Hip Pain? 3 Stretches to Try at Home

Whether you’ve been walking more, lifting more weight, or participating in a high-intensity workout, these simple changes can make your hip hurt in a bad way. And one of the worst parts about hip pain is that it doesn’t matter whether you’re in your twenties or seventies— you can still get it. Luckily, as one of the best ways to get rid of pain, stretching can be done from the comfort of your own home. By breaking up the lactic acid in your hips and stretching out the supporting muscles, you can help to alleviate any pain. If you have just started experiencing hip pain and would like to get some relief, consider trying these three stretches at home. Read on to learn more.

The Frog

No, you aren’t going to jump over any lily pads to do this stretch. To do The Frog stretch, get on your hands and knees and slowly widen your legs as far as they will go, bringing your feet along with them— the wider your legs open out, the more of a stretch you should feel in your hips. Once your hips legs have gotten to the widest point possible, flex your feet and lean your torso forward with your arms extended in front of you— this should stretch out your hips even further.

Seated Fourth Position

If you have ever taken a ballet class, you are familiar with the first, second, third, and fourth position. To really stretch the outer part of your hips muscles, try this stretch. Sitting on the floor with your knees bent, take your right shin so that it is positioned in front of you, and drop your left shin and hip to the floor. Inhaling slowly, push your left hip forward until you start to feel a stretch.

Seated Pigeon

If you have ever taken a yoga class, then you know all about how well the seated pigeon can stretch out your hips and buttocks. To do this position sit on the floor with your knees bent. Then, grab your left legs and fold it across your right leg so that your left ankle is touching your right knee. Repeat on both sides.

If you start to experience a lot of pain at any point while doing these stretches, try switching it up. To learn more about hip stretches and pain, contact Dr. John Moore to discuss your treatment options. With a variety of tests, Dr. John Moore will be able to create a treatment plan for you and your recovery.

 

 

Not Ready to Embrace Your Knee Brace? 3 Clothing Items to Sport This Spring

knee brace‘Tis the season for shorts, skirts, swimsuits, and all things spring. However, if you have just gotten knee surgery and you have to wear a knee brace, the last thing you may want to show off are your new scars. But just because you have an injured knee, it doesn’t mean that you still can’t be fashionable. From maxi skirts to dresses, this article will discuss a few items of clothing every woman should invest in for after knee surgery. Read on to learn more.

Maxi Skirts

Long, flowy maxi-skirts are really in style this spring. With designer stores like JCrew filling their catalogs full of both dressy and casual maxi-skirts, you have plenty of options to choose from. The best thing about wearing a maxi skirt after having knee surgery is that you can cover up your knee braces while still looking fashionable. And, by pairing a dressy maxi skirt with a simple t-shirt, you can head just about anywhere looking as chic as ever.

Maxi Dresses

Another staple that everyone— not just knee brace wearers— are going to be sporting this spring is a maxi dress. Dresses are an easy, fun, and girly way to dress up your everyday wardrobe. And, just like with maxi skirts, maxi dresses will cover up your knee brace, so you won’t have to worry about everyone seeing it. When shopping for a maxi dress to go over your brace/boot, make sure that it’s loose so that it doesn’t get caught on your brace when you are walking.

Baggy Pants

No, you’re not going to be representing your inner 1990’s gangster with these pants, but baggy pants in materials like linen and cotton are so in style this spring. And, if they are baggy enough, they will be able to cover your knee brace without fail. When shopping for baggy pants to cover your braces, make sure that you can pull your pants on and off without them getting stuck on it— this will make your life a lot easier.

Maxi skirts, dresses, and baggy pants are going to be your best friend this spring if you just got knee surgery. To learn more about recovery tips from knee surgery, contact Dr. John Moore’s office today!

 

 

 

How to Massage Your Knee After ACL Surgery

ACL surgery Pinehurst, NCGetting ACL surgery can make you feel like an old man. Whether you injured your knee while playing a sport or if you got into an accident, you know just how painful it is to have a torn ACL. However, by getting surgery to repair your ACL, you can help restore your function in no time. To get your functionality back to normal after surgery, it’s important that you do a combination of things including physical therapy, massage, icing, and taking pain medication. But when it comes to massage, many of our patients don’t know how to perform it. Luckily we have created a brief instruction guide to help you. Read on to learn more.

Why Massage?

We all know that getting a back massage is a great way to help you feel calm and relaxed, but did you know it’s good for you? Massage is a technique that helps to break up things like scar tissue and fluid to increase circulation and joint mobility.

How Can I Massage My Knee?

There are several different types of massage techniques that you can use on your knees including the palpation technique, the cross friction technique, and roll massage. As one of the easiest and safest ways to massage your knees, we will solely focus on the rolling massage.

To start the roll massage technique, sit in your chair with your knees bent. Slowly and carefully lift your injured leg and place your ankle on your good knee. Take the palms of your hands and put them on each side of your knee with your fingers wrapped around the front of your knee, right above your shin. Slowly take your fingers and slide them across your skin, creating a rolling motion. Repeat this exercise for 2 to 3 minutes a few times a day.

Massage is an excellent way to prevent you from forming scar tissue after you have ACL surgery. To learn more proper massage techniques or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. John Moore.

 

3 of the Worst Things You Can Do to Your Already Bad Knees

Knee Pain and Care Pinehurst, NCHaving bad knees can cause everyday activities like walking up the stairs to feel a bit unbearable in the pain department. If you have started to notice that your knees are inflamed and painful after doing small activities like even walking to your mailbox to get mail, come into visit Dr. John Moore. From avoiding the knee pain altogether to being overweight, this article will discuss three of the worst things you can do to your already bad knees. Read on to learn more.

Avoiding the Pain

Are you a naturally stubborn person? Do you avoid going to the doctor at all costs? If so, you are likely more susceptible to avoiding confronting your knee pain altogether. One of the worst things that you can do for your knee pain is to avoid it and pretend like it isn’t there. By ignoring the problem, the more likely it is to get worse on its own. Remember that the sooner you confront the fact that you have a knee problem, the sooner you can seek treatment.

Avoiding Physical Therapy

If you come into see Dr. John Moore and are encouraged to go through some extensive physical therapy to help rehabilitate your knees, you need to do it. Although going to physical therapy can take time away from your day and may be even a little painful at times, it is one of the best ways to strengthen the muscles around your knees and gain your functionality back.

Being Overweight

The more weight your body and joints have to carry around, the harder it is going to be on your knees. The added pressure of having that excess weight on your knees can cause them to give out, buckle, be constantly inflamed, and unable to function.

Suffering from bad knees can be painful and exhausting. By avoiding pain, physical therapy, and being overweight, you aren’t doing your knees any favors. If you suffer from knee and joint pain, contact Dr. John Moore today to schedule a consultation.

 

Total Vs. Revision Knee Replacements

Total Vs. Revision Knee Replacements Pinehurst, NCWhether you have bad knees from excessive wear and tear on them caused by things such as sports or you simply have bad knees due to old age, you may be a suitable candidate for knee replacement surgery. Here at Pinehurst Surgical, Dr. John Moore offers two different types of knee surgery: total knee replacement surgery and revision knee replacement surgery. But what are the differences between these two surgeries and how can you determine the best option for you? Read on to learn more.

Total Knee Replacement

This surgery is done on individuals who have severe arthritis. During this surgical procedure, Dr. John Moore will remove the damaged knee joint and replace it with a prosthesis that is usually made out of either metal or plastic. The prosthesis is either attached to the knee joint by using a cemented option, an uncemented option, or with the combination of the two. Once the prosthesis has been properly placed, the incision will be sealed up, and a drain will be inserted into your knee to help with the fluids. After your surgery, you will be sent to recovery and will be required to start physical therapy to help you gain mobility back in your knee.

Revision Knee Replacement

This type of surgery is done to replace your prosthesis after you have already had a total knee replacement. A revision knee replacement is typically needed after a knee replacement has failed or after the polyethylene liner has eroded. During this surgery, a new prosthesis will replace the old one. Although many patients feel that this surgery isn’t as extensive, you will still have to recover and participate in physical therapy.

Getting knee replacement surgery isn’t something that is likely on your bucket list. However, as a surgery that is designed to help restore your functionality and get rid of pain, it can enhance your quality of life. If you would like to learn more about knee replacement surgery or revision knee replacement surgery, contact Dr. John Moore’s office today!

3 Ingredients to Look for in Your Joint Supplements

Joint Supplements Taking care of your joints involves doing a variety of things including proper stretching, avoiding certain strenuous types of activities, and taking joint supplements. By helping to enrich your joints and bones with vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a healthy body. From glucosamine to hyaluronic acid this article will discuss some of the minerals you should be looking for in your joint supplements. Read on to learn more about what each of these minerals does for your joint health.

1. Glucosamine
When it comes to your joint health, you are going to want to look for a supplement that has glucosamine in it. By helping to build up new cartilage in your joints and by breaking down harmful enzymes that fight cartilage, glucosamine is an ideal component that you need to have in your joint supplements.

2. Chondroitin Sulfate
Another ingredient that you are going to want to make sure is included in your joint supplement is chondroitin sulfate. When combined with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate is the building block of proteoglycan which aids in the production of new cartilage.

3. Hyaluronic Acid
By lubricating your joints and muscles, hyaluronic acid is essential in ensuring that your joints move and function properly. As a significant component of both joint fluid and joint cartilage, the hyaluronic acid will give you the flexibility and free movement that you desire.

Taking a daily joint supplement will help to strengthen your joints and ensure that your joints aren’t weakened with regular day-to-day activities. By combining a lifestyle equipped with maintaining a proper weight, stretching, and exercising on a regular basis, joint supplements will help to protect your body. To learn more about how you can enhance your joint health, contact Dr. John Moore at Pinehurst Surgical today!

3 Recovery Tips for Knee Replacement Surgery

knee replacement surgeryIf you need to have knee replacement surgery, you know just how difficult it can be to walk everyday and deal with the constant pain. That’s why Dr. John Moore places a huge emphasis on the recovery aspect of the knee replacement surgical procedure. From participating in exercise to avoiding certain things, this article will discuss a few of the things that you should be aware of in order to have a smooth and safe recovery. Read on to learn more.

The Importance of Exercise
Although it may seem counterintuitive right after surgery to get up and move around, in order for your ligaments to heal properly and in order for your knee replacement to function like normal, you need to get up and moving. In fact, you can participate in sports such as walking, hiking, biking, swimming, and golfing. All of these activities, if done in moderation and at a slow pace at first, are easy on your knees and will help you get used to normal activity once again.

You should avoid sports that invovle moving your knees from side to side such as contact sports like basketball, soccer, or football. Additionally, things sports like running should be avoided or done in moderation following surgery because of the immense impact they put on your body.

Knowing Your Limit
There is a big difference between pushing yourself a little and knowing when enough is enough. As part of the recovery process, it’s important to know your limit. For instance, if you go on a long walk, then you probably won’t want to spend your afternoon vacuuming or walking up and down stairs doing housework. By listening to your body, you can help to prevent further injury and help your body heal and a faster rate.

Avoid Kneeling
You may not realize how much you may kneel or squat down throughout your day-to-day activities. However, kneeling and squatting can place an unruly amount of pressure on your knees and joints which can cause further issues and prevent your knees from healing properly. Try having a friend or family member kneel down for you in order to pick things up or interact with small children.

If you would like to learn more recovery tips for knee replacement surgery, contact Dr. John Moore’s office today!

How to Take Care of Sore Joints

sore jointsNo matter what age you are, you are going to experience some amount of soreness in your joints after you either run a lot or spend the day doing some type of strenuous activity. However, the older you get, the more stiff and sore your joints become after doing even little things like mowing the lawn. In order to combat that additional soreness that you may feel in your joints it’s important to ice, stretch, and take an anti-inflammatory medication. Read on to learn more about the importance of each of these steps.

Ice
Nothing is quite as ignored or dreaded by joint patients as icing their joints. Not Only is icing your joints uncomfortable due to the cold temperature but it can also be a bit awkward as well. However, icing your joints will help you to cut down drastically on the inflammation that you will experience further down the line. Additionally, because icing your joints will help to numb them as well, it will also help to cut down on the pain you are experiencing. When icing your joints, look to use something that’s more moldable like either a frozen gel ice pack or a frozen bag of small vegetables.

Stretch
Another great way to treat sore joints is to stretch everyday— whether you worked out that day or not. By stretching your muscles, you can help to loosen those stiff joints and break up any lactic acid that may be building up in your muscles. Dedicate about 10-15 minutes of your time every night before bed to stretching. Remember that the sooner you get into the habit of stretching every night, the easier it will be down the line.

Medication
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen are another great way to help combat sore joints and muscles. By breaking up the inflammation that is causing your joints further pain and irritation, ibuprofen is a simple and easy way to get back to feeling like yourself again. Just make sure that you check with your doctor beforehand if you suffer from any sort of blood related or heart related disorder.

Taking care of your sore joints doesn’t have to be difficult. By icing, stretching, and taking the proper medication, you can help to feel like your old self in no time. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. John Moore’s office today.

3 Things to Know About Hip Replacement Surgery

hip replacementBeing told that you need hip replacement surgery is no trip to Disneyland. In fact, hip replacement surgery is one of the most intense surgeries to recover from— meaning that you will need both patience and plenty of rest in order to get the healing process done correctly. If you have recently been told you that you need to have hip replacement surgery but you aren’t quite sure what to expect, here are three things that you should know.

1.It Takes A Lot Of Healing Time
If you are the type of person that wants to get up and running even when you have a cold, then hip replacement surgery might be a bit difficult for you. As one of the things that many people don’t realize beforehand, it takes a lot of healing time until you are fully recovered from surgery. In fact, for about 6 months to a year following surgery, you should avoid doing things such as pivoting or twisting your leg— as this will only exacerbate the problem and could potentially damage your joints.

2. You Can’t Play Certain Sports
If you used to be an avid runner or athlete, then you should know that you likely won’t be able to participate in the sports at the same level that you once were able to. And although it may be devastating to hear, consider taking up a new sport or hobby that is gentler on your hip. Specifically, try to take up things such as walking and avoid sports or activities that require a lot of jumping or moving side to side. If you are unsure whether or not you are permitted to play a certain type of sport or participate in a certain activity, ask Dr. John Moore.

3. It Doesn’t Last Forever
Just like with most replacement surgeries, hip replacement surgery doesn’t last for forever. However, it does last in the upwards of twenty years, which means that it should hopefully last the length of your lifetime. If you do outlive your hip replacement, however, it can be redone.

To learn more about hip replacement surgery or to schedule a consultation with Dr. John Moore, contact our office today!

How to Help Someone Through Knee Replacement Surgery

Knee Replacement SurgeryKnee replacement surgery is a fairly intensive surgery that requires a lot of rehabilitation in order to get the patient up and moving like normal again. Typically done in elderly individuals, knee replacement surgery can not only take a physical toll on someone but a mental toll on them as well. If one of your loved ones has to undergo knee replacement surgery, it’s nice to know how you can be of service. From encouraging them to walk to helping them around the house, this article will discuss a few of the ways you can help your loved one recover from knee replacement surgery.

Encourage Them to Keep Moving
One of the most challenging things that rehab facilities run into when dealing with patients who have just undergone knee replacement surgery is getting them up and walking afterward. In fact, patients will be encouraged to start moving their joints within 24 hours after surgery to prevent against any blood clots or cartilage buildup. After your loved one is released from the hospital and sent home, it’s important to encourage them to move and walk around the house a little bit with the help of a cane, walker, or crutches. Remind them that it typically won’t be until 6 weeks post surgery that they will be able to fully walk, but that a little work each day will help them meet that goal.

Speak Positively
When undergoing such an extensive type of procedure, it can be easy for patients to get down and discouraged. However, by lending a listening ear and encouraging them to keep on going, you can help your loved one to feel better both physically and mentally. Remember that the more mentally positive they feel about it, the easier it will be for them to physically heal.

Help Them Around the House
Although your loved one will be encouraged to move their joint and walk around the house a little bit each day, lend a helping hand around the house. For instance, your loved one shouldn’t be doing any sort of cleaning, lifting, or really any sort of labor intensive work. As a suggestion, offer to clean their house and bring them their groceries— that way they won’t be tempted to lift grocery bags or clean the bathroom floor.

Getting knee replacement surgery is a big deal but by lending an emotional and physical hand to your loved one, you can help them through the process. To learn more, contact Dr. John Moore’s office today!