Tag Archives: Asheboro NC

Knee Pain Treated by Asheboro NC Sports Medicine Doctors

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When residents of Asheboro NC experience knee pain, they know that help is just around the corner. With the caring and experienced sports medicine doctors around the corner at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine on their side, knee pain can become a mere memory!

Sports medicine

Sports medicine doctors are often orthopedic doctors who undergo additional training and education to recognize, treat, and educate athletes about joint injuries such as those which cause knee pain. Sports medicine focuses on the body mechanics each sport requires, injury prevention, nutrition, treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries. Sports medicine doctors also advise coaches, parents and young athletes efficient, safe, and effective training techniques to enhance performance

Athletics and knee pain

Knee pain is a fact of life for many active people. Sports medicine doctors regularly treat endurance athletes such as runners and cyclists; explosive athletes like basketball players and skiers; and others who participate in repetitive and movement-based activities. Also susceptible to knee pain are adolescents, females and taller people, especially those with unstable core strength, which puts more stress on the knee. Typical symptoms include intense pain, inflammation, or bruising at the site of the injury; pain when walking or sitting and getting up, and when using stairs; reduced and/or painful range of motion; a feeling of the knee locking, catching, giving out or buckling.

Where is your knee pain?

The knee is a complicated joint of multiple structures which make it possible for us to bend, flex, and walk. The knee also distributes weight and force, from the ground up and from our bodies down, through the leg. As a result, many different reasons can contribute to knee pain, and pain can develop in several different places throughout the knee.

Above the knee, muscle strains and tendon inflammation are common. Below the kneecap, the tendon which connects the knee cap to the top of your shin is vulnerable to injury. Knee pain under the knee cap may be caused by a compression injury or from arthritis. Pain behind your knee can be localized on the inside, outside, or in the middle. Hamstring or calf muscle tendon injuries, poor joint mobility, tendinitis at the groin muscles, ligament strains, or irritation to the meniscus, a sort of shock absorber for the knee are common causes of knee pain at the back of your knee.

Sports medicine doctors and knee surgery

Sports medicine doctors typically prefer to treat knee injuries non-surgically, but sometimes knee surgery is necessary. Arthroscopic knee surgery, a minimally invasive surgery using a tiny camera and surgical instruments to diagnose the cause of knee pain, and sometimes to repair knee damage, is a very common form of knee surgery utilized by sports medicine doctors. Some sports medicine doctors, like those at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, perform cutting edge knee surgery. Techniques such as subvastus knee replacement and anatomic ACL reconstruction are designed to get you back on your feet and leading your active life, free from pain, as soon as possible.

If knee pain is keeping you from enjoying your life to the fullest, Call Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or click for an evaluation with one of the sports medicine doctors. Contact your local sports medicine experts today at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, and get rid of that knee pain!

Asheboro NC in good hands with sports medicine doctors

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People in Asheboro NC are fortunate to have caring and experienced sports medicine doctors in their midst. The sports medicine doctors at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, also orthopedic surgeons, are active in educating members of the community about safe and proper sports training, injury prevention, and recognition of injuries when they do occur.

Sports injury

A sports injury is one that typically occurs during athletic activities, and is usually due to overuse or to acute trauma affecting specific parts of the body. For example, tennis elbow is a form of repetitive stress injury at the elbow, suffered by tennis players, plumbers, and housewives alike. Other types of injuries can be caused by a hard contact with something, resulting in a broken bone or torn ligament or tendon. Basketball players are susceptible to ACL tears, and so are roofers. Sports injuries range from bruises to torn ligaments, and from fractures to head injuries; none of these injuries are limited to athletes.

The orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine working with the Human Motion Institute of Randolph Hospital understand how important it is for you to get back to work and to your normal life as quickly and safely as possible. When you are injured on the playing field, at work, or at home, and suffer from chronic joint pain, effective treatment and rehabilitation are what you can expect from your sports medicine doctor. You can also expect encouragement to continue an active lifestyle consistent with your abilities, and with proper training and physical conditioning.

Sports medicine doctors

The orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine working with the Human Motion Institute of Randolph Hospital understand how important it is for you to get back to work and to your normal life as quickly and safely as possible. When you are injured on the playing field, at work, or at home, and suffer from chronic joint pain, effective treatment and rehabilitation are what you can expect from your sports medicine doctor. You can also expect encouragement to continue an active lifestyle consistent with your abilities, and with proper training and physical conditioning.

When to see a sports medicine doctor

When you have an injury that causes pain, redness, stiffness or swelling, and you feel certain there are no broken bones or cause for serious concern, traditional R.I.C.E. first aid measures (rest, ice, compress, and elevate) should be your first response. It is never a good idea to Play Through the Pain, as coaches taught in years past, as certain injuries can be made worse with activity. Many sports injuries resolve themselves with proper care, but if yours persists, see an Asheboro, NC, sports medicine doctor at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Orthopedic surgery

Sports medicine doctors and orthopedic surgeons agree that non-surgical treatment is usually the best line of treatment for most people. However, orthopedic surgery is not only necessary but absolutely critical for complete recovery in some situations. If you have suffered a sports injury that will not heal or experience chronic joint pain that is keeping you from enjoying normal daily activities, contact a sports medicine physician or orthopedic surgeon for advice. Many orthopedic surgery techniques are minimally invasive, heal quickly, and can have you up and enjoying your life again!

The goal of a sports medicine doctor is to treat and rehabilitate injured athletes, workers and other active people, help them avoid similar injury in the future, and return them to active, full lives as quickly and as safely as possible. Call Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine or click for an injury assessment. You are in good hands with an Asheboro, NC, sports medicine doctor.

Orthopedic Doctors in Asheboro at the Top of their Game

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People in Asheboro NC usually go to see an orthopedic doctor for treatment of a broken bone; But, orthopedic doctors also see patients for treatment and management of arthritis, for carpal tunnel or rotator cuff injuries, and for many other musculoskeletal injuries or damage. Orthopedic surgeons routinely perform arthroscopies, a common and minimally invasive procedure which explores knee, hip, or shoulder damage. Many minor joint problems are corrected during an arthroscopy, but more serious conditions may require invasive orthopedic surgery.

Orthopedic doctors and continuing education

Asheboro NC orthopedic doctors at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine spend time reading medical journals, doing other types of research, and receiving training in new orthopedic surgery techniques to keep up to date on the latest information about bone and joint care. This is in addition to 14 years of formal education to become an orthopedic surgeon. As well as being a board certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Lance Sisco has also undergone specific training in sports medicine. Dr. Megan Swanson has specific training in hip and knee replacement, and their colleague Dr. Jeffrey Yaste, also a sports medicine doctor, has specialized training in knee, shoulder, elbow and hip surgeries.

Does your ACL need repair? Dr. Jeffrey Yaste has extensive training and experience in an innovative orthopedic surgery known as anatomic ACL repair. The procedure itself involves placing a new ligament in the identical anatomic position as your original one. Because the placement is identical to the original ligament, doctors believe that reconstructive surgery has proven to be superior to traditional techniques in stabilizing knee flexion and extension.

Do you need knee replacement? Dr. Megan Swanson has attained a high level of training and expertise in subvastus knee replacement, a complicated orthopedic surgery which manages to replace a damaged knee joint without cutting through the quadriceps muscle. In performing this muscle sparing orthopedic surgery, healing and rehabilitation times are shortened, helping you to get back on your feet more quickly than with traditional surgery techniques.

Preparing for orthopedic surgery

Orthopedic surgery, no matter how skillfully performed, is an injury from which your body must recover.  You can help your own healing and rehabilitation process by staying as healthy as possible both before and after your orthopedic surgery. If you smoke, try to quit. Drink plenty of water, and get lots of sleep. Eat the healthiest diet you can, to give your body the nutrients it will need to heal incisions, fight off possible infection, to repair bone, tissue, and blood vessels, and  replace any blood loss.

Your orthopedic doctor is committed to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation strategies which can most quickly and safely restore you to the fullest pain free function possible after your injury. Visit Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine to learn more about orthopedic surgery techniques available to you. For a consultation with orthopedic doctors in Asheboro NC you can rely on, call Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

Spine Pain Treatments Have Your Back in Asheboro NC

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Orthopedic doctors in Asheboro NC help many patients manage spine pain without surgery, restoring them to a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle. At Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, they believe treatment should be as painless as possible, recovery should be fast, and success rates should be high. Spine pain does not have to keep you from enjoying life any longer.

Spine basics

The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments, all of which work together to keep us upright, allow us to bend, twist and lift, and protect nerves inside the spinal column. Rubbery cartilage discs between the vertebrae serve as shock absorbers. The back bone also provides a strong base for connecting the shoulders and pelvic area. When any part of the spine fails to function properly for any reason, spine pain, sometimes debilitating, is the outcome.

Spine pain

Back pain is the most common reason people stay home from work in Asheboro, and the rest of the country; about a third of all adults in America have had back or spine pain in the last month. Spine pain is the second reason, after pregnancy, that people see a doctor or are hospitalized. Degenerative disc disease, including spinal stenosis and herniated discs, causes the most common form of back or spine pain.

Causes of back and spine pain.

The causes of back and spine pain are varied. Some spine problems are caused by bone and joint disorders such as arthritis or scoliosis. In other cases, careless physical movement or lifestyle habits can trigger an episode of back pain. An inflamed or herniated disc can put pressure on your spinal cord or spinal nerves and cause back or spine pain. Age is another factor contributing to chronic back pain, especially spine pain caused by arthritis and other wear and tear damage to the spine. Episodes of spine pain can be divided into two categories: acute pain and chronic pain.

Acute and chronic spine pain

Acute pain lasts 4 to 6 weeks and is often the result of a specific event, such as lifting something incorrectly or being in a minor car accident. Acute pain can also occur without a specific event, since everyday activities cause gradual breakdown of the spine. Chronic back pain lingers for several months or longer, and often requires treatment, such as physical therapy, an injection, or a surgical procedure.

At Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, they know that communication is the key to successful medical procedures. Accordingly, orthopedic doctors are happy to answer your questions about degenerative disc disease and about spinal injuries. In Asheboro, NC, the goal is help restore you to a life without spine discomfort.

If you have spine discomfort or spine pain, visit or call Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for an appointment with one of the caring orthopedic doctors. Let them help to relieve your spine pain and establish lifestyle habits which can avoid future episodes of pain. When your spine hurts, they’ve got your back.

Considerations Before Having Joint Replacement in Asheboro NC

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Joint replacement surgery frequently brings patients to Asheboro NC for quality care and cutting edge joint surgery techniques. Joint replacement is an elective surgery, meaning that it can be planned and scheduled in advance, unlike urgent surgeries. Thus, as a consumer and advocate of your own health and lifestyle, you can participate in the decision-making. The orthopedic surgeons at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine are ready to assist.How can I know if I need joint replacement?

If your joint pain has not responded well to non-surgical approaches such as medications and physical therapy, and if you have significant pain every day that interferes with normal daily tasks to the extent you need help with them, joint replacement may be appropriate for you. If another, less invasive joint surgery procedure cannot eliminate your joint pain, joint replacement may be appropriate for you.  Other things to consider include joint pain that keeps you awake or does not decrease with rest; keeps you from walking, bending or straightening; or joint pain that results from advanced arthritis or other damage.

When should I have joint replacement?

Once you and your orthopedic surgeon at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine agree joint replacement is appropriate, you should discuss timing, because in some instances of joint damage, waiting too long could be detrimental. Taking into account the condition of your joints, your age, and your overall health, you and your doctor will want to strike a balance between operating too soon, thereby increasing the chance that your replacement joint will wear out and need replacing at some point; and waiting too long, which means you get less benefit from the procedure. On average, patients receiving total knee replacements are 70 years old; for total hip replacement patients average at 66 years of age. If you are younger than 50, your doctor may recommend that you wait a few years before having joint replacement surgery. Young athletes, however, often undergo joint replacement so that they may continue their active lifestyle, accepting the possibility they will later undergo a joint revision.

Can anyone receive a joint replacement?

Some people in Asheboro, NC, are not good candidates for joint replacement. Your orthopedic surgeon is unlikely to suggest joint replacement for you if you have any of the following problems: Severely damaged or non-working muscles that support the joint; damaged nerves; systemic infection or infection in the affected joint; poor circulation; allergy to metal or plastic; other medical conditions that add risk to joint surgery.

Informed decision

As you decide whether to have a joint replacement, and when, bear in mind that joint replacement is a major joint surgery. As with all surgical procedures, there is a small but real risk of serious complications such as blood clot, infection, or heart attack. Working with your orthopedic surgeon and understanding all the risks and benefits to this joint surgery, you are in a good position to make the right decision for you. Talk with the caring surgeons at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Asheboro NC.

If you wonder whether joint replacement might be the solution to your joint pain problem, go online to visit Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and click or call for an evaluation with the orthopedic surgeons who have extensive expertise in joint surgery, including joint replacement.

ACL tears and ACL reconstruction techniques in Asheboro NC

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ACL tears are common injuries sustained by active people in Asheboro NC.  As a matter of fact, ACL strains and sprains, or ACL tears, are the most common knee injuries. Athletes who play high demand sports like soccer, football, and basketball are likely to injure their anterior cruciate ligaments, or ACL. For athletes, ACL surgery is generally needed to regain full knee function. The surgeons and sports medicine doctors at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine see ACL tears almost every day.

Basic knee anatomy

Three bones form your knee joint: your thighbone, your shinbone, and your kneecap, which sits in front of the joint for protection. Ligaments connect bones to other bones, and there are four primary ligaments in your knee. Like strong ropes, they hold the bones together and keep your knee stable. The injury-prone anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is located in the front of the knee, and the posterior cruciate ligament is behind it. These two ligaments control the back and forth motion of your knee, and keep it stable on rotation.

ACL strains and sprains
An ACL strain is an injury to a knee muscle or tendon. Muscles contract on a bone to pull on a tendon, which is connected to your bone. Muscles are made to contract and stretch, but when stretched too far, a strain may result. ACL sprains are injuries to ligaments, the tough fibrous tissue that connects bones together. Ligaments can also tear when they are stretched too far or with too much force.

Anatomic ACL reconstruction

ACL strains and sprains are often treated non-surgically, but ACL surgery is needed for ACL reconstruction. Because ACL tears cannot be stitched back together, ACL surgery is necessary to restore knee stability. A new ligament is typically reconstructed using a tissue graft as a frame for new ligament growth. Because ligament regrowth takes time, it may be six months or more before an athlete can return to sports after surgery. With traditional ACL reconstruction techniques, it is very difficult to achieve the function level of the original ligament.

A very promising ACL reconstruction technique is now available in Asheboro NC, performed by Dr. Jeffrey Yaste at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. The aim of anatomic ACL reconstruction is to replicate the original positioning of a torn ligament when placing the new replacement. When placement of the replacement tendon exactly copies the precise location of the native ligament, function increases dramatically. Few orthopedic surgeons have the training and experience to perform this difficult procedure.

Let the caring and experienced doctors at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine help you with your ACL tear.  Orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors are committed to restoring you to full health and function. Visit the website and click or call Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for an appointment to learn options for treating your ACL tear.

Back Pain the Forte of Orthopedic Surgeons in Asheboro NC

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You can benefit from the latest evaluation techniques and treatments available to back pain sufferers in Asheboro NC.  Non-surgical and minimally invasive surgical procedures of spine related injuries and disorders are the order of the day for orthopedic surgeons at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Working with the Human Motion Institute professionals at Randolph Hospital, orthopedic doctors diagnose the cause of your back pain and formulate a recovery and rehabilitation treatment program for you.

Common causes of back pain

There are countless causes of back pain, including poor posture, poor physical condition, repetitive incorrect bending or lifting techniques, and spinal injuries or diseases. Asheboro NC orthopedic surgeons and their team of therapists at Randolph Orthopedics specialize in diagnosing and treating your back pain, and strive to return you to an active and pain free lifestyle.

Physical therapy and rehabilitation

At the Human Motion Institute, you will find a state-of-the art physical therapy center, practicing a unique and proven therapy protocol which improves spinal strength and fitness through specific, isolated exercises. Treatments are designed to facilitate your recovery from injury, illness or disease for a return to as normal a condition as possible. Aquatic therapy, manual therapy and mobilization of the spine, educational programs on spine care and injury prevention, and exercise regimens that you can also do at home are typical components of physical therapy treatment.

Spinal injections

One of the diagnostic and therapeutic options available for back pain management is epidural injection, or spinal block. The medication moves along the spine to coat nerve roots and joint linings, relieving back pain. Orthopedic surgeons may also use spinal injections to isolate particular nerves to determine which ones may be causing your back pain.

Minimally invasive orthopedic surgery

When a vertebra, one of the small bones that make up the spinal column, fractures, the usual rectangular shape of the bone becomes distended, leading to pain. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spinal procedure used to treat painful fractures or injuries to vertebrae. Another common minimally invasive orthopedic surgery is vertebroplasty, which treats vertebral compression fractures in the spinal column. Both procedures involve the use of bone cement to correct the fracture. Compression fractures may involve the collapse of one or more vertebrae in the spine, and are commonly associated with osteoporosis.

If back pain has you wondering where to turn for help, the Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Human Motion Institute approach to back pain delivers proven long-term benefits. Call Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and ask for a back pain assessment. The caring and experienced orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC want to restore you to your usual activities as soon and as safely as possible, without orthopedic surgery, so that you can enjoy a comfortable life free from back pain.

Spine pain treatments have your back in Asheboro NC

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Orthopedic doctors in Asheboro NC help many patients manage spine pain without surgery, restoring them to a healthier and more comfortable lifestyle. At Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, they believe treatment should be as painless as possible, recovery should be fast, and success rates should be high. Spine pain does not have to keep you from enjoying life any longer.

Spine basics

The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments, all of which work together to keep us upright, allow us to bend, twist and lift, and protect nerves inside the spinal column. Rubbery cartilage discs between the vertebrae serve as shock absorbers. The back bone also provides a strong base for connecting the shoulders and pelvic area. When any part of the spine fails to function properly for any reason, spine pain, sometimes debilitating, is the outcome.

Spine pain

Back pain is the most common reason people stay home from work in Asheboro, and the rest of the country; about a third of all adults in America have had back or spine pain in the last month. Spine pain is the second reason, after pregnancy, that people see a doctor or are hospitalized. Degenerative disc disease, including spinal stenosis and herniated discs, causes the most common form of back or spine pain.

Causes of back and spine pain.

The causes of back and spine pain are varied. Some spine problems are caused by bone and joint disorders such as arthritis or scoliosis. In other cases, careless physical movement or lifestyle habits can trigger an episode of back pain. An inflamed or herniated disc can put pressure on your spinal cord or spinal nerves and cause back or spine pain. Age is another factor contributing to chronic back pain, especially spine pain caused by arthritis and other wear and tear damage to the spine. Episodes of spine pain can be divided into two categories: acute pain and chronic pain.

Acute and chronic spine pain

Acute pain lasts 4 to 6 weeks and is often the result of a specific event, such as lifting something incorrectly or being in a minor car accident. Acute pain can also occur without a specific event, since everyday activities cause gradual breakdown of the spine. Chronic spine pain lingers for several months or longer, and often requires treatment, such as physical therapy, an injection, or a surgical procedure.

At Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, they know that communication is the key to successful medical procedures. Accordingly, orthopedic doctors are happy to answer your questions about degenerative disc disease and about spinal injuries. In Asheboro, NC, the goal is help restore you to a life without spine discomfort.

If you have spine discomfort or spine pain, visit or call Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine for an appointment with one of the caring orthopedic doctors. Let them help to relieve your spine pain and establish lifestyle habits which can avoid future episodes of pain. When your spine hurts, they’ve got your back.

The place for subvastus knee replacement is Asheboro NC

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Subvastus knee replacement is one of the cutting edge surgical procedures being used these days by orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC. If you are wondering if knee replacement surgery could be the answer to your debilitating knee pain, subvastus knee replacement is something to consider.

Knee surgery and arthritis

Arthroscopic surgeries to repair torn, sprained or strained tendons and ligaments are common orthopedic procedures; however, such repair cannot prevent the onset of osteoarthritis, a frequent result of knee joint damage.  Knee arthritis can be extremely debilitating, and can interfere with daily tasks and your ability to take part in family or work activities. Living with constant knee pain can contribute to chronic mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. There is no cure for knee arthritis, but treatments such as exercise, pain relievers, physical therapy, losing weight, quitting smoking, can often help.  Sometimes, though, knee pain becomes so severe that it cannot be alleviated. In these circumstances, knee replacement surgery may be indicated. The most common reason for knee replacement in the United States is severe osteoarthritis of the knees.

Conventional knee replacement surgery

In knee replacement surgery, the entire knee, or part of the knee, is replaced with metal or plastic parts.  In order to reach the damaged portion of the knee, the orthopedic surgeon generally flips the knee cap up and out of the way, and divides the quadriceps muscles and tendons to get a clear view. The damaged knee parts are removed, and new implants are inserted in their place. Hospital stays are about three days, and recovery can take about six weeks.

This major surgical procedure is an elective surgery which can decrease the pain and swelling in a severely damaged knee.  When your orthopedic doctor at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine recommends knee replacement, he takes into account your age, and your usual level of activity.  Joint replacements do wear out, and if you are young, you may one day need joint revision surgery. You must weigh the benefits and risks of knee surgery, rehabilitation, and the extent of disability your knee pain currently causes. It can take up to six months to fully recover from knee replacement surgery, including a long stint of physical therapy. Long-term recovery means complete healing of surgical wounds and internal soft tissues. When a patient is able to return to work and the activities of daily living, they are on the way to achieving full recovery. Another indicator of complete recovery is when the patient finally feels normal again. An average recovery period for total knee replacement patients is 3 to 6 months.

Subvastus knee replacement

In subvastus knee replacement, an advanced surgical procedure used by Dr. Megan Swanson at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, your quadriceps muscle is not cut. Instead, Dr. Swanson uses a special technique to perform the operation underneath your muscles, thereby sparing them from being cut.  With subvastus knee replacement, patients experience faster return of knee function, have smaller incisions, and less postoperative pain than patients who received traditional knee surgery.

Because of this muscle-sparing knee surgery you suffer less trauma from which to recover, and your muscle strength is not compromised. Less pain means post-knee surgery physical therapy can progress much more quickly. With subvastus knee replacement, healing time and rehabilitation time can both be shortened.

Consider subvastus knee replacement if chronic knee pain has you thinking about replacement knee surgery. Consider consulting Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Asheboro NC.  See if your knee pain can be a thing of the past with a life-changing subvastus knee replacement.

Shoulder Pain and Shoulder Arthroscopy in Asheboro NC

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When shoulder pain interferes with your usual activities, call the orthopedic experts at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Asheboro NC.  Our shoulders allow us to reach overhead, out front, behind, to the side, below, and all points in between.  Using our shoulders, we comb our hair, brush our teeth, dress ourselves, and perform the hundreds of daily movements we never even think about; that is, until they become too painful to perform.

Shoulder vulnerabilities

We think of the shoulder as one joint, but it is actually made up of several joints.  Major components of the shoulder include the upper arm bone, the shoulder blade, and the collarbone, all tied together by muscles, tendons and ligaments in a versatile structure that can allow an incredibly wide range of motion.  It is that mobility which makes a shoulder vulnerable to injury and instability, and to shoulder pain. You may feel pain only when you move your shoulder, or all of the time. If your shoulder pain lasts for more than a day or two, you should seek medical diagnosis and treatment.

General treatment for shoulder pain

Most shoulder pain originates from four major causes: tendon inflammation such as bursitis or tendinitis, or a tendon tear; instability; arthritis; a fracture. Generally, treatment involves rest, avoiding certain activities, and physical therapy to help improve shoulder strength and flexibility. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce inflammation and pain. Your doctor at Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine may also recommend injections of numbing medicines or steroids to relieve pain. Ninety percent of shoulder pain responds to simple treatment methods such as altering activities, rest, exercise, and medication. Some shoulder pain can only be relieved by shoulder surgery, however.

When shoulder surgery is necessary

Exercise cannot help certain types of shoulder problems, such as recurring dislocations and certain rotator cuff tears, and shoulder surgery is typically indicated in these cases. Shoulder surgery usually means shoulder arthroscopy, a procedure that orthopedic surgeons use to inspect, diagnose, and repair problems inside a joint. In shoulder arthroscopy, your Asheboro, NC surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your shoulder joint. The camera displays pictures on a television screen, which your surgeon uses to guide miniature surgical instruments. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, your surgeon can use very small incisions, resulting in less pain and a shorter recovery than with more invasive surgical techniques. Larger, complicated shoulder reconstructions or shoulder joint replacement surgeries generally require traditional open surgery procedures.

If shoulder pain has you wondering where to look for relief, contact Randolph Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Asheboro NC.  Among the other skilled orthopedic and sports medicine doctors at Randolph Orthopedics, Dr. Jeffrey Yaste is a widely respected orthopedic surgeon with advanced training and experience in shoulder surgery. Visit Randolph Orthopedics & Sports Medicine today to read more about Dr. Yaste and the other specialists, and about how your shoulder pain may be helped with shoulder arthroscopy.