Our Services
Knee Conditions and Procedures
The knees are strong, sturdy, and complex joints made up of many parts. The complexities of the knees can make them unreliable or vulnerable to injuries. Whether you are performing regular exercise, kneeling frequently during gardening and chores around the house, or have joint issues in your family, there are many ways that your knees can become susceptible to injuries. Physical therapy, rehabilitation, and bracing can treat some of the common knee injuries, but others may require surgery for repair.
Meniscus and Cartilage Injuries
Many athletes who play contact sports are well-aware that meniscus tears are a common knee injury. Although they are a common sports injury, meniscus tears can affect people of any age. A tear in the meniscus cartilage behind the knee cap can be caused by twisting, sudden stops, or heavy lifting. Meniscus tears can be treated with rehabilitation, but surgery may be necessary for a full repair of the cartilage.
ACL Injuries
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain or tear is another very common knee injury. An ACL sprain or tear is often recognized after a loud “pop” noise occurs or a “popping” sensation can be felt in the knee. Pain and swelling, limitation of movement, and feelings of instability are frequently reported symptoms of an ACL tear. Athletes who participate in sports like soccer, football, and basketball where players quickly change direction are more likely to injure their ACL. If you have damaged your ACL, you may require surgery to regain full function of your knee. Treatment will depend on the severity of your injury and your activity level.
Arthritis with Total and Partial Knee Replacement
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more of your joints. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the primary symptoms of arthritis. Any joint in the body can be affected by arthritis, but it is prevalent in the knees. Knee arthritis can pose difficulties for everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. When non-surgical alternatives have been exhausted, joint replacement surgery is a safe and effective option to relieve pain and help you resume normal activities.
Shoulder Conditions and Procedures
Shoulder injuries are another common joint issue among athletes, particularly those who perform repetitive, intense overhead motions. Swimmers, tennis players, pitchers, and weightlifters are the most vulnerable to shoulder injuries. Everyday activities and work carried out by contractors can also cause shoulder injuries, like painting, hanging curtains, and gardening. Muscles, ligaments, and tendons are the components that are most affected by these activities. The shoulder is comprised of several joints, tendons, and muscles which give a large range of motion to the arm. Tendinitis occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become irritated. Because this is such a complex structure, shoulders are vulnerable to a variety of problems.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tears will weaken the shoulder and are a frequent cause of pain and disability among adults. Everyday activities, like washing your hair or getting dressed, may become painful and more difficult to do. Pain and weakness are the most common symptoms with a rotator cuff tear. Minor tears can be treated with nonsurgical treatments and procedures, but surgical procedures may be recommended depending on severity and activity level. If rotator cuff tears are not given proper medical attention, there is a risk of a full tear.
Impingement and Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Shoulder pain is one of the most typical physical complaints reported. Impingement occurs when the arm is lifted to shoulder height causing the acromion to rub on the tendon and the bursa resulting in pain and irritation.
Labrum Tears and Instability
Shoulder dislocations, loss of strength, decreased range of motion, instability, and pain are symptoms associated with tears of the labrum. The labrum is the tissue rim surrounding the shoulder, which can be injured by acute trauma or repetitive motion. Examples of traumatic injury include falling on an outstretched arm, a direct blow to the shoulder, a sudden pull, or a violent overhead reach, such as when trying to stop a fall. Instability occurs when the head of the upper arm bone is forced out of the shoulder socket. Anti-inflammatory drugs and rehabilitation are options for treating a labrum tear. Some cases may require arthroscopic surgery.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. There are no known causes of frozen shoulder. The risk factors for frozen shoulder are diabetes, immobilization, and some other diseases. Frozen shoulder most often affects people between the ages of 40 and 60 and occurs in women more often than men. There are many options for nonsurgical treatment of frozen shoulder, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, or physical therapy. Surgical treatment for frozen shoulder usually only occurs at stage 2 severity.
Sports Medicine
Overuse Injuries: Most sports injuries are unique to a particular game, such as throwing injuries of the elbow and shoulder in sports like baseball. The most common overuse injuries usually involve the knee, shoulder, or foot.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Patellofemoral pain syndrome is a broad term used to describe pain in the front of the knee and around the kneecap or patella. Also referred to as “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee” because it is common in people who participate in sports. Patellofemoral pain syndrome can occur in nonathletes, as well. The pain and stiffness can lead to difficulty in climbing stairs, kneeling, and performing other everyday activities.
Fracture Care: A bone may be completely fractured or partially fractured in any number of ways (crosswise, lengthwise, in multiple pieces). Treatment may include cast immobilization, functional cast or brace, traction or surgery.
Other common areas of athletic injuries occur at the: · Ankle · Elbow · Back · Hip
Often, these injuries do not require surgery, but most do require bracing or splinting and physical therapy. We do our best to offer a wide range of alternatives as part of our orthopedic wellness solution.
Medical-Legal
Independent Medical Examinations: IME’s are performed to determine the cause, extent and medical treatment of a work-related or other injuries where liability is at issue. An Independent Medical Examination may be conducted at the request of an employer and/ or an insurance carrier to obtain an independent opinion of the clinical status of the individual. There is no doctor/patient relationship established, no medical treatment is rendered. Dr. Perkins is available for IME’s of the Knees and Shoulders.