Blog and news
MOS travels to the NJCAA Wrestling Championship
This past weekend at the Mid-America Center, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), hosted their Wrestling Championship. Collegiate athletes from around the country came to compete for a chance to win the national title. One of those teams, was the Iowa Western Reivers, whom Miller Orthopedic Specialists are the proud team physicians of.
Doctor Larose was able to give a run down on some of the most common injuries that he saw over the course of the tournament: “We see a lot of laceration that we repair on sight and the wrestlers will usually go back and wrestle again. Often, we’ll see an elbow dislocation, we see some patella kneecap dislocations, some anterior cruciate ligament injuries.”
Providing expert care to the injured Reiver wrestlers was no small feat and doctor Larose was kept busy most of the day: “Over the weekend, we’ll see 30 to 40 injuries. For instance, this morning we did a kneecap dislocation, laceration of an eyebrow and a knee contusion. We have probably seen 10 to 15 injuries already.”
If you find yourself feeling pain from a sports related injury, get back in the game and come visit the Sports Medicine Specialists at Miller Orthopedic! Call to make an appointment today or come visit the free* walk-in sports clinic!
Jumper’s Knee
Jumper’s knee is a condition that involves an inflamed patellar tendon. That’s why it is also called patellar tendonitis. The patellar tendon is the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shin bone. This is a condition that gradually weakens the tendon and can eventually lead to muscle tears if left untreated.
Jumper’s knee arises from overuse in the joint. This is often from sports that require a lot of jumping on hard surfaces. The constant jumping and force of the leg hitting the ground can cause strains and stress to the tendon. If left untreated, the condition usually worsens.
If you think that you have jumper’s knee, then it’s important to go see a specialist. They can help diagnose and come up with a treatment plan to prevent the condition from worsening. Some symptoms include:
- Pain under the knee cap
- Swelling
- Bruising or redness
- Leg or calf weakness
- Pain when bending
- Stiffness when squatting, kneeling, or jumping
Once someone with this condition comes in and is diagnosed with “jumper’s knee” there are a few ways it is often treated. The biggest thing doctors typically say is to take a break from the sports or activities that caused the injury.
Tips on treatments for the condition:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression (taping, wraps or straps just under the knee cap)
- Ibuprofen or other pain relieving, swelling reducing medicine
- Physical Therapy (this can be at home or with a physical therapist to start to know the best exercises and strategies for each individual)
It is important to note that sometimes, when the condition is not treated or the person does not rest the knee to allow it to heal, it can worsen. In some situations, surgery can be required. This is another reason why it is crucial to come in and see a doctor when you start exhibiting symptoms. It is also always a good idea to see a physical therapist upon diagnosis to help provide some guidance on the best way to get you back in the game more quickly.
Miller Orthopedic Specialists offers a free, walk-in sports injury clinic in Council Bluffs from 10–11 a.m. and by appointment in Omaha. The initial consultation is free, but extra will be charged for x-rays, supplies, or follow-up visits if needed. This is a great opportunity to come in and see a specialist to get peace of mind without having to pay a hefty doctor bill. Your specialist can also provide input on what activities you are able (or unable) to participate in. Getting a general timeline and advice on what to do while recovering can make the recovery go more smoothly.
Contact Miller Orthopedic today for more information or to schedule your FREE* consultation.
Don’t Live with the Pain of Shin Splints!
Shin Splints are things that many people will have to deal with at some point in their life. If you have pain in your shins when you run, then then this might be what you are facing. Whether you often run or just occasionally jog to get to the door more quickly that someone is holding open for you, if you have a throbbing pain in your shins when you go faster than walking pace, then it might be time to get it checked out.
What are shin splints?
Shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome is when the connective tissue on your shins have too much stress on them and they become inflamed. This inflammation can cause a lot of pain. The more you run, the more stress is on them and thus the pain continues or worsens.
How do you get shin splints?
You do not have to be an athlete to get shin splints. They often arise from poorly supported shoes or flat feet. Some people simply have weak ankles, muscles or hips, and that can cause shin splints as well.
Then, of course there are also those people who have overworked their legs or who did not allow enough time for a proper warm-up or cool-down for their workout.
If you have shin splints, then you might be wondering when that pain will go away. Many times, the pain can subside on its own. However, it is still good to see a doctor if you suspect you might have this condition.
How can an orthopedist help?
Doctors can do a physical examination and take x-rays to look for possible fractures that might have occurred, which could be leading to your pain. Doctors can also provide some advice on ways to help your pain if you do have this condition.
Orthopedic surgeons who are specialty trained in orthopedic sports medicine would be recommended to check out your condition if you think you have shin splints. Our orthopedic surgeons are specifically trained to treat this kind of injury.
How do you relieve the pain from shin splints?
Some ways to help relieve some of the pain is to relieve some of the stress being put on your muscles. Working out on hard surfaces (concrete, gyms, etc.) all can lead to shin splints, so working out on softer surfaces whilst recovering can help relieve some of that stress and pain. This is if you do not choose the more effective treatment of rest.
Resting is one of the best ways to help relieve shin splint pain. Ice can also help ease the pain and swelling, but it is recommended to do this for multiple days to have the best result. If your condition was caused by flat feet or poorly supported shoes, then insoles or orthotics can be highly beneficial. This can help prevent your shin splints from returning as well. Finally, anti-inflammatory medicine can be good to help with pain and swelling as well.
“Will I ever be pain free again?”
Once you have taken proper care of your shin splints and seen a doctor to make sure there is not any underlying condition, then you should start to see positive results. You will be back to jogging, running and jumping in no time. Everyone heals at different speeds though, so it is important to continue to take care of your condition to help promote your healing.
How Miller Orthopedic Sports Medicine Specialists Can Help
Miller Orthopedic Specialists offers a *FREE sports injury clinic at both locations. Council Bluffs has a walk-in clinic from 10-11am every weekday, and the Omaha office has a free sports injury clinic by appointment weekdays. We offer same and next day appointments for sports injuries. Call 402-991-9958 for an appointment. Closed on holidays.
Initial consultation is free, but charges may occur for x-rays, supplies or follow-up visits. Come into our Council Bluffs office for the walk-in clinic and ask our front desk about your free T-shirt!
We have 2 fellowship-trained, Board Certified, Sports Medicine Physicians, Dr. Larose and Dr. Atteberry. They can treat patients of all ages, from children to the weekend warrior. Miller Orthopedic Specialists are proud to be the team physicians for the Iowa Western Reivers, UNO Mavericks, and College of Saint Mary Flames.
Contact us or visit us today! Get back to living your life pain free.
Larose marks 30 years at Miller Orthopedic Specialists
This year, Miller Orthopedic celebrates the 30-year anniversary of Dr. Daniel Larose, one of the first recruited associates under Dr. Ronald Miller in 1988, founder of the practice.
While Miller Orthopedic welcomes the newest physician to the team, Larose is one of the longest standing physicians with 30 years in the field and no plans for retirement.
Larose is one of 12 orthopedic specialists on the Miller Orthopedic team, partnering with the University of Nebraska at Omaha Mavericks, Iowa Western Reivers and more recently, College of Saint Mary Flames in sports medicine.
“We don’t formally teach medical students, but we are starting a program with the College of Saint Mary that they will do clinic rotations,” he said. “We cover southwest Iowa clinics and I’ve been going to smaller communities, we have about 10 satellite clinics.”
In the last 30 years, Larose said he’s proud of the growth he has seen first hand.
“I’ve seen a lot of patients and now I’m starting to see the children of the patients I’ve seen. We have grown and Council Bluffs has grown quite a bit, as well,” Larose said.
To read the original story from the Daily Non-pareil, click here
Frequently Reported Sports-Related Injuries
High-Frequency Sports Injuries Can Happen, We Can Help
Sports are a healthy, fun pastime that not only enables people to aspire to greater fitness level but also provides a form of entertainment for many. However, since many sports often require rigorous training, intense exercise, heightened flexibility, and bodily strain, athletic activities carry the risk of sports injury.
Overexerting yourself to throw the football further, kick the soccer ball into a goal, or slam a tennis ball into your opponent’s court could harm or even seriously impair your body. Orthopedists, doctors who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, often specialize in sports medicine because athletes regularly harm their muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, or suffer from other sports-related injuries.
Since sports activities often require repeated movements and putting pressure on the same joints and bones over and over, certain conditions are common for athletic people. Some of the most frequently reported sports-related injuries orthopedic surgeons see include:
- Shoulder injury: Any sport that involves throwing, such as baseball or football, can cause shoulder injuries including inflamed joints or torn ligaments. The rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder are particularly prone to sports-related damage.
- Torn ACL (knee): The anterior cruciate ligament, or “ACL,” helps your knee move properly. Overuse or rapid twists can damage or tear the ACL, limiting your leg movement.
- Ankle sprain: Stretching or rupturing your ankle ligaments can be uncomfortable and impair your mobility. This injury can occur during any sport that requires repetitive foot movements.
- Fractures: A fracture occurs when a bone becomes cracked or broken. Stress fractures are very common in contact sports, such as football, or sports which involve repetitive movements like long-distance running.
- Epicondylitis: Also called “tennis elbow” for the sport that most frequently causes it, this is a swollen outer elbow joint.
- Hip bursitis: The hip’s “bursa” are fluid-filled membranes that pad the joints. Biking, running, or standing for long periods can cause them to swell.
- Lower back pain: Running, bending over, and twisting can put undue pressure on your lower back vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments, harming them and causing pain.
- Shin splints: These are sharp pains that result from running. They can be caused by an improper foot arch, swollen shin muscles, or even stress fractures, small cracks in the leg bones.
- Hamstring pull: Repetitive jumping or running can overextend the muscles along the back of your thigh.
- Groin pull: Jumping, sprinting, and sudden movements can injure the muscles that connect your pelvis to your upper thighs, causing a groin pull. You may hear a crackling sound as you strain these muscles and then feel a prolonged aching when you attempt to use your thighs, especially when lifting or closing them.
- Achilles tendinitis: The “Achilles” muscles adjoining your calf with your heel can become swollen and uncomfortable.
- Plantar fasciitis: The tissue that runs from your heel to your toes is called “fascia”. If it becomes damaged or stretched, the bottom of your foot may experience sharp pains and swelling.
Athletes experiencing pain and discomfort for time should consult with sports medicine physician to evaluate their symptoms and devise a treatment plan to reduce pain, reduce the chances of further injury or damage to the affected area and get you back in the game. For help with any of the conditions listed above, please visit our free sports injury clinic or schedule an appointment with Miller Ortho.
FREE * Sports Injury Clinic will begin Saturday
Council Bluffs, IA: Miller Orthopedic Specialists FREE * Sports Injury Clinic will begin Saturday hours just in time for fall sports. The sports injury clinic is very beneficial to athletes, coaches, and recreational sports enthusiasts. Parents of young injured athletes will appreciate the peace of mind it gives them in having their child promptly diagnosed and treated.
The FREE* Sports Injury Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am-11:00 am. Saturday appointments will be available August 12th thru December 9th (closed holidays and holiday weekends) from 8:30 am-10:00 am at Miller Orthopedic Specialists Council Bluffs Clinic:
1 Edmundson Place Suite 500
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712)323-5333
In addition to the Council Bluffs clinic location Miller Orthopedic Specialists is also offering a FREE* Sports Injury Clinic at the Omaha Clinic – Monday through Friday by appointment.
16221 Evans Plaza
Omaha, NE 68116
(402)991-9958
Doctors Larose, Atteberry, and Huston provide a FREE* initial assessment of the sports injury. Then based on the patient’s goals and expectations, the Sports Medicine Team will recommend a comprehensive treatment plan designed to get the athlete back to the playing field as quickly and safely as possible.
Miller Orthopedic Specialists is proud to be Team Physicians for Iowa Western Reivers and UNO Mavericks! The Sports Medicine Team evaluates hundreds of athletes every year.
*Initial evaluation is FREE. Additional charges may apply for x-rays, supplies and follow-up visits.
Recent Blog Posts
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Thu, 09 Mar 2023 MOS travels to the NJCAA Wrestling ChampionshipTue, 18 Oct 2022 Did You Know That it's National Spine Health Awareness Month?Fri, 05 Nov 2021 What is hip impingement or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)?Thu, 23 Sep 2021 What you need to know about rotator cuff injuriesTue, 08 Jun 2021 5 Common Foot Problems
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Recent Press Releases
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Mon, 30 Mar 2020 Telehealth Available At Miller OrthoTue, 15 Jan 2019 Regenerative Medicine Solutions Press ReleaseFri, 04 Jan 2019 NEW Robotic-Arm Assisted Surgery Comes to the AreaWed, 13 Sep 2017 Orthopedic Spine Surgeon, Dr. Pedro A. Ricart, Joins Miller Orthopedic SpecialistsTue, 18 Jul 2017 FREE * Sports Injury Clinic will begin SaturdayX
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