What causes pain from elbow to hand? Injury to the muscles between them or nerve root irritation in the neck to the same side of the symptoms. Associated symptoms such as numbness or tingling point more to a nerve etiology. Good luck, Dr. L READ MORE

How can I relieve toe pain? Toe pain in this age group could be due to puncture wounds, ingrown nails, bruises, or sprains. Treatment is first aid for the obvious ones, and shoe wear at all times. Ongoing pain for greater than a few weeks probably warrants a visit to the pediatrician. Good luck and stay well, Dr. L READ MORE

Sharp upper back pain? This is most likely due to a muscular sprain or strain. Ice alternating with heat with over-the-counter analgesics should resolve the symptoms in 7-10 days. Further pain beyond this period warrants a visit to the physician. Good luck, Keith READ MORE

Why do I have cramps in my calf's? The simplest fix for this problem is to increase water intake and decrease sodium and processed food in your diet. It is starting to get hotter, which requires an increase in fluids. If you wait until you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. If this doesn't work for you, consult your PCP. Good luck, Dr. L READ MORE

What is causing my knee pain? Hopefully, you just irritated that side of your knee; meniscus tear is also a possibility. Careful weight bearing and ice applications should help. I would suggest giving it another 10 days or so. If it remains painful, a visit to an orthopedist could give your more info with X-rays, etc. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

What causes pain in your spine? It can be due to muscle, disc, facet joint, or nerve root irritation. The clear majority is mechanical with spontaneous resolution. Certainly, consultation with a medical professional would be of benefit. Good luck, Dr. L READ MORE

Can cryotherapy be done to relieve carpal tunnel in the wrist? Cryotherapy can be used to temporarily relieve symptoms. It makes no difference in resolution of the condition. Brace and anti-inflammatory medications work best prior to surgery. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more commonly seen in women, diabetics and in thyroid conditions. Good luck, Keith READ MORE

How long does a swollen knee last? It depends on the cause. Any swelling beyond a few days indicates a need for additional medical evaluation. Try ice and elevation first, and good luck. Dr. L READ MORE

Is orthopedic surgery needed? There are a number of degenerative changes consistent with age-related conditions in the shoulder. The MRI findings need to be correlated to symptoms to develop a treatment plan. In general, surgery is a last resort. READ MORE

How long will I be off work with a broken leg? This is a complex question because the most important thing is the specific bone fractured. The bone fractured essentially determines estimated healing time, need for immobilization (cast, boot or brace) and degree of weight bearing advisable. A board certified orthopedic surgeon is the best individual to answer this question following an evaluation and X-rays to start. A reasonable estimate can be made initially and then adjusted as the fracture heals. Adequate calcium intake and avoid smoking are two things you can do to speed the healing process. Best of luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

How do you diagnose a torn rotator cuff? History of the symptoms and physical examination followed by an MRI or ultrasound of the shoulder. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

How do you know if you have shoulder impingement? Typically, impingement pain occurs with reaching overhead with localization to the subacromial region which is under the front of the scapula. Repetitive lifting overhead or throwing can cause pain as well. Your doctor can make the diagnosis and refer you to an orthopedic specialist necessary. Good luck, Keith READ MORE

What is the best remedy for plantar fasciitis? This is notoriously difficult to treat. It requires multiple interventions. Ice massage, stretching of foot and ankle, and a night splint to keep the foot in position while sleeping. Good luck with it. Dr. L READ MORE

Why does back pain hurt more at night? Two main reasons: one is the activity of the day, and the other is that there are less distractions. Pain at night that disrupts your sleep regularly should be checked by your doctor though. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

Do you need surgery for torn ligaments in the shoulder? The answer is that it depends on the ligament torn and the degree of tear. More commonly you tear the rotator cuff in the shoulder which is a tendon. In all cases, treatment depends on symptoms that the injury causes. Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon should get you headed in the right direction. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

How long does it take to recover from an ankle operation? A good range is 6 to 8 weeks depending on the conditions addressed. Your surgeon can give you their best estimate based on your specific case. Estimates are just that so they are subject to change. Good Luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

Do they put you to sleep for spine surgery? Absolutely, general anesthesia is the standard of care for the duration of the procedure. Good luck with your surgery, Dr. Louden READ MORE

What is the best treatment for peroneal tendonitis? Assuming the diagnosis is correct, a short period of immobilization in an ankle brace or fracture boot depending on severity as well as anti-inflammatory medications usually resolve the issue. Formal physical therapy can play a role in treatment if necessary. Surgical intervention is seldom necessary for isolated peroneal tendonitis. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

How long do you stay in the hospital after elbow surgery? Typically it is outpatient or 24 hours or less. Good luck with your surgery. Dr. Louden READ MORE

How soon can you walk after rotator cuff surgery? Immediately, assuming you are awake and oriented. Your surgeon will let you know when you can remove your arm from the sling. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

How long does it take to walk after a dislocated ankle? Six to eight weeks depending on the fractures associated with the dislocation. Your orthopedic surgeon will guide you through the progression of weight bearing with crutches, boot, etc. Take care and good luck, Keith READ MORE

How long is recovery from a laminectomy? It is an outpatient procedure followed by 2-4 weeks of physical therapy. Most activities of daily living are limited only by tolerance. Ask your surgeon about their specific protocol though. Good luck with surgery, Dr. Louden READ MORE

When should you see a doctor for elbow pain? Pain which lasts for more than 3 days, limits motion, and is associated with noticeable swelling or deformity. An athletic trainer could probably check it out at school and provide recommendations for treatment or evaluation. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

How long does my son need to use crutches? Until the doctor managing the cast allows him to begin to bear weight. The range is typically between 4 to 6 weeks but it depends on the fracture. The nurse at the office could give you a better idea I bet. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

How can I get rid of my leg pain? If you play formally for a school, see your trainer for an evaluation. They can also begin treatment and direct you to the appropriate physician. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

Why does my knee crack when I stretch it? This is usually associated with a vacuum phenomenon in a joint like the knee. As long as there is no pain, swelling, or activity limitation there is no need to worry about it. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

What are the treatment options for a neck sprain? Ice in the first 48 hours, heat a few times a day after, over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or Tylenol, school trainer can help with physical therapy or rehab exercises. Symptoms should improve significantly in 7-10 days. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

What can I take for my knee pain? The most effective over-the-counter medications are ibuprofen and naproxen, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. They are safe for about ten days of use. They can raise your blood pressure so check it. Tylenol is the primary other over the counter analgesic which is probably first line due to less side effects. It is also safe when used as labeled. If these don't help fully, a visit with your PCP or an orthopedic surgeon is a good idea. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

Do broken bones always get a cast? Not all broken bones need a cast. We often buddy tape the broken toe to the normal toe to serve as a splint. Stiff-soled shoes help pain early after the fracture. Most heal in six weeks. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

What kind of doctor should I see for my muscle injury? A musculoskeletal medicine specialist in Orthopedic Surgery or a Family Practitioner with Sports Medicine Fellowship would be the most appropriate. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

Why do my legs hurt when the weather changes? The weather changes cause a change in the barometric pressure which changes the pressure in joints. It seems to be more noticeable in weight bearing changes. READ MORE

Can I get my torn cartilage repaired? The decision to repair versus excise the torn meniscus is made at the time of arthroscopic surgery. Although most macerated tears are amenable to repair, a partial lateral meniscectomy will address the problem also. Good luck! READ MORE

How do I prepare for a bone density test? There is no preparation required for a bone density test, which is like having an X-ray. Good luck! READ MORE

When do most people stop growing? The actual answer is when your growth plates close. In males, a typical age is 18 years old, although some people grow until their early twenties. So at your age, you are not likely to grow much more. Good luck. READ MORE

Can scoliosis cause muscle spasms? Scoliosis can cause muscle spasms on rare occasions, usually associated with curve progression. You should check in with your physician for further evaluation in this case. Good luck! READ MORE

Why is my collar bone raised above my shoulder? This is typically related to an acromioclavicular separation or sprain of the joint at the end of the clavicle. If it continues to give you trouble, have it X-rayed and see an orthopedic surgeon. Good luck! READ MORE

What's the difference between scoliosis and kyphosis? The plane of excess curvature. Scoliosis is side to side while kyphosis is in the opposite plane causing a humpback deformity often seen with osteoporosis. Both deformities typically require observation only. Hope this helps! READ MORE

Why are the soles of my feet sore when I wake up? This is most likely to be related to plantar fasciitis, which is treated with ice, massage, stretching, and physical therapy. It will usually improve slowly with time no matter what you try over several months. If you consult the website ortho.org, it will provide further information. Good luck! READ MORE

What can I do about the labral tear in my hip? If you have hip pain with weight bearing or motion, it may be due to the labral tear. I recommend a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon who does hip arthroscopic. Surgery is always the last resort, but guidance and recommendations are valuable. Several variables are important to evaluate including your age, activity goals and location of the tear/healing potential. Good luck! READ MORE

What can I do to alleviate the pain from herniated disc? There are number of treatment options in 2019 including numerous medications, physical therapy, chiropractic, injections and surgical decompression as a last resort. Ongoing pain warrants further investigation and specific treatment based on the results. Muscle weakness and numbness are also significant in the case of a herniated disc. Good luck! READ MORE

What should we do for son's Achilles tendinitis? The answer to this question depends on age and activity level. Some heel and Achilles pain in growing children is due to irritation at growth centers. Symptomatic treatment with ice, stretching, activity modification, and heel pad inserts will typically allow children to participate in their chosen sports. Over-the-counter analgesics can be used if needed. Good luck! READ MORE

My knee hurts a lot, what can I do? If you have tried rest, ice, and over-the-counter analgesics without success, I would recommend further evaluation. If you happen to be a high school athlete, you could start with the athletic trainer. Good luck! READ MORE

How do you prevent osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is not hereditary; although you reach peak bone mass at about age 28-30 years of age. Osteoporosis is caused by bone loss which occurs with time. Rate of loss is increased in women after menopause. Prevention is weight bearing exercise, weight training and adequate calcium intake. Primary care physicians and OB/GYNs can give you additional information. The Osteoporosis Foundation has lots of free literature also. Good luck. READ MORE

Will a CT scan of my spine show how to treat my injury? A CT scan of the spine will show excellent detail of the bone which is helpful as a diagnostic tool. Further treatment of the cause can be specifically tailored. Good luck in your recovery! READ MORE

Does wrapping a sprained ankle help it heal faster? Wrapping an ankle following a sprain helps control the swelling and pain in the first 2-3 days. Although it doesn't speed healing, it improves the symptoms after the injury. Functional bracing is helpful as one returns to sports or similar activities later. Best of luck. READ MORE

Do you need to have corrective surgery for scoliosis? Corrective surgery is only required if the curvature worsens despite bracing. Patients are usually followed every 4-6 months while they are growing to check for progression of the curve. Good luck. READ MORE

My mother has tremendous back pain when she lies down. Is surgery a solution to her problem? It could be, but surgery is always the last resort after medications, physical therapy, and injections to oversimplify. The are a huge number of back pain causes which don't require surgery. An evaluation by her primary physician is a great way to start. Good luck. READ MORE

Does tennis elbow require a surgery? No, the majority of the cases resolve with activity modifications, therapy and counterforce bracing. Steroid injection are often used prior to surgery. Typically, the symptoms should be present for 6 months despite these treatments prior to surgery. Good luck. Dr. Louden READ MORE

What is the treatment for an ACL Tear? It depends on the percentage of the ligament torn, stability of the knee, physiologic age, activity level and goals following treatment. If the ligament is completely torn, it will not heal and requires reconstruction in many cases. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE

How long will it take for me to recover from a shoulder surgery? This is very dependent on the type of surgery. In general, a sling is worn constantly for 2-4 weeks followed by progressive therapy. Good luck with your surgery. Dr. Louden READ MORE

My mother has to have a laminectomy. What is that exactly? Spinal surgery, which involves removing bone and other tissue to relieve pressure on the nerves, often from a disc herniation or protrusion. Good luck, Dr. Louden READ MORE