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Exercises and Physical Therapy

Regardless of what other treatments are used, hand exercises and physical or occupational therapy are essential. Practicing exercises that strengthen the hand and take the joints through their full range of motion can help to retain functionality and flexibility, while reducing pain and stiffness. After the initial course of physical therapy is complete, patients should continue to exercise the hand at home.

Injections

Injections are a minimally invasive procedure that may be used to relieve inflammation. The most common type of injection is a steroid injection. Steroids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, and injections can target one specific area with a high dose of steroids.

Splinting 

Splinting the hand and/or wrist can relieve the hand from frequent movement that is causing inflammation, allowing inflammation to die down. Splinting is a temporary measure designed to relieve inflammation. Patients may be instructed to splint when a flare-up occurs.  

Surgery

In cases where non-surgical methods are unlikely to help, surgery may be considered. Joint replacement and joint fusion are among the most common surgical treatments. If the joint has deteriorated so that pain is inevitable with movement, plates and screws may be used to fuse a joint together so that the two bones move as one. This prevents pain, but limits movement. Joint fusion is the most common type of surgery for arthritis of the hand.

Joint replacement can be used for most of the hand joints. During this procedure, damaged cartilage and/or bone are removed and replaced with a prosthetic. The goal is to improve function and longevity of the joint.

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

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

Types of Traumatic Injury 

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

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

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

Other Forms of Insurance Pay First

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

Health Insurance Picks Up the Rest

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

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

Managing Your Out-of-Pocket Costs

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

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

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

People with shoulder injuries that do not respond to non-surgical treatments may require shoulder surgery. From rotator cuff tears to shoulder impingement and much more, shoulder surgeons can repair a wide variety of conditions affecting the bones and soft tissue of the shoulder. Since a shoulder injury is a medical condition that requires treatment, a visit to a shoulder surgeon should be covered by insurance.  

About the Shoulder

The shoulder has the widest range of motion of any other joint in the body. It has a ball-in-socket design, and a number of ligaments, muscles, and tendons allow the shoulder to move through its full range of motion while keeping the joint in place.

Shoulder injuries may occur after a fall or other trauma to the shoulder, such as contact during sports or a car accident. These injuries may take the form of fractures, arthritis, or ligament tears. After a traumatic injury to the shoulder, it is often immediately obvious that something is wrong.

Shoulder injuries may also occur after chronic shoulder overuse, which is common among athletes who frequently take the shoulder through its full range of motion or bear weight on the shoulder. Weight lifters, tennis players, and golfers are all prone to shoulder injuries. Rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement are especially common as a sports injury.

When Surgery is Necessary

A lot of shoulder injuries respond well to non-surgical treatment. This is especially true of injuries that are mild or that occurred in older, less active individuals. However, if the condition is severe or does not respond to non-surgical methods, surgery may be required.

Insurance Coverage

Insurance should cover the cost of a trip to the shoulder surgeon, as outlined in your insurance policy. Patients unsure of the details of their policy should contact their insurance carrier for more details. Because insurance plans vary in their terms, the patient’s out of pocket costs vary based on the size of their deductible and copay.

Managing Costs

With insurance coverage, many patients are able to manage their portion of the cost of shoulder surgery out of pocket. However, patients with high deductibles may not be able to afford their trip to a shoulder surgeon all at once. These patients may consider financing options, like health care credit cards and third-party financing options, to help them manage the costs.  

When considering the cost associated with shoulder surgery, it is important to consider the long term cost/benefit analysis. Although the initial cost of surgery may be higher than allowing the condition to go untreated, getting treatment can lead to a greatly increased quality of life, and can prevent many future medical bills.

Dr. Howard Marans is an experienced shoulder surgeon who accepts most major insurance plans, including PPO. Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your shoulder injury. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Marans, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at 714.979.8981.

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

About Ligaments

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

Ligament tears are graded based on how severe they are:

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

Torn Ligament Symptoms

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

It is often immediately obvious that something has happened to the joint if the tear is severe, as with many sports injuries accident-related injuries. Other times, the damage may occur more slowly.

Diagnosis 

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

Possible Treatments

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

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

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