School has already started for some families in our El Paso area. Please be careful and watch for school guards and crossings. And, obey speed limits in school zones for our kid's safety.


We know that supplies and new school clothing or uniforms can be a hardship for some. That is why Ortho El Paso participates in local charities that collect them for students here in our area. But, today, we are having our own charitable giveaway: Our Facebook School Gift Card Giveaway. Like our page and you're automatically entered to win one of two $50 gift cards for school supplies in a random drawing. If you are already a Facebook friend of ours, you are entered, too. Do nothing.


The two random contest winners willbe announced right here on Monday, August 6, 2018. So, Like and Follow Ortho El Paso on Facebook as we wish you all good luck playing our fun contest!
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www.orthoep.com

It’s a normal reaction to tense up and brace yourself for surges of pain when you experience an injury or have a chronic illness. Doing so, however, can actually make your pain feel worse. How so? It’s because muscles get tensed and your heart rate becomes elevated, both of which send surges through the body causing an increased level of pain.

Sitting back, deep breathing and relaxing all of your muscles when you anticipate a surge of pain is a great way to lessen the response. These relaxation techniques help you disengage with the thoughts that provide feedback to the part of the brain that reacts to stress and pain…and, that helps the nervous system calm down, heart rate slow back down and lessen the effects.

Next time you feel a surge of stress with pain coming on choose whatever relaxes you: music, prayer, walking, talking with a friend on the phone. Or, here are some other techniques you might try:

• Breathing. Breathe deeply to expand and contract your core. Inhale to a count of four, hold for a count of four, exhale to a count of four, then hold to a count of four. Repeat until you feel the pain disappearing.
• Visualization. Breathe slowly and deeply. Imagine you are in a place where you feel happy, comfortable, safe and relaxed. Think about the scenery, smells and how good you feel when you are in that place. Do this at the start of each day and a few more time throughout it and you may find you don’t get the surges of pain you used to.
• Talk yourself out of pain. Change how you think about your pain. For example, change thinking that your pain is preventing you from living life to the fullest. Instead, choose to think about doing the same things, but doing them maybe a little slower or differently. Power of positive thinking helps in all aspects of life for many, not just in pain management.
• Meditate. Sit or lie quietly and notice your breathing without controlling it. When thoughts of pain start to enter, simply notice and acknowledge them. Think of them as a cloud passing over or a rushing river carrying them away then return to observing your breath and how relaxed you are.

We also understand at Ortho El Paso and The Hand Surgery Center at Ortho El Paso, that some pain related to orthopedic injury, arthritis, or other painful conditions of bones and joints need medical attention. That’s why we are here for you!
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For a consultation with one of our orthopaedic surgeons to discuss the conditions of your pain of the hand, elbow, shoulder, knee, hip, or other, call us at 915-249-4000 or visit us at www.orthoep.com.

Our rains have passed and for as far as the eye can see, it's full-on sun in El Paso. Be sure to protect your children and yourselves while in the sun with some great advice from the American Cancer Society:  ​https://www.cancer.org/cancer/skin-cancer/prevention-and-early-detection/uv-protection.html

If you have diabetes, you're at increased risk of some bone and joint ailments. Certain factors, such as diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage and pain), arterial disease and obesity, may contribute to these problems — but sometimes the cause isn't so clear.

Ortho El Paso and The Hand Surgery Center at Ortho El Paso treat symptoms of diabetic bone and joint problems. For an appointment, call the doctors at 915-249-4000.

Here lists various bone and joint disorders associated with diabetes, including symptoms and treatment options:
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• Neuropathic arthropathy (sometimes called Charcot), occurs when a joint deteriorates because of nerve damage — a common complication of diabetes. Charcot joint primarily affects the feet. You might have numbness and tingling or loss of sensation in the affected joints. They may become warm, red and swollen and become unstable or deformed. The involved joint may not be very painful despite its appearance. If detected early, progression of the disease can be slowed. Limiting weight-bearing activities and use of orthotic supports to the affected joint and surrounding structures can help.
• Diabetic cheiroarthropathy (sometimes called Diabetic Hand Syndrome), is a disorder in which the skin on the hands becomes waxy and thickened. Eventually finger movement is limited. What causes diabetic hand syndrome isn't known. It's most common in people who've had diabetes for a long time. You may be unable to fully extend your fingers or press your palms together flat. Better management of blood glucose levels and physical therapy can slow the progress of this condition, but the limited mobility may not be reversible.
• Osteoporosis is a disorder that causes bones to become weak and prone to fracture. People who have type 1 diabetes have an increased risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis rarely causes symptoms in the early stages. Eventually, when the disease is more advanced, you may experience loss of height, stooped posture or bone fractures. A healthy lifestyle, including weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, and eating a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D — including supplements if needed — are the best ways to address this condition. In some patients with more severe or advanced disease, medications to prevent further bone loss or increase bone mass may be needed.
• Osteoarthritis is a joint disorder characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage. It may affect any joint in your body. People who have type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of osteoarthritis, likely due to obesity — a risk factor for type 2 diabetes — rather than to the diabetes itself. Osteoarthritis may cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness, as well as loss of joint flexibility or movement. Treatment involves exercising and maintaining a healthy weight, caring for and resting the affected joint, physical therapy, medications for pain, and surgery such as knee or hip replacement (joint arthroplasty). Complementary treatments — such as acupuncture and massage — also may be helpful for managing pain.
• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), also called Forestier disease, is a hardening of tendons and ligaments that commonly affects the spine. DISH may be associated with type 2 diabetes, perhaps due to insulin or insulin-like growth factors that promote new bone growth. You may experience pain, stiffness or decreased range of motion in any affected part of your body. If DISH affects your spine, you may experience stiffness in your back or neck. Treatment involves managing symptoms, usually with pain relievers (Tylenol, others), and in rare cases may require surgery to remove bone that has grown due to the condition.
• Dupuytren's contracture is a deformity in which one or more fingers are bent toward the palm. It's caused by thickening and scarring of connective tissue in the palm of the hand and in the fingers. Dupuytren's contracture is common in people who've had diabetes for a long time, perhaps due to the metabolic changes related to diabetes. You may notice thickening of the skin on the palm of your hand. Eventually, you may not be able to fully straighten one or more fingers. If you have pain, a steroid injection may help by reducing inflammation. Surgery, collagenase enzyme injection and a minimally invasive technique called aponeurotomy to break apart the thick tissue are other options if the condition prevents you from being able to grasp objects.
• Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by shoulder pain and limited range of motion. It typically affects only one shoulder. Although the cause is often unknown, diabetes is a common risk factor. Frozen shoulder causes pain or tenderness with shoulder movement, stiffness of the joint, and decreased range of motion. If started early, aggressive physical therapy can help preserve movement and range of motion in the joint.

 
 
 
 
Source: Mayo Clinic

El Paso weathercasters are warning of high winds for the next few days. For some, these gusts will create a higher danger of falls, especially for aging adults.
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If you unfortunately suffer a fall, do all you can do to be proactive about getting the right kind of medical treatment after. All too often a medical visit after a fall is mainly about addressing any injuries that you may have suffered. Obviously, this is very important! But, did you know that a fall may also be a symptom of another illness? Why?

There are three major reasons for falls in older adults:

o   A fall can be a sign of a new and serious medical problem that needs treatment. For instance, an older person can be weakened and fall because of illnesses such as dehydration, or a serious urinary tract infection.

o   Older adults who have fallen are at higher risk for a future fall. Although it’s a good idea for any older person to be proactive about identifying and reducing fall risk factors, it’s vital to do this well after a fall.

o   Studies have shown that older patients often don’t seek the recommended care they should. By being proactive in your care and sharing they instances of injuries that are out of the ordinary (like falls), older adults can make sure that certain things aren’t overlooked (such as medications that worsen balance).

If you want to help prevent future falls, it’s important to make sure the doctors have checked on all the things that could have contributed to this fall. A good evaluation can uncover issues that made those trips and stumbles more likely.
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If you need orthopedic medical help after your fall, call the caring, compassionate doctors of Ortho El Paso at 915-249-4000. You will be seen immediately and provided the expert care you need for your best healing.

Are you watching the 2018 FIFA World Cup? Of course you are!  https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/

But, do you know the most typical soccer injuries? It's the knees.

Ligament injuries to the knee are very common in soccer because the sport requires stopping and starting or quickly changing directions. ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL, all ligaments of the knee, are more specifically the most common of soccer injuries. Ligament injuries typically cause a loud "pop” but don't always cause pain. Most of these injuries are confirmed with an MRI by an orthopedic surgeon. More severe ligament injuries require surgery.

Torn knee cartilage, or a torn meniscus, is another common injury suffered by soccer players. These small, "c" shaped pieces of cartilage act as cushions between the thigh bone (femur) and the tibia (shin bone). Meniscus tears are often the result of twisting, pivoting, decelerating, or a sudden impact. It can usually be identified by various manual tests conducted by an orthopedic surgeon. Sometimes these injuries will heal themselves through rest. More severe torn meniscus injuries require surgery.

Other soccer injuries may result from overuse, lack of proper rest, lack of proper warm-ups or poor conditioning.

Professional soccer players actually follow an ACL injury prevention program. Other ways to stay safe from soccer injuries can include:

• Warm up thoroughly prior to play.
• Use protective equipment (mouth guards, knee and elbow pads, eye protection).
• Use good technique and play by the rules.
• Check for slippery spots or debris.
• Have a first aid kit on hand.
• Get adequate recovery.
• Stay hydrated.

www.orthoep.com
915-249-4000