Dr. Karl Saunders president of Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville was recently featured in Genesis HealthCare System’s monthly publication, Live Well.

The article discusses Genesis being named an Institute of Quality for total joint replacement by Aetna and Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville partnership in orthopedic care with the health system.

To read the article and the entire May issue, click here.

At one time or another you may experience minor back pain. Back problems occur from sports or recreational activities, work-related tasks or home projects and can impact the neck, all the way down to the tailbone.

The expert surgeons and staff at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville believe that injuries frequently occur when you use your back muscles in activities that you do not do very often.

Some people are more likely to have chronic back pain because of age, family history, sitting for long periods of time, lifting or pulling heavy objects incorrectly or from worn discs (degenerative disc disease).

Sudden injuries may take several weeks to heal properly and include:

• Sprains or strains
• Fractures
• Bulging or ruptured discs
• Compression of nerves

Sprain or strain Injuries occur most often from improper movement or posture while lifting, standing, walking, sitting or even sleeping. Symptoms may occur gradually or suddenly during everyday activities.

The staff at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville would like to premiere the first in a series of web videos featuring our dynamic spokesperson, “Joint Man,” discussing common orthopedic problems and how to treat them.

In this video, we discuss carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms of carpal tunnel include numbness and tingling of the palm, thumb and fingers, pain the wrist and forearm, night pain, and weakness. If surgery is necessary, it can be done on a convenient outpatient basis.

Wrist fractures are common, especially as a result of falls onto an outstretched hand. Non-displaced fractures can be treated in a cast. Others may need “set” and more complex fractures may require surgery.

Click below to view the video:

Joint Man Talks Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Wrist Injuries

Sledding is commonly associated as a fun family activity that requires little athletic ability, however, the orthopaedic surgeons at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville have seen bone and joint injuries resulting from sledding.

Collisions cause the majority of sledding injuries. Common injuries from sledding accidents are fractures and sprains caused from collisions. Arm, hand, leg, and foot injuries also can occur when trying to stop the sled or if you are being thrown off the sled.

When heading out to sled, the area should be clear of trees and other obstacles. Be aware that the sledding hill doesn’t cross any roads, parking lots, or frozen water.

Here are some additional tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics to prevent sledding injuries:

• Wear a helmet. Sled speeds can reach 20-25 mph.
• Adult supervision should be constant. More than 71 percent of unsupervised accidents result in injuries.
• Sit facing forward. It’s easier to steer the sled.
• Roll off the sled if it won’t stop or might hit something.
• Sleds should never be ridden if attached to a moving vehicle.

The orthopaedic surgeons at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville would like to share some helpful hints for preventing wrist injuries while snowboarding.

Snowboarding is one of the most popular winter sports and the upper body takes a majority of the injuries from snowboarding tumbles. Snowboarders most often fall on their hands, shoulders or bottom putting pressure on the wrist to break a fall.

A wrist fracture is the most common snowboarding injury. Other common injuries include wrist sprains, elbow contusions and dislocations.

For beginner snowboarders, always purchase safety gear like wrist and elbow guards to protect those parts of body. For any beginner snowboarder, it’s advisable to take lessons and learn the proper technique to avoid injuries.