What To Look For To Tell If You Fractured Your Wrist

Wrist fractures are a serious and painful condition that usually occurs as a result of trauma, such as breaking a fall with the wrist. Although wrist fractures can be painful, the majority of cases can be completely healed as long as they are treated promptly. Below, we will take a look at what wrist fracture symptoms you should look for.

Understanding Wrist Fractures

The wrist is composed of a number of bones. Any of these bones can be broken during a wrist fracture. In addition, some people damage the bones in the forearm that articulate with the wrist. Athletes and older adults are especially at risk of fracturing the wrist. A fractured wrist can cause pain and can press against the nerves and tendons that run to the hand to control the fingers.

Symptoms of Wrist Fractures

If you have sustained a wrist fracture, you may experience a variety of symptoms depending on the location and severity of the fracture. Some common symptoms include:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Severe pain
• Pain that gets worse when gripping or squeezing
• Inability or difficulty moving the hand
• Numbness in the hand
• Visibly bent or deformed wrist
• Bone poking from skin

If you are experiencing these symptoms and believe you have a wrist fracture, it is important to seek treatment promptly. Fractures are more likely to heal fully when they are treated promptly.

Treatments for Wrist Fractures

Treatment for wrist fractures depends on the nature of the fracture. If the fracture is a hairline or stress fracture, the location of the bone is left intact. The goal of treatment in this case is to immobilize the wrist so that the bone can heal without sustaining any further damage. This type of fracture is usually casted or splinted.

If the wrist is fractured in many places, the fracture is an open fracture, or the bone is severed in two, then surgery is usually necessary to put the bones back in their natural positions so that the bones can heal. The doctor first performs open reduction, which is putting the bones back in place, then internal fixation, which is the use of screws, pins, and other hardware to keep the bones in place. Then, the bone is casted.

After the bone heals and the cast comes off, strength and flexibility has often been lost. To relieve these problems, the doctor will recommend exercises you can perform at home. In addition, you might attend formal physical therapy sessions at first.

If you think you have a wrist fracture, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your diagnosis and treatment. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Knee Specialists

From walking to participating in sports, each day millions of people make the decision to be fit. The healthy choices may put extra strain on the body. When continuous joint pain or an injury occurs, the task of finding the right ankle and knee specialists may add to the frustration. An orthopedist treats issues dealing with the musculoskeletal system including, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. In Huntington Beach, finding the right ankle and knee specialists may take research.

Consult Health Insurance Representative

One of the biggest factors to consider when seeking ankle and knee specialists is the current health care provider. Each health insurance provider has different guidelines and rules for medical care. The health insurance representative will be able to send a potential patient a directory of available doctors within the Huntington Beach area.

The doctors within the health care network will accept the insurance for maximum coverage according to the policy’s guideline. Working with the health insurance provider will help in reducing the out of pocket costs for medical treatment. In some situations, surgery may cost thousands of dollars. Working with the health care provider is beneficial for both medical treatment and the final expenses.

Ask the Family Doctor

With the complete medical history, the family doctor is a major resource for recommending ankle and knee specialists. Ask for referrals based on the individualized issues. The family doctor or the courteous staff may be able to make the appointment with the specialist to help speed the process along.

Go to the Internet

The Internet is a valuable resource tool for finding ankle and knee specialist in the Huntington Beach area.

- Read online review boards to find out how other patients with similar conditions viewed the doctor’s treatment and overall care approach.

- Consult the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

- Check local resources and Huntington Beach directories.

- Check the potential new doctors’ websites to see if new patients are being accepted.

Get Referrals

Under most circumstances, a person has already needed the expertise of knee and ankle specialists. Ask for referrals from friends, family members, co-workers and others. When seeking out names, find out why the doctor was the best for the treatment received. Each person will have reasons for picking the doctor of their choice. If one doctor does not work for the type of medical issue, a second opinion is available.

Huntington Beach Knee Specialists

In the Huntington Beach area, Dr. Howard Marans will work with each patient in an individualized manner to find the best treatment program for the current medical condition. Starting with an accurate diagnosis based on medical history, physical exam and testing, Dr. Marans will explain all medical treatments available with the desired outcome for each option.

In most cases, he will start with a non-surgical approach to allow a patient to return to normal, healthy activities with the shortest amount of recovery time. When the injury or disease is too severe, Dr. Marans will explain the need for surgery to correct the issue. Along with the expectations the procedure will provide in the treatment process.

Dr. Marans accepts PPO and works with other insurance companies to give each patient a chosen medical treatment program without creating a financial hardship. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981

Surgery is sometimes needed to treat tears to the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). If you are considering ACL surgery, concern about the recovery period is understandable. Below, we will take a look at what patients can expect when recovering from ACL surgery, as well as some steps patients can take to minimize their recovery time.

What to Expect During Recovery

ACL surgery can normally be performed arthroscopically; that is, the doctor operates on the knee by making tiny incisions, through which a camera and small tools are inserted. One of the greatest advantages of arthrosocopic surgery is the fact that it minimizes the recovery time.

No hospital stay is required with arthroscopic surgery, and patients can return home the very same day. For the first few days, activity will be quite limited, and most patients will only be up to walking for a few minutes each day. Every day after surgery, you will feel a little bit better.

The majority of patients are able to return to a desk job within a week. Patients with more physically strenuous jobs may need to stay away from work for 6-8 weeks. It can take even longer until full knee function is regained, and athletes may have to wait several months until they can start training as usual.

Although the recovery time from ACL surgery can be significant, it is important to consider the recovery time in light of the alternative. Without treatment, recovering from an ACL tear would not happen at all, making the recovery time from surgery relatively short.

How to Minimize Your Recovery Time

Some recovery time is unavoidable, and recovery time can vary from patient to patient based on individual healing times which are impossible to control. However, patients can take steps to ensure that there is nothing in the way of recovering as quickly as possible. Some steps you can take to minimize your recovery time include:

- Eat a healthy diet for several weeks before and after the surgery

- Get plenty of sleep

- Avoid smoking for several weeks before and after surgery

- Have some meals readily available for the first few days after surgery

- If you have young children, arrange for child care during the first few days after surgery

- Avoid over-exerting yourself

- Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding how active you should be, such as walking around for a few minutes on the first day

- Attend and fully participate in physical therapy

Top Doctor for ACL Surgery

If you have a knee injury, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have sustained a bike injury, seeing an orthopedic specialist is essential to ensuring that you have as complete and swift a recovery as possible. Not all orthopedic doctors are the best fit for each patient, and finding a doctor whose skills and approach meets your needs will give you the best experience possible. Below, we will take a look at how and where you can find the best orthopedic specialist for bike injuries.

Choosing an Orthopedic Specialist

Before choosing an orthopedist, be sure to do some research into your options. People you know, or your primary care physician, may be able to recommend a doctor they had good experiences with; in addition, the Internet is a valuable tool for researching physicians in your area.

As you explore your options, be sure to keep an eye out for the qualities that are most important to you. There are many factors to consider when choosing an orthopedic specialist for bike injuries, including:

- Years in the field – All doctors have years of education and training before they practice on their own, but doctors who have more experience in the field are more likely to provide high-quality treatment.

- Areas of expertise – If you have a bike injury, you should look for an orthopedist specialist who has plenty of experience working with cyclists. Similarly, your orthopedist should ideally be familiar with any other unique aspects of your case.

- Use of minimally invasive procedures – When possible, it is preferable to use minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures, as they are associated with lower costs, shorter recovery times, and a lower risk of side effects. Look for a doctor who is dedicated to using minimally invasive treatments.

- Bedside manner – Communication is one of the most essential components of a successful doctor-patient relationship. Your doctor should make you feel comfortable when he talks to you, and should take the time to fully answer your questions and address your concerns.

- Insurance affiliations – Your insurance will only cover the full cost of treatment if you visit a doctor who accepts your insurance plan, so be sure to check about that important factor before scheduling an appointment.

Top Orthopedic Specialist for Bike Injuries

Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic, is the top orthopedic specialist for bike injuries in Orange County, CA. Dr. Marans is an experienced sports injury specialist who is dedicated to using minimally invasive procedures whenever possible. His combination of technical expertise, clinical judgment, and clear communication help patients achieve the fullest recovery available.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have a fractured ankle, it is important to seek treatment immediately to ensure your health and safety. At the same time, you want to be sure that you are getting treatment from an excellent physician with the skills to provide the best possible care. Below, we will look at how and where you can find the top doctor for a fractured ankle in Garden Grove, CA.

Choosing a Doctor

As you begin the process of finding a doctor, the first step is to identify the features that are most important to you. One of the key features to look for in a doctor is great communication. Communication can make or break a physician-patient relationship – it is present in every part of the process, from your doctor reviewing your symptoms to help get an idea of possible diagnoses, to the doctor sending you home with instructions for care after your treatment.

The doctor’s level of experience is also important. More experienced doctors often have better judgment and skills. In addition to years of experience in the field, the doctor should be a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has a clean disciplinary record.

Tools for Finding a Physician

Once you know what you’re looking for in a doctor, the next step is to use the resources at your disposal to find a skilled physician in your area. Useful tools include:

- Primary care physician – Your primary care doctor is familiar with colleagues in the area, and may be able to recommend an orthopedist who other patients have had positive experiences with.

- Friends and family – If friends or family have had a broken bone before, they may be able to recommend a great orthopedist or steer you away from a poor one.

- Doctors’ websites – Many physicians run websites where you can find information such as their areas of expertise and insurance affiliations. This can help you narrow down prospective physicians based on objective measurements.

- Online reviews and testimonials – You can find reviews from past patients on a number of third-party websites, like ZocDoc. This allows you to get a large number of perspectives on the physician, resulting in a more informed decision.

Top Doctor for Fractured Ankles

The top doctor for fractured ankles in Garden Grove, CA is Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic. Dr. Marans has provided high-quality orthopedic treatment, both surgical and non-surgical, to California residents for decades. Dr. Marans works with each patient to develop and implement an individualized plan of care that results in the best possible outcome.

Dr. Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

If you have an ankle injury, getting effective treatment can help you heal as fully and quickly as possible, preventing further complications. In addition, getting treatment for your pain improves your mobility and quality of life, allowing you to be as productive and engaged as possible. For patients whose injury is severe enough to require surgery, the value of ankle surgery is typically well worth the cost, especially since ankle surgery is made affordable through health insurance for the majority of patients who need it.

Factors that Affect Cost

In modern America, the cost of any surgery tends to be significant, because of the amount of resources required to deliver such invasive treatment. However, certain factors can make the cost of ankle surgery higher or lower. More extensive surgery is more costly, so minimally invasive surgery should be used whenever possible. In addition, doctors can take steps to minimize their office’s overhead costs and pass those savings on to patients.

Insurance Coverage

The cost of ankle surgery is typically covered by insurance, because ankle surgery is only performed in cases where it is medically necessary for the health of the patient. As a result, the main factor that determines your out of pocket costs is your insurance coverage. If you have a policy with a high premium and low deductible, your costs may be quite low. If you have a high copay and a high deductible that you have not yet met this year, you may pay for a significant portion of the cost of surgery out of pocket.

Managing the Costs

Many patients can afford their ankle surgery using only their insurance and their current bank balance. For patients who cannot afford all of their out of pocket costs at once, financing options are available. Patient financing firms and health care credit cards are two of the most popular options. Traditional credit cards and even bank loans can also be used. The right choice for you depends on your financial situation, as well as your personal preferences.

Affordable Ankle Surgery in the City of Orange

Dr. Howard Marans works to offer affordable ankle surgery in the City of Orange without sacrificing high-quality care. Dr. Marans understands that surgery has the potential to become a financial burden to patients, and is dedicated to preventing that problem. OC Orthopedic accepts many major health insurance policies, particularly PPO policies. In addition, Dr. Marans works to keep costs as low as possible and pass on those savings to clients. Together, these policies allow OC Orthoepedic to offer the most affordable ankle surgery in the City of Orange.

Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Even though cycling is viewed as a “low-impact” sport, cyclists who cycle at a competitive or athletic level are still prone to a variety of sports injuries that the general population does not usually develop. If you are a cyclist, it is important to take steps to prevent injuries and to seek treatment early on when you do develop an injury. One of the key steps in this process is to find an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in cycling, and who can treat your injuries and help you maximize your health.

Common Problems for Cyclists

It is not uncommon for cyclists to develop repetitive stress injuries, which usually affect the wrists or shoulders, but can also affect the knees and ankles, especially when the lateral thigh muscles are overdeveloped compared to the rest of the thigh muscles. Proper form and use of cross-training can prevent overuse injuries, as can being careful to stop cycling when it becomes uncomfortable. Pain that lasts for longer than a few days, or which is severe, should be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in cycling.

Cyclists are also prone to traumatic injuries, some of which can be severe. Falling off a bike can cause wrist fractures, shoulder problems, and other orthopedic issues, as well as more severe problems such as bleeding and head injuries. If you have experienced a fall from a bike that has resulted in injury, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Signs of fractures, head injuries, severe pain, and significant bleeding all warrant a trip to the emergency room.

California Orthopedic Surgeon who Specializes in Cycling

Dr. Howard Marans, head of OC Orthopedic, is the top orthopedic surgeon who specializes in cycling in California. Dr. Marans has extensive experience treating cyclists, including cyclists who compete at an elite level. Dr. Marans’ patients appreciate the wealth of clinical experience and technical expertise he brings to the table, which allow him to provide skilled treatment and refined judgment to even the most complex and severe injuries. With Dr. Marans’ help, you can recover from your injury as fully as possible and make a return to the activities you enjoy.

If you have sustained a cycling injury or have another orthopedic problem, making an appointment with a doctor you trust is the first step towards recovering. At your consultation, the doctor will identify possible causes of the injury and recommend appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment. Dr. Howard Marans would be happy to meet with you about your orthopedic health. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.

Arthritis Treatment Options

In broad terms, arthritis is the inflammation of one or more of the joints within the human body. Every day, thousands of people of all ages experience pain and stiffness due to the degenerative effects of arthritis. In general as a person ages, the pain associated with arthritis may increase due to the simple wear and tear on the human body.

Beginning with an accurate diagnosis from a Fountain Valley orthopedic expert, arthritis treatment options will vary with each patient. Depending on the degree of degeneration, affordable and effective non-surgical methods may be enough to combat the symptoms of the disease to allow a patient resume normal daily activities.

Non-Surgical Arthritis Treatment Options

In Fountain Valley, seeking the expert knowledge of an orthopedic doctor will help find the best type of arthritis treatment options for the best price. The orthopedic doctor will begin with a complete medical history, physical examination, and testing to determine if the symptoms are related to arthritis. After a precise diagnosis, the doctor will design an effective program and explain the desired expectations for the various non-surgical arthritis treatment options.

- Maintain a healthy weight; losing the extra pounds will help reduce the stress on the joints. Working to stay in good physical condition will be more helpful in the long term as the degenerative disease slowly progresses.

- Strength training and low impact exercises will help in reducing symptoms while increasing flexibility and range of motion. For example, numerous arthritis sufferers opt to use swim exercise programs to help get the most out of a workout with limited impact on the joints.

- Physical therapy may be ordered by the orthopedic specialist to help restore range of movement. The sessions will use stretching exercises to help with everyday activities, including walking, sitting, climbing small sets of stairs and much more.

- Corticosteroid medication or injections to help reduce inflammation which will reduce the pain of the joints.

- Over the counter or prescribed pain medications to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness.

- The use of a brace or splint to give extra support when symptoms are overwhelming.

- Walking with a cane for added support during daily activities

- Hot or cold compresses to ease symptoms, including pain and inflammation

Surgery

After all the non-surgical arthritis treatment options have been exhausted, surgery may be the next step in the treatment program. Surgery may involve replacing the entire joint with a prosthetic one or alignment of the existing joint for better range of movement. The types of surgical arthritis treatment options usually fall into one of four categories.

- Arthroscopy is a medical procedure where small incisions are made around the diseased joint. Inserting small instruments in the incisions allow for removal of pieces of bone, cartilage or tissue away from the joint to reduce symptoms.

- Arthroplasty is a total joint replacement.

- Joint fusion removes the joint completely to fuse the bones together.

- Osteotomy is a surgery designed to preserve the joints by cutting a section of the bone.

Arthritis Treatment Options

With the various arthritis treatment options available, Dr. Howard Marans will individually work with each patient to achieve an optimal outcome. Dr. Marans accepts various insurances including PPO to provide the highest level of care without creating a financial hardship for the patient. Please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981.

Joint inflammation can cause significant discomfort in the body. A prominent inflammation point is the wrist. This condition is known as arthritis and can interfere with movement of the wrist and hands. This problem causes pain of varied levels and should be treated as soon as possible.

Although arthritis can attack the body at any age, a large number of people over the age of 65 have problems with arthritis. The pain and stiffness may feel better with activity but the pain never completely goes away. Manipulating the hands and fingers may give you problems when you are opening a door or a bottle or using your keys. Arthritis of the wrist can create pain that makes average activities difficult – but it makes sports especially difficult.

Prominent Forms of Arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body will simultaneously attack smaller parts of the body, particularly the joints. Millions suffer from this debilitating malady. It softens tissue and incapacitates the joints, destroying their ability to straighten, causing deformity.

Osteoarthritis is a destructive condition that destroys articular cartilage covering bone ends. Without this cartilage, the bones start to create friction, painfully rubbing against one another.

Most Effective Treatment of Wrist Arthritis

1. Exercise. This therapy is considered to help create more mobility in the wrist.

2. Rest. Slowing down an active lifestyle is one way to lessen the pains of wrist arthritis. Reducing friction on the joints will ease pain and wear.

3. Injections. Cortisone in an anti-inflammatory treatment that fights arthritis.

4. Medications. Used to stop inflammation, ibuprofens and other drugs help to ease painfu arthritis. Use of anti inflammatory medications work for most people, getting them through the day. However, this is usually not a permanent solution.

5. Stop using the wrist and place it in a splint. Splints are often sold in drug stores and may help pain, restoring comfortable use of the wrist.

These are a few basic treatments, but in the case of deformities, surgical methods are required. The wrist is important to the body and if unattended, fusion may become the only answer. Keep in mind; this is a surgical treatment. Problems in the wrist can effect mobility. Upon examination, your doctor can map out a range of treatment that is best for your particular level of arthritis.

1. Fusion. The wrist bones are fused together eliminating pain, offering an effective treatment of wrist arthritis.

2. Replacement. The surgeon completely removes the wrist bones, replacing them with artificial parts.

3. Bone Removal. The surgeon removes infected bone but leaves some wrist mobility.

Top Doctor for Wrist Arthritis

Prevent unnecessary suffering by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Howard Marans. He will examine you and offer a viable treatment for your specific level of arthritis. Howard Marans MD has helped many patients over several decades experience relief from the symptoms or painful arthritis. He would be happy to meet with you about your case. Click below or call us today. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.

When facing the potential need for orthopedic surgery, every patient deserves the best quality of care. OC Orthopedic, run by Dr. Howard Marans, is the top orthopedic surgery center in Tustin.

OC Orthopedic will use the latest and most thorough diagnostic exams available to determine if surgery is the best answer for each patient, or if an issue or injury should be treated with more conservative non-surgical treatments. If it is determined that a patient needs surgical intervention in order to improve function, quality of life, or return to sports following an injury, OC Orthopedic specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques that return the patient to activity quickly and without breaking their bank.

OC Orthopedic Surgical Specialties

Arthroscopic Surgery –This is a minimally invasive surgery where small incisions are made near a joint for the purpose of a surgeon to insert a camera and instruments into the area for diagnosis and repair. When knee pain, for example, is due to an injury to the meniscus, ligaments, or other soft tissues, the tissues can be repaired or removed with arthroscopy. Other joints with complex soft tissue problems that respond well to arthroscopic surgery in addition to the knee include the hip, shoulder, spine, or wrist. Recovery happens more quickly than with major invasive surgeries, due to the smaller incisions and fewer side effects. It does not even require a hospital stay. In most cases, arthroscopic surgery is used when conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or medications to decrease inflammation have failed to improve measureable pain or quality of life.

Open Reduction/Internal Fixation – When a bone is fractured, many times surgical intervention isn’t necessary. A simple fracture, where a bone is cracked but remains in place, will usually heal on its own with casting or bracing. When a bone is broken into several pieces or moves out of place upon breaking, internal fixation surgery is necessary in order to prevent future complications. During surgery, a device such as a rod, pin, screw, or plate will be fixated to the bone in order to hold the bone in place to promote healthy healing. All fractures, regardless of whether they need surgical intervention or not, are a medical emergency and need to be addressed immediately. X-rays and other imaging tests will be done to help a surgeon know how to best treat the injury.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Sometimes, after an initial examination, it will be determined by the doctor that surgery isn’t the first, best, or only option for a patient. At OC Orthopedic, non-surgical treatments are available for conditions including arthritis, injuries, and pain. Non-surgical treatments may include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, medication, steroid injections, and more.

OC Orthopedic is also the best orthopedic surgery center in Tustin for Sports Medicine. Understanding that athletes have the need to return to full function as soon as possible after an injury, surgical and non-surgical options are used to treat injuries quickly and effectively.

All patients receive comprehensive patient education as part of their treatment. Empowering patients with knowledge that they need to understand their injury or condition and how to avoid and prevent future injury is always an important part of the goals and philosophy of patient care at OC Orthopedic.

Best Orthopedic Surgery Center in Tustin

When searching for the best orthopedic surgery center in Tustin, you do not have to look further than Dr. Howard Marans’ OC Orthopedic. Dr. Marans’ expertise, extensive diagnostic exams, and use of minimally invasive surgical techniques are the winning ingredients that provide every patient with the highest quality care. The office is always happy to take your calls or answer your questions, so please click below to schedule your consultation or call us at 714.979.8981