Derek L. Hill, D.O.

Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon and Specialist

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586-751-3480
11446 E. 13 Mile Road • Suite C • Warren, Michigan 48093
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Ice vs. Heat: Which One Helps Ease Knee Pain Better?

Posted on 10.14.14 | 5 Comments

child_kneeIf you experience knee pain, you’re probably not wondering what type of pain it is. In fact you may not even know there are two basic types of athletic sport injuries: acute and chronic. Acute injuries are brief, occur rapidly, and the cause is usually obvious. They cause pain, and often result from an impact or trauma, like a sprain or collision.

Chronic injuries, on the other hand, develop slowly; they’re persistent and last long. Cause is usually muscle overuse, but may also develop if an acute injury is not properly treated or healed. Most athletes know that ice is applied to an acute injury (i.e. sprained ankle), but they may not know the best time to apply heat.

A knee injury that results in pain, tenderness, redness, skin warm to touch, swelling, or inflammation needs treatment with ice during the first 48 hours after injury. Remember, if there is swelling you have an acute injury. The immediate application of cold therapy, after injury, helps reduce swelling and pain. Ice works as a vaso-constrictor, narrowing blood vessels, which limits internal site bleeding. Apply ice, wrapped in a thin towel to the affected area for 10 minutes. You can ice an acute injury several times a day, up to three days. Just be sure to allow the skin temperature to return to normal before icing a second or third time. Athletes also use ice therapy after a run to help reduce or prevent inflammation.

The best treatment for chronic injuries or injuries with no inflammation or swelling (i.e. sore, stiff, joint pain) is usually heat. Heat, applied to muscles, helps relax tight muscles or spasms. Some athletes with chronic pain or injury may use heat before exercise to increase elasticity and stimulate blood flow. Never apply heat after exercise. However, you should apply heat in 15-20 minute increments, using lots of layers between the heat source and skin to prevent any burns. According to Quinn, “Because some injuries can be serious, you should see your doctor if your injury does not improve (or gets worse) within 48 hours.”

Reference:
Quinn, E., 2014, August 11. Ice or Heat an Injury. Retrieved from http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/rehab/a/heatorcold.htm

Written by: Jamacia Magee, Rust Built, Marketing Services

Basketball Related Injuries & Prevention

Posted on 03.6.14 | 3 Comments

child_kneeKnee and hip injuries are two of the most common sports related injuries among athletes, and basketball injuries make up some of the most varied sports injuries. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing in a high school championship or for an NBA title, the physicality of basketball is one reason why injuries to your knees and hips can result.

KNEE INJURIES

One type of knee injury, the sprain, results from a ligament tear not severe enough to make your knee give out. In order for it to heal properly you will need to immobilize the knee. Once the tear has healed you will need to perform stretching and strengthening exercises for the muscles to keep the knee in place. A more severe knee injury like a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) will make your knee give out immediately, but it doesn’t always require surgery to participate in sports again. You may only have to do special exercises to strengthen the thigh muscle and wear a knee brace.

HIP INJURIES

Hip injuries are very painful, take longer to heal, and often occur as the result of a fall. The most common hip problem is the hip pointer injury, which results from impact to the iliac crest of the pelvis. This injury usually results in a sharp and strong pain and requires a long recovery. Avoiding a hip injury is really difficult, but there is protective hip equipment available to help reduce the chances of serious injury. If an athlete suffers a hip injury, never attempt to return to training before being given the all clear by a professional. Returning too soon can lead to further complications and a much longer lay off. Also, keep in mind before you start exercising to warm-up and stretch because it will help warm up your muscles, increase flexibility, reduce stiffness and prevent injury.

Medical Disclaimer: Always talk to a medical consultant before starting a new exercise routine, returning to exercise after injury, or if you have any health care-related questions.

Written by: Jamacia Magee, Rust Built, Marketing Services

Children and Knee Injuries

Posted on 01.2.14 | 6 Comments

children and knee injuriesChildren & Knee Injuries: Causes, Treatments, and Tips to Prevent Them

According to the website Kidshealth.org, thousands of kids sprain, fracture, or dislocate a knee every year. The cause of a knee injury can be anything from typical kid’s play to sports related and can be as mild as a sprain that needs rest and a short heal time, to a more serious injury that requires surgery and a longer time to heal.Read More >

Tips to Prevent Knee Injury

Posted on 04.9.13 | Leave a Comment

Pixmac000069034729A common knee injury can put a wrench in your sports training, leisure, and everyday life. The best way to prevent a knee injury is to take care of your knees! Following is a list of ways to be proactive in your knee joint health in order to avoid injury.

The following tips may prevent knee problems.

 

 

Read More >

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Orthopedic Specialties

  • Total Knee Replacement
  • Partial Knee Replacement
  • Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement
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  • Rapid Recovery

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