Suburban Orthopaedics

Are You a Good Candidate for a Reverse Shoulder Replacement?

Having full range of motion in one’s arm is something that most people take for granted—until an injury occurs. If you’ve recently injured your shoulder, you know how hard it can be to perform even the simplest tasks around the house. Fortunately, there are a number of orthopaedic procedures and treatments available to restore your shoulder’s function, including reverse shoulder replacement. Here are a few signs that you’re a good candidate for this procedure:

Your Rotator Cuff Is Completely Torn

Traditional shoulder replacement involves replacing the top of the arm bone with a metal ball, and the shoulder socket with a plastic socket. While this procedure works for some people with shoulder injuries, the socket and ball can become loose in patients with a torn rotator cuff. Reverse shoulder replacement reverses the positions of the ball and socket, making the joint more secure and strengthening the deltoid muscle despite the absence of a healthy rotator cuff.   

You Have Severe Shoulder Arthritis

If your torn rotator cuff has caused severe shoulder arthritis, you may be a good candidate for reverse shoulder replacement. Shoulder arthritis occurs when the cartilage in your shoulder joint wears away until bone meets bone, resulting in a great deal of pain. If your arthritis is severe enough, you may require a shoulder replacement. If you also have a torn rotator cuff, only a reverse shoulder replacement can create the stability your new shoulder needs.

You’ve Tried Other Shoulder Treatments

Any doctor will tell you that surgery should be a last resort. If you’ve tried rest, physical therapy, cortisone injections, and other treatments to no avail, then reverse shoulder replacement may be the only option left. In any case, the first step to relieving the pain in your shoulder is to see an experienced orthopaedic surgeon for a full evaluation.

For some of the finest orthopaedic services in Bartlett, Elgin, and surrounding areas, contact Suburban Orthopaedics. We have more than 20 years of experience increasing the mobility of patients from throughout the Chicago area. Don’t quietly suffer through joint pain—call us today at (888) 876-0117 to set up an appointment with one of our orthopaedic physicians.

Questions to Ask Your Orthopaedic Surgeon Before Surgery

Orthopaedic surgery can be an effective solution for patients suffering from severe or chronic pain. However, it also requires careful consideration by each potential candidate and open discussion between patient and doctor. If your back or neck condition necessitates surgery, be sure to ask the following questions of your orthopaedic surgeon.

Have you exhausted all other treatment methods?

Most orthopaedic specialists will attempt to use conservative treatment methods before they determine that surgery is the best option for a patient. This means that patients may initially receive a combination of oral medications, steroid injections, and physical therapy to alleviate their back or neck problems. Only when these measures prove ineffective should a doctor explore the idea of surgery. Before agreeing to such a procedure, make sure you have tried all other methods first.

How will orthopaedic surgery remedy my condition?

If conservative treatment options cannot alleviate your symptoms, question your orthopaedic surgeon as to how surgery will remedy your condition. Prior to undergoing any invasive procedure, have your doctor explain what measures he will take during surgery to fix your back or neck problem. Only when you fully understand the implications of your orthopaedic surgery can you make an informed decision of whether you want to proceed with treatment.

What recovery process can I expect after surgery?

While the decision to get orthopaedic surgery can be the right one, you may still need to under go an intensive period of recovery and rehabilitation. You may find that your ability to engage in certain activities as simple as walking or sitting can be impeded, so it’s important to find out what life will initially be like after surgery. Be sure to discuss all aspects of the recovery process, including your need for physical therapy and the prospect of additional future surgeries.

Suburban Orthopaedics offers personalized orthopaedic care services for individuals in the greater Bartlett community. Our staff of orthopaedic specialists aims to provide a successful treatment plan according to your individual needs and preferences. Call us today at (888) 876-0117 or visit our website to find out more about our orthopaedic surgery options.

Download This iPhone App for Helpful Back Pain Advice

An essential component of back pain management is physical therapy. The iREHAB Back Pain application by IREHAB.com LLC offers personalized exercise recommendations to alleviate your back pain symptoms.

The iREHAB Back Pain app allows users to maintain their physical therapy treatments in the comfort of their own home. Input your specific back pain issues, and the application will provide a list of advised exercises to facilitate your recovery. As your symptoms improve, you can change your information to receive updated recommendations. The app also offers comprehensive animations that demonstrate correct form for each exercise. With the assistance of the iREHAB Back Pain application, you can quickly and safely regain your health and wellbeing.

Suburban Orthopaedics provides physical therapy options for patients suffering from back pain problems. To schedule a consultation at our Bartlett spine facility, call (888) 876-0117 or visit our website.

Signs You May Have a Sports Injury

Healthcare providers recommend physical activity for people of all ages. However, physical activity also presents the possibility of injury, especially when a person engages in a strenuous sport. Sports injuries can occur under a vast array of circumstances, which is why it’s important to listen to your body. If you feel pain either during or after an activity, you may want to consider seeing an orthopaedic care professional for advice. Below is a look at some of the common situations that may indicate you have a sports injury.

You suffer sudden pain while engaging in activity

Some types of sports injuries are fairly evident. For example, if you experience unexpected yet prominent pain while playing a sport, you likely have injured yourself. Under some circumstances, a popping or cracking sound may also indicate that you have been hurt. Injuries such as a sprained or fractured back can occur suddenly while on the field or court.

You experience an elevating level of pain each time you workout

In some cases, sports injuries happen because athletes are engaging in activities detrimental to their neck or back. A baseball player may swing his bat in harmful way or a swimmer may twist her back in a damaging manner. Behaviors like these may not initially elicit pain, but over time they can eventually cause more noticeable trauma symptoms. If a particular activity provokes pain, don’t ignore it. Speak with an orthopaedic surgeon to determine if you have a sports injury.

You feel pronounced pain after playing a sport for the first time

The body is a magnificent machine, but it requires time and training to reach certain levels of athleticism. Should you try to do too much too soon, it can result in a sports injury. If you have recently attempted a new activity and are now suffering from back pain or stiffness, consult with a doctor for further assistance.

Suburban Orthopaedics provides comprehensive sports medicine support for athletes. If you have suffered a sports injury, our team of orthopaedic surgeons and physical therapy specialists can get to back into shape as soon as possible. Call our Bartlett spine facility at (888) 876-0117 to set up an appointment today.

Take A Look At These Links For Important Orthopaedic Advice

Back and neck pain can significantly hinder your independence and enjoyment of life. These articles discuss what your pain may indicate and why you should see an orthopaedic surgeon for help.

Why do you suffer from back pain? Medical News Today details the factors that may contribute to spinal discomfort.

Back pain may dissipate over time, but if your discomfort continues or intensifies, it’s time to see an orthopaedic specialist. WebMD explains the reasons to schedule an appointment with a back pain expert. 

Sports injuries can be severely debilitating for athletes. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases provides a comprehensive look at the nature of sports injuries.

Could you be suffering from arthritis of the spine? Livestrong.com offers some tips on how to detect the presence of arthritis.

Though a chronic ailment, degenerative disc disease can be successfully managed with orthopaedic care. MedicineNet.com explains this condition to readers.

Suburban Orthopaedics can help you regain your quality of life with our comprehensive pain management solutions. If you suffer from a immobilizing back or neck condition, contact us today at (888) 876-0117 to set up a consultation at our Bartlett spine center.