What to expect from joint replacement surgery

January 18th, 2012 Posted in Ohio Orthopedics, Uncategorized

By Dr. Dwight Engdahl

You and your doctor tried everything, but the pain in your knee, hip or shoulder won’t go away. You can’t sleep through the night and you can no longer do the things you love to do.

It may be time to consider one last option – a joint replacement.

Joint replacement surgery is always a last resort, but it’s an option that can give relief to those who suffer continual pain and loss of motion despite more traditional therapies. The need for joint replacement becomes necessary when, because of injury, arthritis or other diseases, the cartilage that cushions the meeting point between two bones wears away. The result is bone against bone – and pain.

The decision to undergo a joint replacement should be made only after getting all the facts from your doctor. Your age, activity level and medical condition will all be considered.

If you do opt for a joint replacement, here are a few things to know:

• First, the goal of surgery is to relieve pain. This is done by replacing the damaged cartilage with artificial surfaces like metal or plastic. The replacement cushions the ends of the bones and allows greater movement without pain.

• After surgery, your doctor will prescribe physical therapy to make sure your new joint functions as intended. Recovery time varies from person to person and according to the type of surgery, but expect it to last several weeks.

• Depending on the joint replaced, your doctor will advise you against certain activities, at least at first. A hip or knee replacement may require the temporary use of a walker and safety features in high risk areas, like showers. If you’ve had a shoulder replacement, you probably will need to wear a sling for a few weeks. All recoveries will require you to make adjustments in your daily life. Friends and family members can be especially helpful during this time.

While it will take hard work to make the most of your new joint, the effort will be worth it. Eventually, you will more than likely be able to return to your regular activities  — and a pain-free, better quality of life.

Tags: Bone and Joint Health, joint health, joint replacement, Ohio Orthopedics, Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville

Getting to Know Dr. James Gasparine

January 16th, 2012 Posted in Our Physicians, Sports Medicine

Dr. James Gasparine has been a fan of sports his entire life. Maybe that’s why, in his sports medicine practice, he most enjoys working with athletes and getting them back to action as soon as possible.

His expertise ranges in a variety of sports-related injuries from strains to fractures, to expertise in concussion management and osteoporosis. The most common injuries Dr. Gasparine deals with are muscle strains, fractures, concussions and osteoarthritis flare-ups.

Dr. Gasparine believes the three biggest advancements in sports medicine are the management of concussions, diagnostic ultrasounds and osteoporosis. The most rewarding part of his job is seeing his patient get back to playing the sports they love.

Outside of Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, Dr. Gasparine enjoys weightlifting, the outdoors and playing the piano.

His favorite industry-related website is the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.

During Dr. Gasparine’s fellowship at West Virginia University, he concentrated on nutrition and weight loss, focusing on proper diet and supplemental intake with athletes and working with wrestlers to achieve proper weight in a safe way.

Tags: Ohio Orthopedic Doctors, Ohio Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, Sports medicine, Sports Medicine Zanesville Ohio, Zanesville Ohio

Getting to Know Dr. Karl Saunders

January 13th, 2012 Posted in Uncategorized

We’re proud of our physicians at OAZ and would like to give you the opportunity to know them better. Today we introduce you to Dr. Karl Saunders.

Dr. Saunders has been with the practice since 1981 and has served as president since 1993. He is an orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in arthritis, joint replacement, and hand and sports surgeries. Dr. Saunders is a member of the Ohio State Medical Association and is a fellow in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.

What our patients might not know is that Dr. Saunders also has a special interest in martial arts – particularly, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport and self-defense system that focuses on grappling and originates from the Japanese art of Kodokan Judo from the 20th century. It’s used for sport grappling tournaments, gi and no-gi, MMA competitions and self-defense.

Known within the martial arts community as “Brad Saunders,” Dr. Saunders is president of Saunix Jiu Jitsu and is a certified ringside doc.

Under his leadership, OAZ has hosted two mixed martial events with Magno Gama and will host the third Magno Gama event at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville in 2012.

Check back on our blog for more information in the spring.

Tags: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Dr Karl Saunders, Jiu Jitsu, Karl Saunders OAZ, Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville

Dark winter days a perfect time to prepare for cycling

January 9th, 2012 Posted in Recent News

By Dr. Brad Brautigan, M.D.

Everywhere you turn, more people seem to be riding bikes and cities are trying to become more bike friendly. People of all ages are finding out, or being reminded that cycling is fun and keeps them fit.

A regular cycling program often helps people think more clearly, breath more slowly and climb stairs more easily. Riding a bike strengthens a healthy person’s heart, lungs and circulatory system.

Riding a bike can also improve flexibility while strengthening your muscles and bones. It can lower blood pressure and improve “good” cholesterol. It can help relieve stress and even reduce certain types of chronic pain, such as that caused by arthritis.

But along with the benefits come a few caveates. First, make sure your doctor has checked you out and says you’re healthy and it’s OK. Then, start out slowly. While you’ll reap more benefit from more frequent, longer rides, overtaxing your newly active body can lead to overuse injuries.

Second, make sure your bike fits you and is in good repair. Any reputable bike shop will adjust your bike so that the seat and handlebars are the right height for your body. Most bike shops also will tune up your old bike and put on a new set of tires, usually for a nominal fee.

Third, get a helmet. Helmets that meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards save lives.

Fourth, if you’re in the market for a new bicycle, your local bike shop can be a great resource to find the right bike for you at a price your budget can afford.

Finally, if you can’t wait for warm weather, don’t. Plenty of people, taking proper precautions, ride all year long. But my advice to the newbie cyclist is to read a good cycling book and start thinking about your riding goals for spring.

Reflecting on New Year’s Resolutions

December 28th, 2011 Posted in Exercise, Uncategorized

As 2011 comes to an end and the holiday parties wrap-up, the thought of New Year’s resolutions is on everyone’s mind, even all of us at OAZ.

At the beginning of every new year, starting a new exercise regimen or even resurrecting an old regimen seems to be at the top of everyone’s New Year’s resolution list. Exercise not only improves our bodies but also improves our overall health. Since exercising is a common – if not the most common resolution, we have put together a list to make it easy and hopefully make you want to stick with the program.

1. Start out slowly but set measurable and achievable goals. Keep track of your progress.

2. Remind yourself daily. Add time at the gym to your calendar so it’s an appointment you won’t forget. Pack a gym bag for your car and leave walking shoes by the door as reminder.

3. Reward yourself with non-food items. If you accomplish a fitness goal, stay on track for an entire week/month or try a new exercise class (these are just a few suggestions), reward yourself with a massage or spa appointment, a movie, new clothes or new workout gear.

4. Take the time and money to invest in a good pair of athletic shoes with plenty of support. Replace your shoes when they loose support.

5. Start exercising with a friend or family member or join an exercise group or fitness class. If you attend a group exercise class and you are new, introduce yourself to the instructor. It is recommended to attend a group exercise class two or three times before deciding if you really like it or don’t like it. You need time to learn the steps and learn how the instructor teaches.

6. Start out slowly and don’t try to do too much. It is okay to either break up your exercise routine throughout the day into small chunks of time or to even just do what you think you can. Try walking for 15 minutes every day and adding a minute every week until you reach your maximum time goal.

7. You don’t need fancy equipment to get the job done. Stick to the basics like free weights, medicine balls, kettle bells and your own body weight.

8. Try to use multiple muscle groups, especially if you don’t have a lot of time. Combine exercises like squats with dumbbell shoulder presses.

9. Use whatever you can to get going, whether it is an iPod full of music, the goal of rewarding yourself after a committed week of working out or the desire to start a new exercise regime.

We hope you enjoyed our tips for starting a new exercise program in 2012. If you belong to a gym or start a new membership, ask the staff on hand to demonstrate how equipment works if you don’t know. Talk to your physician if you have questions about starting an exercise program.

Happy New Year from all of the physicians at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville!

Tags: Exercise, Muscle and Joint Health, Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville, Physical Fitness, Zanesville Ohio