Getting to Know Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

AOSMI

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, otherwise known as ulnar nerve entrapment, happens when the ulnar nerve experiences increasing pressure or compression. Have you’ve ever bumped your elbow against a hard surface and felt a sharp stinging pain, otherwise known as hitting your ‘funny bone’? That’s your ulnar nerve in action.

Second after Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome is the most common nerve compression that happens in the arm. The ulnar nerve can be found in a small tunnel of this in the elbow, also known as the cubital tunnel and can be compressed when your elbow is bent. This pressure on your ulnar nerve can cause a considerable amount of pain or discomfort, and may get to the point where you could lose the function of your hand (dominant or nondominant). In general, men are more likely to be affected by Cubital Tunnel Syndrome than women. People with jobs that have them doing repetitive elbow movements and prolonged elbow flexion are even more likely to experience Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.

You might have Cubital Tunnel Syndrome if you feel a numbness and/or pins and needles from the inside of your forearm to your hand. Typical symptoms of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome include; tenderness on the inside of your elbow, pain or numbness after keeping your elbow bent for a long period of time, and a difficulty in feeling the difference between sharp and dull objects when they touch the inside of your forearm. If Cubital Tunnel Syndrome goes untreated these are some symptoms you might experience; clumsy hands, having the small muscles of the hands waste away, and something known as ulnar claw hand which is when your fingers bend inwards.

If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms be sure to contact an orthopedic specialist. Make an appointment today with the Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute for a NJ pain management specialist.

 

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Cartilage Injury and Regeneration

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A common condition in the United States, joint pain can be a serious hindrance to athletic activity as well as everyday life.

An estimated two million American experience joint pain associated with cartilage injuries each year. Cartilage injuries can be debilitating and only the most modern methods of treatment can restore cartilage, minimize pain and relieve discomfort for patients of all ages.

So what is cartilage?

Cartilage is, essentially, connective tissue found in all animals, including humans. It is more flexible and softer than bone but stiffer and more rigid than muscle. As cartilage does not contain blood vessels or nerves, you cannot “feel” damage in your cartilage, though there are other signs.

There are three types of cartilage found in the human body.

Elastic cartilage is found in your ears and nose. This supports and adds shape to these structures. Fibrocartilage is tough and dense. This type is found in the joint connecting the upper pubic bones where it needs to be sturdy enough to support a lot of weight but flexible enough for childbirth. Fibrocartilage, such as the meniscus, can also be found in joints where the more flexible tissue has been destroyed. The meniscus transfers stress and protects the final type of cartilage, hyaline cartilage, from being damaged. Hyaline cartilage is the cartilage that allows healthy joints to function comfortably. Found in your joints, this type of cartilage can be degraded by arthritis, trauma and other conditions causing medical treatment to be needed.

The Cartilage Restoration Center of New Jersey, staffed by the board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons of AOSMI, utilizes the latest techniques to restore cartilage.

We are completely devoted to the treatment of cartilage injuries with the goal of eliminating pain, restoring function and facilitating your return to full activity.

So you suffer from joint pain and think you may have damaged your cartilage, what are your options?  Joint replacement surgery and medication used to be your only option to deal with joint pain. Now with our cutting-edge technology, the board-certified physicians at AOSMI are able to offer you many conservative options, including:

  • Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
  • Steroid injections
  • Hyaluronic Acid injections
  • Orthobiologics
  • Physical Therapy
  • Bracing

If conservative treatment options do not work or if the cartilage damage is too severe, there are several surgical options that focus on repairing or re-growing your cartilage, helping reduce the need for joint replacement surgery. Procedures include:

  • Microfracture: An arthroscopic procedure that stimulates cartilage regeneration
  • Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation – Utilizing bone and cartilage plugs taken from a low load area of the knee and transferred to the damaged area
  • Osteochondral Allograft Transplant – Used when donor bone and cartilage plugs are applied in the damaged area
  • DeNovo NT – Used when juvenile donor cartilage is used to repair the damaged area
  • Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation – Your cartilage cells are harvested via arthroscopic surgery, grown in a laboratory and then transplanted into the damaged area

These surgical options would be performed by our board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons at a hospital or outpatient surgery centers depending upon the procedure.

If you suffer from joint pain or feel you may have damaged your cartilage, call us today to schedule your cartilage consultation – 732-720-2555!

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National Arthritis Awareness Month Is Here

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With more than 50 million Americans (one in five adults) suffering from the chronic pain of Arthritis, May has been named National Arthritis Awareness Month. Why all the recognition? Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in our country and affects over 300,000 families. While commonly recognized, little is still understood about the illness and most do not understand the catastrophic effects Arthritis has on those who suffer and those who love them. NJ physical therapy centers report that a large percentage of their patient load is comprised of those looking to ease the physical pain of the illness while maintaining mobility. As we enter into May, let’s stop and take a look at a few facts about Arthritis.

  • By 2030, up to 67 million adults are expected to be living with Arthritis.
  • Arthritis is not just an illness that affects those in old age. Nearly 300,000 infants, kids, and teens suffer with a form of the disability.
  • An average of 172 million workdays are missed every year by those suffering from Arthritis, and these workers are less likely to maintain regular employment than those without the disability.
  • On average, the country sees one million hospitalizations a year due to Arthritis-related injuries and conditions.
  • $156 billion dollars worth of lost wages are seen every year as a result of the illness.

Now that you understand more about the condition, how can you help?

There are a number of reputable organizations dedicated to helping those with Arthritic conditions. To get involved with the cause, contact the Arthritis Foundation to learn about making donations, volunteering to help with their events and signing up for their e-newsletter. If you are suffering from the pain of Arthritis yourself, call AOSMI today to speak with an orthopedic specialist about how physical therapy and pain management services can help you.

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Simple Movements To Relieve Body Pain

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Whether you’re recovering from a sports injury or are simply experiencing the annoyances of physical pain from the daily grind of day to day living, there are a few simple movements you can try to help relieve your pain. As contrary as it seems, stretching is your saving grace when it comes to dealing with physical pain. Here we offer a few simple movements to get your muscles and joints moving and relieve common pains. As always, if the pain persists or worsens, call an orthopedic specialist to have it looked at. Stretching will not treat physical injuries or solve underlying conditions.

Simple Movements To Relieve Body Pain:

  • Hamstring Floor Stretch: Designed to relieve lower back and leg pain, this hamstring stretch move will loosen the leg muscles and provide relief from cramping, spasms, and generalized aches from overuse. To execute, simple lay on your back with both knees bent. With both hands placed behind the knee, lift one leg at a time for 30 seconds. Lift each leg five or six times and then rest.
  • Knee To Chest Stretch: This easy stretch is designed to ease pressure on the glutes and help reduce hip pain. To execute, lay on your back with both knees bent. Place your hands around one knee and pull that leg up to your chin (keeping it bent). Return to the starting position and then move to the other leg. Do four or five lifts on each side for maximum relief.
  • Spinal Stretch: Your spine controls nearly all your movements. Stretching the muscles, joints, and ligaments that comprise this lifeline will provide all-over relief from aches and pains. An easy spine stretch involves lying on your back with legs outstretched and your arms spread out. Take your left arm and reach over your body to grab your right knee. Pull that leg over the left side of your body (with the knee bent) and hold for twenty seconds before returning to the starting position. Do the same for the other side. Do the motion between five and six times on each side for maximum effect.

These simple movements should keep you pain-free all summer. Again, if pain persists, is acute, or worsens with stretching, call AOSMI to request an appointment with an orthopedic specialist and have your injury diagnosed and treated.

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute is a medical practice located in Freehold and Monroe, NJ, our medical professionals are experts in orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine, integrative wellness, spine care, physical therapy, and more.

 

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Understanding Musculoskeletal Health: What You Need To Know

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Musculoskeletal health refers to the overall health of the muscles and bones that comprise your body’s systems. Understanding the key elements that go into keeping your musculoskeletal system in working order is key to preventing sports injury, body pain, and illness. Our team of New Jersey orthopedic surgeons has comprised a short list of what you need to know about your body’s musculoskeletal system.

What You Need To Know About Musculoskeletal Health:

  • Nixing The Soda Can Save Your Body: Soda, especially regular and diet colas, have been shown to lead to osteoporosis. The reason for this lies in the fact that these popular drinks prevent calcium absorption and lead to lower bone density. Be kind to your bones and drink water rather than soda.
  • Stand Up Straight: Your mom was right; your posture is crucial to overall health. Poor posture can lead to strains in the wrists, shoulders, elbows, and back and cause persistent pain and muscle damage.
  • Get Moving: Whether you’re interested in weight loss or not, getting up and moving around on a regular basis is crucial to musculoskeletal health. Living a sedentary life has been shown to cause painful and dangerous loss of muscle and bone strength and puts you at risk for a host of injuries.
  • Slim Down For Your Health: Maintaining a healthy weight is about more than fitting into the latest summer fashion trends. Being overweight has been shown to affect everything from cardiovascular health to the performance of your bones and muscles. The main reason is that all of this extra weight puts undue pressure on your bones and muscles and leads to deterioration and possible injury. In keeping with our previous tip, get up and get moving to keep your system from having to overwork itself to support the weight of your movement.
  • Sleep Well: All too often our society places prestige on working around the clock and missing out on crucial sleep time. This does more than lead to overtired, cranky Americans. It is putting all of our systems at risk for disease, injury, and increased pain. To highlight this point, studies have shown that one night of missed sleep can trigger cellular action that can lead to tissue and muscle deterioration. Imagine what regular lack of sleep is doing to your body!

Now that you know the basics of musculoskeletal health, incorporate these tips into your daily life for improved overall health and a reduction of aches and pains. If the pain persists or your suffer an injury, call AOSMI to request an appointment with a sports injury specialist today.

Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute is a medical practice located in Freehold and Monroe, NJ, our medical professionals are experts in orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, sports medicine, integrative wellness, spine care, physical therapy, and more.

 

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Rayanne B

RB After breaking her arm, Rayanne B. found comfort at Advanced Orthopedics. With the help of Dr. Alan Nasar and his medical assistant Brielle, Rayanne received a beautiful, glittery cast to protect her arm as it heals. Having a pretty cast to wear was able to bring a smile back to her face.

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Treatment Options for Hand and Wrist Injuries

orthopedic surgeonsAmong patients dealing with joint problems, the hand, wrist, and elbow are common trouble spots. These closely associated parts have many complex functions that can be impaired or even restricted entirely by the pain and discomfort associated with many common conditions. Orthopedic treatments for the hand and wrist can address these issues in a variety of ways. The first and most easily employed methods are non-operative treatments, which restore function without requiring surgical techniques. Long-range treatment plans guide the progress of non-operative care, gradually addressing stress and weakness in the muscles or joints. AOSMI physicians research the latest advances and use the most up-to-date techniques when assisting patients through non-operative orthopedic care to ensure each case includes the most modern and suitable methods.

Beyond non-operative treatment, AOSMI’s expert orthopedic specialists can address hand and wrist issues with surgical procedures: these techniques are most often recommended in cases that include significant trauma or serious wear and tear. Hand and wrist surgeries are especially helpful for patients with major sports injuries. These surgeries can include tendon and ligament repair, artificial joint replacement of the finger, thumb and elbow fusion, and more, each method selected carefully to match each patient’s individual needs. The AOSMI is dedicated to optimal care in every patient interaction: find out more about the practice’s philosophy and hand and wrist capabilities through the online portal or by contacting a company expert.

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Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute Welcomes Dr. Paul Chubb

orthopedic specialist dr. chubbAdvanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute is committed to welcoming into our community the most highly qualified and successful surgeons in the field. We are proud to announce that Dr. Paul Joseph Chubb, D.O. will be joining AOSMI as a hand, wrist, and elbow specialist . Dr. Chubb specializes in treating problems from the shoulder to the hand in both adults and children, including newborns. Throughout his noteworthy career in medicine, he has had extensive experience in traumatic and reconstructive elbow surgery. Dr. Chubb continues to refine his expertise in this specialty, as it is among his major professional interests.

In addition to adult and pediatric hand, wrist, and elbow surgery, Dr. Chubb specializes in carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis of the hand and wrist, and congenital deformities, among other conditions. Patients seeking more information or looking to request an appointment with Dr. Chubb can now do so through the surgeon’s page on the Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute site. From efficient, attentive urgent care for emergencies to joint replacements, physical therapy, and other procedures that create sustainable good health, AOSMI is the foremost authority. Keep up-to-date with blog updates and articles to learn the latest news about new professionals, locations, and more.

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Relief From Tennis Elbow

new jersey orthopedic surgeons to treat your tennis elbow “Tennis elbow,” or lateral epicondylitis is an inflammation of the inside of the elbow.  The condition affects up to three percent of the general population and up to fifty percent of tennis players. The primary cause of “tennis elbow” is the stress of overuse and repetitive motion, occurring most frequently in the dominant arm of the patient. The injury can be the result of either traumatic or subtle injury of the muscles and tendons surrounding the elbow. More specifically, the condition involves the point where the muscles and tendon of the forearm attach to the outside bony area of the elbow. If you’re suffering from persistent elbow pain, an orthopedic specialist can diagnose and treat the problem.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow: 

  1. Pain that slowly gets worse over time and is located directly outside the elbow.
  2. Pain that worsens when shaking hands or squeezing objects.
  3. Pain that worsens when stabilizing or moving your wrist forcefully. Examples of this would include lifting, using tools, opening jars, or even handling simple utensils.

Treating Tennis Elbow: 

  1. Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain to the elbow.
  2. Ice the area.
  3. Use over the counter pain medications.
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Common Injuries from Winter Recreation

SkiCoupleWith winter upon us, many people participate in activities such as snow skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The very conditions that make these activities possible and enjoyable, reduced friction, also make falls and injuries very common. Winter sports injuries get a lot of attention at hospital emergency rooms and doctor’s offices, and include sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures (broken bones). READ MORE.

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