We care about keeping you informed and hope you’ll find the Winter 2009 edition of our Doctor’s Orders e-newsletter filled with helpful information, health tips and interesting updates from our Bone and Joint family.
On Call:
Meet Lawrence J. Messina, MD
Dr. Messina graduated from Louisiana State University in 1969. He received his Medical Degree from Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans in 1973. He completed an internship at Earl K. Long Hospital in Baton Rouge. Dr. Messina completed his orthopaedic residency at the Tulane University and Affiliated Hospitals in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1978. He was certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1979. He is a member of the Tulane Caldwell Society, the Hughston Society, and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. In addition, he has served as area chairperson for the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation.
For the past two years, Baton Rouge area residents have enjoyed meeting our doctors and staff at the Life After 50 Expo in the Baton Rouge River Center. Once again this year, we'll be participating with our physicians, seminars, information & door prizes.
Admission and parking are free. We hope to see you there so please visit our booth and say hello. View event information and more: Click here!
Did You Know—
Osteoporosis: Are YOU at risk?
— by Christina Landry, PA-C
Definition:
Reduction in bone mass and deterioration in bone architecture resulting in decreased bone strength and a higher chance of fracture.
Who is at risk?
Osteoporosis affects approximately 20 million people a year. Both men and women are at risk for developing osteoporosis. However, women are at a higher risk. One in two women and one in four men older than 50 will suffer a spinal fracture related to osteoporosis. Other risk factors include postmenopausal women, Caucasian and Asian women, lack of physical exercise, excessive tobacco and alcohol use, poor diet, chronic steroid use, and other endocrine disorders.
Symptoms of Osteoporosis:
Increased back pain related to a spinal compression fracture after minimal or no trauma. Other fractures of concern would be pelvic, hip, or wrist. Until a fracture is present osteoporosis usually does not cause symptoms.
Diagnosis:
Screening is an important tool in diagnosing osteoporosis. The screening tool of choice is a dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. This screening tool is painless, noninvasive, quick, and has low radiation exposure. DXA scans are available at most imaging facilities including here at the Bone and Joint Clinic.
Treatment:
Treatment includes adequate intake of calcium with Vitamin D supplementation, weight bearing exercise, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use. Other preventative measures and treatment recommendations include prescription medication such as hormone replacement therapy (postmenopausal women), bisphophonates (Fosamax, Actonel, Boniva), and newer injectable medications that stimulate new bone formation called Forteo. All medications have risks and benefits and should be discussed with your health care provider to determine if they are right for you.
Spring Sports—
Church Softball to Tennis and Golf: How you can prevent injuries this season
— by Jason Ghahramani, PA-C
Baseball is starting up, church softball leagues are just around the corner, and the weather is getting warm enough to get out your tennis racket or golf clubs! We've gathered some tips and topics you need to know when communicating with your doctor, and recommendations for enjoying a safe season this spring.
Injuries usually occur due to one of three following reasons:
- Lack of conditioning
- Muscular imbalances
- Improper development of dynamic joint range of motion
Proper stretching and flexibility exercises are essential for athletes. This is the #1 way to decrease frequency & severity of injury! Listed below ar the most common sites of injury. Click for details:
Ankle Sprains/Strains
A number of factors can lead to ankle sprains, including poor technique and uneven terrain. The right footwear is essential to preventing a sprain, but it isn’t the only thing you can do. If you have a history of ankle injuries a brace can provide extra stability to prevent re-injury. Physical therapy after an injury can increase strength and range of motion.
Knee Pain
Knee injuries are often caused by improper technique, lack of conditioning and poor flexibility. While it’s important to build up training gradually to avoid overuse, biomechanics can also come into play, If you have flat feet or high arches, pronate or supinate, you may have more knee pain. Appropriate footwear or orthotics can improve alignment and help reduce injury risk. If you are a cyclist, proper bike fit makes a huge difference.
Lower Back Pain
LBP is a common problem and one of the main reasons is inactivity. As we get older and less active, we lose the strength and balance in the core muscles (abs and low back) can lead to poor posture, improper alignment, fatigue and pain. Regular exercise is the best way to protect your lower back.
Elbow Pain
Tennis players and golfers have more elbow injuries than most, but anyone can develop elbow pain. Although conditioning is a major cause, proper technique is essential to preventing problems. Take a class or get professional instruction. Also, make sure your equipment fits well.
Shoulder Injuries
Frequently seen in throwing sports, the rotator cuff is a common cause of shoulder pain. Staying in shape and easing into an activity are the best ways to prevent problems. There are multiple types of shoulder injuries however, so proper conditioning is essential for your sport.
We've also compiled a list of common injuries, by sport, with brief descriptions of each to help you when communicating with your doctor should you experience one of these types of injuries.
Common Baseball / Softball Injuries:
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis/Tear – The rotator cuff is a group of tendons that hold the shoulder joint in place. When a tendon is torn, pain, swelling, and loss of motion can occur.
- Elbow Dislocation– The elbow joint is where the humerus, radius, and ulna bones meet. A dislocation occurs when one or more of the bones become disengaged from the joint.
- Ankle Sprain– A stretching, partial tear, or tear of ligaments in the ankle joint. This is one of the most common injuries and has different ranges of severity.
- Shoulder Dislocation – A painful injury where the humerus arm bone is forced out of the shoulder joint.
- Mallet Finger – (or baseball finger) A tear of the tendon in the finger that normally allows the finger to straighten. This is caused by a blunt force that bends the tip of the finger backwards.
- Hamstring Strain – A stretching or partial tearing of the hamstring muscle(s). This injury is often called a pulled hamstring.
- Finger/Thumb Sprains – Often this injury occurs when catching a baseball, or sliding into base. The fingers/thumb can get jammed in or bent backwards causing the ligaments to overstretch.
- Contusions– Contusions are common in baseball, especially when being struck by the ball. The tissue under the skin becomes damaged. Often swelling and a visual bruise on the skin will occur.
- Tennis Elbow – This is the everyday term for Lateral Epicondylitis. This occurs when the tendons start to tear at the outside of the elbow. This condition can occur from many activities besides tennis, although it is common in tennis.
- Plantar Fasciitis – This is the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, ligaments that attach the heel to the toes. This condition results in pain in the heel.
- Shoulder Sprain – An overexertion of the ligaments around the shoulder joint that may cause a partial tearing.
- Hamstring Strain - A stretching or partial tearing of the hamstring muscle(s). This injury is often called a pulled hamstring.
- Achilles Tendonitis – An inflammation and irritation of the Achilles tendon which connects the back of your foot to your calf muscle. This can cause severe pain and discomfort.
- Ankle Sprain – A stretching, partial tear, or tear of ligaments in the ankle joint. This is one of the most common injuries and has different ranges of severity.
- Runner’s Knee – Also called jumper’s knee, this condition is caused by an excess of stress on the knees common from excessive running. It leads to pain and inflammation of the patellar tendon.
- Shin Splints – (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome) Pain and swelling in the front of the lower leg or shin area. This is caused by an inflammation of tissues covering the bone. Most often, shin splints occur from repeated pounding during running.
- Plantar Fasciitis – This is the inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, ligaments that attach the heel to the toes. This condition results in pain in the heel.
- Achilles Tendonitis – An inflammation and irritation of the Achilles tendon which connects the back of your foot to your calf muscle. This can cause severe pain and discomfort.
- Hamstring Strain – A stretching or partial tearing of the hamstring muscle(s). This injury is often called a pulled hamstring.
- Ankle Sprain – A stretching, partial tear, or tear of ligaments in the ankle joint. This is one of the most common injuries and has different ranges of severity.
- Blisters – Irritation or rubbing of the skin over the same area can result in these sores. Blisters often fill with fluid and can be tender to the touch.
Visit Us: Booth #141
Did You Know
Spring Sports
We are located in the
Orthopedic Center at: 7301 Hennessy Blvd., Suite 200
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
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physician info & more, visit our web site:
