Rotator cuff tears are present in approximately 30% of the population over the age of 60. Some rotator cuff tears can be treated conservatively with physical therapy. However, many will require arthroscopic repair of the torn tendons. Nearly 500,000 rotator cuff repair surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Postoperative physical therapy is […]
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in both athletes and older adults. It is characterized by degenerative changes in the plantar fascia of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick band of ligament which supports the arch of the foot. The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain […]
Shoulder impingement refers to compression of the rotator cuff tendons between the top of the shoulder blade (acromion process) and upper aspect of the arm bone (humerus). The biceps tendon and bursa (a fluid-filled sac between 2 bones) may also be involved. Shoulder impingement accounts for approximately 1/3 of all painful shoulder disorders. Pain is […]
Almost 10 million Americans report problems with balance. About 40% of people over the age of 60 years experience problems with their balance. One-third of adults in this age group and over half of people over the age of 75 years fall each year. Men and women are affected about equally. Loss of muscle and […]
In the United States, more than 600,000 people undergo total knee replacement surgery each year. This number is expected to rise to over 1 million by the year 2025. Success rates for knee replacement surgery are high. Almost 90% of people report less pain and improved function. Post surgical rehabilitation is considered an integral part […]
Osteoporosis refers to a reduction in bone mass resulting in an increased susceptibility to fracture. It is the most common bone disease in women over 50. Osteoporosis affects more than 40 million women in the United States. This represents approximately half of the population 50 and older. More than one million fractures related to osteoporosis […]
Patellofemoral pain syndrome refers to pain in the front of the knee or around the kneecap (patella). It is the most common form of knee pain. Patellofemoral pain syndrome is sometimes referred to as runner’s knee. However, anyone can get it. It commonly affects runners, cyclists, and office workers or anyone else who sits for […]
Osteoarthritis is a condition where the protective cartilage of the joint surfaces breaks down. The cartilage serves as a pad or cushion to the bone beneath it. The knee, hip, and spine are the most joints where osteoarthritis develops. In the knee, this can occur on the end of the thigh bone (femur), the lower […]
Hip arthritis is a condition where the protective cartilage of the joint surfaces break down. The cartilage serves as a pad or cushion to the bone beneath it. This can occur on the end of the thigh bone (ball), the pelvis (socket), or both. Bare bone can be exposed within the joint. This is where […]
Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the space surrounding the nerves or spinal cord in the back. Many people with signs of spinal stenosis on an MRI experience no symptoms. Others experience pain or a deep aching sensation in the buttocks, thighs, or lower legs. Symptoms are worse when standing or walking. Other symptoms may […]
