As a way for healthcare consumers, referring physicians and members of our community to get to know the doctors at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville better, we’re adding a monthly physician interview. We’ll ask our docs about themselves and the latest trends in sports medicine, sports injuries, reconstructive surgery and general orthopaedics.

Hope you enjoy the first interview with Samuel Finck, Dr. of Osteopathic Medicine.

1. What made you become interested in sports medicine?

“I became interested in sports medicine because I like sports. I played high school sports and my mother was a nurse, so I was exposed to people being taken care of when they had injuries, either in school or through my mom. I’m also a huge sports spectator and thought it would be interesting to be to be involved with sports. During my second year in residency, I searched for what NFL teams had opportunities for fellowships and earned one with the Cincinnati Bengals and Bearcats in 2009.”

2. Can you explain more about your area of expertise?  Can you talk about how the practice of sports affects the body?

“My area of expertise has to do mostly with any injury an athlete can experience – bone fractures, knee and shoulder problems. The two main joints frequently injured during sports and athletic activities was a main focus of my fellowship with the Cincinnati Bengals. Health is a big issue – getting away from the TV and getting back into fitness is huge. Many people in the state of Ohio are overweight. There needs to be more emphasis on the importance of fitness in this area. Kids should spend less time in front of the TV and go outside and play. There are more community and school programs now, and as kids get more into athletics, there are injuries and overuse problems. People of all ages who exercise can get injured, and overuse injuries, in particular, are on the rise. It’s hard to be healthy without having good joints. Sports medicine affects anyone looking to stay healthy.”

3. What are the three most common sports injuries you see in your practice? Why do you think that is?

“For the population over the age of 50, the most common injury is a rotator cuff tear. Common injuries for the younger population, ages 40 and under, include biceps tendon inflammation or degeneration and labral tears. Sixty-five percent of my practice is treating shoulder injuries. Shoulder injuries in older patients are more common because they can’t go out and do what they did when they were younger – whether it’s a form of work or sports they played. For younger patients, knee injuries such as meniscal tear and ACL injuries are the most common. Meniscal tears are also prominent in older adults because the cartilage is not as flexible as it used to be. I’ve been seeing more and more ACL tears in patients who are in their 40s and 50s.”

4. How important is the role of rehabilitation in sports medicine?

“The patients who spend the time on rehabilitation do the best. Rehabilitation is extremely important when treating an injury or post-surgery.”

5. What are the most common surgeries you perform in your practice?

“Consistent with injuries I see, meniscus and ACL reconstruction through a knee scope, rotator cuff repair, labral repair and biceps tenodesis (moving the tendon from the socket to the ball) through the scope – which is sort of a newer concept. This consists of taking the bicep from its normal attachment and moving it to a position on the ball. This procedure is starting to be seen by leading shoulder experts as a major way of treating anterior shoulder pain.”

6. What are the biggest advancements in sports medicine you have seen over the past 10 years?

“Not that there’s anything wrong with bigger incisions but the biggest advancement is how many surgeries we can perform through very small incisions. Rehab and pain management and instrumentation have come a long way along with the techniques. Now a lot of treatments and surgeries are done with small incisions and through an arthroscope.”

7. You have been honored for your volunteer work with high school athletes.  What do you find most rewarding about working with young athletes?

“The most rewarding part of working with the younger athletes is that they really want to get better. The kids I see in high school athletics tell me exactly what is wrong and are willing to listen to the doctor. Kids are more willing to listen and give something a try, whether it’s therapy or a treatment plan.”

8. What is your favorite part of your medical practice and why?

“The group itself at OAZ is great. It was daunting to find a place to work after residency, but I knew a couple of reps in the area that worked at OAZ and they all had positive things to say. It’s rare to find a practice that brings in a new partner and treats them as a colleague from the very beginning.”

9. You mentioned that you’re an avid sports fan. Which sports and which teams are your personal favorites?

“The Cincinnati Bengals, Reds and, anyone growing up in Ohio, loves the Buckeyes. I enjoy OSU basketball and think March Madness is one of the purest moments in sports. It’s just unspoiled sportsmanship.”

With the start of the Ohio school year right around the corner, many high school students will be participating in fall sports. The physicians at Orthpaedic Associates of Zanesville want to make sure the upcoming sports season is injury free.

One of the best ways to prevent injury is to listen to your body – for example, by drinking plenty of water and sports drinks during hot weather. In other cases, what you do in response to an injury can make a difference in how quickly you recover.

Here are some of the most common sports injuries, along with ways to prevent them.

Soccer injuries and prevention

The most common soccer injuries are:

• Sprains and strains to the lower extremities – Cartilage tears, ACL sprains in the knee, fractures and contusions
• Overuse of lower extremities – Shin splints, Patellar tendinitis, Achilles tendinitis and stress fractures
• Upper extremity injuries – Wrist sprains, wrist fractures and shoulder dislocations
• Head, neck and face injuries – Cuts, bruises, fractures, neck sprains, and concussions

Most soccer injuries can be treated quickly and efficiently. However, it is important to stop playing immediately if an injury occurs.

Injuries from overuse should be treated with rest. Typically, the young athlete can still participate if he or she has this type of injury, but he or she will need to learn to modify exercise routines. Other injuries, such as stress fractures, knee ligament injuries, or head or neck injuries require rest as well as medical attention.

To prevent soccer injuries, it is important to wear properly fitting cleats and shin guards, be aware of field conditions, use a properly sized ball, hydrate properly and maintain a proper fitness level. To prevent overuse injuries from getting worse, it’s important to stop or reduce activity, returning to full activity only gradually.

Volleyball injuries and prevention

There are six common volleyball injuries in addition to the typical sprains, strains and shin splints. These include rotator cuff tendinopathy, suprascapular neuropathy, hand injuries, patellar tendinitis, ankle sprains and back injuries.

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy – As we discussed in the Tennis blog post, rotator cuff muscles are stressed when the arm is poised above the head. In volleyball the player serves and plays using repeated overhead movements. If the athlete feels a sudden sharp pain the shoulder, this could be a ruptured tendon; but if the pain is more gradual, the rotator cuff could be inflamed.
• Suprascapular neuropathy – This condition occurs when the nerve running along the top of the shoulder blade becomes compressed.
• Hand injuries – These injuries happen most often when a player attempts to block a spiked ball. Sprains and strains are the most common volleyball hand injuries followed by fractures, contusions and dislocations.
• Patellar Tendinitis – This is a common over-use injury resulting from pain on or below the kneecap. Extreme stresses, like jumping, are the most common cause. Patellar tendinitis can lead to inflammation and degeneration of the tissue.
• Ankle sprains – The most common ankle injury is a sprain. A sprain occurs when an athlete’s ligaments are stretched or torn. There are three degrees of sprains, as you can read here. Reduce swelling from sprains by using R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation). Protect the ankle by wrapping or taping it; then rest the ankle and, if necessary, see a sports injury specialist.
• Back injuries – Athletes’ backs are often strained from jumping, bending and twisting.

Trail running not only gives runners and joggers a beautiful, natural atmosphere, it also provides a great alternative to running on treadmills, streets and sidewalks. Running on dirt is also less shocking on the body, which can result in fewer injuries. However, while trail running may reduce injuries, it does not eliminate all injury risk. Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville Ohio Sports Medicine experts share the five most common trail running injuries:

1) Knee Pain

This is a common sports injury that can also occur when running on a treadmill or street; however, it can be even more severe when on a trail. The impact of running downhill can produce stress on the knee that is five to eight times your body weight. Since the knee absorbs most of the shock of the landing, downhill running makes your knee more susceptible to injury. Repetitive downhill running can increase the stress on your knees, which can result in inflammation and pain during non-running activities. The most important preventive measure trail runners can take is strengthening their quadriceps. If you’re new to trail running, you should gradually introduce your hill mileage. It’s also important to slow the pace when running downhill.

2) Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are a common injury among trail runners because the imperfections of the trail can cause an uneven landing. In addition to just having bad luck and missing a step, there are other reasons trail running can result in an ankle sprain.

As previously mentioned, do not run downhill too fast, especially with an extended stride that causes landing on the heel. Landing on the ball or your mid-foot will give

The body’s center of gravity and how far the runner’s foot lands in front of it is out of their control. Try to remember that the closer the foot lands under your center of gravity, the more stable you are. The longer the strides, the less stable you are because your foot is falling farther away from your center of gravity.

3 ) Achilles and Calf Strains

Running uphill frequently causes Achilles and calf strains. If you’re used to running with little or no elevation, you should approach hills slowly and not be afraid to walk up them. When running uphill, technique is also very important. Trail runners need to keep their stride short and lift their heels early.

4) Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can result from lots of downhill running that causes the body to lean slightly backwards. The same way that knee pain results from the body’s absorption of five to eight times one’s body weight, the back can also absorb that weight and cause back pain. To prevent lower back pain from trail running, make shorter strides and land closer to your center of gravity. It is also important not to go full-speed ahead when tackling the downhills.

5) Shin Splints

Shin splints can happen at any time when someone is running, whether on a trail, treadmill or on the street. The muscles in the lower leg have two functions: one, to stabilize and two, to decelerate the foot and ankle during contact with the ground. Runners need the most stability when running on uneven surfaces, like when trail running. A runner also decelerates when running downhill. The uneven trail, plus steep downhills can causes shin splints.

Runners also need to be sure to wear the proper footwear when trail running. Trail running shoes have knobby soles and a lightweight, flexible, nylon layer to protect feet from possible puncture wounds.

As with any new sport, novice trail runners need to take it easy, be careful and ease into it.

Summer is a great time to be active! Swimming, hiking, biking, running and team sports like softball and volleyball are all activities that get you up and moving. While exercise is both fun and important, any sport has the potential for injury and there are certain precautions to take during the warm weather months.

The most common orthopaedic sports-related injuries are:
• Sprains
• Strains
• Joint injuries
• Fractures
• Dislocations

A good rule in Ohio Sports Medicine is if something hurts, then it’s time to stop playing. Another important tip is to remember the acronym RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. RICE begun immediately after a minor injury can help reduce swelling and pain.

Specifically when participating in team sports, it’s important to wear protective gear. This may include the proper footwear, mouth guards and pads. When playing in the sunshine, protect yourself with a sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher. A sunburned body loses the ability to effectively cool itself, which can cause greater health problems.

If you’re exercising in hot, humid weather, three of the most common heat-related illnesses are:

• Dehydration
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke

A heat illness typically develops after several hours of exertion and excessive sweating that initially lead to dehydration. When exercising in the extreme heat, it’s important to stay adequately hydrated with the right amount of the right fluids. The body needs to replace electrolytes, sodium and minerals that are lost when the body sweats. An easy way to replace lost sodium and minerals are with a sports drink like Gatorade or to eat a salty food.

Wearing appropriate, lightweight, loose fitting clothing is also important in preventing heat illness. If you’re an avid exerciser, a good idea is to invest in loose-wicking clothing because it keeps moisture away from your skin.

Allow yourself plenty of time to acclimate to the heat because you’ll have a greater tolerance for it when you allow your body to slowly adapt. If you want to exercise outside, start out slowly for one to two weeks. If you’re training for a race, try to choose times closer to sunrise or sunset.

As always, use common sense. Avoid hot and heavy foods and alcohol because these items will increase your core body temperature. If for any reason you have a headache, fatigue or irritability when exercising, stop exercising and allow yourself to cool off.

Wimbledon, the oldest tennis tournament in the world, has just ended. Active tennis players may be inspired to hit the court, while older players may be motivated to dust off their tennis rackets and new fans to try playing for the first time. However, before you resume a sport or attempt it for the first time, it’s important to understand the potential for injury and look for ways to avoid it.

Like many sports, tennis is a full-body sport – players run, stand in position, swing and hit. The sport demands endurance, flexibility and muscle-conditioning exercises, which are all important to injury prevention.

The most common types of tennis injuries associated with tennis are rotator cuff tendinitis, tennis elbow, wrist strains, back pain, front knee pain, calf and Achilles tendon injuries, ankle sprains and tennis toe.

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Rotator cuff tendinitis often results in the overuse of the rotator cuff. In tennis, this is mainly caused from excessive overhand serving. To lessen the chance of injury to your rotator cuff, the physicians (and tennis players) at Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville recommend examining your overhand technique and making sure the angle between your arm and side is more than 90 degrees. If your shoulder is acting up after serving, the standard treatment includes rest, ice and ibuprofen.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is caused by the inflammation or small tears of the forearm muscles and tendons on the outside of the elbow. This injury typically occurs because of a poor backhand technique. It can be caused by the combination of improper body positioning, the elbow leading the racket and late strokes that overload on the tendons. To help prevent tennis elbow, many non-professional players rely on the two-handed backhand technique. Another important factor is the racket, which should be the proper size for the player. A reputable tennis shop can help fit your racket properly to your body.

Wrist Strain

Wrist strain is often caused when the racket is held with a “laid-back” grip, meaning the player rotates the palm upward and quickly turns the wrist over to hit the ball. To best prevent this injury, consider using the “hand-shake” grip instead.

Back Pain

Back pain in tennis players is often related to exaggerated arched or swaybacked posture during the serve. Exaggerated movement puts stress on the small joints and soft tissues of the spine. Preventive measures include a conditioning program with emphasis on strengthening the core and back muscles.

Knee Pain

Front knee pain is the most common knee problem among tennis players. Knee pain is due to the softening of the cartilage of the kneecap or tendinitis. This injury often results from the “spring-up” action that happens when a player serves the ball.

Lower Leg Injuries

The most common cause of calf injuries is tight calf muscles. Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon is inflamed and overused. Since tennis players are constantly moving all over the court, ankle sprains can happen at any time. It’s important for players to wear proper fitting shoes that have substantial support built into the outer counter of the shoe.

Tennis toe occurs when the toes are jammed against the toe box of the shoe during quick starts and stops. To prevent tennis toe, wear proper fitting footwear and keep toenails cut short.

If bone or joint injuries do happen, it’s best to seek an orthopedic professional who is experienced in Ohio Sports Medicine.