NetWellness Athletic Training

Hairline Fracture 5th Metatarsal Bone

Janine Oman MS, PT/ATC — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:11:00 EST

Question: I sustained a hairline fracture of the 5th metatarsal bone on my right foot, about 11 months ago. I`m still experiencing off and on soreness on my foot to this day. Whats weird is, it does not swell up. Do you know what could possibly be going on? And what I can do to fix it?

Answer: You didn't mention if you were still being followed by a physician secondary to your injury. Depending on where your fracture was, there are areas that are slow to heal because of diminished blood supply to the area. I would suggest a follow up with an orthopedic surgeon to re-evaluate your sy . . .

Ask an Expert: Janine Oman MS, PT/ATC, Athletic Training

Sprained Ankle Getting Worse

Robert Sweeney MS, ATC — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 09:10:00 EST

Question: I injured my ankle about a month ago. I went to the hospital and had an x-ray done, but they said that it was just a severe sprain. They gave me an air splint and told me to walk as tolerated. I have been walking on it for about 3 weeks and it has started re-bruising and swelling and is now getting . . .

Answer: Given the fact that it has been 3 weeks and that the symptoms seem to be worsening, a return to your physician and possibly a consult with an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist seems to be warranted. They may want to perform further evaluations and testing to determine the source of your . . .

Ask an Expert: Robert Sweeney MS, ATC, Athletic Training

Torn Ligament: Surgery or Not?

Janine Oman MS, PT/ATC — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:10:00 EST

Question: I am 61 yr female. Had an MRI done and was told I have a torn ligament. At the day of appointment was told to take 9 ibprofens and consider rehabilitation therapy but I asked for MRI that same day(which the doctor said I could do the first then maybe MRI later)due to I took entire day off of work. T . . .

Answer: I am glad to hear that your symptoms are doing better.

I would follow up with your physician by phone and let them know how you are doing. Let them know what your new circumstances are regarding surgery and get their opinion as to how to progress. Since you are feeling b . . .

Ask an Expert: Janine Oman MS, PT/ATC, Athletic Training

How Long Will the Healing Take for My Hip?

Janine Oman MS, PT/ATC — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:09:00 EST

Question: Beginning at the end of June I have barely been able to walk because my left hip hurts so bad. No accident and don`t know what caused it. The doctor says the bursa sac is very inflamed. I have been taking prescription Meloxicam for the inflamation. I have been been having adjustments weekly on my hi . . .

Answer:

Thank you for your question - I am glad to hear that your hip is on the mend. It is hard to predict the recovery pattern for your pain and diminished function. Typically, you will get a rapid improvement of symptoms with initiation of treatment, but the remaining low grade pain may tak . . .

Ask an Expert: Janine Oman MS, PT/ATC, Athletic Training

Cortisone Injections

Kristen Bretz MS, ATC — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:09:00 EST

Question: would cortisone injections help with torn ligaments

Answer:

It depends on the severity of the ligament tear. Cortisone injections are most commonly used to control inflammation and swelling. An injection should be supplemented with ice, activity modification, and physical therapy.

Cortisone injections can also limit pain, . . .

Ask an Expert: Kristen Bretz MS, ATC, Athletic Training

Popping in My Elbow?

Katrina Stibel MA, ATC — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:09:00 EST

Question: I am a healthy 18 year old, when i bend and flex my arm it pops everytime. When i do push ups it pops everytime. Its not painful but it can get a annoying. Im just looking for any answers. Thank You

Answer: The elbow normally does not pop or crack when you bend or straighten it. Usually this indicates some type of problem. This popping may be caused from several things. The two most common that I am aware of are either a loose body in the joint or the ulnar nerve can "slip" out of the groove. A loose b . . .

Ask an Expert: Katrina Stibel MA, ATC, Athletic Training

Leg Cramps and Bananas

Janine Oman MS, PT/ATC — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:09:00 EST

Question: My swimming coach told me to eat bananas for leg cramps because bananas have potassium.

I have been eating 10 bananas a week for 3 weeks. But I still get leg cramps. On the insides of my thighs and also my calfs.

What else can I do besides eat bananas. I hate bananas.

Answer: Bananas are a good source of potassium which seems to have a beneficial effect for cramping. Of equal importance is fluid intake to make sure you are well-hydrated. An average adult requires at least 10 glasses of water a day. In addition to the water, it may be helpful to drink a sports . . .

Ask an Expert: Janine Oman MS, PT/ATC, Athletic Training

Partial Tear of Bicept Tendon

Angela Beisner MA, AC — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:08:00 EST

Question: i believe i have a partial tear of my bicept tendon,will this heal on its own being its not a full tear,or should it be repaired by surgery?and if it will heal on its own being only partialy tore,what is the full heal time on a partial bicept tear if at all, thank you

Answer:

The decision to repair a bicep tendon rupture is unique to each individual. For instance, if you are employed in a physically-demanding job or enjoy weightlifting as an exercise, repairing a partial tendon tear may be a better solution than conservative treatment.

It is best to consul . . .

Ask an Expert: Angela Beisner MA, AC, Athletic Training

Torn Cartilage

Vince O'Brien ATC — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:08:00 EST

Question: Does a torn cartlidge always need surgery? Can it heal by itself with little or no treatment? I think that I have a torn cartlidge in the same knee that I had surgery 14 years ago for a torn cartlidge again.

Answer: This is an excellent question.� Unlike ligaments, cartilage does not scar down and "heal".� It is not uncommon to have further tearing of the cartilage even years after surgery.� The reason for considering surgery is if the symptoms are affecting your activity and/or causing pain.�

I wou . . .

Ask an Expert: Vince O'Brien ATC, Athletic Training

Proximal Bicep Tendon Rupture

Alex Wong MS, ATC — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:08:00 EST

Question: I have been diagnosed as having a proximal bicep tendon rupture. I am 61 years old and was advised not to have it repaired. I take a Kave Maga self defense class. I would like to know if it is ok to continue this class. I know there are no guaratees in life.

Answer: As with anything, you have to weigh the risk to benefit. With a proximal rupture, you are indeed able to continue your daily activities (I assume). The surrounding musculature will help facilitate most motions. Depending on the frequency of the class and intensity, you should be able to gauge if you . . .

Ask an Expert: Alex Wong MS, ATC, Athletic Training