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Football is one of America’s favorite sports, but playing the game comes with substantial injury risk. Football players frequently find themselves under the care of orthopedic doctors as they get back into game shape. Whether you or your child plays football or you simply want to know what to look out for in your fantasy team players, you’ll find what you need to know about the most common football injuries below. ACL Injury The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the four ligaments that make up your knee. Unlike some other kinds of football injuries,  ACL injuries are not usually caused by contact. The post 4 Common Football Injuries appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Sprains and strains are common sports injuries. A sprain is an injury to a ligament in your body. Ligaments are strong, fibrous bands of tissue that connect adjacent bones, particularly in your joints. Partial or even complete tears can occur, destabilizing your joint and causing pain, swelling, and bruising. In cases of severe sprain, the joint may loosen and become unusable without proper orthopedic care. A strain affects either a muscle or a tendon. Like ligaments, tendons are fibrous tissues, but they connect muscle to bone. If the fibers of either a muscle or a tendon become damaged or torn, The post Sprain vs. Strain appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Winter is a beautiful time of the year, especially when there is a new layer of light snow decorating the trees. However, winter weather also presents significant hazards. Orthopedic doctors often treat patients who slip and fall on icy sidewalks and patients who suffer orthopedic injuries due to excessive shoveling. Orthopedic specialists recommend taking a few safety precautions to ensure your family’s safety this winter. Preventing Slip-and-Fall Injuries Slip-and-fall injuries are among the most common orthopedic problems that occur because of winter weather. The best way to prevent yourself from falling on your driveway or sidewalk area is to keep the area clear of snow The post Avoiding the Most Common Winter Injuries appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Each winter, thousands of people go to the emergency room or an orthopedic specialist because of injuries related to snow removal. It’s particularly common to sprain or strain the back or shoulder muscles while shoveling snow due to the bending and twisting motions. Orthopedic surgeons strongly recommend taking a few precautionary measures before picking up a shovel this winter. Talk to Your Doctor If you have a medical condition, such as cardiovascular disease, talk to your doctor before shoveling snow. Your doctor can let you know if it’s safe for you to do this type of manual labor. If not, hire someone else The post Tips for Shoveling Snow Safely appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

A wrist fracture can seriously interfere with your daily life. This injury frequently happens when people try to break a fall using their hands. For proper healing, it is important to consult an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible after the fracture. Try to keep the fractured wrist still until you can see your doctor. If it is not too painful, you can apply ice to the injury. Your orthopedic doctor may perform X-rays to determine how severe your injury is and which bones in your wrist are fractured. The right treatment for a wrist fracture depends on the nature The post Treating a Wrist Fracture after a Slip and Fall appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

A torn meniscus usually occurs after the knee is twisted into an abnormal position. The severity of this kind of injury depends on exactly where the tear is located. This video explains what you need to know about symptoms, treatment, and recovery after a torn meniscus. If you suffer a torn meniscus, you are likely to experience pain in the area of the tear. You may also notice that your knee feels like it could buckle. If you tear the outer side of your meniscus, then the injury may heal on its own. If the tear is on the inside, The post An Up-Close Look at a Torn Meniscus appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Winter can be a magical time in New York City when the snow falls and covers everything in a clean white blanket. Of course, all the snow that falls around your home, sidewalk, and driveway must be cleared to keep the area safe. Shoveling snow is more than just a chore—it’s also a form of strenuous exercise. Approximately 11,500 snow-shoveling injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year, and some end up needing the attention of an orthopedic surgeon. Strained muscles, herniated discs, and tendinitis are just a few of the snow-shoveling injuries that may need to be treated by The post Preventing Winter Shoveling Injuries appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Slip and fall injuries aren’t always minor nuisances. Sometimes, they involve serious orthopedic problems that can cause chronic pain and that may require orthopedic surgery. You can reduce your risk of suffering a slip and fall injury by keeping your walkways and driveway clear of snow and by regularly scattering rock salt. When walking around town, orthopedic surgeons recommend taking the following precautions. Modify Your Footwear If you’re a New Yorker, you probably dig out the snow boots from your closet shortly after Thanksgiving. If the tread has worn down; however, consider purchasing new snow boots with a deep tread. Additionally, you can The post Preventing Slip and Fall Injuries This Winter appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

The rotator cuff involves four muscles that are responsible for raising and rotating your arm. A rotator cuff tear most commonly involves the supraspinatus, which is one of the muscles; however, it could involve all of the muscles. Orthopedic doctors often diagnose this injury in patients who have suffered a fall or have overused the muscles. A rotator cuff tear can also occur due to the aging process. For more information about rotator cuff tears, watch this video. This helpful animation explains the anatomy of the rotator cuff and encourages patients to treat a rotator cuff tear promptly to prevent The post Examining Rotator Cuff Tears appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Orthopedic doctors often treat patients with rotator cuff tears and similar injuries. These conditions often cause pain and weakness, and they interfere with your ability to perform daily activities. If your orthopedic doctor diagnoses you with a rotator cuff condition, it can be helpful to have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the area. The rotator cuff is located in the shoulder. It consists of several muscles and tendons, which allow for range of motion and stability. The following muscles make up the rotator cuff. Supraspinatus The scapula is the clinical term for the shoulder blade. The supraspinatus muscle begins just The post The Anatomy of the Rotator Cuff appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

There’s a good chance that you associate pain in your spine with lifting heavy items or landing badly while playing sports. For many people, however spine problems start when they’re sitting down. Your office chair and computer could send you to the  orthopedic doctor  with back, neck, shoulder, and elbow pain that originates in the spine. Here is how sitting hurts your spine and what you can do about it: Poor Posture  The main reason that sitting leads to spine problems is because of poor posture. There are a number of different ways people sit that put undue pressure on their spine. Some The post Understanding How Sitting Can Be Harmful to Your Spine appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Most orthopedic injuries that occur due to school sports activities involve football. Orthopedic specialists encourage parents to make sure their kids have the proper equipment before they play. Football players should always wear a helmet to prevent concussions. Rubber-cleated shoes can help prevent unintentional falls. Football players should also wear knee, tail, hip, and shoulder pads, and an athletic supporter. In addition, a mouth guard can protect the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. In addition to having the proper equipment, all football players should undergo a physical before the season starts. Engaging in off-season athletic activity can help The post Preventing Football Injuries appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is an orthopedic condition that involves the median nerve, which runs along the forearm and into the hand. The median nerve is contained within the carpal tunnel, which is a bony passageway. If the carpal tunnel becomes narrowed due to a medical condition, work stress, or other factors, it compresses the median nerve, causing discomfort and other symptoms. Unless treatment from an orthopedic doctor or surgeon is sought, you’re likely to experience progressively worsening symptoms. Mild Symptoms Carpal tunnel symptoms are typically mild at first. You may notice sensations such as itching or numbness in the fingers and palm The post Warning Signs and Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Winter-related injuries aren’t always caused by snowboarding, skiing, and other winter sports. Quite often, they’re the result of a simple activity you do every day: walking. Walking on a snowy, icy, or slushy walkway can be treacherous even when you take the precaution of wearing snow boots. Black ice, which looks just like a damp spot, can make you lose your balance and fall. Each year, many people visit orthopedic doctors because of slip and fall injuries. Watch this video to learn more about common winter-related injuries. You’ll hear interviews from two women, both of whom have suffered orthopedic injuries The post Winter-Related Injuries and You appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Every winter, orthopedic surgeons see countless patients who have been injured by shoveling snow. Some of the most common injuries caused by snow shoveling include back strain, bone fractures, and herniated discs. You can prevent a visit to an orthopedic specialist this winter by using the proper techniques for snow shoveling. Or, consider hiring someone to take care of the snow for you. Orthopedic doctors emphasize how important it is for an individual with a pre-existing medical condition to consult a doctor before shoveling snow. Back Strain Back pain is the most common orthopedic condition caused by shoveling snow , particularly when the snowfall The post Common Injuries from Shoveling Snow appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Though basketball is a fun way to get exercise, it could be dangerous for some people. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2009, more than 500,000 people visited American emergency rooms with basketball-related injuries . Here are a few pieces of advice that can help you stay on the court and out of the emergency room: Warm Up and Stretch Many basketball injuries occur because players forget to warm up and stretch beforehand. Cold, tight muscles are much more susceptible to sprains and strains than warm, loose muscles. Before you start stretching, spend five minutes warming up your body The post Advice for Beating Injuries on the Basketball Court appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Dr. Mehran Manouel of Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. Dr. Manouel is passionate about helping patients return to full health and participate in their usual activities again. He specializes in shoulder rotator cuff repair and ACL reconstruction, yet has extensive experience in all types of arthroscopic surgeries. His dedication to his profession is reflected in his professional credentials; he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (F.A.A.O.S.). Following Dr. Manouel’s graduation from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, he completed his residency in orthopedic The post Meet Dr. Mehran Manouel appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Incorrect form while shoveling snow is a common cause of orthopedic injuries. You can reduce your risk of becoming injured by stretching your muscles and warming up before heading out to shovel. It’s always best to push the snow as much as possible, rather than lifting it. When you do need to lift snow, keep your back straight, and lift by bending and straightening your knees. Avoid back injuries by never twisting your trunk as you work. For a demonstration of the proper way to shovel, watch this video. You’ll see a physical therapist demonstrate the right techniques for lifting The post The Safest Way to Shovel Snow appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

You don’t have to be an athlete to suffer a bone fracture. Fractures can occur as a result of repetitive impacts or sudden trauma. A fracture isn’t quite like a bruise, which heals on its own; in many cases, a fracture must be treated by a professional in order to heal properly. At Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, we have the skill and expertise necessary to help you recover from your fracture. If you suffer an open fracture—a fracture that breaks the skin—or another serious break, one of our team members will meet you at the emergency room. As you’re The post How We Can Help You Recover from Fractures appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Most people think of an injury as a purely physical ailment. However, there are many ways in which a physical injury can have an emotional impact. If an injury prevents you from working, for example, you might struggle with feelings of uselessness while you recover. If you suffer a physical injury that also affects your emotional wellbeing, the best thing you can do is seek professional treatment from anorthopedic doctor . Here are a few emotions that people experience when they suffer a sports injury: Anger Many people feel angry at themselves or others while nursing an injury—especially if the injury The post Is There an Emotional Component to Sports Injuries? appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Osteoarthritis, also called wear and tear arthritis, occurs as the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing pain and inflammation. This condition is typically associated with aging and may grow progressively worse over the course of many years. Because osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle can affect mobility, it’s important to understand your prevention and treatment options. Your orthopedic doctor can help you develop a treatment plan to minimize the symptoms of osteoarthritis so you can live a healthy and happy life.  How Does Osteoarthritis Affect the Feet and Ankles? Your feet contain a large number of joints—more than 30 joints, in The post An Overview of Osteoarthritis in the Foot and Ankle appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Soccer actively engages the lower body during each game. Because this sport is so physically demanding, strength and endurance are necessary to protect players from injuries on the field. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about developing a personalized strength-training program to prevent or managesports injuries in NYC . Squats Squats are a well-known—and very effective—strength-building exercise for your lower body. These exercises improve muscle strength and tone in the legs, but also strengthen your glutes and core as well. You can perform squats with weights or without them, depending upon your ability level and preference. The key to getting the The post Strength-Training Tips for Soccer Players to Reduce Injury Risk appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Globally, millions of people suffer from osteoarthritis, making it the most prevalent form of arthritis. Frequently called “wear and tear arthritis,” osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage within the joints deteriorates. Although there is no cure available for this orthopedic condition, you can visit an orthopedic doctor to explore your treatment options and learn how to maintain your active lifestyle. Uncontrollable Risk Factors Although some risk factors for osteoarthritis can be changed with healthier lifestyle decisions, certain risk factors are uncontrollable. The most significant risk factor for this orthopedic condition is your age. When you’re younger, your cartilage becomes even stronger and thicker The post What Are the Risk Factors for Osteoarthritis? appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Muscle pulls or strains are caused by stretching a muscle past its limits, which causes tears in the fiber of the muscle. If you pull a muscle, it’s important to rest the injury for at least a week. Apply ice for 15 minutes at a time and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to help with pain and swelling. Once the muscle has healed, you can slowly begin using it again. Strengthening exercises can help to prevent re-injury. If you have suffered a severe muscle pull, see your orthopedic doctor for an evaluation. In most cases, even severe injuries will heal without The post How to Cope with a Muscle Pull appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

The wrist is a complex system that connects your forearm and hand. Because of its complex properties, the wrist can fracture in many different ways. In this video, you will learn more about various types of wrist fractures and how they are treated. While a simpler break may be treated with a cast or splint, some types of wrist fractures must be treated surgically. Surgery restores the surface of the wrist joint’s cartilage to prevent chronic joint pain or the early development of arthritis. Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine offers treatment for all types of fractures in NYC. Our orthopedic The post Learn How Wrist Fractures Are Treated appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Each year in the U.S., high school athletes suffer about two million sports injuries. Unfortunately, kids on sports teams often try to hide their injuries because they fear being taken off the team. Parents and coaches can watch out for the signs of a potential injury, such as unusual changes in behavior. A child might be favoring a body part, limping, or trying not to place weight on a limb. Parents can also watch out for signs of a concussion, such as complaints of headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Watch this video to hear more about common sports injuries among The post Spotting the Signs of Sports Injuries In Kids appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Certain types of orthopedic injuries are emergency situations that require prompt medical attention. Any type of fracture requires emergency care, for example, as does an ACL tear and a dislocated joint. When you suffer a serious orthopedic injury, it’s best to go to the emergency room closest to you as soon as possible. Either call 911 or have someone else drive you there. Once you’re in the emergency room, the doctors can assess your injury and stabilize your condition. As soon as your condition is stabilized, it’s recommended that you call your orthopedic doctor promptly. Although emergency room doctors are The post What to Do When You Need Emergency Care appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition involving the median nerve. This nerve runs from the forearm through the wrist and into the palm of the hand, where it is responsible for both motor and sensory functions in parts of the hand. When this nerve becomes compressed by other structures within the carpal tunnel of the wrist, numbness, pain, tingling, and muscle weakness in the affected hand can result. Fortunately, there are treatments available to resolve the symptoms of this condition—read on to learn more about the treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome. Pharmacological Therapy In some cases, drugs such The post Treatment Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Rise and shine… The familiar sound of the alarm clock – another day and the beginning of another hectic week…You make the bed, bending at each corner.In the bathroom, you hunch over the sink to brush your teeth – then the sound of little feet running down the hallway. The kids were awake, and all that that entails.In a suit, wearing high heels with little traction, which you notice when you pick up your toddler, who is becoming heavier every day.Drive the kids to school.Arrive at work. Heft your over-stuffed leather bag over your shoulder and scurry through the office The post For the Working Moms appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

A fractured or cracked wrist can occur during sports, play, or following a fall. Fractures require a cast or splint to hold the bones in place for a period of weeks, allowing them to heal. If your child experiences a fracture, your orthopedic doctor will explain the treatment process and help you along every step of the way. Diagnosis Broken bones in the wrist can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. Depending upon the severity of the fracture, your child may or may not be able to move her wrist through its full range of motion. Fractures are diagnosed by a The post What to Expect if Your Child Fractures Her Wrist appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Frozen shoulder can be a debilitating condition. It most often afflicts people between the ages of 40 and 60. Although frozen shoulder can clear up on its own, an orthopedic doctor can speed up recovery with a number of non-surgical and surgical treatments. Here is what you need to know about this condition. What Happens with Frozen Shoulder? When you have frozen shoulder , the shoulder capsule tightens and bands of tissue called adhesions develop. As a result, your shoulder becomes increasingly stiff and difficult to move. Frozen shoulder happens in three stages. The first stage is freezing. You will notice shoulder pain and The post What Is Frozen Shoulder? appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the lower leg, where it connects the bone of your heel to your calf. Achilles tendon ruptures are common injuries among athletes, causing intense pain and difficulty walking. In many cases, orthopedic surgery is the best treatment option to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. Causes of Achilles Tendon Ruptures The Achilles tendon is an integral part of the normal motion of your foot. Thus, it is often injured during physical activities that stress the foot, ankle, and calf. Sports injuries can occur following a blow, fall, or unnatural twisting motion of The post Achilles Tendon Rupture: Causes and Symptoms appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Flat-screen TV’s are in most homes these days, but did you know they come with a risk that many don’t realize: kids can be seriously hurt in a TV tip-over. According to an article written on Today Health, “the number of kids injured by a TV falling on them grew 125 percent between 1990 and 2011, according to a new study of emergency room records that calls for greater prevention efforts. Take a look at the entire article to find out what you can do to help decrease these statistics. The post Every 30 minutes a Child is Sent to the ER Because of Falling TV’s appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Unlike other types of fractures, greenstick fractures involve bones that are bent, rather than broken. They are somewhat rare in adults but common in children, who still have high levels of calcium in their bones that make them flexible. Greenstick fractures are sometimes difficult to diagnose, which is why you should see an orthopedic doctor if you suspect you have any kind of fracture. Here is what you need to know about greenstick fractures. Causes In nearly every case, greenstick fractures are caused by falls. Although greenstick fractures can happen to any bone, they are most common in the arms. This is because most The post Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments of Greenstick Fractures appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Ankle fractures occur when one or more of the many bones composing the ankle joint become broken. Depending on the severity of the break, the ligaments connecting the bones together may also be torn. These injuries can be due to traumatic twisting or rolling movements of the ankle or from a bad fall on the joint. Once the ankle joint becomes broken, the sufferer will notice intense pain immediately. The ankle will quickly become swollen and tender to the touch. No weight will be able to be carried on the joint. If there is a dislocation in addition to the The post Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

When one of your bones is exposed to outside pressure it can’t sustain, a fracture is likely to occur. The bone may break completely—a condition called a displaced fracture—or it may just crack, which is referred to as a non-displaced fracture. Fractures cause acute pain when they occur. Fast treatment from an orthopedic specialist is required so that the bone can be set properly, which will help prevent long-term damage. The way a fracture is treated depends on the nature of the injury. Most treatment plans start with an X-ray so that the orthopedic doctor can see how extensive the The post How Are Fractures Treated? appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

The rotator cuff provides support and stability to the joint of the shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff can occur during sports, exercise, or even everyday activities. This video discusses the most common causes of rotator cuff injuries in women. Many women start an intensive exercise program without adequate preparation, risking injury to the shoulder because it is not strong enough to handle such activity. These types of strains occur often, but are not serious and often do not require intensive or surgical care. Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine is here to help you exercise, work, and play safely in The post Exploring the Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries in Women appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Many people mistakenly believe that bone fractures and breaks are two different conditions. In fact, they are the same, and both terms can be used to describe different kinds of fracture-based bone injuries. This video provides more information about types of fractures.  There are two types of fractures: displaced and non-displaced. With displaced fractures, a portion of the broken bone has moved and no longer lines up with the other part of the bone. With a non-displaced fracture, the bone has not moved. Non-displaced fractures may only appear as small cracks on an X-ray. Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine can The post The Different Types of Fractures appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.

Stress fractures, which are common among athletes, can significantly interfere with your mobility. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a stress fracture, it is important to see an orthopedic doctor to get a diagnosis and to develop a treatment plan. Here is what you need to know about stress fractures. Stress Fractures Explained Stress fractures are cracks in bones, usually caused by high-impact activity. Stress fractures almost always occur in the legs or feet and are usually the result of overuse. People who take part in sports that involve repeated foot impacts, like running, basketball, and gymnastics, are at a particularly high risk The post What to Do When You Have a Stress Fracture appeared first on Able Orthopedic & Sports Medicine.