New Mexico Orthopaedics - sports injuries - orthopedic surgeon

What is Turf Toe?

Turf toe comes from hyperextension of the MTP joint of the great toe. This can range from a mild sprain to complete dislocation. Predisposing factors include hard artificial playing surfaces such as Astroturf, soft soled athletic shoes that allow hyperextension of the forefoot, and pre-existing limited motion of the first MTP joint. Treatment is usually directed towards stiffening of the forefoot of the shoe, using an orthosis, or taping.

What is a Jones Fracture?

This is a common fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the foot which commonly occurs from constant landing on the outer side of the foot in jumping types of sports. This has a high incidence of not healing, and needs to be treated with complete non-weight bearing initially. A large percent of these fractures eventually require surgical intervention.

I have a painful heel spur. Should it be removed?

Not necessarily. Initially, your treatment will be directed toward relieving the pain and inflammation. If these disappear, the bone spur will not need to be removed.

Should I schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist for my foot problem?

Podiatrists most often treat routine foot problems while more complicated ankle and foot problems are usually treated by orthopedic surgeons. The Foot Center at New Mexico Orthopaedics has both types of specialists, so regardless who your appointment is with, you will be assured of being connected with the right specialist. Click here for more information about The Foot Center.

How do you treat Skier's Thumb?

This happens in many sports when an athlete falls onto their hand with the thumb stretched out. This tears the ligament which connects two joints in the thumb. To prevent weakness and instability, this typically needs to be repaired when a complete tear occurs. When it is a partial tear, it can be treated in a splint or cast.

Am I a candidate for cartilage transplantation?

Many of our patients have heard about cartilage cell transplantation. This is a new technology, which has been featured in the news recently. It is an exciting new procedure available now, but should only be used for special circumstances.

Every time I play tennis, I get a sharp pain in my elbow. I have been told I have "tennis elbow." What can an orthopedic surgeon do to treat this problem?

"Tennis elbow," or tendinitis, is a result of repetitive elbow motion and may occur even if you do not play tennis. Over 95 percent of all individuals experiencing "tennis elbow" improve with the use of anti-inflammatory medication, occasional steroid injections, a tennis elbow strap, and appropriate physical therapy and exercise. Very few cases actually require surgery. If conservative treatment fails to relieve the pain, injection of a steroid into the area of maximum tenderness is indicated.

I developed a bump on the inside of my wrist, and my primary care physician said it was not a tumor but a ganglion cyst, and I had nothing to worry about. What exactly is a ganglion cyst?

A ganglion is a fluid-filled cyst. It also is called a synovial cyst. It grows from the tendons or the lining (synovium) around bones. If the ganglion is small and does not bother you, there is no need to do anything about it. If it gets bigger or starts bothering you, you can have it removed by an orthopedic surgeon.

Ganglions are benign growths and not a form of cancer. They can grow almost anywhere there are bones and tendons, although most often they form on top of the wrist. A cyst is a sac, usually filled with fluid. The fluid in most cysts is thin and watery, but the fluid in a ganglion is thick and clear, almost like jelly.

Ganglions sometimes resolve on their own. Occasionally a ganglion will break or rupture under pressure, and usually will clear up.

What causes a stress fracture?

Stress fractures are microscopic fractures of bone resulting from repeated "stress," usually from bearing your own weight. Unlike typical fractures, which involve bones snapping in two, stress fractures are microscopic cracks that are often too tiny to show up on a routine X-ray.

Stress fractures can be caused by trauma or overuse resulting from hiking, jogging, or even just being on your feet too long, particularly if you have osteoporosis — thinning of the bones.

Once your doctor diagnoses a stress fracture in your foot, you will have to keep weight off your foot as much as possible and allow at least a few weeks for healing. In some cases, patients need a cast to give the foot extra support while it heals.

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