Recent news headlines and the release of the Hollywood film “Concussion” have many people worried about the effects of sports-related head injuries on health. Understanding the scope of the problem and potential consequences of concussions can help you make educated decisions about participation in sports. (more…)
Recent news headlines and the release of the Hollywood film “Concussion” have many people worried about the effects of sports-related head injuries on health. Understanding the scope of the problem and potential consequences of concussions can help you make educated decisions about participation in sports.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that occurs following a bump or blow to the head. Inside the head, the brain is bathed in fluid that cushions it from injury. This fluid provides enough cushioning to protect the brain from everyday movements. When the head is hit, however, the sensitive brain tissue hits the hard interior of the scalp. This can damage brain cells and may shear long-distance connections between brain areas.
The Scope of the Sports Concussion Issue
Nearly any sport carries some risk of concussion. However, football, hockey and soccer have received considerable attention for their higher risk of head injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the number of concussions has doubled in the past 10 years. This may be in a large part to increased awareness of concussion risk, causing parents and coaches to take greater steps to report concussions.
In 2012, an estimated 3.8 million concussions occurred in the United States. Nearly one in three of these events occur during sports practice. In total, 20 percent of high school athletes will receive a sports concussion at some point during the season. Football remains the largest source of sports concussions among young athletes.
Possible Consequences of Concussion
Researchers are still working to determine the long-term effects of concussions on health. In the acute post-concussion phase, people may experience confusion or disorientation.
For most people, symptoms of concussion resolve within one to six weeks. For others, however, certain symptoms linger for a longer period of time. This so-called “post-concussion syndrome” may lead to physical and emotional challenges. Post-concussion syndrome is characterized by headaches, dizziness or balance problems, difficulty concentrating, trouble completing tasks and irritability. People with this syndrome often will say, “I just don’t feel like myself.”
What to Do in Case of Concussion
In addition to brain injury, concussions may co-occur with other physical health problems. For instance, a blow to the head may also cause issues in the back, neck, skull, and spine. This makes it important to receive medical care from orthopedic specialists following a head injury, even if you think nothing is wrong. Your Jacksonville orthopedic specialist can work with your care team to accurately diagnose and treat post-concussive symptoms.
How Can You Tell You May Need a Knee Replacement?
Knee replacements are among the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States, with 719,000 performed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When knee pain interferes with your everyday activities, it may be time to consider surgical intervention. Your Jacksonville orthopedic surgeon can help you determine whether a knee replacement is right for you. (more…)
Stretches to Do at Your Desk for Back Pain
The United States seems to have a collective back ache. More than 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institutes of Health. Serious back pain can be extraordinarily debilitating, affecting your ability to walk, sleep comfortably and drive. If you experience back pain, visit the Jacksonville orthopedics specialists at Southeast Ortho to get a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Modifications to your everyday life, including performing stretches at your desk, can be an effective way to alleviate back pain. (more…)
Wrist Sprain vs. Broken Wrist
We use our hands for so much throughout the day that wrist pain can be very debilitating. The most common cause of wrist injuries is falling onto an outstretched hand. This may cause the wrist ligaments or bones to become damaged. Some wrist injuries are classified as wrist sprains while others are considered a broken wrist. Understanding the difference will help you get the correct treatment from your Jacksonville orthopedic specialist. Contact our hand and wrist specialists to take advantage of their specialized knowledge and training in this area. (more…)
The Difference Between Being Sore or Injured
After a particularly intense workout, it is common to feel some muscle pain the next day. What can be more challenging is distinguishing between soreness and an injury. Self-diagnosing workout-related aches and pains can be challenging. Visiting orthopedic surgeons can help you get an answer regarding the source of your muscle pain. (more…)
Tips for Exercising in Cold Weather
When it’s cold outside, exercising outdoors may seem like a last-resort choice. With the proper equipment and attitude, however, outdoor exercise in the wintertime can be a fun option. One of the best parts about exercising in the cold is that you often get streets, sidewalks and trails to yourself! Although slippery surfaces may make safety a concern, our orthopedic surgeons recommend taking the following precautions for winter exercise. (more…)
Difference Between Straps, Braces, and Tape
If you’ve got a sore, achy knee, you may think a brace, strap or athletic tape will alleviate the pain while you run or participate in your favorite athletic activity.
Depending on your diagnosis, these supportive devices can sometimes help. So what are the options available to you? Read on to learn more about the variety of braces, straps, and tape on the market today. (more…)
How to Help Kids Prepare for Orthopedic Surgery
Surgery — even minor procedures — can be traumatic for children. Children can easily become frightened and overwhelmed when they need the services of an orthopedic specialist. As a parent, you can take steps to lessen your child’s anxiety before surgery. Here are some things that can help. (more…)
5 Jobs That Ruin Your Feet
If you work a job that requires you to stand on your feet all day, you’re probably quite familiar with tired, sore and swollen feet. Other than foot pain, standing for long periods of time can increase your risk serious health problems like back pain, bunions, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, varicose veins, poor circulation and osteoarthritis in your lower extremities that could require the services of a foot or ankle surgeon.
And while any job that requires prolonged standing is bad for your feet, some are worse than others. Here’s a look at five of the worst and steps you can take to prevent problems. (more…)
Common Overuse Injuries
Athletes put their bodies to the test day after day, and sometimes the result isn’t too comfortable. Whether you are a dedicated athlete participating in high-level events, or you are someone who is doing their best to stay in shape and keep active, the bottom line is that injuries can happen to you.
While you might believe that it is the elite athlete who is putting in hours day and night to reach the height of their strength and ability, the average person is actually at the highest risk for experiencing an overuse injury. The reason for this partially comes down to preparation, but also technique during exercise. (more…)
