Whether you're a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply staying active as you age, musculoskeletal injuries are a common part of life. From sprains and strains to chronic overuse conditions, knowing when to see a sports medicine physician versus an orthopedic surgeon can make all the difference in your recovery. This guide breaks down your treatment options — both surgical and non-surgical — to help you get back to doing what you love.

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Gardening isn’t typically considered a high-risk activity. However, back injuries from common tasks like weeding, digging and planting can occur if proper precautions aren't taken. Whether you're mowing, raking, weeding or planting, it's no secret that yard work can sometimes lead to back pain. This is especially true as we age, since the likelihood of experiencing back pain increases over time. So, how can you protect your spine while tending your garden? 1. Use Proper...

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The ACL, or the anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the main ligaments in the knee, located in the very center and connects the thigh bone or the femur to the shin bone. It's primary role is trying to provide stability to the knee by preventing the tibia from sliding too far forward relative to the femur. Listen as Dr. Joseph L. Rabe leads a discussion focusing on ACL injuries and treatment options.

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The rotator cuff is a series of four muscles and tendons that connect the shoulder to the shoulder blade. It keeps the shoulder joint stable while allowing the arm to rotate. The leading cause of rotator cuff issues is overuse and not keeping the muscles strong. Join Dr. Ryan Urchek to discuss Rotator Cuff Injuries and Treatment.

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If so, you’re not alone. A rotator cuff tear is one of the most common shoulder injuries – making many daily activities extremely painful and difficult to perform. Common signs to watch for include: A deep, dull shoulder pain along the outside of the arm or shoulder that extends down towards the elbow. Weakness or pain when lifting or rotating the arm above the head. Worsening pain with overhead activities, behind the back and at night while trying to sleep. If...

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Do you feel a dull ache deep in your shoulder that worsens at night or with particular arm movements? Do you have weakness when lifting or rotating your arm above your head? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you might be dealing with a torn rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a series of muscles and tendons that keeps the shoulder joint stable, while allowing the arm to rotate. Rotator cuff injuries are very common and increase with age. Injury, degeneration or...

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As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will be outside participating in a range of summer activities, from sports to hikes and even gardening. While this is certainly good for your health, summer can also lead to a number of foot and ankle injuries. Ankle Sprains A sprained ankle occurs when the ankle rolls towards the outside of the foot, most often during physical activity, and it is one of the most common foot injuries. While a mild sprain is often nothing to...

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A sports injury can be scary, especially if you're facing surgery that could keep you sidelined for weeks, if not months. Fortunately, surgery isn't always the best option when you suffer an injury from playing a sport, exercising, or participating in recreational activities. A wide range of non-surgical treatments are available today that effectively treat muscle pain, joint pain, and lack of mobility.  A sports injury encompasses the musculoskeletal system, including bones,...

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Pain and symptoms from a spinal lumbar herniated disc can be easily mistaken by patients. Summa Health neurosurgeon Dr. Paul Hartzfeld answers some of the most commonly asked questions about treatment for lumbar herniated disc.

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Do frigid temperatures cause slow, achy joints that make it difficult for you to get moving? It’s not just your imagination. People living with joint pain related to conditions, such as: arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia, often report when temperatures drop, their joint pain acts up.  It’s true, cold weather causes muscles to tense, which can lead to less mobility and flexibility in the joints. Some studies also associate joint pain with changes in...

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