As a person ages, particularly from 40 years onwards, there is an increasing chance they will develop pain in the joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 46 million Americans (one in five adults) are affected by the disease. In some cases, arthritis can become so severe that sufferers cannot walk comfortably, climb stairs or participate in everyday activities. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and also the most common cause of joint pain. It is a progressive condition involving the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis differs from osteoarthritis in that it is not from overuse but rather a disorder in which the immune system attacks the healthy tissue that lines the joints, causing chronic inflammation, pain and loss of function.
Knee pain is by far the most common orthopedic complaint, and technology is always enhancing the capabilities of orthopedic medicine to treat it. Recent advancements in imaging and mapping are providing ever greater results and shorter recover times. Mercy Medical Group is proud to offer cutting edge procedures to address arthritis including knee replacement, knee resurfacing and arthroscopic surgery.
Tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common sports injury and will cause the knee to feel loose and unstable, especially with turning or pivoting motions. Partial tears of the ACL may heal on their own, but complete tears usually require surgical reconstruction in which a strip of patellar tendon or hamstring muscle is used as a graft and a new ACL is constructed. When a systematic rehabilitation and exercise program is followed after surgery, most patients recover full range of motion and ability to participate in vigorous daily activities, including sports.
Hip arthritis can make walking even short distances painful and disabling. At Mercy Medical Group, we pride ourselves on using the latest innovations in equipment and surgical techniques for the relief of hip pain and dysfunction. Surgical options include minimally invasive hip arthroscopy where painful bone spurs and loose cartilage can be removed. We also perform total hip resurfacing and hip replacements, offering both anterior and posterior approaches. Coupled with guided physical therapy, you can get back to walking pain-free in a relatively short recovery time.
Hands and wrists are prone to injury due to repetitive motions, sports-related injuries, arthritis and trauma. Once the condition is accurately diagnosed, our doctors provide treatment options beginning with the least invasive approach possible. Mercy Medical Group offers surgical care for both chronic and acute problems of the hand, including endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery.
With age and overuse, a shoulder joint may develop arthritis similar to a knee or hip joint. Shoulder arthritis is the loss of cartilage from the two bones that create the joint: the ball (humerus) and the cup (glenoid). Advances in surgical techniques have made shoulder replacement a great option to relieve pain and restore function.
The foot is one of the most complex parts of the body, consisting of 26 bones and numerous joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments. All of these parts are susceptible to pain, inflammation and injury. The most common foot problem is heel pain, also known as plantar fasciitis. Left untreated, this painful condition can result in bone spurs which may need to be surgically removed. Other common foot problems include bunions, hammertoes and ankle sprains. Recurrent ankle sprains can damage ligaments and tendons, causing instability and predisposing one to the formation of arthritis.
Say goodbye to joint pain. Call (888) 314-3627 to make an appointment or talk to your primary care physician about a referral to one of our orthopedic surgeons.
