Smartphones have become so pervasive; it’s almost as if they are an extension of our bodies. With built-in fitness apps, instant access to personal social networks and support, and the ability to retrieve all the knowledge of the world wide web on demand, the health benefits of smartphones seem endless. Although these benefits are very real, there are also very real negative effects that come with excessive use of smartphones and other devices. Unsurprisingly, our hands receive the brunt of the wear and tear our bodies experience from constant texting, talking, searching, and all the other activities, so integral to our day-to-day life, that are carried out on these devices.

Here are some common orthopedic injuries and conditions that can result from unrestrained smartphone use. Although they certainly existed before smartphones and can have other causes, the incidence of many of these conditions have increased proportionally as smartphones have come into greater and greater use.

• “Text Claw.” Although this is not a formal diagnosis or condition, this term was coined to describe the pain and numbness in the hands and wrists experienced by frequent tech-users. Text claw might also be used to describe a condition called Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, in which numbness or cramping is experienced in the the ring and pinky fingers and hands.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Preliminary research indicates that there may be a link between smartphone use and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). When muscles and joints are used excessively, particularly in awkward or unusual positions, repetitive stress injuries can result. Symptoms can include stiffness, pain, or aching in the hands or wrists.

Luckily, there is no need to throw your smartphone away to experience relief from these and other conditions related to smartphone use. Cutting back is never a bad idea, of course, and preventative measures, such as wrist stretching, can be taken to avoid an injury. If you are experiencing pain in the hands or wrists, an orthopedic specialist can help. Contact AOSMI today.

Breaking or fracturing of the pinky is an all too common injury that should not be taken lightly. Because of the location of the pinky, it is often possible for the hand to continue to function close to normally in the event of an injury only to that finger. However, a broken or fractured pinky should be seen immediately by an orthopedic specialist.

How do I Know if My Pinky is Injured?

A pinky injury is frequently caused by trauma to the finger resulting from sports and other physical activities but can also occur during day-to-day routines like cleaning or cooking. Individuals with certain orthopedic conditions, such as osteoarthritis or calcium deficiencies, are more susceptible to a pinky injury.

A broken or fractured pinky can be identified by some or all of the following symptoms:

• Swelling
• Bruising or discoloration
• Deformity
• Limited range of motion
• Stiffness

If left untreated, even a minor injury can result in permanent damage which can affect functioning of the wrist and hand as a whole.

What is the Treatment for a Broken Pinky?

If treated quickly and effectively, the average time it takes for a pinky to heal is three to four weeks. Treatment typically involves applying a splint or cast, which prevents the finger from moving and allows the natural healing process to take place. In some cases, bone alignment must be corrected surgically, and follow up physical therapy is sometimes required. In these more severe cases, healing can take as long as ten weeks.

If you believe you may have experienced an injury to your pinky, even if you do not recall an accident or trauma to the finger, do not wait to receive treatment. Contact AOSMI today. One of our orthopedic specialists will determine if any injury exists, its extent, and the best course of treatment.

The benefits of running, jogging, or walking to your health and wellbeing seem endless. Although it might be tempting to take the winter off from your running routine, the colder months are one of the most important times of the year to stay active. Our orthopedic specialists encourage patients to maintain exercise year round in order to keep joints healthy and flexible, to remain at a healthy weight, to reduce inflammation, and to benefit from the feel-good brain chemicals released during exercise.

Here are some tips and strategies to stick to your activity schedule this winter.

• Upgrade Your Gear. Your health is worth investing in. Purchasing a new pair of running shoes, in addition to some warm, layered exercise outfits, will help you get motivated and excited about getting out to run. Having the appropriate footwear, warm clothing, and reflective material will also help to keep you safe while you workout, particularly outdoors.

• Stick to a Schedule. Running at the same time of day will help you to develop a routine that you can maintain. If you know the only way to fit in your run consistently is in the morning, then start waking up earlier to give yourself that extra “you” time.

• Buddy Up. Having a workout buddy to run with can do wonders for motivation. It’s much easier to cancel on yourself than to cancel on someone you made plans to workout with.

• Build a Backup Plan. Inclement weather is a harsh reality in the winter months. Unfortunately, running outdoors is sometimes just not feasible. Luckily, there are many low-cost gym membership options, and some local recreation centers offer access to cardio equipment for free!

Proper form while running is important at all times of year to prevent strain on the joints and muscles. If you are new to running, looking to start, or are experiencing pain after you run, an orthopedic specialist at AOSMI can help. Contact us today to learn more.

Alzheimer’s disease is prevalent in our society, impacting the lives of millions of Americans each year.  Much research has been conducted in efforts to detect its early stages, but one study may have found a link between Alzheimer’s disease and bone loss.  The researchers found that alterations in the brains of individuals in the early stages of this progressive disease may affect bone health, which can be a biomarker for early detection.

This is one of the first studies indicating an approach to early diagnosis not involving examination of the patient’s brain. This study found major changes in the dorsal raphe nucleus, a region of the brain stem that produces most of the brain’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter controlling sleep and mood. These are two processes that are impacted during the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Reductions in bone mineral density result from deterioration of this area of the brain, so bone loss is an indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.  Through this connection, measures can be taken to help individuals in the earlier stages before the onset of severe symptoms.  Early bone loss, due to serotonin deficits, in those with Alzheimer’s disease may provide us with a path of diagnosis and treatment.

By meeting regularly with an orthopedic specialist, an assessment can be made on your bone health, thereby increasing the probability of early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.  Most importantly, a connection between serotonin levels and bone loss to Alzheimer’s disease can be used to enable a therapeutic response, helping millions of individuals with early detection in hopes of the ending and limiting unnecessary suffering.

To learn more about the implication about this exciting new early detection method for Alzheimer’s disease, contact AOSMI or schedule an appointment to meet with our team of orthopedic specialists.

Most people experience bruises at some point. Bruising can cause noticeable discoloration and tenderness, and it may feel sore when touched. But sometimes bruising can occur deeper than the surface of the skin—so what does that mean, and how can it affect the way an injury feels and heals?

Bone marrow edemas, or bone bruises, can develop after an injury or traumatic blow to a part of the body. Generally, when a blood vessel breaks near the surface of the skin, blood leaks into the tissues under the skin and creates a bruise. These bruises can occur deeper within the bones as well.

Bone Bruise Symptoms

Some symptoms of a bone bruise include:

• Swelling
• Change of skin color
• Joint pain near the impact zone
• Joint inflammation and stiffness
• Pain or tenderness that continues after a skin bruise has disappeared

Bone bruises may lead to bone marrow changes that decrease blood flow, increase severe inflammation, and produce fluid inside of the bones. They are the most serious and painful bruises that a person can have, and usually are viewed as the stage before a fracture. Bone bruises can involve swelling and bleeding of the central cavity, between the cartilage and the bone underneath, or beneath the membrane covering the bone’s surface. Because of the severity, bone bruises typically take a couple of months to fully heal, if not longer.

How to Tell if a Bone is Fractured or Bruised​?

A common question after an injury is how to tell if a bone is fractured or bruised. Both a bone fracture and a bone bruise can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness. That’s why it isn’t always obvious right away. In general, a bone bruise may feel like deep, aching soreness that slowly improves. A fracture is more likely to cause sharper pain, pinpoint tenderness over the bone, and difficulty using the area normally, especially with movement or weight-bearing. Because symptoms can overlap, the difference isn’t always clear without an exam and imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bone Bruises

How long does a bone bruise take to heal​?

A bone bruise can take several weeks to a few months to heal, depending on its severity and location. Mild bone bruises may improve within 4–6 weeks, while deeper bone bruises can take several months to fully resolve.

What does a bone bruise feel like?

A bone bruise often feels like deep, aching pain that comes from inside the bone rather than the surface. The area may feel sore with pressure, movement, or weight-bearing, and stiffness or swelling is common.

How long do bone bruises last​?

Bone bruises may last weeks or months, depending on the amount of internal bone damage and how much stress is placed on the area during recovery. Symptoms usually improve gradually rather than suddenly.

How painful is a bone bruise​?

Pain from a bone bruise can range from mild to significant. Some people experience constant soreness, while others notice pain mainly during activity or pressure. Bone bruises often hurt longer than surface bruises because they involve deeper bone tissue.

Can a bone bruise get infected?​

A bone bruise does not typically become infected, since there is no open wound. Infection would be uncommon unless there is a nearby skin break, surgery, or another condition that introduces bacteria to the area.

Do bones swell when bruised?

Swelling can occur with a bone bruise. The swelling usually affects the surrounding soft tissues and joint area, rather than the bone itself, and may contribute to stiffness and discomfort.

When to Consider Further Evaluation

Ongoing pain, swelling, or limited movement may benefit from further evaluation. An orthopedic appointment can help assess symptoms and determine whether additional care is needed. You can request an appointment or call us at 732-720-2555 with AOSMI to discuss your symptoms and possible next steps.