The month of October makes most people think of pumpkin spice lattes, vibrant leaves, and Halloween costumes. But here at Premier Orthopaedics, we have something else we keep an eye out for, too, because it's also the time of year known as National Spine Health...
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Causes & Treatment Options for Sciatica
Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the back of the leg is what is commonly referred to as sciatica. The pain follows the path of the sciatic nerve down the leg which means that typically, only one side of the body is affected. The sensation that...
Are You A Candidate For Knee Replacement Surgery?
Do you find it hard to perform simple tasks around the house, such as walking up stairs or picking up laundry? Do you suffer from knee pain even when you’re just sitting or lying down? Do you feel stiff and/or have limited mobility? Is your knee deformed? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be dealing with the effects of arthritis in the knee – the largest joint in your body – or other conditions that are causing havoc in that area, making you a candidate for surgery.
Jeffrey Malumed, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedist with Premier Orthopaedics at Crozer-Keystone Health System, says, “Joint pain is the result of damaged cartilage that lines the end of the bones. When cartilage wears away, bone can rest against bone without any cushion of protection, making it very painful to get around.”
Patients opting for joint replacement have usually tried medications, such as the pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil). Physical therapy and cortisone shots, as well as arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, may also have been tried without success.
Dr. Malumed says, “Thanks to advancements in technology and the benefit of experience, knee replacement – also known as knee arthroplasty, has become highly effective in eliminating pain and restoring one’s range-of-motion and function.”
Be sure to ask your doctor about all your treatment options, including total or partial knee replacement, as well as minimally invasive procedures which offer the benefits of less pain and faster recovery times. Please note that patients whose symptoms are not related to joint disease, are too heavy to undergo surgery or be supported by an artificial joint, and who have poor skin coverage, a serious illness or a terminal disease are usually not strong candidates for joint replacement surgery. If you are suffering from pain in the knee or any other joint, it’s time to speak with your doctor. Together, and inclusive of your loved ones, you can discuss the best course of action to ensure your future quality of life.
To make an appointment with a Premier orthopaedist at Crozer-Keystone, please call 1-855-255-6468.