mm

About Orthopedic Specialists

Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle provides new and advanced procedures including endoscopic carpel tunnel release surgery for carpal tunnel syrome, complex joint restoration procedures, anterior approach hip replacement surgery, and more.

Keep Your Parts Moving – Orthopedics and Heart Health

Orthopedic Health

Every day, advances are being made in the world of orthopedic health and disease treatment for our bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and related connective tissues.

Reduction in the crippling pain of arthritis and the advances of knee and hip replacements from musculoskeletal research is changing how well and how long we can live active, healthier lives.

Sports | Keep Your Parts Moving

The human body has more than 200 bones and more than 200 joints that connect the bones.

Until something goes wrong with one or more them, most people take their bones and joints for granted.

Almost half a million hips or knee replacements occur in the United States each year; in fact, many of the diseases related to joints and bone problems affect women and minorities more severely.

Consider these facts:

  • The most common joint problems come from arthritis and injuries. Arthritis literally means joint inflammation. Although joint inflammation describes a symptom or sign rather than a specific diagnosis, the term “arthritis” often refers to any disorder affecting the joints.

    These disorders fall within the broader category known as rheumatic diseases, of which there are more than 100 kinds, and are characterized by inflammation as well as loss of function of one or more connecting or supporting structures of the body.

  • More than 46 million people in the United States have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. By the year 2020, this number is expected to reach 60 million.

    These diseases more frequently limit activity than do heart disease, cancer, or diabetes.

  • The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It is seen especially among older people and is sometimes called degenerative joint disease.

    In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage (the hard but slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones) breaks down and wears away, causing pain, swelling, and loss of joint motion.

  • About 435,000 Americans have a hip or knee replaced each year. Because of its structure and weight-bearing capacity, the knee is the most commonly injured joint.

    In the case of hip joint damage, osteoarthritis is the most common cause.

  • Young adults who have had a previous joint injury are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.

Prevention

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthful weight can help you reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis, especially in the hips and knees, or suffering sports injuries.

Exercise helps bone density, improves muscle strength and joint flexibility, and enhances your balance. Take part in regular walking, strength training, swimming, dancing, tai chi, gardening, and similar low-impact activities.

A bone-healthy diet should be rich in calcium and Vitamin D. Check to see if your favorite foods are fortified, and consider taking a daily vitamin or mineral supplement. Several medications are available to prevent osteoporosis.

Ask your orthopedic surgeon which medications can best help you minimize additional bone loss and reduce your risk for fractures.

If you believe you are suffering from arthritis, knee or hip-related injury and need specialized orthopedic care, the surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle provide excellent treatment options available for you.

Slippery When Wet – Pedestrian Safety on the Streets of Seattle

The snow flurry that came and went over this Thanksgiving holiday in Seattle gave way to icy roads, wet and slippery sidewalks and driveways across our fair city. As challenging as winter can be in the Pacific Northwest, it is equally a challenging time of year for pedestrians who navigate this great city on two feet.

Icy Sidewalk Pedestrian Safety

Most fractures are caused by falls, including fractures of the spine and hip.

Over 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls, and the rate of hip fractures is twice as high for women as it is for men.

The injuries caused by these falls can make it difficult for anyone to enjoy the normal activities of daily living like walking.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Seattle OSS has a few tips for you to keep in mind while navigating the streets of Seattle including:

  • Proper footwear – Pedestrians should wear the proper footwear for the weather conditions, such as shoes and boots with appropriate traction. Rain, frost, ice, and snow can make walking on footpaths very dangerous, so proper footwear can help prevent a dangerous slip and fall. Also, walkers should wear gloves in order to break their fall if they do slip, and keep gloved hands out of their pockets for the same reason.
  • Proper clothing – Wear high visibility clothing to make yourself more visible to vehicles.
  • Avoid walking on the streets – Freezing weather tends to turn roads into an icy hazard. Be aware of your surroundings and stay on the sidewalks or clear, cleaned paths.
  • If you can’t avoid ice and snow, take shorter, slower steps to reduce the risk of a slip and fall and subsequent injuries, particularly when using the steps at any building as these can be dangerous when covered with snow or ice.

If you experienced a fall and need specialized orthopedic care, the surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle provide excellent treatment options available for you.

How to Avoid Upper Extremity Injuries While Enjoying Your Favorite Winter Sports

Falling is Inevitable

Ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports and activities are common causes of upper extremity injuries.

During the winter months OSS surgeons seem to treat more upper body extremities.

People who live in the Pacific Northwest don’t let rain or snow get in the way of outdoor activities, which can sometimes carry with it potential injury.

Ice Skating

Winter Sport Injuries

If you’re learning how to ski for the first time or are an avid skier, falling is inevitable. Skier’s thumb, or an injury of the ligaments that connect the bones in your thumb, is a common upper extremity skiing injury. The injury occurs when, during a fall, the ski pole handle places sideways pressure on the thumb causing stress to the ligament.

To prevent injury to the ligament during a fall, avoid using the wrist straps of the ski pole or keep them loose to allow you to quickly release the poles. Simple finger grooves in the handle have ergonomic appeal, allowing easy grasp.Skaters and snowboarders share a similar risk of falling. Wrist and elbow fractures are most at risk as while attempting to catch ourselves with an outstretched arm.

Skaters and snowboarders share a similar risk of falling. Wrist and elbow fractures are most at risk as while attempting to catch ourselves with an outstretched arm.

How to Avoid Upper Extremity Injuries While Enjoying Your Favorite Winter Sports

OSS would like to offer the following tips to avoid falling in any winter sport:

  • Use properly maintained equipment adjusted for your body, skill level and terrain. Consider taking classes from a professional instructor who can give you safety advice.
  • General conditioning prior to engaging in wintertime sports optimizes your strength and endurance as well as decreases the likelihood of falls.
  • Be aware of your terrain and snow conditions, as well as people of all skill levels who may or may not know how to stop.
  • Plan ahead when preparing to exit a ski lift, and communicate your plan to other passengers.
  • Respect pain and fatigue. It is important to know your limits and recognize the signs of fatigue and stop before your body is unable to keep up with you.
Winter Sports | Snowboarding

A rule of thumb when you are out and about enjoying your favorite winter sports is to attempt to fall toward your uphill side and avoid reaching out or behind you while skiing or snowboarding. Use your forearms.

Falling safely is a skill you can practice and master, beginning on easier slopes. Wrist guards are particularly important for snowboarders. Boarding gloves with built-in wrist guards are available.

If you do experience pain after a fall while enjoying one of these winter activities, it is very important to be evaluated by an OSS physician. OSS physicians are experts in sports medicine for adults and children.

If you believe you are suffering from a winter sports injury and need specialized orthopedic care, the surgeons at Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle provide excellent treatment options available for you. Please feel free to contact OSS at (206) 633-8100 to schedule an appointment.