Living with arthritis can have a major impact on the way you perform your daily activities. In the simplest terms, arthritis is an inflammation of the joint area. This inflammation often results in pain, swelling and stiffness in many patients.
There are many different types of arthritis. Two of the most common ones are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that is caused by the wear and tear on the joint’s cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where the joints are affected due to a malfunction of the immune system. In both cases, arthritis can inhibit adequate functioning of the affected joints.
Fortunately, there are many treatments available to relieve arthritis pain and symptoms. Physical therapy and occupational therapy may also be used to loosen the muscles surrounding the joint with the intent to increase flexibility. In more serious cases, orthopedic surgery such as total joint replacement or arthroscopy can be performed to relieve severe pain and improve overall joint functionality. Central Orthopedics, of Long Island, has a team of doctors who specialize in helping you achieve arthritis relief. Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout, we can help you protect your joints from more damage.
Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical technique which is used to diagnose and treat many joint-related problems. Benefits of utilizing an arthroscopic procedure in lieu of a more traditional surgical method include a faster recovery period, as well as nominal levels of pain.
During an arthroscopic procedure, an orthopedic surgeon will implement a small tube-like instrument, complete with an optical lens, inside of the joint. This instrument, called an arthroscope, is connected to a video camera which projects the interior of the joint onto a large television monitor. This allows surgeons to have a magnified and detailed view of the patients joint while employing a very small incision, as opposed to the larger incisions that would be required in a traditional surgical procedure. This projected imagery gives physicians heightened detail of the cartilage and ligament tears located in patients knees, shoulders, wrists or ankles, allowing them to repair or correct damage and injury. At The Central Orthopedic Group, our physicians commonly use arthroscopic procedures in order to diagnose and treat our patients.
Our orthopedists are prepared to diagnose and treat any general orthopedic condition. Whether caused by an injury or a disease, no one should have to endure joint-related stress and pain.
Using the latest technology in diagnostic imaging, our practice has been able to pinpoint areas of concern relating to conditions such as:
We carefully assess each and every patient, including their medical history, to determine the most appropriate surgical and/or non-surgical options. After treatment is provided, we work with each patient to create an individualized plan for rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy and/or occupational therapy.
To perform even the simplest tasks such as eating, getting dressed or using the computer, our hands require a high level of flexibility and functionality. When we are faced with a problem that inhibits us from using our hands, it can be quite frustrating and our quality of life can be affected.
Hand and wrist symptoms can include anything from tingling, numbness, pain, swelling and even stiffness. Using diagnostic testing such as X-Rays, MRIs, Nerve Conduction Velocity Tests (NCV), or Electromyograms (EMG) our hand specialist will identify the cause of the pain. Our practice offers a number of surgical treatment options to assist you in resolving the problem, so that you can live a pain-free life.
The most common conditions we treat include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger fingers, tendonitis, arthritis, soft tissue tumors, fractures of the hand and wrist, and other problems related to the joints, tendons, or nerves in the hand. Some of the most common types of hand surgery procedures performed include:
Injections are used to lubricate the joints in order to successfully reduce friction and pain. Viscosupplementation injections are commonly used in the knee, shoulder, ankle or elbow.
Injections offered in our office include:
Using a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine, our physicians are able to safely and effectively give therapeutic injections into the precise desired location to relieve pain in the joints and surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments. Ultrasound-guided injections/aspirations will hopefully provide relief from joint-related pain. The goal is for patients to experience improved movement, functionality and flexibility.
When you are experiencing pain and limited mobility in your joints from arthritis, you may be a candidate for total joint replacement. Arthritis causes wear and tear on cartilage, which acts as a cushion during movement. Without healthy cartilage, the bones rub against each other causing friction, pain and swelling. Movement becomes limited and life becomes frustrating.
In this surgical procedure, our orthopedic surgeons may replace the deteriorated joint with an artificial joint called a prosthesis.
At The Central Orthopedic Group in Plainview, NY we provide joint replacement surgery for many areas including the hip, knee, and shoulder. As an important part of the recovery process, our physicians will make an individual treatment plan for rehabilitation. This rehabilitation plan will vary for different joint replacements and for the differing needs of each patient but may include exercise, physical therapy or occupational therapy.
At The Central Orthopedic Group in Plainview, NY we have physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries that occur during sports and other physical activity. Common problems we see in our office include strains, sprains, ligament ruptures, tendon ruptures and fractures. Our goal is to repair these problems utilizing the safest, most dependable, and least invasive techniques possible.
There are many different non-surgical and surgical techniques offered to our patients. Some common non-surgical methods used include casting and splinting. Sometimes in a more severe case, we may offer surgery as an option. Techniques such as joint replacement or arthroscopic surgery are used to accelerate the healing and recovery process. Following any of these techniques, a rehabilitative plan is recommended for continued care and treatment.
In addition to repairing strains and fractures, our sports medicine specialists will also discuss prevention of injury to avoid further complications. Proper injury prevention techniques will be shared including warm-up exercises, proper hydration and nutrition and wearing the correct protective gear.
Trauma and fractures can happen from a fall from the monkey bars, a tackle during a football game, a stumble down the stairs, and many other situations. Whatever the circumstance, you will usually know when you have broken a bone. You may hear a breaking sound, followed by a tremendous amount of pain. The area around the fracture will usually be inflamed, bruised and sore. In some unfortunate cases, part of the bone may be punctured through the skin. It can be quite traumatic, but it is important to remember that broken bones will heal with time and patience.
At The Central Orthopedic Group in Plainview, NY our physicians will X-ray the swollen area to view the injured bones. Smaller fractures may be difficult to visualize on an X-ray, so an MRI may be ordered. Depending on the type and location of the fracture, we may use casts, splints, pins, screws, or plates to hold the fracture in the correct position while the bone is healing.
After several weeks or months of healing, many patients feel stiffness in the previously injured area. The ligaments have become stiffer than normal from not utilizing the affected extremity. To help along in the recovery process, it is usually recommended that patients begin a course of rehabilitation, which may include exercises, physical therapy or occupational therapy.