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What should I bring to my first visit?
Please bring your insurance information (insurance card), and a referral if you are a member of an HMO. Also bring a list of your current medications, your allergies and any test results (X-ray or MRI, lab work) that are related to your appointment with us.
What should I do in an emergency?
If it is a life threatening emergency, call 911. If you need to see one of our physicians, please call our office to schedule an appointment. We recognize that orthopedic injuries can happen at any time and appointments are available to see patients as soon as possible.
How can I get my prescription filled?
Please call our office during our regular business hours, before your prescription runs out, as our office does not provide prescription refill service after hours.
What is a Ganglion cyst?
A Ganglion cyst is a fluid filled sac that most commonly develops in the wrist or hand. These cysts can change in size and sometimes disappear all together. There are no specific causes for these cysts, but they can be painful. Treatment for these cysts varies depending on the degree of pain and limitation they cause.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
The Carpal Tunnel is a space in the wrist, where the tendons and a nerve pass through to the hand. Carpal Tunnel syndrome includes symptoms of numbness, tingling and pain in the fingers, hand and arm. These symptoms are caused by pressure on the nerve in the carpal tunnel.
What is Arthroscopic Surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a surgical technique that involves making several small incisions in the skin and using delicate instruments to repair or correct certain orthopedic problems inside a joint.
How do I safely apply ice, to decrease pain and swelling after surgery?
Ice is one of the most effective ways to decrease pain and swelling after surgery. To apply ice safely, first cover any exposed skin with a towel (making a barrier between your skin and the ice), then place ice in a well sealed “zip lock” type baggie (to prevent ice and water from getting your bandage wet), and place the ice over the towel.
Is a fracture worse than a sprain?
Not necessarily. Although most sprains will heal simply by using an ace bandage or splint for a short while, other sprains including the wrist, knee, and ankle require surgical treatment and still may leave a person with residual long term symptoms. Many fractures heal with only simple casting or splinting whereas others require complex surgical treatment.
How long does it take for a fracture to heal?
Fracture healing time depends on a number of factors, including which bone is broken, where in the bone the break occurred, and whether or not the fracture was compound (in other words, if the bone broke through the skin). Healing can take anywhere from three weeks to nine months, depending upon those variables.
Is a fracture worse than a break?
In fact, a fracture and a break are the same injury. "Fracture" is the medical term for the injury, whereas, "break", is the frequently used term by non-medical people.
How do I care for my cast?
You must keep your cast clean and dry.
If the cast has been applied to your arm or leg, keep it elevated above the level of your heart to decrease swelling. To prevent stiffness, keep your fingers and toes moving.
If your cast becomes extremely loose or you have increasing pain after the application of your cast, call your doctor.
If you notice any skin changes such as; areas where the cast is "rubbing" your skin, redness, or if your toes or fingers turn blue or cold, call your doctor immediately.
DO NOT place anything in your cast, as this may cause a break in the skin and result in an infection.
DO NOT remove or modify your cast yourself. |
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