summer update from gregory alvine

Summer is a Great Time – It Can Lead to Injuries, Too

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Everyone loves summer! It’s an opportunity to get outside more, enjoy the activities we love and spend time with friends and family. We’re sure you’re seeing it, too – but with this increase in activity, we often see an increase in patients with orthopedic related injuries.

As you know, sprains, overuse, sport-related injuries and even simple accidents can peak as we all strive to make the most of this season. Our referrals range from tennis elbow or other repetitive activities like pulling weeds or hammering nails – we also see many shoulder and rotator issues from summer chores like digging, pulling a rake, lifting heavy objects or strain from other unusual motions. 

We love seeing patients getting all that activity packed into the warm days, but in addition to proper nutrition and hydration we try to remind them to warm up before a strenuous activity, use correct technique, and maintain exercise year-round. 

When these summer injuries do happen, it’s important to address them and not assume they are insignificant. Sometimes they are minor. But other times, they can have a lasting negative impact on health and activity.

As your partner in orthopedics, we’re here for those times. We value our relationships with you – and are readily available for referrals and visits to our Orthopedic Institute Walk -In clinics.

Above all, we wish you, your team, and your patients a great – and safe – summer.

Thank you for trusting us with the care of your patients. We sincerely enjoy partnering with you! If you have any other needs, please call our office at 605.331.5890 or use this link to see the other ways you can get in contact with us.

gregory alvine signature

Gregory F. Alvine, MD

summer update from gregory alvine

Summer is a Great Time – Make the Most of it Safely

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Everyone loves summer. It’s an opportunity to get outside more, enjoy the activities we love and spend time with friends and family. With that increase in activity, we often see an increase in orthopedic related injuries, too.

Sprains, overuse, sport-related injuries from sports like pickleball, and even simple accidents can peak as we all strive to make the most of the season. These can range from tennis elbow or other repetitive activities like pulling weeds or hammering nails.

Summer chores can also trigger orthopedic injuries since they can be unusual motions that our bodies aren’t always used to. We commonly see shoulder and rotator issues from activities like digging, pulling a rake, or lifting heavy objects.

We love seeing you packing in your favorite activities into these warm days, but in addition to proper nutrition and hydration we try to remind you to warm up before a strenuous activity, use correct technique, and maintain exercise year-round.

And when these summer injuries do happen, it’s important to address them and not assume they are insignificant. Sometimes they are minor. But other times, they can have a lasting negative impact on your health and activity.

As specialists in orthopedics, we’re here for those times. We are readily available to treat you at Orthopedic Institute and our Orthopedic Institute Walk-In Clinics.

Above all, we wish you a great – and safe – summer.

gregory alvine signature

Gregory F. Alvine, MD

 

lets chat pickleball

Let’s Chat Pickleball – Common Orthopedic Injuries & Tips for Prevention

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Pickleball, the increasingly popular sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is loved for its accessibility and fast-paced nature. However, like any sport, pickleball can lead to injuries, particularly affecting the feet & ankles.

During the warmer summer months, our Foot & Ankle Team often encounters patients seeking orthopedic treatment due to pickleball-related injuries. With over 60+ years of combined experience in our team, we are here and ready to provide you with the best orthopedic care to get you back on the pickleball court!

Let’s meet our Top-Rated physicians specializing in the treatment of Foot & Ankle Conditions:

We sat down with our talented team to discuss the common summer sports-related injuries and how you can help prevent them in the future. Let’s check it out!

foot and ankle team at orthopedic institute

Common Injuries in Pickleball

  1. Ankle Sprains:

Ankle sprains are perhaps the most prevalent injury in pickleball, often occurring when players pivot suddenly or land awkwardly. These can range from mild to severe, affecting ligaments and sometimes leading to instability if not properly treated.

  1. Plantar Fasciitis:

Constant running and abrupt stops in pickleball can stress the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain in the heel or arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis can be particularly persistent if not managed early, but we have plenty of experience in treatment options to help!

  1. Tendon Injuries:

Injuries to the tendons in our feet & ankles can also be common while participating in activities like pickleball! Achilles tendon ruptures can occur when the calf muscle fires strongly, or the foot forcefully extends (opposite of pointing the toes). You also have two peroneal tendons in the foot – they run side by side behind the outer ankle bone. One attaches to the outer part of the foot, while the other runs under the foot and attaches near the arch. Your tibialis anterior tendon travels across the ankle and into your toes, while the tibialis posterior tendon attaches the muscle on the back of your calf to the bones on the inside of your foot. It also helps support your foot and will hold up your arch when you are walking! With all of the quick movements in pickleball, injuries to these tendons aren’t uncommon. But, you’re in good hands here at Orthopedic Institute.

Our Tips For Prevention

  1. Ease into the activity.

The accessibility of pickleball makes it a fun way to get more active and get back into shape. But, a quick transition from __ to playing a sport that is hard on your feet & ankles can unfortunately lead to some injuries. We recommend gradually introducing exercise and activities to ease your body and muscles into the routine!

  1. Stretch before and after play.

Often people treat pickleball as a leisure activity instead of a sport, although it does have a lot of the same motions and activates the same muscles as tennis! Staying hydrated, stretching before the game, and cooling down after can help your body recover and prepare for your next round.

  1. Wear appropriate shoes.

Wearing the appropriate footwear is essential to keeping your feet and ankles injury-free. Traditional running shoes may not be the best option for an activity like pickleball, since there are a lot of side-to-side motions. Wearing shoes that can support the “start and stop” motion of the game can help decrease your chances of getting an ankle sprain! You’ll also want to make sure you have plenty of support and that your shoes are comfortable, but not worn out.

We’re Here to Help

Injuries are an unfortunate reality of sports like pickleball, but with timely orthopedic treatment and preventive measures, players can recover swiftly and return to the game they love. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, a strained knee, or foot pain, Orthopedic Institute is here to help.

We utilize the latest technology while providing extraordinary orthopedic care to help you Get Relief. Move Better. Live Stronger.

Schedule your appointment with our Foot & Ankle Team today so we can customize your treatment plan and get you back on the pickleball court!

Better Movement Means More Independence (1)

Better Movement Means More Independence for Veterans

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As you know, independence can take many forms: the ability to do simple home chores with fewer restrictions; picking up a grandchild without pain; and engaging in simple life activities.

When orthopedic issues persist, all of these independent joys of life can be compromised. This can be especially true in our Veteran population.

Veterans commonly face a whole host of conditions including pain in their knees, back, shoulders, wrists, feet, ankles, hips, or elbows. Veterans also face the challenges of limited mobility and often more serious issues like nerve damage or degenerative diseases like arthritis.

Orthopedic Institute is privileged to help all our patients move better and experience their best chance at a full life. This is especially true of our Veterans, who have often paid a high physical and emotional price for their service.

If you have a patient facing any of these challenges, Orthopedic Institute is here to support and partner with you. Together we can find the best path for all those who served – and all those we serve.

Thank you for trusting the Orthopedic Institute to care for your patients. We sincerely enjoy partnering with you. If you have any other needs, please call our office at 605.331.5890 or use this link to see the other ways you can get in contact with us.