Sports Medicine

Be Seen, Be Safe and 7 Other Tips for Safe Cycling

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An activity that has been around since the early 1800s, bicycling is a fantastically fun outdoor activity bursting with health benefits, including:

  • Better digestion
  • Burning fat
  • Improving cardiovascular health
  • Keeping your heart healthy
  • Lowering fatigue

In addition to just some of the wonderful health benefits bicycling has to offer, it also serves as a great way to spend quality time with friends and family, and to enjoy any and all nice weather. That being said, there are things you need to consider before hitting the happy, healthy open road.  Below are some tips to keep safe and avoid injury while enjoying the feel of two wheels…

Be Seen, Be Safe

The better you’re seen, the less likely you’ll be struck by a vehicle. Use reflective wear and lights when riding during dawn, dusk or at night.

Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of severe head injury in the event of an accident.

Stay Alert

Always be aware of your surroundings and keep a lookout for obstacles that may be in your path. Keep your head forward (try not to look down) to improve your reaction time to anything that may be in your way.

Be the Car

Drivers are most accustomed to the patterns of other drivers. Ride as if you were driving a car (e.g., check for traffic, be aware of the drivers around you, etc.). Do not weave in and out of traffic. Obey all traffic laws and lights. And go with the flow – always bike in the same direction as the car traffic. Never ride against it.

Keep Your Bike in Tip-Top Shape

Before any ride, ensure that your bike is comfortable and in good working condition. Check your brakes and your wheels. Make sure your bike and seat are appropriately adjusted for your height (to avoid distracting discomfort).

Stay Comfy

For longer (or bumpier) rides, make sure to wear padded bicycle shorts and padded riding gloves to reduce the risk of painful nerve compression.

Use Hand Signals

Use hand signals to indicate to drivers and other cyclists what direction you’re headed. Be sure to make eye contact with drivers; do not assume they have seen you and will stop.

Keep an Eye Out

Look out for rough, uneven patches of road or slick surfaces to avoid losing control of the bike. If you see a questionable surface, slow down or walk the bike across.

By sticking to these tips, you can be sure that your next bike ride will be a fun and safe experience.

Come to the Specialists for Bike Injury Care

At NEOSM, our team of orthopedic physicians specializes in all aspects of sports medicine, including comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and preventive care of sports-related injuries. As a practice, we are committed to utilizing the latest advancements to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care possible.

Preparing for Preseason Training: A Guide to Getting Back on the Field Safely

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It won’t be long before crisp weather, falling leaves and cheers from the stadium are upon us. Autumn is fast approaching, which means that preseason training for the season’s traditional sports—such as football and soccer—is just around the corner.

The question is: After spending the summer relaxing, how do you properly prepare for preseason to avoid being injured before everything officially kicks off?

The answer: adequate preparation.

That said, here are some tips to help you gear up for the brisk but brutal preseason training awaiting you:

Go for a physical

Having a physical before preseason starts ensures that you’re healthy and ready to play. If something hurts, have it checked out by a physician. Failure to do so could result in serious injury later on during the season.

Get your body moving

Master the art of fundamental moving patterns, such as squatting, jumping and kicking. This creates a solid foundation for your body to build upon. Agility, flexibility and strength do not develop overnight. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll see results. For example, try alternating intervals of hard sprints with light jogging. This will teach your body proper balance and endurance for running longer distances (which will come in handy when you have to motor down the field).

If you’re not sure where to begin, talk to your physician or coach to learn suitable training techniques.

Take care of your body

Eat well, sleep well and keep consistently hydrated before, during and after preseason training. Pack on the fruits, veggies and lean meats. Make sure you get eight to 10 hours of solid shut-eye. Keep water on you—and in you—at all times to avoid dehydration.

Remember: A well-balanced body is a well-performing body.

Assess, assess, assess

Get assessed by a trained professional—such as a strength/conditioning coach or physical therapist—to ensure your body is balanced with functional movement. If imbalance or dysfunction occurs, a professional can give you the proper techniques you need to correct the problem before it leads to injury.

On a similar note, make sure that all sports equipment fits well (including footwear); ill-fitted equipment can result in accidental injury during the season.

By following these tips, you’re sure to kick start a safe and fantastic season, on and off the field.

 

Come to the Sports Specialists 

At Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (NEOSM), our team of orthopedic physicians specializes in all aspects of sports medicine, including comprehensive diagnosis, treatment and preventive care of sports-related injuries. As a practice, we are committed to utilizing the latest advancements to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care possible.

Swimming and Cupping: Is Michael Phelps Onto Something?

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Michael Phelps entered the pool deck at the Rio Olympics, stripped down for competition, and characteristically slapped his arms and shoulders immediately before his race. But the eyes of the world were on something even more conspicuous than the time clock and his medal count. Those millions of viewers noticed bruises the size of baseballs decorating his strong shoulders. The marks might have led one to think his bouquet of medals smacked him.

But the bruises Phelps sported come from cupping, or suction cup therapy, a training modality that Phelps has used in his routine for the past couple of years. Cupping is an ancient therapy that has been around for thousands of years, originally practiced by Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. Cupping’s origins were to pull toxins out of snakebites and infections. In the case of athletes in contemporary times, however, it is used to promote blood flow, relieving pain and swelling. In turn, this leads to an easing of muscle soreness. Outside of sports, cupping is also used to alleviate acne, shingles, breathing problems, arthritis, congestion, asthma and the common cold, among other conditions.

In an article on swimmingscience.net, the author contends that although the benefits of suction cup therapy for swimmers are not yet scientifically proven, athletes and therapists report the following advantages:

  • Improved blood flow
  • Improved flow of lymphatic system
  • Improved muscle flexibility
  • Pain relief
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Relief from tight muscles
  • Stress relief

How does cupping work?

Trainers (or therapists) heat or pump air into glass (or sometimes silicone) cups in order to create suction on the skin and pull it away from the underlying muscles. The cups remain on the skin for five to 10 minutes. Initially, the process results in a tight feeling and may be uncomfortable when the cups are pulled off the skin. Others find the procedure pleasurable, like a deep massage. The resulting cupping marks (e.g., Phelps’ bruises) heal in a few days to a week.

In addition to Michael Phelps and a number of other swimmers who displayed evidence of cupping in Rio, the U.S. men’s gymnastics team also uses the system. The American gymnast Alexander Naddour spoke about the procedure in his Rio interviews, mentioning that he regularly employs cupping, even using a do-it-yourself method.

Is cupping effective?

Several small studies have generated mixed results. One review compiled in 2012 of 135 cupping studies determined that the technique might have some benefits, particularly in the case of alleviating muscle tension. However, the review pointed out that most of those studies had basic flaws.

A recent New York Times Wellness blog quotes Leonid Kalichman, an Israeli academic who co-authored a review of cupping. He mentioned it is possible that those who undergo cupping experience a placebo effect. However, he endorses the possible physiological effect, as well. He speculates that it may be the case that cupping triggers a process that produces cytokines, small proteins that play a role in the immune response.

In any event, experts say the procedure is relatively safe. The only potential side effects include:

  • Burns
  • Bruises
  • Mild discomfort
  • Skin infection

Michael Phelps may have grabbed the Rio headlines, but the first buzz among contemporary world-class swimmers who employ cupping dates back to when Australian Olympic gold medalist Grant Hackett sported cupping welts on his back at the 2004 Games. American multi-time Olympic medalists Natalie Coughlin and Nathan Adrian have also sported cupping bruises. Cupping is growing in popularity in swimming circles, such as its recent adoption by prominent college swim programs.

So, is cupping worth a try? If Michael Phelps does it, it’s guaranteed there will be followers. After all, who can argue with history? He has a record 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds…and counting!

 

At Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (NEOSM), our sports medicine specialists provide outstanding care and medical support for sports-related injuries. We can help athletes of all ages and activity levels develop a customized treatment plan. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

What Happened to My Ankle? How to Tell the Difference Between a Break and a Sprain

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With the warm weather enticing you to join the outdoors and frolic through summer, injuries are bound to happen, even to your unsuspecting ankles. From seasonal sports to harmless gardening, an ankle injury can emerge from any number of situations, including:

  • A motor vehicle accident
  • Tripping over something or falling awkwardly
  • Twisting, rolling or rotating the ankle in an uncomfortable way

When an unsuspecting ankle injury occurs, knowing what kind of ankle injury will play a pivotal role in getting you back on your feet. To determine whether your ankle is broken/fractured or sprained depends upon whether you damaged the bone or the tissue. Let’s decipher how to tell the two apart…

Sprain Versus Fracture

Ankle Sprain: When a sprain occurs, one or more of the ligaments in the ankle become severely overstretched or even torn. (A ligament is a fibrous tissue that helps hold the ankle together.) 

Ankle Fracture: A fracture is a break in a bone. With regards to the ankle, the bones that make up the top ankle joint are typically the most prone to fracture. These include the shinbone (tibia), the anklebone (talus) and the bone of the lower leg (fibula). 

With definitions in tow, determining which ankle injury you’ve suffered can be tricky at best. Here are a couple of questions to consider after injury has occurred:

  • Does the pain seem to radiate from the soft tissues surrounding the ankle but not over the bone? It’s probably a sprain.
  • Is the pain over the anklebone? That may be an indication of a break.
  • Are you unable to put pressure on it or walk? It is possible that the ankle is broken.

If the injury is still unclear or if you are hesitant to rush to the doctor, it may not hurt to carefully observe and lightly treat the injury utilizing the R.I.C.E. method of treatment and assessment:

  • Rest the ankle
  • Ice the ankle to reduce swelling and pain
  • Compress the ankle with an air cast or bandage wrap to stabilize and immobilize the ankle
  • Elevate the ankle until it’s level with the heart to help decrease pain and swelling

If, after two to four days of the R.I.C.E. method, you still have a hard time moving or putting pressure on the ankle, a visit to an orthopedist is in order. This is also true if dark blisters or bruises have developed. Once the orthopedist diagnoses the injury, treatment can begin.

Treatment for a Sprained Ankle

Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury, which can be graded as mild (Grade I), moderate (Grade II) or severe (Grade III):

  • Mild sprains are typically healed utilizing the R.I.C.E. method combined with range of motion, strengthening and stretching exercises.
  • Moderate sprains are also treated with the R.I.C.E. method, but for a longer period of time. A physician may use a soft cast or a splint to immobilize the ankle and prescribe range of motion, strengthening and stretching exercises. Physical therapy may also be suggested to restore full motion and use of the ankle.
  • Severe sprains are a full tear or rupture of a ligament. When this occurs, the ankle must be fully immobilized and requires a longer period of physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the tear.

Treatment for a Broken Ankle

Fractures may be treated surgically or non-surgically depending on the injury. If the ankle is stable, only one bone is broken and the bones aren’t out of place, the ankle may simply be immobilized with a splint or cast.

However, if the ankle is unstable, surgery is required to reinforce it. During the procedure, a metal plate and screws are used to hold the bones in place. Then, the ankle is positioned in a splint. Once the swelling goes down, a cast is utilized for several weeks as the ankle heals.

It is important to remember that, regardless of whether you suspect a sprain or a break, if often requires an orthopedist to accurately diagnose your condition.

 

Comprehensive Ankle Care 

At NEOSM, our physicians have years of experience in effectively treating all orthopedic conditions and injuries, including those of the foot and ankle. Our multidisciplinary approach to care ensures that patients receive the customized treatment they need to get moving again.

For more information on ankle injury or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, contact NEOSM today.

The Low-Down on Little League Elbow

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With baseball season officially upon us, injuries are inevitable. (Much like allergies.) In fact, doctors see an increase in elbow conditions among young baseball players during this time. One of the most common elbow conditions is medial epicondylar apophysitis, generally known as Little League elbow.

What is Little League elbow?

Little League elbow is categorized as an overuse injury (injury sustained to a part of the body from a repeated action) that affects a growth plate found on the inside of the elbow. Growth plates are easily injured on children. Damage to growth plates can result in the improper or misshapen growth of the bone.

Who gets Little League elbow?

Little League elbow is most frequently found in pitchers but has also been seen in outfielders, infielders and catchers. It typically occurs in children between the ages of 8 and 15, and may even be seen in adolescents as old as 17 (if the bones haven’t finished growing).

This condition is directly linked to a certain number of throws each week, including games and practice time. The general guidelines are as follows:

  • 75 pitches a week for 8 to 10 year-olds
  • 100 for 11 to 12 year-olds
  • 125 for 13 years and above

The injury typically occurs when a child exceeds the number of throws for his/her age range. Little League elbow is especially prominent in baseball players who participate in the sport year-round, as well as those who play for more than one team.

What are the symptoms of Little League elbow?

A child should stop playing immediately if any of the following symptoms appear during or after a game/practice:

  • Aching or sharp pain on the inside of the elbow
  • Locking of the elbow joint
  • Restricted range of motion
  • Swelling of the elbow

How is Little League elbow treated?

In the majority of cases, Little League elbow can be effectively managed with conservative treatment, which is done in three stages:

Rest. It is initially recommended that all throwing activities cease and the elbow be allowed to rest. Ice and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (i.e., Aleve®) can help relieve swelling and pain.

Rehabilitation. Your child’s doctor may recommend physical therapy exercises to help heal the injury and prevent it from reoccurring. This may include range of motion and strength exercises for the forearm, upper arm, back and shoulder.

Return to play. Children may return to playing when the pain is completely gone and they have full range of motion. This should include a gradual change over time from non-throwing positions (such as a designated hitter) to full throwing positions, like pitching.

As a treatment, surgery is rarely necessary. In such cases, it is only designed for girls over 12 and boys over 14. Depending on the type of injury the child sustains, surgery may include:

  • Bone grafting to replace missing bone from the elbow
  • Reattaching a ligament
  • Removing loose bone fragments that tore away from the growth plate due to a detached ligament or tendon

How can Little League Elbow be prevented?

Though there is no 100 percent guarantee that Little League elbow can be prevented, a child’s risk may be reduced considerably by taking the following precautions:

  • Always warm up before throwing
  • Avoid certain types of throws, such as curve balls and breaking pitches until the age of 14. (With these types of throws, it is difficult to successfully execute the spin the ball requires. Children compensate for their inability to hold the ball properly, resulting in awkward twisting of the arm and elbow)
  • Count pitches to ensure a safe range (the coach should count, too)
  • Avoid playing other full-throwing positions on pitching days
  • Stop playing if pain occurs and see a doctor as soon as possible
  • Rest for a solid 24 to 48 hours after playing, including practice

For information on Little League elbow or other overuse injuries, or to schedule an appointment with one of our sports medicine specialists, contact Northeast Orthopedics and Sports Medicine today.