patellofemoral arthritis | Pinehurst, NC

How to Tell If You Have Osteoarthritis

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With summer in full swing, it’s not likely that you are going to catch the common cold or flu. And although these airborne viruses are nothing to mess with, here at Dr. John Moore’s office we see patients for a whole other beast: orthopaedic and joint issues. As a fairly common joint condition, osteoarthritis is nothing to mess with but luckily, it’s not something that you’re going to contract from your neighbor. So, how is osteoarthritis caused and how can you tell if you have it?

How Is It Caused?

Because arthritis is primarily prevalent in the knees and hips, there’s no getting around the fact that constant wear and tear of walking and running is one of the culprits of it. However, there are other factors that also play a role including:

  • Genetics: Collagen is a protein that helps make up the cartilage in your joints. Some people inherit a rare genetic defect which lowers their body’s production of collagen; this can lead to some patients developing osteoarthritis as young as 20.
  • Joint Overuse: If you work in an industry where you’re continually standing, kneeling, or placing pressure on your joints, this puts you at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis.
  • Obesity: Adding extra weight to your joints on top of the usual wear and tear can also increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis.
  • Joint Injury: Patients who have previous sports injuries are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis later on in their lives.
  • Certain Diseases: Patients who have rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop osteoarthritis as well. Other diseases can also increase your likelihood of getting it.

What Are the Symptoms?

In some patients, it can be hard to decipher from just having stiff joints to having a condition like osteoarthritis. The best way for us to determine whether or not you have this is with an examination from Dr. John Moore. Typically, patients with osteoarthritis have:

  • Stiffness in the joint after periods of inactivity
  • Pain after activity involving the joint, particularly intensive use
  • Pain that radiates from the hips to the groin, buttocks, or the inside of the thigh
  • Clicking or cracking sounds when a joint bends
  • Joint aching and soreness, especially with certain movements
  • Mild swelling around a joint
  • A scraping sensation in the knees after movement
  • In the fingers, bone spurs may make the fingers swollen, tender, and red.

If have any of these signs or symptoms of osteoarthritis, contact our Pinehurst office today at 910-295-0224.

Knee Replacement Pinehurst, NC

2 Types of Knee Replacement Surgeries and What You Need to Know

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Finding out you need a knee replacement is probably the last thing you want to hear, but it’s probably something that’s been a long time coming. In fact, it’s very rare that a knee replacement is spontaneous because it’s usually the result of years of pain, injury, and a variety of treatments. If Dr. John Moore has recently told you that you need a knee replacement, you probably have more than a dozen questions circulating this process including what types of knee replacement you will need. To help you feel a little bit more informed, let’s take a closer look at two types of knee replacements that we offer at Dr. John Moore’s office.

Revision Knee Replacement

In some instances, if a previous knee replacement has failed, then Dr. John Moore may recommend a surgery called a revision knee replacement. During this procedure, Dr. John Moore will replace any failed components from the original surgery with more modern implants.

Total Knee Replacement

This is the most common type of knee replacement. During this surgical procedure, the end cap of the femur is removed and replaced by a metal shell that’s made up of chromium, cobalt, or titanium. Additionally, the upper-end cap of the tibia can also be replaced by a material made from plastic or a high-density polyethylene that is attached to the bone by a metal plate. This process creates a knee that is made up of metal-on-plastic and helps act as your natural knee joint. During this surgery, Dr. John Moore may also replace a portion of the patella that slides on the femur.

Knee replacement surgeries are not of the most common types of orthopedic surgeries that we perform here at Dr. John Moore office. Although finding out that you have to undergo this type of surgery isn’t exactly good news, the outcome will be. Are you ready to take steps to learn more about this type of surgical procedure? Schedule your consultation with Dr. John Moore at 910.295.0224.

Osteoarthritis Pinehurst, NC

5 Sneaky Myths About Osteoarthritis

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“You’ll never get arthritis… unless your parents had it. But if you have arthritis, make sure you don’t exercise… it will make it worse.” These are just a few of the myths that surround osteoarthritis. As one of the conditions that Dr. John Moore treats at our office, osteoarthritis is a lot more common than you may be aware of. To help you feel more informed about this condition, we have created a brief list debunking some of the common myths surrounding this condition. Let’s take a closer look!

Myth #1: It’s Uncommon

Osteoarthritis is actually a lot more common than you may think. In fact, it’s the most common form of arthritis in patients and affects about 27 million Americans. So, before you start thinking that it’s rare, think of these numbers.

Myth #2: Weight Isn’t a Factor

Did you know that two-thirds of obese patients will develop osteoarthritis at one point in their lifetime? Did you also know that one pound of excess weight acts as four pounds of weight on your knees? The heavier you are, the more of a strain there is on your joints and ligaments which increases your chances of developing this type of arthritis.

Myth #3: Exercise Will Make It Worse

You may think that the more stress you put on your joints by exercising, the worse it will get. However, low impact exercises like swimming, walking, and cycling can lessen the pain and inflammation and make you feel better overall.

Myth #4: If Your Parents Had It, You Will Too

Although genetics can play an active role in your likelihood of developing osteoarthritis, they aren’t definite. If your parents had osteoarthritis, try to keep a closer eye on your joints and tell your primary physician, but also know that you may not ever develop it.

Myth #5: Changes In Temperature Make It Worse

Many patients mistake their body tensing up to colder temperatures as a joint flare up. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports the claim that a change in temperature plays a role in your symptoms.

If you have stiff, aching, swollen joints, you may be suffering from osteoarthritis. During your initial appointment at our office, we should be able to diagnose you and get you started on a treatment plan. Ready to take the steps toward learning more about this condition? Contact our office today at 910.295.0224.

Joint Replacement Pinehurst NC

How Is Outpatient Joint Treatment Different From Traditional Joint Replacement?

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Similar to how there are trends in the fashion industry, we see trends in the orthopedic industry all of the time. One of the biggest trends that we have seen his surgeries moving more toward outpatient procedures including outpatient joint treatment. Dr. John Moore specializes in outpatient joint treatment rather than a traditional joint replacement for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a closer look at why.

Faster recovery

Patients who undergo inpatient joint replacement surgery tend to recover faster than those who get an outpatient surgery done. Even though you will still have to do physical therapy, they will come to your home so you won’t have to worry about the inconvenience and hassle of traveling to a clinic.

Increased patient satisfaction scores

Studies show that both patients and their families are more satisfied with outpatient joint treatment than inpatient treatments. By getting patients back to the comfort of their own home faster, it makes everyone happier.

Lower complication and Infection rates

Because outpatient joint replacement surgeries use more precise techniques than traditional inpatient surgeries, they are considered to be less invasive and result in fewer blood transfusions, infections, and other complications.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Outpatient Joint Replacement?

During your initial consultation, we will try to determine if you are a good candidate for outpatient joint replacement surgery. Candidates for this surgery are restricted to healthy, privately insured patients. Additionally, patients that are socially supported and physically healthy have a higher approval rating.

Dr. John Moore has completed over 100 outpatient joint replacement surgeries— so you know you’re in good hands. If you want to learn more about outpatient joint replacement surgery, schedule a consultation at our Pinehurst office today: 910.295.0224.

Hip Replacement Pinehurst NC

4 Leading Causes of Hip Replacement Surgery

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Your grandma may have had one, your neighbor may have had one, and you may be in need of one. If you’re not familiar with hip replacement surgery, then you may assume it involves replacing your entire hip with an artificial one. However, this type of surgery doesn’t involve replacing the entire hip but rather, it involves replacing the hip joint. During this procedure, Dr. John Moore will create an artificial hip joint made out of high-density polyethylene. Here are four leading causes of hip replacement surgery.

  1. Avascular Necrosis

Blood isn’t just for vampires. Blood is required for bone growth because they are living tissues. When your blood supply is interrupted, as with avascular necrosis, your bone begins to collapse or die.

  1. Hip Fractures

One of the most commons causes of a total hip replacement is when a patient fractures their hip. Although some hip fractures can be solved with a pin or screw, there are some instances in which a hip replacement is required.

  1. Post Traumatic Arthritis

Traumatic joint damage can be caused by a variety of things including an automobile accident, a work-related accident, or even some fractures. In advanced stages of post-traumatic arthritis, patients may need to consider a hip replacement.

  1. Osteoarthritis

This form of arthritis is the most common form in patients who are over the age of 50. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the hip starts to wear away so that you have bone on bone rubbing which can lead to a host of problems.

If you are suffering from any of the conditions above and you have noticed that your symptoms are getting worse, then it may be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. John Moore at our Pinehurst office. During your initial consultation, we will perform a physical exam and may take some x-rays to get a closer look at your hips. From there, we will be able to create a recovery plan.

Call us at 910.295.0224 to learn more!

Orthopaedic Services Pinehurst, NC

The Importance of RICE for an Injury

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Immediately after any type of accident or sports-related injury, there is one thing— other than scheduling an appointment with Dr. John Moore— that we encourage all of our patients to do: RICE. And although you may like to eat rice with your Chinese food, this is a different type of rice that we are talking about.

Rest

If you are particularly active, this may be the hardest thing for you to do but it’s also one of the most important. The more rest you give your injury, the faster it is going to heal and the less likely you are to injure it further.

Ice

Icing your injury is one of the fastest ways to get rid of inflammation. When icing your injury, try to use a soft gel ice pack that molds around your bones and joints— that way your entire injury is being iced. Try to ice on for about 15-20 minutes at a time and then allow your skin to breathe for about the same amount of time. Repeat throughout the day as necessary.

Compress

If you got an elbow, wrist, ankle, or knee injury, one of the best things you can do is to wear a tight compress until you come into see, Dr. John Moore. When choosing a compress, make sure that it fits around your injury snuggly but not so tight that it cuts off any sort of circulation.

Elevate

While you’re resting during the day and while you’re sleeping at night, make sure that you elevate your injury above the heart. The elevation will help reduce the inflammation by allowing fluid to drain from that area.

RICE is one of the best things you can do for any injury. If you were recently injured, schedule your appointment at our Pinehurst office today: 910-295-0224.

Orthopaedic Services Pinehurst, NC

How to Prepare for Orthopaedic Surgery

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Now that the holidays are behind us, you likely have more time in your schedule to finally schedule that orthopedic surgery from Dr. John Moore. Just like with any surgery, Dr. John Moore along with our staff encourage all of our patients to make a conscious effort to take part in the preparatory steps of the orthopedic surgical process— this will not only help the surgery go smoother, but it will also help with your recovery as well.

Register for HealthLoop

If you haven’t already, we encourage our patients to participate in our Healthloop electronic service that allows our staff to stay connected with you by using either your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Healthloop allows us to provide daily tasks, reminders, and guidance to help you and your family members stay on track as you prepare for surgery. Additionally, it also helps you communicate with Dr. John Moore and staff if you have any medical questions or concerns— day or night.

Get Your Walker and Bedside Commode

Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure that your walker and bedside commode is scheduled to be delivered by the time you come home from the hospital. By having these items in place for when you get home, you can ensure that you have a safe, speedy, and hopefully faster recovery. If you need help ordering these items, contact Michelle, and she can help you.

Schedule Your Mandatory Pre-Operative Appointment

As the name suggests, this appointment is mandatory for all patients to attend. During this two-hour long appointment with Michelle Moore, we will perform x-rays, an EKG, labs, and a preoperative evaluation. Additionally, make sure that you bring all of your current medications with you so that we can make sure that they won’t cause any complications during or after surgery.

Getting ready for your orthopedic surgery is one of the most important steps in the process. If you would like to learn more about your pre-operative requirements, contact Dr. John Moore today to schedule a consultation.

Osteoarthritis Pinehurst, NC

3 Myths About Osteoarthritis

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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused when the joint cartilage breaks down— leaving patients in pain and discomfort. Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that nearly 50% of adults are estimated to get osteoarthritis at one point or another in their lifetime, there are a few things that you can do to prevent it altogether. To help you feel more informed about this condition, let’s take a closer look at some myths.

It’s Caused By Cracking Your Knuckles

If you are a frequent knuckle cracker, you may experience some sore, tender joints sometimes. However, unlike common myth, knuckle cracking does not cause arthritis. Even though knuckle cracking isn’t a cause for arthritis, however, it’s still not good for your joints.

Exercise Makes It Worse

Exercise is good for your heart, lungs, and yes, you guessed it, even your joints. Even though you aren’t going to want to become a marathon runner if you have osteoarthritis, you should still be getting regular exercise. Specifically, low impact exercise can help ease your arthritis pain.

It Will Go Away On Its Own

Your acne may ease up on its own and that cold will more than likely go away without you ever having to visit your physician, but one thing is for certain: if you have osteoarthritis, you should seek the help of a professional like Dr. John Moore. With the proper diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment, Dr. John Moore can help you alleviate your osteoarthritis symptoms and get back on the road toward a more comfortable life.

Sore and aching joints are just two of the symptoms of osteoarthritis. If you think you may have this condition or if you want to learn more about treatment options, contact our Pinehurst office today!

Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery Pinehurst NC

FAQ’s About Knee and Hip Replacement Surgery

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Going into a knee or hip replacement surgery can make patients feel like they’re walking into a spook alley— completely unaware and unsure of what to expect behind every corner. However, Dr. John Moore wants all of his patients to feel confident and informed before they go into surgery which is why we have created this brief list of Frequently Asked Questions.

Will I go Home After Surgery?

90% of Dr. John Moore’s patients are sent home rather than to a rehab facility after surgery. If you are in a nursing facility before surgery, however, you will be sent back to the same place.

Is Physical Therapy Required After Surgery?

Yes. Our staff will arrange for a physical therapist to come to your home to help you with some strengthening and other exercises. After a few sessions, you should be able to practice these exercises on your own without the assistance of a PT.

How Long Will I Be At the Hospital For?

Because knee and hip replacement surgeries are inpatient surgeries, they will require you to spend an average of two nights in the hospital. Some patients will need an additional night stay depending on a few factors.

Will I Need Special Equipment While In Recovery?

Dr. John Moore and his staff will arrange for the delivery and setup of special equipment required for recovery. For instance, patients will need a walker and an elevated toilet seat with handles. Additional equipment may be necessary depending on the type of surgery you had.

If at any time during or before your surgery you have questions or concerns, our staff is here to answer your questions.

Schedule your surgical consultation at our Pinehurst office today!

Hip Replacement Surgery Pinehurst, NC

Pedal to the Metal: 3 Reasons to Avoid Driving After Hip Replacement Surgery

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Hip Replacement SurgeryUndergoing any surgery, especially hip replacement surgery, is physically and emotionally taxing on any individual. As one of the most important aspects of this type of surgery, however, it’s important that you avoid doing certain things like driving while in recovery. Although it may be hard to rely on others for rides to and from work, home, or the grocery store, abstaining from driving is important for several reasons.

You May Be On Narcotics

One of the biggest considerations to make before getting behind the wheel while you’re in recovery is narcotic use. Although narcotics can be safe to use for a brief amount of time to ease your pain and discomfort, they will impair your judgment and make you a liability while on the road.

You May Not Have Strength

Physical therapy is the best way to gain your strength back after having a hip replacement, but it takes some time to get results. Right after surgery and for the first several weeks afterward, you may not have the strength needed to do things like push on the brake and gas pedals— which makes it impossible to drive. After a combination of physical therapy and at-home exercises, you should start to gain back your strength and hopefully be able to drive before you know it.

You May Not Have Your Reflexes Back

One of the best things they teach when you’re 16 and in Driver’s Ed. is defensive driving, aka acting on your reflexes. However, after you have hip replacement surgery, your reflexes won’t be quite as reactive as they once were which makes you a danger on the road. During physical therapy, you will work on strengthening your new hip joint so that your reflexes are razor sharp again. As soon as you get your reflexes back, you may get the approval to start driving again.

Before you get back behind the wheel, it’s important that you are off narcotics, and that you have your strength and reflexes back.

Schedule your appointment with Dr. John Moore today to learn more about hip replacement surgery.