Last updated 8 months ago
A stress fracture is a small crack of the bone that usually occurs in the weight-bearing bones, such as those in the feet and lower legs. An experienced orthopaedic doctor is best equipped to diagnose a stress fracture, but it is important to educate yourself about this condition if you believe you may be suffering from such an injury. Continue reading to learn more.
What Causes Stress Fractures?
Most stress fractures are characterized as overuse injuries and occur when you increase any type of high-impact activity by frequency, intensity, or duration. Factors that can increase your risk for incurring a stress fracture include exercising too much too soon, using improper sports equipment, changing surfaces or grades while running, practicing improper exercise techniques, and having insufficient training. Individuals with insufficient bone density due to a genetic disposition, osteoporosis, or hormonal changes may also be at an increased risk for stress fractures.
What Are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of a stress fracture will vary based on the affected bone. However, common symptoms of a stress fracture include:
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Tenderness to the touch near the site of the fracture.
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Pain that develops gradually and gets worse during weight-bearing activities.
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Pain or aching sensation that becomes more severe during normal activities.
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Swelling and bruising.
How Are Stress Fractures Treated?
Your orthopaedic surgeon will recommend a number of treatment methods based on the location and severity of the stress fracture. Initial treatment will typically include rest, ice, and elevation; however, a patient who suffers a stress fracture to the tibia, tarsal navicular, or fibula may require a cast to keep the bones in a fixed position and remove stress. Surgical treatment is rarely needed and usually reserved for individuals whose stress fractures do not heal with conventional treatment or casting.
The best way to determine which treatment method is right for you is to consult your orthopaedic doctor. Get the care you need by contacting MK Orthopaedics at (815) 741-6900. We also perform knee replacement and hip replacement surgery.
Last updated 8 months ago
Call our office at (815) 741-6900 for more information about our weekly clinics or to set up an initial consultation with one of our orthopaedic surgeons at MK Orthopaedics!
Last updated 8 months ago
Call our office at (815) 741-6900 to set up an initial consultation with Dr. Pizinger or our other orthopaedic surgeons at MK Orthopaedics!
Last updated 8 months ago
Arthritis is a chronic disease, characterized by inflammation of the musculoskeletal system, and most commonly affects the joints. However, arthritis is not a single condition but a term that describes a number of medical conditions. Check out this overview for the facts on rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a type of arthritis that affects the tissues lining the joints, causing progressive inflammation that may eventually deteriorate the joint tissues themselves. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis typically develop the disease between the ages of 40 and 60.
Causes
RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it causes your body’s natural defense system to turn upon itself and attack your joint tissues rather than protect them. While the underlying cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, factors that may increase the risk of RA include:
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A family history of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Gender—RA is two to three times more common in women than in men.
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Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco use.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include tender, swollen, or warm joints as well as morning stiffness that lasts for several hours. Additional signs of RA include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and firm bumps of tissue beneath the skin of the arms. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis tend to first experience symptoms in their fingers and toes before the disease progresses to their knees, ankles, hips, and shoulders.
Diagnosis
After assessing your past medical history and symptoms, your orthopaedic doctor will perform a physical evaluation in order to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor may also perform an X-ray, MRI exam, or blood test to determine the underlying cause of pain.
Treatment Methods
Your orthopaedic doctor may recommend any number of treatment options to manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including oral medications, injections, exercise therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, or a stress fracture, or are in need of a knee replacement, the orthopaedic surgeons with MK Orthopaedics are here to help. Call our office at (815) 741-6900 to set up an initial consultation.
Last updated 8 months ago
We are so thrilled to introduce our newest orthopaedic doctor to our MK Orthopaedics team, Dr. Pizinger!
Dr. Ryan Pizinger completed his undergrad at the University of Maine, where he also played football. He attended Dartmouth College for his residency, and followed up with an orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship in Aspen Colorado in 2011!
We are so thrilled to welcome Dr. Pizinger to our MK Orthopaedics team. He specializes in sports medicine and trauma and will be the perfect addition to our team! For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pizinger, visit our website or call us today at (815) 741-6900.
