The Right Fit: Choosing the Perfect Running Shoes

June 30, 2016/in Foot and Ankle, News /by Christopher Holman

With the warm weather coming soon, the sidewalks and pathways will be packed with runners. But before you head to your next run, it’s important to make sure you have the right shoes.

Check out our tips on how to choose the right shoes to support your feet while running.

What’s the difference?

Sure, picking out your everyday shoes might be more about the look than the function. And depending on how much you value comfort, that might outrank style for you. But when it comes to running shoes, there’s a big difference. Most importantly, pick shoes that offer enough space to accommodate the width of your foot. Think about how your mom tested your shoes out when you were school shopping – account for one thumb-width between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe. (And women should consider squared or rounded toes, rather than pointed ones.)

What arch is best?

First, you must determine what type of foot, or more specifically what type of arch you have: low, medium, or high. You should always measure your arch height when you’re standing to avoid an inaccurate measurement. Arch height will determine the shape of the shoe needed, also known as the “last”. The last of the shoe is the amount of curve on the bottom of the shoe. Shoes are built on a straight, semi-curved, or curved last. Identifying your foot type can also help you figure out how much cushioning or support you will need.

Don’t skimp on analyzing the arch of your foot when it comes to picking out running shoes. Even the way you run has an affect on which type of shoe to select. Inspect the shoe you’ve been running in for the following:

Wear primarily around the ball of the foot and secondarily the heel is often indicative of a flat-arched foot. This is usually a more mobile foot, also referred to as a pronated foot. This foot has the potential to allow too much motion and needs a more supportive shoe that offers better motion control and stability.
Wear primarily along the outer edge of the shoot usually hints at a high-arched foot. This is usually a more rigid, stable foot, also called a supinated foot. This type of foot needs more cushioning inherent in the shoe to provide for better absorption of shock to prevent injuries to the feet and legs.

If all else fails and your wear pattern isn’t speaking to you, another way to tell is by having a running analysis done by a trained professional. (And the pros at Orthopedic Institute can certainly help you identify your desirable arch as well.)

What about the price?

That price tag can be a little scary – but the saying is true: “You get what you pay for.” Buying the cheapest running shoes you can find will likely mean you’ll need to replace them sooner or you’ll suffer the consequences from the poor support. Investing a little more traditionally ensures you’re getting the best quality materials and construction. Don’t worry – you won’t have to drop $200 on a pair of shoes. Good athletic trainers (running shoes) run anywhere from $80-150.

Get to Know Brad Pfeifle

June 23, 2016/in Orthopedic Institute, Sports Medicine /by Christopher Holman

It may sound like an exaggeration, but it’s about as close to fact as you can get – everyone at Orthopedic Institute loves Brad.

Ask almost any athlete in the region, and if they have had an injury, they have probably been to Brad Pfeifle at OI. Brad is a true ambassador of OI, serving as the Vice President of Sports Medicine and Rehab Services and leading more than 30 people in his departments.

So what makes this true OI staple special? Let’s dive in, shall we…

What’s makes Brad great?

Our very own orthopedic surgeon Peter Looby perhaps says it best:

“Brad is the best athletic trainer I’ve known in 40 years of being treated by and working closely with trainers, from high school to the NFL. No one individual is responsible for more internal referrals to OI than Brad. Sometimes I think he literally knows everyone in the state. If you walk through a crowd at a sporting event with Brad, it’s likely to take 40 minutes to travel 100 feet, because everyone stops to talk to him.”

What makes Brad a great trainer?

So Brad clearly makes a lasting impression – but how? Well, whether you are a weekend warrior, a high school athlete or someone who earns a living playing a sport, Brad will work you to your own 100 percent effort. And he’ll offer great advice along the way and have you feeling and performing like you never have before. (And the fact that he’s professional and personable certainly doesn’t hurt!)

One of Brad’s own trainees Mark Ovenden knows all this first-hand. He was playing racquetball on a Sunday with a good friend who happened to blow out his Achilles. He called Brad on a Sunday and, even though he had never met Mark’s friend, got him in a boot that night and in surgery Monday morning.

That’s what Brad does – he strives to make sure everyone else is in good shape.

But what about Brad outside of work?

Since it’s June and we recently celebrated Father’s Day, it’s only fitting we hit the job that Brad is most proud of – raising two daughters, Sophie and Olivia. Brad says it is hard to talk about his girls without tearing up – take it directly from him:

“Raising my girls has many similarities to working with athletes. Some days they need a kick in the pants, and some days they need a hug. They put up with me being gone a lot with my work and never complain about it. My wife and I cherish all of the great memories they have given us and look forward to all of the new adventures. I am so proud of my girls because they have become such loving, caring and passionate young women.”

When you ask the Pfeifle girls about their dad, they just light up with enthusiasm and love for him:

“He is one of the most influential people in our lives. He works so hard, and when he comes home he always has time for us. People ask us all of the time if he is the same at home as he is at work, and we tell them he is the same genuine, fun-loving guy! We love his motto that we’re sure his patients hear all of the time, and that is, ‘When in doubt, knees out.’ But the saying we love hearing from him every day is, ‘I love you.’”

Brad is just one of the many great, highly qualified trainers we have on-hand at Orthopedic Institute – get to know what our team has to offer.

5 Ways to Combat Shoulder Pain

June 16, 2016/in Pain Management, Shoulder and Elbow /by Christopher Holman

Shoulder pain can really do a number on your day. Especially when it’s most days.

When it comes to intermittent shoulder pain, it can sometimes be aggravating enough to impede you from doing everyday tasks you enjoy or even need to do to accomplish tasks at work or home. It can keep you from engaging in enjoyable physical activities, such as swimming or water sports, in conversation or even in sleep.

There are a lot of causes of shoulder pain—and if you’re ready to see a doctor, stop by our walk-in clinic or schedule an appointment. But between now and then, try out these tips to lessen the pain.

1. Warm Up

If you’re exercising regularly, it’ll solve a whole lot of problems with your physical state. But if you’re not exercising properly, it can really do a number on your shoulders. Make sure that before you jump to the bench press you take time to stretch and warm up – it’s key to your exercise regimen.

2. Emphasize Posture

What you were taught in grade school still stands. Sitting up in your chair really does matter. Especially if you work an office, be aware of how you’re sitting at your desk. Plant your feet flat on the floor, support your elbows, sit up and don’t slouch and – potentially most importantly – take a breather every 30 minutes or so by rolling your shoulders and stepping away from the screen.

3. Don’t Slack Off

One of the first instincts we have when we’re sore is to take a load off. But try to resist that urge – plopping down on the couch for an extended period of time when you’re experiencing shoulder pain will likely slow down your recovery (unless recommended by a doctor). Let pain be your guide. If it increases your pain, don’t do it. Healing takes regular blood flow and movement – don’t forget to roll your shoulders and stretch an arm across your body at least hourly.

4. Get a Massage

Now for the fun one – it actually pays to get a massage. Treat yourself a bit and set up an appointment. Massage therapy can do a lot to treat mild and moderate muscle strains – it reduces spasms and inflammation. Let your masseuse know where your experiencing pain and avoid intense rubdowns that intensify your pain.

5. See a Doctor

If the pain is lingering and nothing seems to be nipping it in the bud, it might be time for a doctor to intervene. They can let you know if you should be concerned about a more serious condition, like a fracture or arthritis. It’s the easiest way to regain your regular mobility and eradicate or reduce the pain.

If your shoulder pain is getting out of hand, try out these tips – then call Orthopedic Institute at 605.331.5890. Shoulder pain (and many other types of joint pain) is something we’re well-versed in treating.

Insider Tips: Exercising Like a Physical Therapist

June 2, 2016/in Orthopedic Institute, Physical Therapy /by Christopher Holman

When you exercise like the pros do, you save yourself a lot of aches and pains down the road. That’s why taking the advice of a physical therapist on your workout regimen is a smart road to take for keeping your body high-functioning and healthy.

Try out the below tips next time you head to the gym.

Stretch for Cardio

We all know that stretching before exercise is advised, but it’s particularly important before doing cardio. Why? Well, these types of exercises put your body through a lot, so it’s all the more important to prep beforehand to avoid tightness, soreness or even injury.

When you work out rigorously, the muscles you’re working will experience lactic acid buildup that will tighten them up. Your body creates this lactic acid to route oxygen to your body to fuel your physical activity. This tightness increases the probability you’ll tear something. That’s why stretching before cardio is a good idea – it helps release potential tightness both before and after your workouts.

Work Your Muscles

Beyond stretching, when it comes to safely working your muscles, remember that choosing the right weight or level of resistance is key to keeping from being injured. A good rule of thumb is to select a level that challenges you – even making the last few reps a little difficult or tiring – without choosing a level that totally obliterates you. If the reps feel too easy or too hard, add or remove weights in small increments, like two or three pounds at a time, until you hit your sweet spot.

Keep this regimen going on a regular schedule so your body gets used to your workout routine. And don’t neglect one part of the body in favor of another – combine upper- and lower-body workouts. Keep this up for the long term, and your body will build to more resistance and more weight at a healthy pace.

Detecting an Injury

In the midst of a workout, it can sometimes be difficult to tell when a pain is an injury or just soreness. That’s why it’s important to know the things to check to give yourself a mini-assessment. Start by checking if you felt anything pop or break – injuries are almost always caused by a specific event. Next, check to see if there are any signs of injury, like tenderness or bulging.

Beyond that, it’s all about time and intensity. Has this pain been sustained for a long period of time, and is it moderate, severe or unbearable? These are things you can ask yourself to determine if a visit to your physical therapist is in the cards or if you can prescribe yourself some over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or heating or icing your pain away.

Keep these tips in mind during your next workout to make sure you’re exercising safely, healthfully and smartly – your physical therapist wants to see you in top form, so make good decisions!

6 Things Every Orthopedic Surgeon Wants You to Know

6 Things Your Orthopedic Doctor Wants You to Know

May 26, 2016/in Orthopedic Institute, Pain Management, Physical Therapy /by Christopher Holman

At Orthopedic Institute, we have seen firsthand that the choices you make in your youth can affect the way your body ages. Our doctors have seen that many of our patients who age most gracefully have adopted common habits that help them maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Check out these 6 tips that your doctor would likely want you to know about how best to approach your orthopedic care.

Take care of yourself

This one goes without saying, but your physician wants you to take the proper precautions with your day-to-day decisions to ensure your overall health stays in top form. Don’t smoke, cut back on unhealthy foods and get moving – cutting out bad habits and getting proper nutrition and exercise will have positive effects on your joint health.

Maintain a healthy weight

Orthopedic surgeons have seen firsthand what being overweight can do to your joints and bones. Most notably, it can lead to osteoarthritis, or “wear-and-tear arthritis”. Staying at a healthy weight will also decrease your chances of breast cancer and diabetes during your later years. Lastly, it can increase your energy, enhance your mood, and help your body fight off illness. For more information on a weight loss plan our physicians recommend click here.

Build an active social life

Spend time with people you enjoy and who make you feel upbeat. Many of our happiest elderly patients are those who interact or converse with another person at least once every day. Find the strength to be the person who initiates outings such as lunch, days at the park and shopping. Volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar interests while giving back to the community.

Get a good night’s sleep

As adults, it is easy to place sleep at the bottom of the priority list. But this is a huge mistake. Your body needs sleep in order to heal from daily activities. If you’re not sleeping, this is not happening. If you have trouble falling asleep, increase your daytime activity. Develop bedtime rituals such as soaking in a bath, or listening to music to help you relax. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and cool. Of course, we now know that lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, increase obesity, and put us at risk of developing diabetes and heart disease, so sleep does matter.

Exercise and stay active

As has been mentioned numerous times above, exercise is one of the most important ways to stay healthy. Exercise can have a profound effect on the brain by helping to prevent memory loss, cognitive decline and dementia. It can often improve your overall mood, as well as help lessen the effects of mental disorders such as anxiety and depression.

Now that you’re in the know, put these tips into action. However, if you have ongoing joint pain, it’s time to contact Orthopedic Institute and get the appointment ball rolling.

What Is Causing My Shoulder Pain?

May 19, 2016/in Pain Management, Physical Therapy, Shoulder and Elbow /by Christopher Holman

It happens to the best of us. We wake up, get out of bend and wince – “What is that pain in my [insert body part here]?”

When it comes to shoulder pain, there are a variety of causes, depending on your level of physical activity, age and even career.

Rotator cuff injury

You rely on your rotator cuff muscles to keep your shoulders in position and allow you maximum mobility in your upper body. So when the rotator cuff experiences a tear or strain, it can cause a lot of shoulder pain that might manifest itself most often when you’re lifting your arm up or pull on an object. If you’ve experienced a tear in your rotator cuff, surgery might be the answer to repair it, depending on the severity.

Bursitis

Joints as a general rule are prone to bursitis, and shoulders are no different. Bursitis refers to fluid accumulation in the form of sacs in or near your joints. Bursitis may be common, but it isn’t pleasant – it can cause pain, redness and inflammation. These issues typically occur as the result of some sort of bodily injury, so protect your joints when performing physical activity. Bursitis is typically treatable through a course of anti-inflammatories, but surgery and physical therapy may be necessary for long-term afflictions.

Tendinitis

If your job or your favorite after-work activities involve a lot of shoulder movement that repeats itself on a frequent basis, your tendons might be reacting to an irritation. Think of a baseball pitcher or tennis player who repeatedly moves his or her shoulder in the same way over and over. Your doctor or physical therapist will likely prescribe an over-the-counter medication, joint rest and hot or cold compresses to treat your tendinitis.

‘Frozen shoulder’

Just like any other join in your body, the shoulder can be prone to inflammation and swelling. In some cases, you may notice you’ve lost much of the mobility in your shoulder, causing “frozen shoulder.” This can be the result of inflammation or other sorts of chemical imbalances. The right course of physical therapy and meds often clears up frozen shoulder. But surgery can sometimes be necessary in severe cases. After a shoulder surgery, including total replacement, frozen shoulder should not occur if you are attending regular physical therapy and performing recommended exercises and treatments at home.

Whatever your symptoms, Orthopedic Institute can help – set up an appointment with our team today to get to the bottom of your ongoing shoulder pain.

10 Ways to Be a Great Sports Parent

May 4, 2016/in Sports Medicine /by Christopher Holman

You’re your own child’s biggest cheering section – there’s no doubt about that. But when it comes to being a great sports-parent, it’s more than wearing their number, painting your face and shouting some “rah-rahs.”

Keep these tips in mind when encouraging the student athletes in your home to be safe, happy and successful.

Stretching

There’s virtually no better way to avoid injury as a student athlete, or anyone for that matter, than by stretching before exercising. Going hard at a workout is many student athletes’ tendency, but don’t let them get away with skipping this key pre-exercise step or they may risk injury or strain.

Goals

Communication is key. Talk to your student athletes about his or her goals – strength, calorie-burning, game performance, workout routines – and share in helping to meet them. If you know your child’s athletic goals, your encouragement will be much more meaningful and their commitment will flourish.

Hydration

When you work hard, you need fuel to keep your body going. And the most important fuel your student athlete needs is water. Lots of it. If he or she is in the midst of a hardcore training program, skip juices and sodas and maximize water intake.

Walking

It’s always a good idea to mix in moderate physical activity with strenuous activities like competitions and intense workouts. Advise your student athlete to walk or bike places throughout the day, as opposed to hopping in a car for short trips. It’ll keep them loose and stretch out their legs before heading back to the gym the next day.

Square meals

Food is hugely important in keeping your student athlete going through practices, workouts and competitions. Make sure he or she is eating small, protein- and “good carb”-rich meals frequently throughout the day. (And don’t forget to fuel after a strenuous event, too – don’t wait much longer than an hour to replenish proteins!) If you’re looking for a delicious post-workout snack, many scientists suggest chocolate milk.

Multi-sport play

It’s easy to think that playing one sport will build talent and focus. However, research shows that it actually increases the likelihood that your child will experience an injury. Encourage your child to work different muscle groups, as well as learn different skills, by participating in more than one sport throughout the year.

Safety

Your kids can get gung-ho about a sport they really love, so much so that they might consider themselves “tough enough” to skip precaution all together. But athletic prowess is never an excuse to skip out on safety equipment – from helmets, to padding to proper footwear, make sure your student athlete is protecting him or herself.

Breaks

Even though it might be easy to let your world totally revolve around athletics when you’re a sports-parent, don’t forget to encourage your student athlete to take breaks to enjoy other hobbies and interests. Burnout can have a negative effect on performance, both physically and mentally, so stress the importance of sport breaks.

Immunizations

Depending on the time of year, flu season might coincide with your student athlete’s seasonal sport of choice. Catching the flu can knock them down for the count for as long as weeks, so keep your child up to date on his or her immunizations, including the flu shot, to help them stay healthy all season long.

Rest

At the end of the day, a student athlete’s body needs rest after rigorous physical activity. Whether it’s some relaxation during daytime off-hours or a proper amount of sleep overnight, rest allows their bodies to repair and replenish themselves for the next day. (That means avoiding caffeine, electronic screens, eating immediately before bedtime.)

Knowing the right suggestions and decisions to make for your athletic child isn’t always easy – Orthopedic Institute can help you take great care of the student athletes in your life.

Good Advice from the Lion Hunter’s Wife

February 10, 2016/in Knee /by Christopher Holman

“My wife made me come in.”

That’s what a lot of guys say when they walk into Orthopedic Institute’s walk-in clinic, OI NOW. So says Ryan Slaba who runs the clinic. Women just seem to know what’s best for their husbands, children and themselves says Slaba, a physician’s assistant, who has been running orthopedic walk-in clinics for 6 years.

“A lot of people are very active and don’t have time to schedule an appointment,” says Slaba. “They want to get things taken care of right away.”

That’s where OI NOW shines. Men and women on the go need things taken care of now, says Slaba, without an appointment. Sprains. Strains. Fractures. Work-related injuries, low back pain, overuse injuries, sports related injuries—anything orthopedic. When it comes to non-emergency orthopedic care, OI NOW can do it all—take an X-Ray, MRI or a CT scan, give an injection, wrap an ankle, set a bone and get people on their way. And, if necessary, OI NOW will make referrals to the broad spectrum of experienced surgeons on the OI staff.

Most of all, OI NOW patients get personalized care. “We listen,” says Slaba. “We problem solve. And we do the right thing for the patient.”

OI NOW sees just about everything and everyone, from school aged kids, to stay-at-home moms, to lion hunters—as evidenced by the ironic case of Troy Swift, electrical contractor, athlete and lion hunter. The hunt took place in New Mexico. It was a dangerous, grueling 60-hour man and dog chase and Swift bagged a large male mountain lion without a scratch. But, next day, while playing basketball, Swift went up for a dunk and on the way down twisted his knee. “Everyone on the court heard it go “POP!’” said Swift.

Swift’s wife, Kimberly, told him to go to OI NOW.

Diagnosis: a torn meniscus.

Slaba referred Swift to a surgeon. Michael Adler, MD, the surgeon on call for Orthopedic Institute, performed the surgical repair, and today Swift feels good, has his stability back, and is working and taking care of livestock.

Swift says he got great care from everyone. But what he liked most was “how fast they got me in.” Swift injured himself between Christmas and New Years in New Mexico and drove home. “I went into OI NOW on a Monday and had surgery on Friday of that same week,” said Swift. “They expedited me through the process.”

Tell Your State Legislators To Not Change or Adjust IM17 Patient Choice

January 29, 2016/in News /by Christopher Holman

HB (House Bill) 1067 dubbed “The Sanford Choice Bill” is scheduled to be heard by the House Commerce Committee on Wednesday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. We would ask that you consider calling & emailing our state legislators to let them know that the people of South Dakota do not want the legislature to “change or adjust IM17 Patient Choice.” It is crucial that the committee members hear our voices and are inundated with emails and/or calls throughout the weekend—asking them to oppose HB1067 “The Sanford Choice Bill.”

62% of South Dakotans voted for the right to have Patient Choice when they approved Initiative Measure 17 on November 4, 2014.
It’s not right that the Legislature is considering overriding the will of the people of South Dakota.
Initiative Measure 17 gives patient’s choice. HB1067 gives Insurance providers, such as Sanford Health Plan, the choice to exclude patients from the doctors they might want to see.
The people of South Dakota that voted for the bill are smart and were not tricked into voting for Initiative Measure 17.
The people of South Dakota voted for the right to have the choice to choose their physician, hospital, chiropractor, dentist or other health care provider. HB1067 threatens this right that was approved by 62% of the population of South Dakota.
All payers in the state, with the exception of Sanford, are complying with IM17, and have been since it was approved by nearly 62% of the voters.
This bill would allow insurance providers, like Sanford Health Plans, to have only one health plan that includes all providers—and, you can bet it will be the most expensive, simply because they want patients to use their physicians and their facilities.
IM 17 is being misrepresented and they claim that the bill requires that all doctors be included in plans regardless of cost. This is not true. Insurance plans can set their fees at the levels they want, but cannot exclude a doctor who is qualified and willing to accept those fees.
Is it the will of the people or the will of one corporate entity that would best look out for the interest of South Dakotans?Thank you for your support and consideration to ask our state legislators to OPPOSE HB1067, “THE SANFORD CHOICE BILL”.To find the legislators in your district (area) please go to: http://legis.sd.gov/Le…/Who_Are_My_Legislators/default.aspx

Here are the e-mail addresses of the legislators that are on this committee:

rep.rounds@state.sd.us
rep.schoenbeck@state.sd.us
rep.novstrup@state.sd.us
rep.wiik@state.sd.us
rep.willadsen@state.sd.us
rep.beal@state.sd.us
rep.stalzer@state.sd.us
rep.hawley@state.sd.us
rep.wollmann@state.sd.us
rep.kirschman@state.sd.us
rep.zikmund@state.sd.us
rep.steinhauer@state.sd.us
rep.harrison@state.sd.us

Getting Back in the Game

December 15, 2015/in Knee, Physical Therapy /by Christopher Holman

What do Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Brandi Chastain, Ali Krieger, Heather Mitts and Molly Doetzel have in common? They are all talented women soccer players who tore an ACL. And all, except Molly, played for the U.S. National Team.

Molly is still in high school and hasn’t achieved recognition on a national stage. But here, in Sioux Falls, she’s a star.

Molly anchored the defense for the O’Gorman’s Lady Knights soccer team that was so dominating that this year they gave up just six goals the entire season. And, no surprise, they won the state championship.

Molly was a big reason for the championship. Need proof? Had Molly not been injured, it’s entirely possible O’Gorman could have won last year, too. It was in the state semi-finals that she tore her ACL, aka anterior cruciate ligament, and the Lady Knights fell short of the state championship.

Molly wanted to get back into action as quickly as possible. She and her parents wondered who to call. “Tons of people told us Dr. Looby was the best,” Molly said, referring to Peter A. Looby, an orthopedic surgeon with Orthopedic Institute.

And with good reason. Dr. Looby completed his Fellowship in Sports Medicine at Harvard and, while there, was team orthopedic surgeon for the Bruins (hockey), the Revolution (soccer) and for the New England Patriots. Looby knows how to help athletes get back in the game.

“One thing striking about NFL quality athletes is their ability to heal,” said Dr. Looby. “They are incredibly motivated. They get injured Sunday, you treat them Monday, they play next Sunday.”

The athlete’s motivation and Dr. Looby’s care got them ready. It was this level of care Dr. Looby provided to Molly. “I was trained to handle elite athletes,” said Dr. Looby. “I apply this training to all athletes whether they are training for the pros or they are weekend warriors.”

And so it was with Molly. “Dr. Looby repaired my ACL and helped me quickly regain strength and flexibility,” Molly said. “Everyone told me—and from my own experience—that Dr. Looby is the best of the best.” Something she echoes regarding her experience at Orthopedic Institute, particularly the rehabilitation process, which was led by Brad Pfeifle, VP of Sports Medicine & Rehab Services. According to her coach, Ryan Beier, “We didn’t know if she would be able to come back this season as strong as she had been in the past. She was able to play at full strength, if not even better than before and she didn’t need to wear a brace because of the hard work she did in therapy at Orthopedic Institute and with Brad.”

Although it might seem strange, tearing her ACL turned out to be a great, even life changing, experience for Molly. Consider: where does Molly go from here? Does she want to play at the next level? Qualify for the national team?

No, Molly wants to hit the books. So inspired was she by her experience with Dr. Looby and Orthopedic Institute that she’s now thinking about a career in sports medicine—something that touched Dr. Looby’s heart.

“It’s hard to imagine there could be any higher accolade,” Dr. Looby said.