Patellofemoral Arthritis Pinehurst, NC

The Basics of Patellofemoral Arthritis

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Arthritis can affect just about any part of the body, including the knees. When we see patients with knee arthritis, they tend to experience a lot of pain behind the knee cap, which can make even walking uncomfortable to do. If you think that you or one of your loved ones has this type of arthritis, then it’s helpful to know the basics. Let’s take a closer look at what some of the basics are.

Who Is At Risk of Getting It?

Similar to other types of arthritis, there are several potential risks of patellofemoral arthritis including:

  • Females: Statistics show that women are more commonly affected than men
  • Obesity- Excessive weight can lead to joint degeneration which can cause kneecap arthritis
  • Health problems: Patients with gout, dysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis, and Paget’s disease are more likely to get
  • Repetitive movements: Repetitive movements like standing for sustained amounts of time can lead to osteoarthritis in the knee
  • Age: Most patients who are diagnosed, are over the age of 40
  • Injury: If you have or have had a knee injury, the trauma can lead to arthritis in the knees.

What Are the Symptoms?

Patients with this type of arthritis usually experience knee swelling, pain, irritation, and they hear a crackling sound in their knee joints when they walk.

How Is It Diagnosed?

When patients come in with a variety of symptoms that are indicative of arthritis, we like to run a number of tests. Tests include a comprehensive physical examination, a look at your medical history, MRI’s or CT scans, blood work, and even a lab evaluation.

What Are the Treatments?

Depending on the severity of your arthritis, treatments include:

  • Cortisone Injections
  • Swimming and walking to strengthen the muscles around the knee
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
  • Weight loss and management

Surgery

If you or your loved one have any of the symptoms listed in this article, schedule an appointment with us and call  910.295.0224.

Hip Bursitis Pinehurst, NC

The Basics of Hip Bursitis

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You probably don’t think much about your hip and joints, that is until they start acting up. Here at our office, we see patients for just about any and every joint issue including hip bursitis. But what is this condition and how can it be treated? Let’s take a closer look and see.

What Is Hip Bursitis?

There are two types of hip bursitis, both of which cause inflammation in the hip.

  • Trochanteric Bursitis: This is the most common type of bursitis, and it takes place on the bony part of the hip called the trochanteric bursa.
  • Iliopsoas Bursitis: This is a lot less common than trochanteric bursitis and takes place on the inside of the hip toward the groin.

What are the symptoms?

Typically, patients experience sharp, intense, acute pain that spreads from their hip and then goes down their legs. The pain tends to be worse at night, after long walks, climbing a lot of stairs, or a lot of time spent in a squatting position.

Who Gets Bursitis?

Patients with bursitis tend to be either elderly or women. Also, patients who experience the following are at a greater risk of getting it:

  • Hip Injury – This can be a fall onto your hip, a bump with your hip, or even when you lie on one side of your body for an extended period.
  • Spine disease – Scoliosis, osteoarthritis in the lumbar spine, and other diseases inflame the hip bursae.
  • Unequal leg lengths – When one leg is significantly shorter than the other, the stress when walking can lead to irritation of the bursa.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis – This increases the likelihood that your bursa will become inflamed.
  • Bone spurs – These can develop within the tendons that attach muscles to the trochanter.
  • Repetitive stress or overuse – When you’re a runner, cyclist, run stairs, or have a job that keeps you on your feet for long periods, you’re more likely to develop bursitis.
  • Previous surgery – Hip replacement or surgery in the area can lead to bursitis.

What Is treatment Like?

Depending on how severe your bursitis is,we  will determine what kind of treatment you may best benefit from. Treatments include:

  • Making some changes in your activities
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy
  • Steroid Injections

If you suffer from hip bursitis or if you want to learn more about it, contact our office and call us at  910.295.0224.

How to Alleviate Joint Pain Without Narcotics

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With the opioid epidemic, we encourage more and more of our patients to seek relief from pain without the use of narcotics. Although it’s not always possible to do, we do have a few ways for patients who suffer from joint pain, in particular, to find comfort without having to risk getting addicted to substances.

Take Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is perfect at alleviating symptoms like swelling, pain, and aching without the chance of getting addicted. However, because ibuprofen is a blood thinner, you shouldn’t take it for extended periods or with other blood thinners. Before you start taking it, ask one of our doctors if it’s okay to take it with many different types of medication that you are on.

Practice What You Learned at Physical Therapy

The goal of physical therapy is to strengthen your joints and help you seek relief from pain but to teach you stretches and exercises to do on your own. In other words, your physical therapist will want you to be self-sufficient eventually. Make sure that you are practicing your physical therapy as frequently as instructed; especially when you have a flare up of pain.

Ice and Heat

The combination of icing and using heat is another great way to get rid of any joint pain or discomfort (especially when there is swelling involved). If you notice that you are having a flare-up alternate between both cold and heat. For instance, ice for two minutes and then heat form three. If you have double sink s in your bathroom, try to fill one sink up with ice water and one sink up with hot water. Alternating between the two will be easy to do (unless you are icing your knees or ankles).

Finding relief from pain can feel impossible sometimes without the use of narcotics, but as long as you’re consistent with treatment, it’s definitely a possibility. If you want to learn more about ways to find relief from pain, contact our Pinehurst office today and call  910.295.0224.

The Basics of the STOP Act of North Carolina

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With the opioid epidemic taking over just about every corner of the country, North Carolina Legislatures passed a bill called STOP to help prevent narcotic addictions in medical patients. STOP or The Strengthen Opioid Misuse Prevention (STOP) Act of 2017 is designed to help both doctors and patients in the fight against the misuse of opioids. Let’s take a closer look at some of the details of this bill.

Opioid prescribing consultants

Under this law, both nurse practitioners and physicians assistants are required to advise with their supervising physician before prescribing any sorts of narcotics to patients. Additionally, they are also required to revisit with the supervising doctor for prescription refill requests after 90 to make sure that the prescription is still warranted.

Limits the Number of Opioids that Can be Prescribed

Another thing that STOP does is it limits the amount of opioids that can be prescribed to a patient upon an initial consultation. Specifically, patients can only legally be prescribed no more than a 5-day supply for acute injuries and a 7-day supply for surgeries.

Review Patients 12-Month History

Another thing that STOP requires from physicians is to review a patient’s 12-month medical and prescription history for any prior misuse of opioids or narcotics.

As always, Dr. John Moore and our staff are compliant with all of the STOP regulations, requirements, and guidelines. If you have any questions about the STOP Act and our compliance with it, contact us at our office and call 910.295.0224.

Joint Injury Pinehurst NC

3 Spring Activities to Add a Little Bit of Spring Into Your Step

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With spring just around the corner, you may be ready to give up your Netflix obsession and head outdoors for some serious Vitamin D. If, however, you suffer from a joint injury in your knees, hips, or ankles, then you know just how painful everyday life can be. To help you head outdoors and add a little bit of a spring to your step, we have created a list of three joint-friendly activities for you to try.

Spring Stroll

When you’ve been cooped up inside all winter, getting outside for some fresh air can make a world of difference. To get your joints moving and your heart rate up, consider going on a springtime stroll around your neighborhood. Start out by doing something small like going around the block and then every day try to increase that amount so that you can get a really full walk in.

Swimming

If there’s one sport that’s especially good for your joints it’s swimming. Depending on the weather, you may or may not be able to head outdoors and swim this spring. Even if it’s too cold to swim outdoors, you can find a local indoor swimming pool to get out your wiggles out.

Cycling

Springtime in North Carolina is one of the best times of the year to head outside and hop on your bike for a bike ride. Plus, biking is really easy on your joints; especially if you’re not doing too steep of an incline. Just remember to take it slow at first and then slowly work up to it.

Spend your spring doing things that you love in the outdoors. If you want to learn more about these and other joint friendly activities that you can do, contact us at our Pinehurst office today and call us at 910-295-0224.

knee arthritis pinehurst NC

3 Ways to Have Better Joints in 2019

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Whether you suffer from knee pain, wrist pain, hand pain, hip pain, or any other joint pain, you know just how debilitating it can feel at times. Now that 2019 is here, we have a few tips to get less pain and more comfort this year. From taking joint medication to stretching, this article will list a few ways you can find relief from the comfort of your own home.

Take Joint Medication

Depending on the severity of your joint pain, your current health, and where your pain is located, Dr. John Moore may recommend that you take either an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or he may even prescribe you with a prescription joint medication. Joint medication is great at helping relieve pain, stiffness, inflammation, and overall discomfort.

Ice

Swollen joints can be uncomfortable and irritating. To get rid of swollen joints— especially during a flare-up— make sure that you ice them by using a soft, gel ice pack. To start out, try icing for 10-15-minute intervals about 3-5 times per day.

Stretch

Stiff joints can be extra painful. To help loosen up your joints, you can do a variety of things at home including stretching. By doing slow, consistent stretches a few times a day, you will hopefully notice your joints loosen up and start to feel more comfortable. If you have questions about what stretches to do or how to do them, our office can help.

By getting into the habit of doing these three things on a regular basis, you can hopefully get rid of stiff, uncomfortable joints and start feeling like yourself again. If you want to learn a little bit more about joints, schedule an appointment with Dr. John Moore at our office today and give us a call at 910.295.0224

Knee Surgery Pinehurst, NC

How to Avoid A Ski Injury This Winter

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Tis the season for all things snow. If you are a big snow enthusiast then you may have more than a few ski trips planned. However if you have had a prior knee injury, then you know just how scary skiing and other snow sports can be. To help you avoid getting an injury while you’re on the slopes, Dr. John Moore has created a list of things for you to do.

Wrap It

One of the easiest ways to get an injury while you’re skiing is to lose stability. To help you keep your knee protected, try wrapping it before you head out on the slopes. This extra added support will help keep your knee in place while you’re downhill skiing.

Ice Afterwards

If you notice that your knee is feeling a little bit sore and tender after you spend the day skiing, try to ice it as soon as you get home. Ice is one of the easiest ways for you to get rid of swelling without having to take any medication. To ice your knees, put some soft ice packs over your knees and then bandage them over the top so that they don’t move.

Wear the Right Size of Ski Boots

Whether you are planning on using old ski boots or if you are renting ski boots, make sure that they fit your feet well. Boots that are either too large or to small may cause you to trip and get either a foot, ankle, or knee injury.

If you have recently had knee surgery and you are getting ready to go skiing, make sure that you use these tips so that you avoid getting an injury. To learn more about other ways for you to protect yourself and your joints, contact our Pinehurst office today at 910.295.0224.

Arthritis Pinehurst, NC

4 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Good for Your Arthritis

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Living with arthritis can put a real damper on everyday things like trying to open a jar of pasta sauce or even turn your doorknob. This Thanksgiving, rather than just loading your plate full of things to eat that aren’t exactly doing your body any favors, this article will list four Thanksgiving foods that are good for your arthritis. Read on to learn more.

Swap The Sugar Pies For Fruit Pies

Even though that chocolate cream pie or that pecan pie may sound a little tantalizing to your taste buds, try eating fruit pies instead. Fruit pies are the healthier option and will hopefully help you cut calories which will prevent you from gaining some additional weight that will be harmful to your joints.

Skip The Gravy

When it comes to fat drippings like gravy, they are high in saturated fats which are associated with joint inflammation and obesity; both of which you don’t want any part of if you have arthritis. Rather than dousing everything on your plate in gravy, reach for a healthier alternative like cranberry sauce instead.

Go For Fresh Veggies Over Casseroles

Sweet potato casserole and green bean casserole are two side dishes that you will see at just about every American’s Thanksgiving feast. And even though the added toppings and cream make these casseroles delicious, the excess saturated fats will only lead to joint inflammation and excess swelling.

Skip the Salt

That salt shaker that’s staring at you on the Thanksgiving table may as well be enemy number one. Excess sodium is only going to lead to inflammation and water retention which are not good for your arthritis or your joints. Make sure that you use low sodium turkey broth and that you skip the additional salt on your plate.

It can be hard to know exactly what you should and shouldn’t eat for your joint health. Use the tips in this article to ease swelling and discomfort this Thanksgiving. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us at our Pinehurst office today and call us at 910.295.0224.

Joint Replacement Surgery Pinehurst NC

How to Make Sure You’re Not Walking Like a Zombie Into Your Halloween Party

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When it comes to aging, here at Dr. John Moore’s office, we have seen it all with our patients; especially when it comes to the sore, aching joints. And even though your grandchildren may think that you look cool because you look like a zombie, that’s the last thing we want our patients to resemble. So, how can you get rid of your zombie walk even though Halloween is just around the corner? We have a few tips for you.

Ice Those Joints

If you suffer from chronic, stiff joints, then you must know by now that one of the best ways for you to find almost immediate relief is by icing. Whether you prefer to sit in an ice bath or if you just like to use ice packs, the ice will help ease inflammation and even some joint stiffness. In order to get the best results from icing, however, make sure that you are icing multiple times a day and make it a priority.

Ibuprofen

Another great way that you can help ease stiff, aching joints that are making you look like a zombie is by taking Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory drug that can be used to decrease pain and inflammation in your joints and throughout your body. Just make sure that you consult with Dr. John Moore before you start thinking Ibuprofen on a regular basis because it could result in some liver complications.

Physical Therapy

Depending on your joint condition, Dr. John Moore may encourage you to go to physical therapy on a regular basis. Physical therapy is a great way for you to stretch out your joints and learn proper techniques to help you naturally find relief. If, however, you haven’t found any relief from physical therapy, then Dr. Moore will discuss other surgical and nonsurgical options with you.

Leave the zombie walk to your grandchildren and trick or treaters this Halloween and make sure to use the tips in this article to help you find relief. To learn more, contact our Pinehurst office today and give us a call at 910.295.0224.

Osteoarthritis Pinehurst, NC

Pain in the Knee: What May Be Causing Your Knee Pain

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When it comes to joint pain, nothing is quite as common as patients who feel it most in their knees. Even though your knee pain may have felt like it came out of nowhere, there are three common culprits that may be causing it. Let’s take a closer look at them to see if you fit into one of these categories.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee

If you are over the age of 50 and are experiencing knee pain, then it may be due to a condition called osteoarthritis of the knee. Because osteoarthritis is slow developing, you may have had it for years without ever knowing about it. This degenerative form of arthritis usually occurs when the knee cartilage wears away at the joint space between the bones of the knee. In extreme instances, it may result in bone on bone joint pain.

Avascular Necrosis

This condition is usually caused after some sort of trauma or accident in which the bone loses blood supply. Because bones are living tissues, if their blood supply is interrupted, the bone will begin to die and collapse if left untreated. As you can imagine, this process will lead to some knee pain.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

We see this form of arthritis in joints all across the body including knees, shoulder, elbows, and hips, but it can also occur in your knees. Post-traumatic arthritis is a form of osteoarthritis but rather than it being caused by age, it’s usually caused by injury or another form of trauma.

These are just three of the common culprits of knee pain, but it can be caused by many different factors as well. If you suffer from knee pain, let Dr. John Moore help you find some relief. Schedule your consultation at our Pinehurst office today and call us at 910.295.0224.