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Lexington Medical Center - Ask Your Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Questions
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John
5:04
What is partial knee replacement? And how do I know if I should have it?
William
5:04
I have a pacemaker and cannot get an MRI.  What can you do to help me determine what my back pain is from?  I've taken steroids and am going to physical therapy and still have pain.
Kyle
5:05
How do you know when chronic knee pain may require surgery?
Dr. Randy Westerkam, Physiatrist
5:05
Hi William,
Anna Grace
5:06
What is physiatry? How do I know if it could help me?
James
5:06
I have really bad back pain but I'm scared of surgery. What are my options?
Dr. Knight, Ortho Sports Surgeon
5:07
Hi John. Excellent question. A partial knee replacement is best indicated for patients that have arthritis involving only one compartment in the knee. They must have an intact anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, and typically they are reserved for younger patients in lieu of a knee replacement.
Nate
5:07
I'm still recovering from hand surgery in May. When can I expect the tightness to go away?
Dr. Randy Westerkam, Physiatrist
5:07
Hi William,  There are many causes of back pain and not all need an MRI in order to help evaluate.  However, if imaging is needed then CT scans and myelograms can help further define the anatomy to give us some good information.
Dr. Knight, Ortho Sports Surgeon
5:08
Nate, what type of procedure did you have in your hand?
Liza
5:09
How would you treat a tibial stress fracture? Is rest the best option, and how do I prevent them from reoccurring?
Dr. Dedmond, Orthopaedic Trauma
5:09
Hi, Kyle.  Great question.  Before any surgery, we always recommend exhausting all non-surgical options.  Knee pain can come from alot of different sources.  Things like therapy, anti-inflammatories, bracing, and injections can often help.  If the pain is from arthritis, and you have exhausted all the other options and nothing is helping, it might be time to consider surgery, especially if the level of pain is affecting your daily life.
Nate
5:10
I had two screws put into my knuckle. I did the occupational therapy and can make a fist, but it still feels tight.
Kyle
5:10
Thanks so much, Dr. Dedmond. I mostly experience knee pain while running, so I'm hoping some less invasive treatment options will help.
Dr. Randy Westerkam, Physiatrist
5:11
Hi Anna.  Physiatrist are medical doctors that evaluate patients with orthopedic and neurologic problems.  We look at multiple reasons for patients symptoms and develop treatment plans to help them get better.
Marilyn
5:13
Hi! My right knee "crackles" when I walk up stairs or workout. I don't have pain but the sound worries me. What could this be?
Dr. Toussaint, Neurosurgeon
5:14
Hey James, it is understandable that you are concerned. To ease your concerns, you should speak to a spine professional to discuss your options and to discover risks and benefits of those options
Dr. Dedmond, Orthopaedic Trauma
5:14
Hi, Liza.  Tibial stress fractures can be tough.  Sometimes, depending upon the severity and the location in the tibia, they require surgery to get them to heal.  Others can be treated  with rest and activity modification.  To prevent them, regularly change your exercise routine.  Also, if you get stress fractures frequently, you may want to see your primary care physician and have a bone density test.  Patients with poor bone density are more likely to have stress fractures.
Cydney
5:14
How do you know if you should apply heat or ice to an aching back?
Dr. Knight, Ortho Sports Surgeon
5:14
Nate. It is difficult to say for sure not knowing specifically what procedure was done, but it is not unusual for 6 months or longer to see maximum return to function and motion following a hand surgery. Occupational therapy is often quite valuable in this setting.
Dr. Toussaint, Neurosurgeon
5:15
Cydney, it really depends on personal preference. I prefer heat packs applied to the affected area but ice can also be used.
Dr. Dedmond, Orthopaedic Trauma
5:16
Hi, Marilyn, joints often "crackle" especially knees.  It probably means you have a little early arthritis behind your knee cap.  My advice is always  "If it doesn't hurt, don't try to fix it."  If you ever have pain, let us know.  We'd love to help you out but fortunately at this point, with just crackling, you don't need us.
Marilyn
5:17
That makes me feel better, thanks so much Dr. Dedmond!
Dr. Dedmond, Orthopaedic Trauma
5:18
Kyle, if it only happens when you are running, you may want to try modifying the type of exercise you do.  Running puts alot of stress across the knees.  Less stress to the knees occurs with biking or swimming.  Good luck with this.  I applaud you for your exercise!
Carrie
5:21
My son has tendinitis in his wrist.  An xray from urgent care showed no fracture.  He's 13 and its not any better and its been four weeks.  He's not sure exactly how he injured it but he plays baseball and cannot swing a bat.  Should we give it more time to rest or schedule an apt?
Paula
5:22
On occasion my knee locks and I can't get up from a squatting position. I experience some pain when I'm working out but nothing I can't live with...for right now!  Is it safe to "keep on keepin' on" as long as I can stand the pain?
Guest
5:22
Thanks, Dr. Toussaint. I've heard conflicting advice and I'm worried that applying heat can further inflame an already painful back, but I thought it might help relieve the pain as well.
Sam
5:23
My doctor says I need my knee replaced. How long will I be in the hospital and what will the recovery be like?
Molly
5:24
After I run on the treadmill, I feel a dull pain in the front of my leg below my knee. Is that a shin splint? And how should I treat it?
Dr. Knight, Ortho Sports Surgeon
5:25
Hi Carrie, thank you for your question. It's probably a good time to make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon. Sometimes nondisplaced fractures will become more apparent over time, so even if they weren't seen on initial xrays, a repeat xray may show it.  Additionally, there are ligamentous injuries to consider.
Dr. Dedmond, Orthopaedic Trauma
5:26
Hi, Paula, knee locking is often a sign of a cartilage tear in the knee which can come with an injury or with arthritis.  These can also cause giving way of the knee where it just buckles when you walk.  If the buckling happens frequently, you might want to see an orthopaedist possibly for an arthroscopic surgery to alleviate the symptoms.  This is mainly to prevent you from falling and hurting something else.  If you are only having the locking when you stand up, you can probably wait it out.
Carrie
5:26
okay thank you Dr. Knight!
Paula
5:27
Thank you Dr. Dedmond, I definitely have bucking, looks like I may need to schedule an appointment!
Dr. Knight, Ortho Sports Surgeon
5:28
Sam, the length of stay following knee replacements is getting shorter, and I would expect you to be in the hospital 1-2 nights following your procedure.
Dr. Randy Westerkam, Physiatrist
5:28
Hi Molly.  Yes you could have shin splints but there are other reasons that the front of your legs hurt. Typically stretching is helpful but having the proper shoes, proper gait or running technique, and adjusting your running distance or frequency can lessen your symptoms.  Icing after exercise is also recommended.
Dr. Dedmond, Orthopaedic Trauma
5:28
Sorry to hear that, Paula.  We'd be happy to help you out.
Tom
5:29
I have plantar fasciitis really bad and it's just not getting any better. I have done a lot of stretching, night splints, exercises, orthotics. Really bothers me when I am working, playing golf, tennis, and chasing my kids. What can I do next to get some relief? Thanks!
Dr. Knight, Ortho Sports Surgeon
5:31
Sam. The recovery is variable. Typically full weightbearing is allowed and physical therapy is started early on to maximize your range of motion. Total recovery is typically 3-6 months, but that depends on a variety of factors.
Dr. Dedmond, Orthopaedic Trauma
5:33
Hi, Tom.  Plantar fasciitis can be really tough some times.  It looks like you have tried most of the standard treatments.  The most common treatments are a specialized type of orthotic called a viscoelasatic heel cup along with stretching of both the plantar fascia and the heel cord.  Ice massage using a frozen 16 ounce drink bottle can also help.  Night splints help with the stretching.  If all else fails, surgery can sometimes help, but it is certainly the last resort.  Dr. Boyer in our practice (Lexington Orthopaedics) is a specialist in this regard.  Since you have tried everything without relief, I would recommend you sit down with him and discuss your options.
Roy
5:35
I have had lots of trouble with my knee over the years and am to the point that I am considering knee replacement. I work full time and am just scared that this will be a long and drawn out process and I just cannot afford to be out of work very long. What can you tell me about the procedure, recovery time and how soon I could return to work?
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