Says Dr. Bergin: Respect Your Pinky Toe

Dr. Barbara Bergin, orthopedic surgeon and one of the founders of Texas Orthopedics, regularly keeps up a blog offering health tips based on patient issues and injuries she treats. The most recent one is from her "respect" series of blogs... Respect Your Pinky Toe.

Last week I saw two pinky toe fractures (attached to patients of course). I estimate that I see at least one broken or dislocated pinky toe a month, sometimes more. If I multiply that by 12, and then again by the 34 years I've been practicing, that's over 400 pinky toe injuries. Then keep doing more math to see how many pinky toe injuries we might see in my group, or in the city of Austin... THE WORLD. It's a lot!

I'm pretty sure 99% of these injuries are 100% preventable. Because most of the time my patients stub those helpless little appendages on a bed or a door frame which has been in the exact same place for many years...

If I ever break my own pinky toe, I will be very embarrassed to face my patients with broken pinky toes, because I occasionally tease them about how they sustained these very painful injuries. But on a serious note, I then tell them they must turn on lights at night. They must reach out to feel the end of their bed. They must be aware of the location of their bed and their door frames! Because there's no special brace or shoe. There's no vitamin. There's no exercise!

Just remember where your toe and your bed are! And if you can't do that in the dark, then turn on a light! It's that easy to prevent an injury which hurts like hell, keeps you from wearing a regular shoe for a month, eliminates all forms of exercise for six weeks and is frankly just embarrassing to tell people about.

- Dr. Barbara Bergin

Read more of Dr. Bergin's insights on her personal blog: http://drbarbarabergin.com

Congrats to Our Austin Monthly Top Docs

Every year, local magazine Austin Monthly publishes a list of best doctors within various medical specialties. While we believe all of our doctors are top notch, we are especially proud to have two of our orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Peter Garcia and Dr. James Smith, make the magazine's 2015 list.

The Austin Monthly list is compiled by Castle Connolly Medical, a health care research and information company.

Together Supporting Physical Therapists' Cancer Fight: AveryStrong!

Avery Young Rademacher joined the Texas Orthopedics' physical therapy team in 2009. Her positive energy and determined spirit are some of the reasons we have all loved working with her over the last five years.

These traits have become very important as she endures the toughest fight of her life.

At the end of 2014, Avery was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma, a cancerous tumor that occurs in the brain. While the tumor was aggressive, it did not deter Avery from fighting. She beat the initial tumor with surgery, chemo, radiation and a lot of persistence.

But, the cancer came back and now Avery is fighting again. Avery's determined spirit is stronger than ever. So, while the tumor has affected her balance, it has not stopped Avery in participating in the BrainPower 5K on September 13th.

The BrainPower 5K raises awareness and money for brain cancer research. Click the link to find out how you can support AveryStrong.

Go Avery!

http://drmarnierosefoundation.racepartner.com/Brain-Power-5K-Fundraising/AveryStrong

Dr. Bergin on FOX7: Heavy Backpacks and How to Lighten the Load

Books, pens, notebooks... kids' backpacks are packed! These heavy bags don't just rob kids' energy that would be better used doing homework or playing sports. Lugging them can also lead to aches and pains, accidents and other injuries.

Studies have shown that some kids' bags are up to 15% of the child's weight. To put into context, if an average adult is 160 pounds that means his or her bag would have 24 pounds worth of stuff in it.

Dr. Barbara Bergin, orthopedic surgeon at Texas Orthopedics, shared tips with FOX7-TV about what parents can do to lighten the load.

High Intensity Interval Training: Is it Right for You?

High intensity interval training (HIIT) is one of the hottest fitness trends. Gyms solely dedicated to this type of workout are everywhere.

So, what does this fitness program entail? It is really worth all the hype? And are there any risks involved?

To decide if HIIT is a good fit for you, consider the following:

What is HIIT?

HIIT is a form of intense cardiovascular exercise that incorporates elements of Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, calisthenics, strongman, and other controlled movements. Its unique format alternates periods of short intense anaerobic exercise with brief recovery periods. Sprints, followed by a series of squats, coupled with a few repetitions using various weights or kettlebells might make up a typical HIIT sequence.

What are the benefits of HIIT?

Shorter, more intense workouts (normally around thirty minutes a few times a week), with less time spent at the gym, are one of the main draws of HIIT. This type of workout aims to improve fat burning and glucose metabolism, which are also great benefits. Often HIIT is done in groups so the camaraderie with others helps keep you motivated.

What are the risks associated with HIIT?

Overuse injuries such as tendonitis, bursitis, and muscle strains are extremely common in HIIT, especially for those who jump right in being less active for a while. There is also the risk of hurting yourself if you don't set the machines or equipment properly.

Check with your doctor before starting HIIT, or any similarly intensive exercise program. Wear properly-fitting clothes and shoes, and always work with a certified trainer and safe equipment.

If you experience persistent pain or discomfort while engaging in this, or any type of workout, contact us.

(Adapted from STOP Sports Injuries)

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Aches and Pains From Too Much Standing

Sitting at your desk too long is no good experts say, and now research shows standing too long on the job can be detrimental to your health, as well.

Close to half of all workers worldwide stand for more than three quarters of their work day. Prolonged standing can lead to fatigue, swollen feet, leg cramps, shoulder, neck and back pain, and even varicose veins.

While these health issues are problematic for those suffering from pain, employers should also take note. Ongoing pain can cause poor performance in the workplace and missed days of work.

A new study, published in Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, evaluated men and women in two age groups. They were asked to stand for five-hour periods with timed, seated breaks (up to five minutes) and a 30-minute lunch break. Muscle fatigue was monitored while participants reported their levels of pain or discomfort.

The study results showed that at any age, too much standing leads to fatigue.

If your job requires standing for extended periods of time, you can help lessen the effects by:

• Sitting down for breaks whenever possible
• Taking quick walks, if permissible
• Wearing comfortable shoes that fit properly
• Treating sore areas with ice or heat therapy, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter-pain medication, as needed

But, if your pain is severe and persistent, it may be time to see a doctor.

(Adapted from Medical News Today)

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Becker's Review Interviews Dr. Bergin on Obesity and Orthopedics

Texas Orthopedics' own Dr. Barbara Bergin was recently featured in Becker's Spine Review for an article titled, "Obesity & the Orthopedic Industry: Key thoughts for surgeons today."

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), more than one-third of all adults in the U.S. are obese, accounting for a very large percentage of the nation's healthcare spending.

Obesity is a serious condition often triggering a host of medical conditions, but not often mentioned are the many orthopedic implications including chronic back, knee, and hip pain, as well as arthritis.

Dr. Bergin notes that many of her patients experiencing bone or joint pain, or early symptoms of arthritis, are also overweight. "When I see 45 year olds with degenerative joint disease and no history of injury or connective tissue disorder, I must draw the conclusion that their weight has had a causative effect on this process."

Excess body weight typical of someone who is obese can lead to painful pressure on the joints and even broken bones.

Because surgical options are also limited, the real challenge Dr. Bergin says is getting a patient to lose weight. With obesity being such a sensitive issue though, doctors are often met with denial or resistance when they suggest weight loss as treatment.

For some patients, proper diet and exercise can make a great difference in the pain they are experiencing. For others, where weight loss has proven ineffective, she urges doctors to simply offer their heartfelt patience and support.

You can read more of Dr. Bergin's interview at Becker's Spine Review.

Keep up with Texas Orthopedics news by following us on Facebook and Twitter (@TexasOrthopedic).