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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 19 Sponsored Material Join us for the live conversation on We will be cha ng live on Facebook with the doctors of Fredericksburg Orthopae- dic Associates later this month. Be sure to follow us on our social media accounts for details! Facebook: @fredericksburgparent • Twitter: @FredParent • Instagram: @fredparentmagazine a sk t h e e x p e rt Q: When should someone suffering from shoulder pain make an appointment? If someone has constant pain for more than three to four weeks which is not relieved by nonsteroidal an - infl ammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Motrin or Aleve, or a er any trauma c event such as a fall, they should make an appointment to be seenby an orthopedic specialist. If they are unable to raise their arm a er a minor injury they should be seen as soon as possible (a few days). Q: What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? Carpal tunnel syndrome is a clinical diagnosis of pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. It can be caused by many things such as over use, gene cs, trauma, or certain oncology drugs, as well as certain condi ons like hypothyroidism. Symptoms may include hand and wrist swelling, numbness in the hand, weak- ness in grip, pain in the hand and/or nigh me pain in the hand or wrist. Q: How can I help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome? I'm on my computer all day for work; will this aggravate the problem? Carpal tunnel is a pinched nerve in your wrist due to a thickened ligament. Avoiding bent posi ons of your wrist can be helpful. An ergonomic keyboard and taking vitamin B6 (100 mg daily) is protec ve. If it is waking you up at night, a night splint is also helpful. However, it is the number one hand problem we treat, and it tends to progress with me. Although cor sone injec ons can give temporary relief, the most eff ec ve treatment when the symptoms are bad enough is surgical release. Q: Once diagnosed, what are the treatment options? Depending on the severity and dura on of the symp- toms op ons include: • Nigh me bracing and an -infl ammatories • Cor sone injec on • Surgery Q: What is a hand therapist and what are the benefits to using one? A hand therapist specializes in physical therapy for the hand and the wrist. People who have injuries or surgery on the hand or wrist typically require these thera- pists to help with the recovery process. Cer fi ed hand therapists are specialized in trea ng upper extremity condi ons including: • Trauma c injuries • Fractures and disloca ons • Sports injuries • Tennis elbow and other types of tendoni s • Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, thoracic outlet syndrome and other nerve entrapment disorders • Repe ve mo on syndromes • Amputa ons • Burns and frostbite • Arthri s • Tendon and nerve injuries • Dupuytren's contracture • Complex regional pain syndrome, also known as RSD Q: Can we really injure ourselves using smartphones? "Like with anything in life modera on is key," says Ali R. Hashemi, M.D., general and pediatric hand & shoulder surgeon. "Having said that, I have never treat- ed an upper extremity condi on that resulted from excessive cell phone use." Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to get healthier and more active, but find running or high-intensity interval training painful? "Cycling is one of the best forms of exercise for numerous reasons. It is a very effi - cient form of human locomo on allowing coverage of long distances so riders can enjoy fresh air and please the senses aesthe cally as they travel through country roads, mountains, farms and lakes. This relaxing and enjoyable form of exercise has a tremendous mental health benefi t," says David Zijerdi, M.D. "Cycling has been associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and vari- ous cancers. It enhances weight loss and increase the body's metabolism even when off the bike. Moreover, cycling is a low impact sport. It benefi ts people with overuse injuries and minimize damage to arthri c joints while increasing muscular condi oning and strengthening joint car lage. "Whether you are a recrea onal athlete, runner, triathlete or just trying to get into shape, cycling is the best form of exercise given the tremendous physical and mental health benefi ts and minimal impact trauma to the joints." "If you are suffering from pain and limited mo- bility due to an orthopedic ailment or injury, it is time to regain your independence and return to an active lifestyle. Let us help you stop joint pain and get back to life!" - Fredericksburg Orthopaedic Associates