Home
> Orthopedics > The
Women's Orthopedic Program > Clinical Conditions & Program Offerings
The Women's Orthopedic Program:
Clinical Conditions and Program Offerings
Repetitive Strain Injuries
As more women have entered the workforce and increased their
participation in sports, the number of repetitive strain injuries
suffered
has also increased. Repeated motion can lead to inflammation
of tendons limiting physical performance and work productivity.
These
injuries can affect the wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee and ankle.
Prevention in the workplace achieved by eliminating poor body
mechanics
and awkward motions when performing repetitive motions. In sports
activities proper stretching and conditioning will minimize
problems.
Treatments include oral medications, splinting, strengthening,
corticosteroid injections and surgery.
Osteoporosis in the Female Athlete
Osteoporosis, defined as abnormally low bone mineral density,
and the subsequent fractures that result from it can be a significant
problem in the female athlete. Nutrition, exercise and hormonal
levels all play a role in bone remodeling, the natural balance
of bone formation and resorption. In competitive and endurance
athletes, most commonly runners, gymnasts, skaters, cyclists and
swimmers, these factors can accelerate osteoporosis.
Inadequate caloric intake in an athlete who is trying to keep
her weight down can lead to decreased estrogen levels and dietary
calcium. Intense training can also lead to low estrogen levels
and subsequent athletic amenorrhea- the absence of three to six
menses after the cycle has been established. Lack of estrogen
decreases the amount of serum calcium available for bone formation
and accelerates the bone remodeling process. Low calcium levels
and increased bone remodeling result in osteoporosis.
Treatment of exercise-induced osteoporosis includes calcium supplements
of at least 1,500 mg per day, changing exercise regimen and consideration
of hormone replacement in amenorrhic athletes with stress fractures.
If amenorrhea lasts more than 3 years, osteoporosis is not reversible
with calcium supplements and estrogen replacement.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The
Women's Orthopedic Program at 410-539-2227.
Athletic Activity after Total Knee and Hip Replacement
Exercise has been shown to have a beneficial effect on patients
with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity,
depression
and anxiety. Arthritic joints, particularly the hip and knee,
often limit a person's activity level. Joint replacement for
arthritic
joints is performed to relieve pain, improve function and improve
quality of life. Although it is recommended that high impact
activities
such as contact sports, jogging and singles tennis be avoided
after surgery, many can return to their previous active lifestyle.
Golf, cycling, swimming, dancing, horseback riding, doubles
tennis
and bowling can all be enjoyed with the proper precautions. The
decision to resume specific activities should be made with
your
surgeon.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
As women have become more athletic and more competitive in their
athletic endeavors, certain trends have been observed with
respect
to their injuries. One of the most notable is the ACL injury.
The ACL is a ligament of the knee which stabilizes the tibia
(shin
bone) at the knee. It is most commonly injured with pivoting,
hyperextension of the knee, landing on the extended knee and
sudden
deceleration. Injuries to the ACL are frequently seen in basketball,
soccer and volleyball. Recent studies have shown that women
are
more susceptible than men to these injuries. In fact, female
soccer players have more than two to eight times the ACL injuries
than that of male
soccer players. Additionally, female basketball players are four
times more likely than male basketball players to suffer an
ACL
tear, according to the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
There are multiple theories for this trend. Anatomical, hormonal
and biomechanical differences between the two sexes have all been
suspect, but at this point there is no concrete evidence to explain
this phenomenon. Recent research shows a decrease in ACL injuries
in female soccer players when specific agility, flexibility and
strengthening exercises are incorporated in routine practices.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends
the following:
- There is no need to modify sports activity at any time during the menstrual
cycle;
- Training and conditioning should be a year-round program;
- Strengthening of hamstring and quadriceps muscles should be a regular part
of any training program;
- Practice landing from a jump on your toes instead of a flat foot;
- Use of a knee brace will not prevent ACL injury; and
- Flex more at the knee and hip when practicing cutting maneuvers.
Exciting new studies indicate a specific program designed to improve a woman's
agility, strength, and flexibility may decrease ACL injuries in
woman up to 80 percent.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The Orthopedic
Program for Women at 410-539-2227.
Osteoporosis in Post-Menopausal Women
Osteoporosis is a group of diseases characterized by decreased
bone mass and decreased bone quality, which can lead to bone
fractures.
In the United States osteoporosis affects over 44 million people,
most of whom are women. Osteoporosis leads to over 300,000
fractures
each year, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Women begin losing more bone than their bodies are making after
age 35 and this bone loss accelerates after menopause. A decrease
in hormone levels and inadequate dietary calcium intake are thought
to play a role in this disease.
Prevention of osteoporosis through a healthy, balanced diet,
adequate calcium intake (dairy products, green leafy vegetables,
calcium supplements), Vitamin D supplements and regular exercise
(weight-bearing, strengthening and balance) is the most successful
way to combat this problem. Hormone replacement therapy has become
controversial and should be discussed with your doctor. Further
medications are available for the treatment of diagnosed osteoporosis.
Other methods of preventing fragility fractures which accompany
osteoporosis include hip pads to protect during falls, eliminating
risks in the house such as throw rugs and loose papers on
the floor, use of assistive devices (canes, walkers) and avoiding
inclement weather (ice, snow, rain) as much as possible.
Now Accepting New Patients.
Most Insurances Accepted.
Please call for an appointment.
Phone: 410-539-2227
Tollfree: 1-800-MD-Mercy (1-800-636-3729)
|
