Heat Related Illnesses in Young Athletes

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Brantley Burns
E. Brantley Burns, M.D.

E. Brantley Burns, M.D.

There is no doubt about it! It’s HOT!  In these are the dog days of summer, many young athletes are gearing up for school and team sports so parents and coaches need to know the signs of heat related illnesses.

Heat cramps. These can be painful with muscle spasms and cramps in the legs, abdomen and arms.  Make sure your athlete is well hydrated before, after, and during practice.  If there is a very strenuous or intense session coming up, start hydrating the day before.  If cramps do occur, stop, rest, and drink water and/or electrolyte replacement products.  Products that contain caffeine should be avoided as they can contribute to dehydration.

Heat Exhaustion. This occurs when the body becomes overheated. Symptoms include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, overwhelming tiredness, weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea and/or vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur, the athlete must stop physical activity and immediately get to a cool place and drink water or electrolyte replacement products.

Heat Stroke. This is the most serious and possibly life threatening heat illness.  Heat Stroke occurs when the body temperature increases too quickly and the body is unable to cool itself off.  Body temperatures can rise as high as 106 degrees in just 10-15 minutes. Get immediate medical attention for your athlete if they become confused, dizzy and/or nauseous, start to vomit, have red, hot or dry skin, lose consciousness, or have an unusually rapid, strong pulse or throbbing headache.

If you have any questions about symptoms related to a heat related illness, or if you are experiencing a heat related illness, you should consult with your physician.

The CDC offers a free course for parents and coaches to understand heat related illnesses.

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extreme/Heat_Illness

 

E. Brantley Burns, MD

Dr. Burns is an avid runner, and also writes articles for the Knoxville Track Club.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Surgical and Medical Management of Knee and Hip Arthritis Seminar

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Brian Edkin

SAVE THE DATE
MONDAY, AUGUST 15th 2011 @ 6:30PM
For an exclusive Rush member and guest seminar presented by The RUSH and Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinic.

Surgical and Medical Management of Knee and Hip Arthritis
Presented by Dr. Edkin

Brian S. Edkin, MD

Brian S. Edkin, MD

Dr. Edkin and his family moved to Knoxville from Redding, California where Edkin was both a partner at the Northern Bone and Joint Center and Chief of Staff at Mercy Medical Center.  A graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Edkin completed both his internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Although his Fellowship training moved him back to California, Edkin knew, if given the chance, he would move back to Tennessee to continue his practice.  He specializes in Adult Reconstructive Surgery, primarily of knees and hips.

Please RSVP early as space will be limited! The seminar will be held at The RUSH -Oak Ridge, 302 South Illinois Ave., Oak Ridge, TN 37830. RSVP through email or telephone: FM7878@therush247.com or (865)276-3488.

 

Posted in Arthritis | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Arthritis: Let’s Start with the Basics

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Harold Cates
Harold E. Cates, Jr. M.D.

Harold E. Cates, Jr. M.D.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that affects over 46 million adults and children. But it’s not just one disease. It is actually a term used to describe over 100 medical conditions. Each of us should educate ourselves about arthritis simply because it affects such a large portion of our population.

Basically, arthritis attacks our musculoskeletal system, specifically our joints. It causes pain, stiffness, inflammation and even joint cartilage damage. Most of us treat our own aches and pains with ibuprofen or other pain killers and can continue on with our day-to-day activities.

However, there are a growing number of people where arthritis causes such extreme weakness and stiffness that they can no longer perform common tasks such as getting dressed or making a pot of coffee. Just imagine how this is taking a toll on the individual, their family and even our country’s economy.

As we age, as our population continues to live longer, arthritis is becoming a very important part of millions of people’s lives. It is imperative that we educate ourselves on this complex disease and find ways to support research that will ultimately cure this un-curable condition.

That’s why we have produced a series of articles that examine and discuss the many forms of arthritis. We hope you enjoy or weekly blogs. Please give us feedback on this series and let us know if there are other topics you’d like to discuss.

Posted in Arthritis | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Sean Grace Ringside Physician for Mix Martial Arts Championship

Posted on June 24, 2011 by admin

The X Series Fighting Championships will invade the beautiful Knoxville Convention Center in Knoxville, TN on Saturday June 25, with X Series: Crossroads “Powered by Kinetik”. This will mark the organization’s first foray into Knoxville and it will also mark their debut on Fightzone on Fox Sports television. The line up is stacked, as the show will feature two complete MMA cards. The 15 bout X Series main card will begin at 7:30 and will be preceded by the 14 bout Rising Fight League card at 4:30. Doors open at 3:00 and undercardbouts will begin at 3:30. The event will also be available on live internet PPV at www.gofightlive.com.

The show is highlighted by the finals of the X Series/XFC Grand Prix tournaments. The 155 final will feature hometown hero, Scott “Hot Sauce” Holtzman(4-0, Shield Systems/Knoxville, TN) taking on Charlie Alexander(3-1, Nashville MMA/Nashville, TN). The 145 final will see top prospect Billy “Da Kid” Mullins(10-4, Fit Factory/Sevierville, TN) squaring off with the tough Chris Hall(6-4, IMA/Lebanon, TN). Winners of both championships will be awarded their pro debut with the XFC, one of the top professional promotions in the US. Winners will also receive a custom Grand Prix Championship belt.

The ISKA Southeastern Regional Bantamweight Title will also be on the line when champion, Matt Coakley, defends against one of the top 135 lb. prospects in the southeast, Len Cook(9-1, Absolute Jiu Jitsu/Bristol, TN). Both of these fighters are nearing the professional ranks, and this is the perfect test to see where they both stand!

Weigh ins will be held Friday June 25 at The Roaming Gnome in Knoxville, beginning at 5:30 for Rising Fight League and at 6:30 for X Series.

Tickets are only $25.00 for the whole day of fights and VIP tables are available! Call 865-256-2330 or 865-742-3713 for more info or visit www.xseriesmma.com.

Posted in Press Releases | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

P. Merrill White, III, MD, Elected to Academy Board of Councilors

Posted on May 26, 2011 by admin

ROSEMONT, Ill. — Orthopaedic surgeon P. Merrill White, III, MD, was recently elected by the Tennessee Orthopaedic Society to the Board of Councilors (BOC) of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).  BOC members represent orthopaedists in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Military, U.S. Territories and Canada and four of the regional orthopaedic societies.  Election to the BOC is an extraordinary milestone in any orthopaedist’s career.

After earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia, Dr. White completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine in Winston Salem, NC and fellowship at the Adult Spine Surgery at the Rothman Institute and Jefferson Hospital, both in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

“It’s an honor to be elected to the Academy’s Board of Councilors and have the privilege to serve my colleagues,” said Dr. White.  “I look forward to becoming more closely involved with various issues of importance to the orthopaedic community.

Active in several professional societies, Dr. White is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the North American Spine Society, the Knoxville Orthopedic Society, and the Tennessee Orthopedic Society.

The BOC was founded in 1973 by members of AAOS concerned about “the totality of orthopaedic life.”  The responsibilities of the BOC are to establish and maintain communication with the AAOS’ Board of Directors and members; serve as a representative, deliberative body in matters of concern to all orthopaedic surgeons, which include reviewing, debating, and making recommendations regarding AAOS resolutions, standards of professionalism and bylaws proposals; and be an effective and authoritative policy-making body in matters of concern to orthopaedic surgery.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

Posted in Press Releases | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MRI Diagnostics – What you need to know

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Michael Casey

At one time or another we’ve all had an injury that needed a doctor’s attention. Occasionally, these injuries are only fully diagnosed with the assistance of an MRI image. For patients who aren’t claustrophobic, this evaluation tool causes no worries. But for those who are, it can be a stressful event.

The older generations of MRIs were small, dark and very loud. With advances in technology, these machines have evolved to be more patient-friendly. Larger cylinders with openings at both ends of the tunnel have helped those who need scans for spine, shoulder, hip, brain, and other regions of the trunk to have more pleasant experiences.

Open MRIs have become very popular for patients who just don’t feel comfortable in a standard MRI. These open units are best described as being like a sandwich. The MRI unit would be the top and the bottom pieces and the patient would be in the middle. The roomier design allows for greater comfort, however, the image quality on these units may not be as superb so physicians may not always recommend this option.

Additionally, there is the Open Extremity MRI. This machine is for patients with elbow, wrist, hand, ankle, foot and knee issues. Sitting or reclining in a chair, the patient simply slides the injured arm or leg into a small opening.  The patient must remain very still.  Reading and even taking naps, during the scan, are common activities among our patients. And the noise level is so low that ear plugs are not needed.  This option produces high quality scans and certainly offers the most patient-friendly experience.

Having a painful injury that requires diagnostic testing can be stressful as you wait for insurance certification, scheduling, and diagnosis. But knowing which options are best suited for you can eliminate stress and discomfort.

The physicians at Tennessee Orthopedic Clinic are available during your appointment to further discuss these and other diagnostic options.

Posted in MRI | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Presentation & Discussion on Arthritis Pain

Posted on May 11, 2011 by admin

Jean-François P. Reat, MD

Jean-François P. Reat, MD

Arthritis pain shouldn’t keep you from enjoying what you love. If you’re one of the millions living with constant joint pain, you have options for relief. Whether you’re considering joint replacement or just want to learn about other available treatment options, our community talk can help.

Please join us Tuesday, May 17, 2011 from 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at the Oak Ridge Physicians Plaza as Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics, board certified orthopedic surgeon, Jean-Francois P. Reat, MD, discusses your options for arthritis pain relief.
Light refreshments will be served.

Please RSVP by May 17, 2011
Email hottopics@tocdocs.com or call (865) 694-0062, ext. 241, list event, your name, organization, phone number & number attending.

Posted in Hot Topics | Leave a comment

Common Shoulder Problems

Posted on April 29, 2011 by admin

We know that getting back to normal is important to you. That’s why patients at TOC are always seen quickly. For urgent needs you can receive same-day treatment at one of our Quick Care clinics. For orthopaedic problems relating to the shoulder, see our shoulder specialists at TOC.

When should you see a shoulder specialist?
If your pain:
• is increasing
• is continuous or prolonged
• prevents you from enjoying and performing daily activities
• occurs at night and interferes with sleep
• is non-specific and has failed to be diagnosed by previous exams

What can a shoulder specialist do for you?
TOC’s shoulder specialists provide comprehensive therapy catered to the specific symptoms and needs of the patient. By following steps of treatment starting from the simplest to the most complex, TOC will give you a correct, accurate diagnosis appropriate for your specific orthopaedic condition.

TOC Shoulder Specialists:
Paul C. Brady, MD
Michael T. Casey, Jr., MD
Richard B. Cunningham, MD
Sean P. Grace, MD
Robert C. Jackson, MD
Paul T. Naylor, MD
Rick E. Parsons, MD
Jean-François P. Reat, MD
John M. Reynolds, MD
Randall R. Robbins, MD

Your Shoulder
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body. In fact, a normal shoulder can rotate 360 degrees, whether it’s to reach for a basketball goal, reach for a friend or reach for a just-out-of-reach itch in the middle of your back. That flexibility, however, comes at a price. Age, strenuous exercise, repetitive work and disease can contribute to injury or the deterioration of your shoulder.

The most common shoulder problems include:
• Bursitis / Tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Frozen Shoulder
• Labral Tears

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment