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Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the structure and strength of bone changes. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men aged 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Andrew Terlecky, D.O., of Licking Memorial Orthopedic Surgery explains more about osteoporosis and how to avoid the disease.

| Posted On : 8/15/2024 10:31:47 AM |

Patient Story - Hazel Blamey

Although Hazel Blamey was born prematurely and spent a few days in the Special Care Nursery at Licking Memorial Hospital, her parents, Kianna and Cody, were pleased to note that she was happy and healthy. However, in February, Hazel’s older sister developed a cold, and soon Hazel too was exhibiting signs of illness and struggling to breathe. Hazel tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus in childhood but can be dangerous for infants. Read more about Hazel’s story here:

| Posted On : 6/6/2024 10:31:44 AM |

Communicating with Your Teenager

A necessary developmental stage of adolescence occurs when children begin to test boundaries and may pull away from parents as they begin to assert their own independence. Navigating this transition is difficult for parents; however, it is important to stay connected to children during their teenage years. Click the link to learn how parents can establish and maintain a healthy and trusting relationship with their children.

| Posted On : 6/6/2024 9:15:38 AM |

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Ask a Doc – Knee Pain with Robert W. Mueller, M.D.

Question: I have been experiencing some pain in my right knee lately. How should I decide whether to see a doctor?

Answer: Knee pain is a common concern among many patients, and can be caused by a variety of factors. It may stem from an issue with the knee joint itself, or from conditions affecting the ligaments, tendons or cartilage that surround the knee. Knee pain generally is either immediate (acute) or long-term (chronic), and the recommended treatment plan depends on the cause and severity of the pain.

It is important to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician when knee pain stems from a particular injury, or is accompanied by significant swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth around the joint, reduced range of motion, significant pain, or fever. However, knee pain that forms slowly over time often can be successfully managed at home through self-care and lifestyle changes.

In some cases, the knee can become inflamed following participation in an activity that is more strenuous than usual for an individual. This inflammation is not necessarily serious and may not be associated with a great deal of pain. However, if the knee is not properly cared for, the inflammation can become a chronic issue. Those experiencing mild, ongoing knee pain should try the RICE method to allow the knee to heal.

Rest: Avoid any activities that exacerbate the pain, but refrain from becoming sedentary. Low-impact activities such as swimming or biking can help to prevent stiffness and reduce pain. Those who continue to experience knee pain even during low-impact activities should contact their physician.
Ice: Ice your knee for 15 to 20 minutes, several times per day to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Place a thin towel between the ice and your knee in order to avoid causing damage to the nerves or skin.
Compression: Wrap your knee with an elastic bandage to help manage swelling. Ensure that the bandage is snug without causing any additional pain or discomfort.
Elevation: Lie down with your leg propped up on pillows to help control swelling.

In addition, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help to relieve pain and inflammation. These include ibuprofen (such as Advil® or Motrin®) and naproxen (such as Aleve®). For older adults and those who have kidney problems or high blood pressure, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®) often is a safer alternative.

Individuals should schedule an appointment with their physician if these interventions do not lead to a reduction in pain after one week. In addition, patients should schedule an appointment if pain worsens at any point and/or begins to interfere with daily activities. Finally, if applying pressure to the knee does not cause pain, it is possible that the pain stems from factors not directly related to the knee, such as hip problems or rheumatoid arthritis. In each of these cases, pain likely will not subside until a physician has determined the cause and prescribed a treatment plan.

These guidelines can help individuals to avoid unnecessary costs or visits to their physician’s office. However, even mild knee pain can be worrying for some patients. For those individuals, it may be beneficial to schedule an appointment in order to alleviate any concerns regarding the potential causes of their knee pain.

Before visiting a physician to address knee pain, patients should consider the following questions so that they are prepared to provide the physician with as much information as possible regarding the nature of their pain.

Where is the pain located in your knee?
How long has the pain been present?
What makes the knee feel better or worse?
Does the knee feel unstable?
Does the pain cause you to limp?
Are you experiencing pain elsewhere in your body?
Have you experienced any knee injuries?

If the RICE method provides pain relief, there are several ways to maintain knee comfort in the future. Reaching a healthy weight is one of the best ways to reduce stress on your joints and lower your risk for osteoarthritis, which is a major cause of knee pain. In addition, weak or tight muscles often contribute to knee pain and injuries. Performing exercises and stretches to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility is an excellent way to minimize the risk of knee injury. It is important to use proper techniques during any type of exercise, because improper techniques can aggravate the joints and lead to injury and/or pain.

Finally, for those who participate in high-impact activities, such as basketball, tennis or jogging, a lifestyle change may be necessary to reduce pain and prevent further damage to the knees. Consider switching to low-impact activities, such as swimming or biking, and limit participation in activities that require frequent jumping or twisting.

Licking Memorial Orthopedic Surgery focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including fractures, sports injuries, arthritis and disabling conditions of the upper and lower extremities. Individuals who are concerned about knee pain should contact their primary care physician in order to determine whether an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon
is appropriate.
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Robert W. Mueller, M.D., joined Licking Memorial Orthopedic Surgery in July 2015. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree at Johns Hopkins University Medical School in Baltimore, Maryland. He completed an internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Mueller is board certified in orthopedic surgery.

Dr. Mueller is originally from Missouri. He formerly served his country as a Staff Orthopedic Surgeon in the U.S. Navy. He has a special interest in sports-related injuries and adult reconstructive surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Dr. Mueller currently lives in Columbus with his wife, Elizabeth, and three children.

| Posted On : 8/30/2016 12:05:45 PM Filed under: