Blog Archive

Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) Treatment: What to Expect Mar 5th, 2023

Do you ever consider what your hips allow you to do? As the largest of your body’s weight-bearing joints, they accept the weight of your body while enabling you to rotate your legs, move them back and forth, and swing them outward and inward. This comes in handy when you...

5 Reasons to Consider Shoulder Arthroscopy Feb 7th, 2023

Minimally invasive surgery has brought welcome changes for patients, because these procedures don’t require the larger incisions called for in traditional open surgery. They only necessitate small “keyhole” incisions that are far less traumatic for the body. Because of this, patients heal faster and experience reduced pain, bleeding, and scarring. ...

What’s the Ideal Age for Knee Replacement Surgery? Jan 18th, 2023

Knee replacement surgery is more common than you may think — nearly 800,000 of these procedures are performed each year to relieve pain caused by badly damaged knee joints. Implants are placed during this minimally invasive procedure, while your surgeon removes diseased and damaged parts of your knee.  After recovery, most patients...

5 Activities that Can Lead to Meniscus Injury Dec 5th, 2022

Each of your knees comes with a shock absorber of sorts — the meniscus. It’s a “C”-shaped piece of cartilage that resides between your shinbone and thighbone. The meniscus not only protects your knee joint, it evens out your weight across the joint so it doesn’t sustain too much pressure. ...

Hamstring Injured? Here’s What to Do Next Nov 1st, 2022

Whether you’re a pro athlete, a weekend warrior, or just engaged in everyday activities like walking and bending, your hamstring — actually a group of three muscles that run along your upper thigh — is critical in allowing you to perform activities that require bending and extending your leg from...

Customizing Your Knee Replacement Oct 9th, 2022

Walking, running, playing tennis, swimming, dancing, and stair climbing. These are just a handful of activities you ask your knees to be ready for throughout your lifetime. As your body’s largest and most complex joints, they’re also some of the hardest working. It makes sense, then, that they’re more prone...

Do You Have Tendinitis or Bursitis in Your Shoulder? Sep 14th, 2022

Your shoulder is killing you, but is it tendinitis or bursitis? You may have heard of these two common afflictions that cause shoulder pain, and though they share characteristics and the terms are often used interchangeably, they’re actually distinct conditions.  We’ll cover how the conditions overlap and differ, and most...

A Closer Look at How the Knee Works (And What Can Go Wrong) Aug 9th, 2022

We skin and scrape them, use them to walk, run, and kneel, and love at first sight is supposed to make them weak. We’re talking about your knees. The knees are designed in a fascinating way, but they’re also vulnerable to a wide range of problems. Dr. Struan Coleman treats many...

Healthy Habits that Support Your Bone Health Jul 11th, 2022

There’s no question — doing everything you can to support your bone health benefits your overall health and mobility. Your bones form the foundation of your body and allow you to move. They work in tandem with your ligaments, cartilage, tendons, muscles, and connective tissue to form your musculoskeletal system. Dr....

Tips for Protecting Your Hamstring Jun 1st, 2022

You don’t have to be an athlete to suffer a hamstring injury, but it certainly contributes to a lot of them. Your hamstrings are the three muscles on the back of your thigh, and they allow you to bend your knee and straighten your hip.  Hamstring injuries are the top...

What Every Baseball Player Should Know About the Rotator Cuff May 1st, 2022

Your rotator cuff consists of four muscles that envelop your shoulder blade and hold the head of your humerus (the bone that extends from your shoulder to your elbow) in your shoulder socket. It allows you to lift your arm and rotate your shoulder.  One group of people who use...

Here’s How Your Hip Works Apr 1st, 2022

Your hip joint is critical when it comes to allowing a wide range of movement and holding much of your body’s weight. When something goes awry with your hip, you know it right away. Unfortunately, hip pain isn’t a mere distraction; it can put a stop to participating in your...

Should You Treat Your Knee or Consider Arthroscopy? Mar 1st, 2022

As one of your body’s largest joints, your knee performs many important jobs. It allows you to do everyday things like walk, kneel, and bend, as well as fun activities like playing sports and dancing. Your knee is prone to pain, however, from activity-related injury and the wear-and-tear that comes...

Does a Hamstring Tear Heal on Its Own? Feb 1st, 2022

Your hamstring muscles are a group of three muscles, located at the back of your thigh, that allow you to bend your knee and extend your leg behind you. The ability to perform these movements is essential, whether you’re cleaning your house or playing soccer.  Hamstring tears are exceedingly common...

4 Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears Jan 1st, 2022

Whether you’re trying to throw a baseball or reaching into an overhead cabinet for a can, a rotator cuff tear can force you to sit out your game or cook something different.   Some two to four million people suffer rotator cuff problems each year, and anyone who’s suffered a tear...

Are Bone Spurs Serious? Dec 1st, 2021

Just the name “bone spurs” sounds like a condition that’s far from fun. But is it serious? That depends, and we’ll get into talking about factors that make bone spurs more concerning later in the blog post.  Bone spurs, or osteophytes, are bony growths that develop on the bones near...

Preparing for Your Knee Replacement Surgery Nov 1st, 2021

If you’ve learned that you need knee replacement surgery, you may feel apprehensive. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Struan Coleman and his team understand this trepidation fully — it’s only natural before any type of surgical procedure. Knee replacement surgery is major surgery, but if Dr. Coleman recommends it for you,...

Imaging Tests that Aid in Your Orthopedic Diagnosis Oct 4th, 2021

Orthopedic specialists need to take multiple steps when diagnosing a patient’s condition. They make their conclusion after using a bevy of tools, including learning as much as they can about a patient’s individual medical history, their family medical history, and symptoms, as well as performing range-of-motion testing and a manual...

What Causes Meniscus Damage? Sep 1st, 2021

Just reading the words “torn meniscus” is enough to cause discomfort — in your mind, at the very least. It sounds painful because it is! Cartilage is strong, rubbery tissue that cushions and stabilizes the points where your bones meet your joints. Your two menisci are cartilage discs in your...

Tips for Supporting Your Muscle Health Aug 10th, 2021

If you feel like you could use some advice on enhancing your muscle health and increasing strength, you’ve come to the right place. Muscle health can suffer with repetitive movement, a “weekend warrior” approach to exercise, improper technique while performing physical activity or playing sports, and traumatic injury. Dr. Struan...

Here’s How You Can Avoid a Hamstring Injury Jul 27th, 2021

A multi-tasking set of three muscles on the backs of your thighs are known as your hamstrings. They run down from your hips to underneath your knees. The hamstrings allow your legs to bend so you can sit, run, squat, and jump, as well as extend your leg straight out,...

3 Ways Exercise Can Support Your Joint Health Jun 23rd, 2021

Physical exercise is the health magic bullet that benefits your body and systems in countless ways, from helping to keep your cholesterol in check to strengthening your heart. But did you know that movement is invaluable for keeping your joints in good working order? In addition to treating joint injuries...

Your Shoulder Joint Explained May 13th, 2021

You couldn’t do much without the help of your shoulder joint. This ball-and-socket joint enables you to throw a ball, pull a box down from a shelf, stir a pot, and execute a pushup. That said, your shoulder joint is also quite complex, which means that it’s vulnerable to many...

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Chronic Hip and Groin Pain Apr 11th, 2021

As we live our lives, minor injuries and wear and tear take their toll on our joints. Often, time and home care are enough to get rid of discomfort, but when pain becomes perpetual, it’s time to seek care. If you’re enduring chronic pain in your hip and groin, you...

When to See a Doctor About Shoulder Pain Mar 7th, 2021

Prolonged shoulder pain — and the limited mobility that goes along with it — can cause your quality of life to hit rock bottom. Know you’re not alone though, because approximately 18-16% of people are struggling with shoulder pain at any given time.  Shoulder pain stems from many conditions and...

Signs of a Rotator Cuff Injury Feb 9th, 2021

The adage “You don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone” holds especially true for your mobility. When we walk, jump, bend, and run, we’re often not appreciative of the ability to perform these movements. But when our movement becomes limited, whether from years of wear and tear, sudden injury,...

When to Consider Knee Arthroscopy Jan 7th, 2021

Sometimes you can address knee inflammation, persistent pain, and being less mobile than you’d like with conservative treatments like the RICE method — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — and over-the-counter pain medications.  But if your pain is prolonged, getting worse, and your movement is severely limited, it might be...

Signs of a Hamstring Injury Dec 1st, 2020

Your hamstrings are a series of three muscles that start at the back of your knee and end under your hip. It’s common to damage your hamstring when playing sports or running — in fact, hamstring injuries are the #1 cause of injury in pro football, but even a growth...

Hip and Groin Pain? It May be Femoral Acetabular Impingement Nov 8th, 2020

If you’re puzzled by hip stiffness or pain in your hip whether you’re very active or sitting for a long period, you may very well have femoral acetabular impingement (FAI), the clinical term for hip impingement. You may even develop a limp because of it.  Dr. Struan Coleman provides expert...

What to Expect After Shoulder Replacement Surgery Oct 8th, 2020

Approximately 53,000 people undergo shoulder replacement surgery annually, and if you’re scheduled for this procedure, it’s perfectly normal to wonder about what your recovery will entail. How much pain will you face? How limited will your mobility be? How long will it take before you’re “back to normal?” These are...

Arthroscopy For a Torn Meniscus Sep 21st, 2020

Remember that song that went something like “Your thigh bone’s connected to your shin bone?” Well, if the composer had wanted to get technical, they’d have included a verse about the meniscus, the elbow macaroni-shaped soft tissue cartilage disc that actually does connect your thigh bone to your shinbone.  Your...

The Science Behind ACL Repair Aug 23rd, 2020

Your anterior cruciate ligament, better known as your ACL, joins your thigh bone (femur) with your shin bone (tibia) and fortifies your entire knee joint, so it’s critically important to your mobility. That said, torn ACLs are some of the most common injuries Dr. Struan Coleman sees at this practice....

Exercises to Ensure Knee Stability Jul 23rd, 2020

You might blame pain in your knee on an injury, overuse, arthritis, or a meniscus tear. But just like a building’s foundation is key to keeping it standing over many years, so, too, is establishing  knee stability to reduce your chances of experiencing injury or arthritis. Dr. Struan Coleman’s practice...

5 Tips to Prevent an ACL Injury Jun 22nd, 2020

You don’t have to be an NBA star to experience an ACL injury, but the problem causes pain that can sideline you for a long time, whether you’re LeBron James or a typical weekend warrior.  ACL stands for anterior cruciate ligament, and it is one of your knee’s major ligaments....

When is it Time For a Knee Replacement? May 26th, 2020

From walking and kneeling to running and bending, you ask so much from your knees, day in and day out. It’s no surprise that after some decades, that staggering amount of repetitive motion causes your knee to degenerate.  The problem is so ubiquitous that 600,000+ knee replacements are performed in...

Knowing the Difference Between a Cam or Pincer FAI Apr 9th, 2020

Whether you’re enduring hip pain, groin pain, or both, it’s important to get a diagnosis. If the cause of your discomfort is something known as femoral acetabular impingement — FAI for short — it’s important to understand that there are two types, both of which can be treated with a...

How Shoulder Arthroscopy Can Treat Biceps Tendon Disease Mar 5th, 2020

Shoulder arthroscopy offers a surgeon the chance to diagnose and treat during a single, minimally invasive procedure that’s not just for rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder anymore.  Dr. Struan Coleman’s vast experience in the realm of sports medicine allows him to think creatively when it comes to solving his...

What Causes Frozen Shoulder and How You Can Fix It Feb 1st, 2020

Anyone who’s experienced frozen shoulder will tell you that they’d do just about anything to get relief from the pain and immobility it causes.  Like ice, a frozen shoulder can “melt,” and repair itself, but this isn’t guaranteed, and can take months to several years. No one deserves to live...

The Anatomy of a Rotator Cuff Injury Jan 1st, 2020

Your shoulder joint has the widest range of motion of any joint in your body. Whenever you reach or stretch your arm, you’re using your shoulder. Your rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize and strengthen your shoulder joint. Your rotator cuff holds your arm...

Why Physical Therapy Makes All the Difference in Your Rehab Dec 1st, 2019

Most people have heard of physical therapy, but many people don’t know what it is and what it’s all about. Physical therapy is comprised of a number of different activities that can help get you back to full range of movement after an injury. It makes a huge difference in...

Top Signs Your Meniscus May Be in Trouble Nov 1st, 2019

More than 500,000 meniscus tears occur each year in the United States. Meniscus injuries can happen at any time and are one of the most frequently occurring cartilage injuries of the knee. While you can’t always prevent a meniscus tear, you can keep it from getting worse. In this blog,...

When Should You Consider a Complete Joint Replacement? Oct 1st, 2019

Chronic, serious pain in your joints may be the result of an injury, repetitive strain, or arthritis. When you need more than ibuprofen to manage your pain, you may wonder what’s next. In some cases, joint replacement might be the best solution. Struan Coleman, MD, PhD, is expertly trained in...

Here's How Your Shoes Affect Your Knee Pain Sep 1st, 2019

Wearing the wrong kind of shoes can place strain on your knees and your hips. It might not sound like a big deal, but it is. Your knees and hips are the largest joints in your body and they're responsible for supporting your weight. That's why it's so important to...

What Causes Hamstring Injuries? Aug 22nd, 2019

Anyone who has ever suffered a hamstring injury will tell you that they’re no walk in the park. Although they vary in severity, the worst hamstring injuries can make it difficult to walk or even stand. Between the pain and lost mobility, a hamstring injury can leave you fairly debilitated...

How Successful is Shoulder Replacement Surgery? Jul 16th, 2019

A shoulder injury can affect both athletes and non-athletes, making even the most minor tasks painful and difficult. If the area doesn’t respond to surgery or physical therapy, you may need to have your shoulder replaced. The question is, how successful is this procedure? Dr. Struan Coleman is a shoulder...

Why Female Athletes are More Prone to ACL Tears Than Their Male Counterparts Jun 18th, 2019

An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury can be brutal and horrible, especially at the moment when it happens, and when you feel or hear the popping sound in your knee. The symptoms of an ACL tear usually come on pretty fast and can include: Excruciating pain and swelling Inability to...

Returning to Sports After Shoulder Surgery: What You Need to Know May 21st, 2019

When you’re an injured athlete, the first thing you want to know is, “When can I get back to playing?” As the team physician for the New York Mets, Dr. Struan Coleman, MD, PhD understands the desire to get back to your sport as soon as possible. And as an...

What Are My Treatment Options for Femoral Acetabular (Hip) Impingement? Apr 4th, 2019

Your hips are large ball-and-socket joints that rely on every component fitting together perfectly to be able to distribute the workload evenly and facilitate function. Now imagine throwing a pebble into this joint, which would significantly compromise how your ball and socket work together. That’s essentially what happens with a...

What to Expect When Recovering From Knee Replacement Surgery Mar 2nd, 2019

It’s a big deal to decide to have knee replacement surgery, especially when you’re in constant pain or you’re living with reduced mobility. Many people put it off, but when you’re finally ready to have a sturdier, pain-free, mobile knee again, be prepared for several months of recovery. And it...

5 Tips for Preventing Sports-Related Shoulder Injuries Feb 1st, 2019

If you’re a sports enthusiast who enjoys activities that put your shoulders into the game, you understand how much you rely on these critical joints. Unfortunately, that incredible range of motion that your shoulders allow your arms also leaves them vulnerable to injury. Here at our orthopedic practice, Dr. Struan...

How Shoulder Arthroscopy Can Help Treat Shoulder Injuries Jan 9th, 2019

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for every 10,000 employed people in the U.S., workers missed over 100,000 days of work from shoulder injuries. It's not hard to see why since in many lines of work, from retail to construction to waiting tables, having stable, strong, and functional shoulders is integral to...

5 Most Common Conditions Treated With Knee Arthroscopy Dec 31st, 2018

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed with the aid of a tiny television camera mounted on a flexible pencil-sized tube. Known as an arthroscope, a lighted lens is used as a diagnostic tool as well as the means for a trained surgeon to make necessary orthopaedic repairs through an incision as...

Excessive Friction in Your Hip Joint Can Cause Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) Nov 27th, 2018

Hip pain is a fairly common complaint among both men and women, and especially among people who are very physically active. Several factors can cause or contribute to hip pain, but one of the most common causes is a condition called femoral acetabular impingement or FAI. Hip joint anatomy Your...

The 10 Most Common Ways You Can Damage Your Meniscus Oct 29th, 2018

Approximately 500,000 people tear a meniscus each year, making it a fairly common knee injury. The meniscus provides a cushion between your thigh bone and shin. Each of your knee joints has two menisci, which are made of cartilage. Twisting, quick stops, and other sudden movements can damage your meniscus....

How Torn Hamstrings are Repaired Sep 26th, 2018

As with many of the muscle groups in your body, you often don’t realize how important your hamstrings are until you suffer an injury that takes them out of action or, worse, causes you considerable pain.Luckily, Dr. Struan Coleman has extensive experience repairing torn hamstrings, allowing his patients in New...

Advice for Speeding Recovery From Shoulder Replacement Surgery Aug 24th, 2018

There comes a time in life when a joint may be causing you more harm than good, which can certainly be the case with your shoulder. If you’ve been dealing with a painful shoulder that places considerable limitations on your life, a joint replacement surgery may be just the solution...

What Is Frozen Shoulder? Jul 25th, 2018

The medical name for the shoulder condition commonly known as frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis. It’s characterized by pain and stiffness that builds up gradually over the course of months or even years. There are a few things that raise your risk of developing a frozen shoulder, including: Being between...

5 Tips to Protect Your Knees As You Age Jun 18th, 2018

Your knees bear a lot of weight as well as a large responsibility for your ability to effectively get around. They also contain a lot of moving parts, from ligaments and cartilage to muscles and bones, that can become damaged either from injury or the natural wear and tear of...

Never Give Up: Christina McNamara Schmidt’s Journey May 30th, 2018

For any normal person, hamstring pain can be an incredibly debilitating, limiting, and frustrating condition to cope with. But Christina McNamara Schmidt is no ordinary person. This mother of three is also a competitive All American Triathlete, taking to the water and covering mile after mile on her bike and...

e-vive: Revolutionizing STIM Therapy Mar 7th, 2017

As an orthopedic surgeon focused on sports medicine, I am constantly aware of how important rehab is post-op. It is important for patients to have convenient and effective methods of rehab so that they can get "back in the game" as soon as possible. We first started CyMedica with our...

Averting Joint Damage Due to Rheumatoid Arthritis Feb 1st, 2017

Do you suffer from joint stiffness or swelling on a daily basis? Then you face a higher risk of incurring damage to your joints. If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and your symptoms flare up, it is crucial that you learn the signs of trouble and how to...