The streets of downtown Edwardsville were filled with the sounds of cyclists whizzing by, cheering fans, upbeat music blaring and lots and lots of cowbell (because you gotta have more cowbell)! Saturday, August 18 marked the 9th annual Edwardsville Rotary Criterium. The event, which featured seven high-speed bike races, both professional and amateur, foot races, kid races, local food, drink and fun family activities drew thousands to downtown Edwardsville.
We were thrilled to sponsor the new-this-year Downtown Dash Elite event. The Dash Elite Run was a two-lap, 1.4-mile fast-paced running race on the Criterium route. It was awesome to see runners of all ages taking on the criterium route while being cheered on by thousands of spectators! Even Dr. Grebing’s wife, Gina, got in on the action and was an awesome representative for CAO!
Dr. Grebing and his wife, Gina, who participated in the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium’s Downtown Dash race. The race was sponsored by The Center for Advanced Orthopedics.
Afterward, our very own Dr. Grebing had the honor of handing out the medals to the Dash Elite finalists. It was a fantastic evening and we’re already looking forward to next year!
Dr. Grebing had the honor of passing out the medals for the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium’s Downtown Dash race sponsored by CAO.
Sprains and strains are . . . apain. You’ve probably experienced the stabbing pain and limited mobility as a result of a pulled muscle or sprained ankle. Sprains and strains are the result of the ligament or muscle being overly stretched or torn due to physical activity such as sports, exercising or working. Luckily, these minor injuries typically resolve themselves within a few days. However, if severe enough, surgery can be required to correct the damage and reconnect the tissue. Read on to learn about the symptoms, treatment and prevention of these irritating injuries.
Symptoms
Sprains and strains actually refer to two different types of injuries. A sprain occurs when a ligament, the fibrous connective tissue that connects bones and holds together joints, is injured. Joints, such as your ankles, knees and wrists, are most susceptible to sprains.
A strain refers to a muscle or tendon injury. Tendons are the fibrous tissue that connects the muscle and bone. A strain is also known as a pulled or torn muscle. A muscle tear is when the muscle fibers actually rip (ouch!) due to an overzealous physical activity or from being stretched too quickly. Strains most commonly affect your foot, leg or back, but can also occur in your hand and elbow.
Typically, you’ll know the moment you overstretch, pull or tear a ligament or muscle because of the ensuing sharp pain. Below are some additional symptoms of sprains and strains.
Sprain:
You might hear or feel a ‘pop’ when the injury occurs.
Pain, bruising, swelling or redness at the site of the injury.
The joint feels stiff and unstable.
Strain:
Acute or sharp pain.
Muscle spasms or painful cramping.
Treatment
Most sprains and strains are treatable in the comfort of your own home. To treat minor sprains and strains at home, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends the RICE method:
Rest – Take a break from the activity that caused the injury. Your doctor may recommend that you use crutches to avoid putting weight on your leg.
Ice – Use cold packs for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
Compression – To prevent additional swelling and blood loss, wear an elastic compression bandage.
Elevation – To reduce swelling, elevate the injury higher than your heart while resting.
You can also take an over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medication, such as naproxen or ibuprofen to help reduce pain and the amount of swelling. If pain persists after several days or you’re having mobility issues, it’s important to see a physician to prevent permanent damage.
Prevention
To prevent painful sprains, strains and tears always thoroughly warm-up and stretch before any physical activity and afterwards. Whether you’re playing on a recreational racquetball league or helping your team win the state title, weekend warriors and all-star athletes all run the risk of injury.
In fact, it’s best practice to stretch every day whether you’re heading out for a run or to work. A daily exercise regimen can also help ward off injury.
If you’re dealing with pain from a strain or sprain, schedule an appointment with the best doctors in the St. Louis metro east. We offer same day appointments and accept most major insurance. Contact us to schedule your appointment!
Last month Dr. Grebing braved Red Sox territory to attend the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society’s annual conference. Each year foot and ankle specialists from all over the globe convene to share and discuss the latest technology and procedures, as well exchange ideas. This year Boston served as the historic, yet lively backdrop for the well-attended (more than 1,000!) convention.
The 2018 annual AOFAS meeting was held in Boston.Photo courtesy of AOFAS.
The five-day event featured expert speakers covering topics ranging from trauma to reconstruction and everything in between. We could provide the complete list, but topics like “Radiographic Results of Nitinol Compression Staples for Hindfoot and Midfoot Arthrodeses” might bore you . . .
The conference also featured guest speaker, Dr. Jeremy DeSilva, an associate professor of anthropology at Dartmouth College. His speech, “The Evolution of the Human Foot,” was based on his research as a paleoanthropologist, focusing on the “locomotion of the first apes and early human ancestors,” per AOFAS. Dr. DeSilva’s bio goes on to say that “his expertise in the human foot and ankle has contributed to the understanding of the origins and evolution of upright walking in the human lineage.” Impressive, right?
Dr. Brett Grebing is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in the foot and ankle.
So what does all this mean for our patients? It means that our physicians are fully dedicated to their ongoing education. Our orthopedic surgeons always work towards improving themselves to benefit our patients. Dr. Grebing continually strives to stay up-to-date on the most current research pertaining to his profession, improve his process, apply the latest technologies and perform procedures to better his patients’ health. Don’t settle when it comes to your health and well-being. Always strive for the best!
Schedule an Appointment
Ready to start feeling better? Put your health (and feet) in qualified hands. Dr. Grebing specializes in the foot and ankle and is board-certified and fellowship-trained. Call us at 618-288-9460 to schedule an appointment or visit www.c4ao.com for more information.
Cheri, a CAO total knee replacement patient, crosses the finish line at the Bonifest 2M walk in Edwardsville.
CAO patient, Cheri, took the time to talk with us about her total knee replacement performed by Dr. Bicalho. She discusses why she selected CAO, the process and life after a TKR.
Why did you choose Dr. Bicalho and The Center for Advanced Orthopedics for your total knee replacement?
I chose Dr. Bicalho/The Center for Advanced Orthopedics for my knee replacement because my husband had previously crushed his heel and Dr. Grebing did such a great job putting it back together and CAO was so helpful during that time.
Dr. Bicalho and Total Knee Replacement Patient, Cheri
What symptoms were you experiencing prior to surgery? Do you know what caused the symptoms?
I was experiencing almost constant pain in my knee, I could not straighten or bend my knee completely and it was getting difficult to walk without hip pain. The cause was probably from prior sports injuries (2 meniscus surgeries and many injections).
How was the process (from the first appointment to post-surgery)?
The process was very simple and easy. The girls in the office are very accommodating in setting up appointments and were able to work with me on good times for appointments. Dr. Bicalho was very informative and willing to answer any questions I had. I was at Anderson Hospital with a good staff of nurses and caregivers. The knee-bender machine Dr. Bicalho ordered for me was the best therapy ever. After coming home I had nurses come to the house. I did not have to run to the hospital every day for therapy. They were very good therapists. The follow-up appointments at CAO included X-rays and time with Dr. Bicalho. I feel it was a very thorough and attentive experience.
What was the date of your surgery? How long was your recovery?
My surgery was December 7, 2016. (Dr. Bicalho was kind enough to let me put it off for a few months so I could go to Disney World with my grandkids!) Recovery took about 4 weeks. I talked Dr. Bicalho into letting me go back to work a couple of weeks early.
What made you decide to participate in the Bonifest 2M walk?
I decided to do the Bonifest 2K Walk because our PE teacher (I work at Lahr-Well Christian Academy) was organizing students to walk/run together. I asked Dr. Bicalho if I could run in the race. He said no, but I could walk and then offered to sponsor me. So I will walk the 2K (and I will definitely wear the T-shirt from CAO!)
CAO Patient is TKR (Total Knee Replacement) Tough
How did you prepare for this walk post-surgery?
We have been preparing for the Walk/Run by walking down the MCT trail located behind Eden Church, which is where our school is located. If it is not raining we (meaning all the students and me and the PE teacher) usually walk 1 and 1/2 to 2 miles each day. We also do a set of exercises from the Presidential program.
Future goals?
A future goal would be to continue to do this walk each year. Since I cannot run, I will definitely do the walk!
Any final thoughts?
For anyone who is requiring knee surgery, I would definitely recommend Dr. Bicalho and CAO.
CAO was honored to sponsor Cheri in her first 2M walk since having a total knee replacement (TKR).
You must be logged in to post a comment.