New Mexico specialists of the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle
About Us
 



Samuel Tabet, MD
James Mayfield, PAC

 
 
Patient Education > FAQ

 
  		• Last year I spent $2,000 purchasing a continuous passive motion machine to use after a total knee replacement. I was planning to resell it. Now I find out the latest studies say it doesn't work. What's this all about?
    		 
  		• What can be done to keep my leg muscles from shrinking after knee surgery?
    		 
  		• I am a pitcher in a AA pro baseball league. My coach had me bump up my training schedule to get ready for the upcoming season. Now I'm starting to feel pain and popping in the bottom tip of my shoulder blade, especially when I wind up and start to throw. What could be causing this?
    		 
  		• Why do I sometimes feel popping and snapping in my shoulder when I move my arm?
    		 
  		• What is snapping scapula syndrome?
    		 
  		• I broke my shoulder blade a few years ago. Now I'm starting to feel and hear it thump when I raise my arm. Is my old injury related to this thumping?
    		 
  		• My doctor suggested that I see a physical or occupational therapist for my problem with snapping scapula. How can this type of therapy help my problem?
    		 
  		• I'm working with a physical therapist to help with my snapping scapula. She's having me do these funky push-ups where I have to hunch my shoulders forward at the end of each one. How does an exercise like this help people with problems from snapping scapula?
    		 
  		• I am having part of my shoulder blade removed because of chronic problems with snapping scapula. My doctor said I have to wait at least six to eight weeks afterward before doing any kind of active exercise. This seems like an awfully long time. Why will I have to wait so long?
    		 
  		• I am fed up with the popping and grating under my shoulder blade. My doctor diagnosed me with snapping scapula. He wants me to try a couple different treatments to see if I'll get better. But after all I've put up with, shouldn't I just go ahead and have a surgery to fix it?
    		 
  		• I injured a nerve to my shoulder blade when my arm was jerked in a waterskiing accident a few months ago. For a while afterwards, my shoulder blade really tilted out. This seems to be better, but now I'm getting a lot of popping and snapping under shoulder blade. Is it from my injury? What can I do to correct the snapping problem?
    		 
  		• I have osteoarthritis in my knees. I have been trying to loose weight because my doctor told me it could help relieve some of the pain. But whenever I go for a walk, my knees hurt even more. It feels like I'm making the problem worse, so I have stopped exercising altogether. I'm worried that I will keep gaining weight if I don't exercise. Any suggestions?
    		 
  		• Three months ago, I sprained my ankle badly. Normally, I'm very active, but this injury has kept me from doing anything beyond going to work and doing the bare minimum at home. I'm tired of being couped up! A friend told me that if my ankle hurts, I should stay off of it. Is this true?
    		 
  		• My physical therapist has talked about using passive joint mobilization to treat my sprained ankle. What is passive joint mobilization, and how does it work?
    		 
  		• I sprained my ankle, and my buddy said something about "rice." Is this a special diet or what?
    		 
  		• I sprained my ankle at a track meet. My coach wants me to see a physical therapist, but I say I can ice and wrap my ankle on my own. Is physical therapy worth my time?
    		 
  		• What's the most likely thing to go wrong with a total shoulder arthroplasty?
    		 
  		• Can a bone graft help with total shoulder replacement?
    		 
  		• One of my rugby buddies is going to have surgery for a shoulder dislocation. My shoulder has dislocated three times since I first injured it last season. I haven't had surgery and don't even know if I was given the option. Should I have surgery?
    		 
  		• While skiing recently, I dislocated my right shoulder. This is the second time in less than a year for this shoulder. I'm in a sling, like last time. If I keep it in the sling longer, will it lessen the chances of this happening a third time?
    		 
  		• I recently dislocated my shoulder. I've heard about a new surgery available to fix it. Does that mean I won't need to go through physical therapy? Frankly, I don't have the time.
    		 
  		• One of the ligaments inside my knee was injured in a recent football game. I'm wondering about the knee bones. My biology teacher said ligaments are attached to bones. Do the bones get hurt, too?
    		 
  		• I recently had my right ACL repaired. My orthopedist said everything looked great. If my rehab continues to go well, does this mean I won't have problems in the future?
    		 
  		• My dad had his knee operated on, and now, 15 years later, it's starting to hurt. He hasn't done anything to hurt it again that he can think of. Otherwise he's in pretty good shape. Is the pain coming from his initial problem, or is this something new?
    		 
  		• More than 20 years ago, I fell off a roof and badly sprained my ankle. After nursing it for a couple of months, I was pretty much able to do everything I usually did and forgot about it. Now lately, that same ankle is getting stiff and sore. Is it possible they are related?
    		 
  		• I am a collegiate baseball pitcher. Since the beginning of baseball season, the vague soreness in my shoulder has become centered in the back part of my shoulder, especially when I wind up to throw. The stiffness in my shoulder used to go away with a good warm up, but now even a warm up doesn't seem to help. What could be wrong with my shoulder? Will my problem just keep getting worse?
    		 
  		• The pain I feel from osteoarthritis in my knee gets worse when I'm active. Wouldn't it be safest for me just to stay in my recliner so I don't feel pain?
    		 
  		• The arthritis pain in my knee is slowly getting worse. I've never gotten relief with rubs or ointments, but I'm wondering about a new cream called capsaicin. What is it made of, and can it work for me?
    		 
  		• I've read that people with hip and knee osteoarthritis should think about using a cane to take pressure off the leg and to help the pain go away. What should I know about purchasing and using a cane?
    		 
  		• I twisted and sprained my knee badly back in high school. I read once that having a bad knee injury can cause knee arthritis later in life. If so, I'm wondering if there is anything I can do now so I don't end up with knee arthritis.
    		 
  		• My doctor explained that the aching and swelling in my knee is from osteoarthritis. She told me about an injection that can lessen my pain and help me get around easier. What kind of medicine is in the shot, and does it work?
    		 
  		• I fell and hurt my knee pretty bad back in high school. Will I be more likely to develop arthritis in my knee as I get older?
    		 
  		• My doctor said that X-rays of my knee show that the cartilage is gone in my knee joint. Now that I've been taking glucosamine and chondroitin, my pain is better, and I feel I can do more during the day. Could the benefits I feel be coming from these supplements?
    		 
  		• I had knee surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last year. Is it true that if you tear this ligament you end up getting osteoarthritis in the knee?
    		 
  		• I tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my knee back in high school. When my doctor went in to fix the ACL, he had to take the meniscus out because it was torn. I'm only 30 years old now, and I'm starting to feel stiffness and pain in my knee. Am I going to end up with arthritis in my knee?
    		 
  		• What causes ankle fractures among snowboarders?
    		 
  		• I had a severe ankle sprain during a tennis match last year. The ankle feels unsteady to me, like I can't trust it. It also rolls in without warning. Why is this, and what can be done for it?
    		 
  		• I just took up snowboarding. Are my ankles likely to get hurt?
    		 
  		• I was coming down from a lay up during a basketball game two days ago. When I landed, my foot rolled in and I tore a ligament on the outside of my ankle. Will I need surgery to fix this problem, or are there things I can do to avoid surgery?
    		 
  		• I am a snowboarder, and I've had a couple of painful ankle sprains. Should I do something about it?
    		 
  		• I need to have surgery for tennis elbow. My doctor says there are "open" and "closed" ways to do the surgery. What's the difference?
    		 
  		• I've had pain along the outside of my elbow for a while. I've tried physical therapy in the past. My new doctor wants me to wear a brace and do physical therapy again. He thinks these things will keep me from needing surgery. Is he right?
    		 
  		• When it comes to tennis elbow, do steroid injections become less helpful the more of them you have?
    		 
  		• Could my age-old problem with golfer's elbow be causing numbness in my hand?
    		 
  		• Whenever I bend my elbow, I feel a snap on the inside edge of the elbow. Could this be related to the numbness I feel in my hand?
    		 
  		• I've had pain in my elbow for years. Since getting treatment for it, I've heard my doctor and occupational therapist talk about the "carrying angle" of the elbow. What is so important about this angle, and are there differences in the elbow angles of males and females?
    		 
  		• I am having arthroscopy for tennis elbow. Will I be able to go back to sports after surgery?
    		 
  		• I am having arthroscopy for tennis elbow. How soon will I be able to go back to work after surgery?
    		 
  		• I've tried conservative treatment for tennis elbow, but it hasn't helped. My doctor says surgery's the next step. He wants me to have an arthroscopic procedure. What's that?
    		 
  		• My elderly mother fell and broke her elbow. Because mom has osteoporosis, the doctor said the best thing to do is replace the broken elbow with a new joint. Wouldn't it be easier to just fix the broken elbow?
    		 
  		• Do rest and physical therapy help patients avoid surgery for tennis elbow?
    		 
  		• Due to ongoing problems of cubital tunnel syndrome, my doctor is suggesting surgery. What does surgery for this problem usually involve?
    		 
  		• Working as a house framer requires that I swing a hammer most of the day. By the end of the shift, the pain on the inside bump of my elbow becomes too much. I can barely keep working. Won't my doctor just do surgery, so I can do my job?
    		 
  		• What is the difference between radial tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow?
    		 
  		• What is radial tunnel syndrome?
    		 
  		• What causes the pain of radial tunnel syndrome?
    		 
  		• What is the radial tunnel?
    		 
  		• I would prefer to avoid surgery for my elbow arthritis. What steps can I take to deal with my symptoms short of surgery?
    		 
  		• What are the symptoms of elbow osteoarthritis?
    		 
  		• The pain of osteoarthritis is in my elbow has become too much to bear. My doctor recommends surgery to fuse the bones together. Sure it'll help with pain, but it seems I won't be able to do anything with the elbow after the surgery. True?
    		 
  		• Every time I rest my right elbow on my desk at work, I get pain and swelling on the point of my elbow. Why is this, and what can I do about it?
    		 
  		• The pain behind my elbow was recently diagnosed as olecranon bursitis. How could I have gotten this problem?
    		 
  		• Where is the olecranon bursa, and what does it do?
    		 
  		• An avid swimmer, I'm wondering how I ended up with golfer's elbow. Any ideas?
    		 
  		• The pain I feel on the inside edge of my elbow was recently diagnosed as golfer's elbow. How can this be when I don't play golf?
    		 
  		• The symptoms I've felt from tennis elbow over the past two years haven't changed, even with medication to fight inflammation. Could my pain be coming from something other than inflammation?
    		 
  		• How can playing tennis cause tennis elbow?
    		 
  		• The elbow pain I've had for years is apparently not due to inflammation. My doctors said it is from a condition called tendinosis. What is tendinosis, and how did I get it?
    		 
  		• What does tennis elbow feel like?
    		 
  		• What are the most common causes of tennis elbow?
    		 
  		• How could my doctor diagnose my elbow pain as tennis elbow? I've never even played the game.
    		 
  		• What does my doctor hope to achieve by doing interpositional arthroplasty on my arthritic elbow?
    		 
  		• When considering the options to treat my elbow arthritis, my doctor mentioned a surgery called interposition arthroplasty. What is this surgery, and what does it involve?
    		 
  		• What can I expect after my elbow fusion surgery?
    		 
  		• In high school, I dislocated my elbow. Is it possible I could someday end up with arthritis in the joint?
    		 
  		• Why would my doctor recommend fusion surgery to fix my problems with elbow arthritis?
    		 
  		• I play a lot of tennis, and I swim almost every day. I'm not having any particular problems now, but I'm wondering if these sports will loosen my elbow joint over time.
    		 
  		• What is the ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow? What does it do?
    		 
  		• Will my career as a baseball pitcher put me at risk for having elbow problems?
    		 
  		• I've heard that women are more likely than men to have medical complications after ACL surgery. Is this true?
    		 
  		• I know that women are more prone to ACL injuries than men. Does this mean that women also have worse results from ACL surgery?
    		 
  		• I am a dancer who's having ACL surgery. The doctor says I have to wear a brace for a few weeks afterward. Is it normal to have to wear a brace, and will it affect my future performance?
    		 
  		• I tore my ACL playing basketball, and I'm having surgery to reconstruct the ligament. Can I expect to get my balance back?
    		 
  		• I am having ACL surgery, and I want to make sure I get my ability to balance back. Any suggestions?
    		 
  		• What is ACL reconstruction surgery? Where does the "reconstruction" come from?
    		 
  		• I sprained the ligaments on the outside of my ankle four months ago and still have pain, stiffness, and swelling whenever I use the ankle. Could there be something else going on in the ankle that is keeping me from getting better?
    		 
  		• I sprained my ankle and have a lot of swelling and pain. Why does the joint feel unstable, and what can I do to make it better?
    		 
  		• In baseball, what kinds of injuries are the most likely to keep players from the game?
    		 
  		• In baseball, what kinds of injuries are the most likely to keep players from the game?
    		 
  		• The arthrogram for my shoulder showed no tear in the rotator cuff. But when I went for an MRI, it showed a complete tear. Why didn't the arthrogram show the tear?
    		 
  		• I've been going to physical therapy for my frozen shoulder. The shoulder hurts a lot and doesn't seem to be improving. What are my options for treatment?
    		 
  		• My doctor diagnosed my tight shoulder as "adhesive capsulitis." What is this, and how did it happen?
    		 
  		• I hurt my shoulder in a water-skiing accident last summer. It's starting to dislocate more often, even with mild activity. Do I need surgery for this problem?
    		 
  		• I have a very large tear in my rotator cuff, and I'm going to have surgery to fix it. Does the size of the tear make a difference in whether the results of surgery will last?
    		 
  		• I am 55 and had surgery to repair a tear in my rotator cuff last year. My recovery's been good so far. Can I expect these results to last?
    		 
  		• My 60-year-old mother tore her rotator cuff. Now even the simplest activities are hard for her to do. Will surgery decrease her disability?
    		 
  		• My 72-year-old mother fell. Now she needs an operation to repair a torn rotator cuff. What can we expect after the operation?
    		 
  		• I recently fell and hurt my shoulder. The doctor told me that I have a rotator cuff tear. What is the rotator cuff, and what part is usually torn?
    		 
  		• I am going to have an operation to repair the torn rotator cuff tendon in my shoulder. What can go wrong with this kind of surgery?
    		 
  		• I read an article in a sports magazine that gave some safety guidelines for young pitchers. How can I get my 12-year-old son's baseball coach to use some of these?
    		 
  		• My 10-year-old daughter is pitching for her Little League team. What can she do to prevent an injury from using her arm too much?
    		 
  		• I read an article in a sports magazine that gave some safety guidelines for young pitchers. How can I get my 12-year-old son's baseball coach to use some of these?
    		 
  		• My 15-year-old son is a pitcher for his high school baseball team. He pitched all through Little League without any problems. Now he is complaining of elbow pain after every game. What should I do about this?
    		 
  		• I'm six months pregnant and can't seem to get over the muscle cramps in my calves. Could these cramps have anything to do with the way I'm walking now?
    		 
  		• What's the standard treatment for PCL tears? Do these injuries call for surgery?
    		 
  		• How do PCL injuries happen?
    		 
  		• Where exactly is the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)? Why don't I hear about it as much as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?
    		 
  		• I am 75. My doctor wants me to have knee surgery to take out part of the meniscus. Is there any way to tell whether I'll have good results?
    		 
  		• Can patients over 70 have good results from surgery to take out part of the knee meniscus?
    		 
  		• I am 70 and have some arthritis in my knee. My doctor wants to do knee surgery to take out part of the meniscus. What are the chances that the surgery will help with my pain?
    		 
  		• I twisted my ankle when I missed the last step of our stairway. The doctor took X-rays and said it was not broken. How accurate are X-rays for this kind of injury?
    		 
  		• My brother and I both sprained our ankles last month in separate accidents. He has bruising and swelling on the outside of the ankle, but my ankle hurts on the inside. Why the difference?
    		 
  		• Why is it necessary to have X-rays taken after a sprained ankle? Can't the doctor just examine the foot and see what's wrong?
    		 
  		• I've been diagnosed with a ganglion cyst on the nerve above my shoulder blade. My shoulder is painful, but I'd prefer not to have surgery. Are there any other treatment options?
    		 
  		• I've played tennis for years. Lately, I've had pain in my shoulder when I serve. What could be causing this?
    		 
  		• I have a frozen shoulder. My doctor says arthroscopic surgery can give me more movement in the shoulder. But surgery's the thing that made it stiff in the first place. Can I expect good results from this procedure?
    		 
  		• I've heard that a frozen shoulder can be released arthroscopically, without making big incisions in the skin. What kind of benefits can I expect from this treatment? Do the benefits depend on the reason the stiffness started in the first place?
    		 
  		• I have a frozen shoulder. I've tried physical therapy. My doctor's even tried to manipulate the shoulder while I was asleep under anesthesia. Nothing's worked. What's next?
    		 
  		• I've had two months of physical therapy for my frozen shoulder. I'm still in a lot of pain, and it doesn't seem like the movement is improving. Will the problem go away by itself if I just stop treatment altogether?
    		 
  		• I dislocated my shoulder playing football last week. I'm 18 and have my whole sports career ahead of me. What are the chances I'll dislocate my shoulder again?
    		 
  		• I'm just getting over a dislocated shoulder. What can I do to prevent this kind of injury from happening again?
    		 
  		• I dislocated my shoulder. Should I have surgery?
    		 
  		• My doctor says the pain in my shoulder is from a cyst pressing on the a nerve over the shoulder blade. How is this treated?
    		 
  		• I went to my doctor for a vague pain in my knee. She did some tests and found that part of my knee cartilage had broken off. She called it osteochondritis dessicans. What do you think caused this problem?
    		 
  		• I am scheduled to have surgery to replace part of the articular cartilage in my knee. Will I be able to return to my favorite sports and recreational activities?
    		 
  		• I have heard that knee cartilage can be replaced. My wife had surgery for her knee arthritis, but this option was not given to her. Is it true there are ways to put new cartilage in areas that have been damaged?
    		 
  		• Can repetitive knee movements lead to knee osteoarthritis?
    		 
  		• Could exercising in a pool help me deal with the osteoarthritis in my knees?
    		 
  		• What is the meniscus in the knee, and why is it important?
    		 
  		• I tore my meniscus and had to have it removed. I still have a lot of knee pain. Are there any other surgical options for me?
    		 
  		• My doctor says there's a new transplant procedure for people who've had a torn meniscus removed. How do these transplants hold up?
    		 
  		• Upon seeing my doctor for the popping, clicking, and swelling in my knee, I was told I have a "loose body" in my knee joint. What is a loose body, and where could it have come from?
    		 
  		• My doctor is sending me to get some rehabilitation done on my knee. The program is supposed to include "closed kinetic chain exercises." What are these, and how can they help my knee problem?
    		 
  		• I tore the cartilage in my knee, and the pain is severe. I've heard that cartilage doesn't have any nerves, so why does my knee hurt so much?
    		 
  		• My doctor is trying to find the cause of the pain in my knee. What's the benefit of doing knee arthroscopy instead of MRI?
    		 
  		• I've heard that some knee arthroscopies come out "normal." Do you think the procedure is overdone?
    		 
  		• Could patients benefit from knee arthroscopy even when the results are "normal?"
    		 
  		• I am facing knee surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). What is the recovery time for being able to move around after this type of surgery?
    		 
  		• I am facing knee surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). When I went to see a knee specialist, I felt rushed. I was told I needed surgery right away. My family doctor thinks I should have some physical therapy before surgery, but the specialist is adamant that I have surgery right away. Is it usually helpful to have some PT before having surgery?
    		 
  		• I am scheduled to have surgery for the articular cartilage in my knee. How soon will I be able to walk again?
    		 
  		• After having a meniscus transplanted to my knee, my surgeon strongly encouraged me to completely avoid distance running and sports that require cutting or pivoting. Why all the fuss?
    		 
  		• I'm recovering from a minor injury to the muscle on the front of my thigh. I want to get my range of movement back. Will stretching help?
    		 
  		• I want to train for a marathon. I've heard that long-distance runners can get shin splints from the constant strain on the leg muscles. How do I know if I'm at risk?
    		 
  		• I coach a high school cross-country team. Is there any way to predict which of my runners will wind up with shin splints and other injuries from overuse?
    		 
  		• I've had knee pain for years. Now my knee's tight, and it doesn't bend very far. My surgeon says I shouldn't expect a lot of improvement in how far the knee bends, even after I get the joint replaced. Isn't this a bit pessimistic?
    		 
  		• What can I do to avoid ending up with a stiff knee after getting the joint replaced next month?
    		 
  		• Following the replacement surgery for my knee joint, I've tried physical therapy and a special splint to stretch my knee. I just don't seem to be getting any more movement in my knee. What are my options now?
    		 
  		• I had a new knee joint put in two months ago. I still can't bend it very far, even after doing all my exercises and going through heavy and sometimes painful stretching in physical therapy. I've done everything I've been told. Is it possible the stiffness doesn't have to do with me?
    		 
  		• I had a bad ankle sprain last year. Since then, I keep twisting my ankle for no apparent reason. Why is this, and what can I do to prevent it from happening?
    		 
  		• I am being treated for an ankle sprain. My physical therapist has me stand and work my ankle on a big round disk. How does this type of training help?
    		 
  		• I had a major ankle sprain after falling from a ladder. So far, my doctor and therapist have had me keep it wrapped, iced, and elevated. Is there anything else I can do to speed up my recovery?
    		 
  		• I've had a few shoulder injuries from sports. Now my doctor says I need surgery to stabilize my shoulder. I don't want to wind up with a stiff shoulder. What type of surgery's best for me?
    		 
  		• I've dislocated my shoulder a couple of times. My doctor wants me to try surgery. He says I can choose between regular open surgery and an arthroscopic kind of surgery. Which works better?
    		 
  		• I had surgery a week ago for tennis elbow. Now I am in a splint that I can only take off for exercise. I feel perfectly fine and would like to remove the splint permanently. Is this okay?
    		 
  		• I have been a piano teacher for 12 years. I've never had any problems teaching and playing for long hours. But in the last six weeks, I have started to notice pain on the outside of my elbow as soon as I start to play. What could be causing this, and what can I do about it?
    		 
  		• I have had tennis elbow for the last two years. There is constant pain on the outside of my elbow that goes down my forearm. I have tried everything without relief: straps, splints, exercises, magnets, chiropractic, massage, ice, and medications. What else can I try?
    		 
  		• Lately I've had a lot of pain right behind my kneecap, especially when going down stairs. I am only 33 years old. Could I be developing arthritis already?
    		 
  		• I have been using a new taping procedure to hold my kneecaps in place. Sometimes when I have the tape on, I feel great. Other times, it doesn't seem to help at all. Why doesn't it always work?
    		 
  		• I was recently diagnosed with patellofemoral pain syndrome. I don't want to have surgery, but the pain is keeping me from doing the things I want to do. Are there any other options?
    		 
  		• How long does it take for a torn meniscus to heal after surgery to repair it?
    		 
  		• Last fall, I had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in my knee. The surgeon used a new device called an arrow to hold my knee together. These arrows replace stitches. One of the arrows has worked its way up to the skin on the inside of my knee. It is tender and irritates the skin. Why doesn't the doctor take it out?
    		 
  		• Having played soccer since I was eight, I'm a seasoned player in excellent shape. But last month, I tore the anterior cruciate ligament in my knee during my last high school game. I still don't know what happened. One minute I was after the ball, the next minute I was down on the field and unable to get up. How do these injuries happen?
    		 
  		• After sliding into home during a baseball game, I found out that the homerun cost me the meniscus in my left knee. The doctor is recommending surgery to repair the injury. Can't I just rehab it myself?
    		 
  		• Six months ago, I had an operation to replace my knee joint. This has helped with the pain, but I am weaker than before the operation. I am doing the exercises my doctor recommended, but I don't seem to be getting better. What else can I do?
    		 
  		• As I get older, I'm having a harder time getting up and down stairs because of leg weakness and pain. My doctor is suggesting a total knee replacement. How will this help?
    		 
  		• My 86-year-old grandfather had his knee replaced with a new joint last month. When I take him in to see the physical therapist, she puts electrical stimulation on his thigh muscle. What does this do?
    		 
  		• My 17-year-old son hurt his knee playing basketball. The doctor says both the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and meniscus (cartilage) are torn. The doctor is recommending surgery to repair them. Wouldn't it be better to repair the ACL and simply take out the torn meniscus?
    		 
  		• How can you tell whether an ankle is broken or just sprained?
    		 
  		• Six months ago, my 15-year-old son jumped up in the air and clicked his heels together. When he landed on the ground, he broke his right heel bone into several pieces. The doctor says it's healed now, but my son still has pain. What could be causing his lingering pain?
    		 
  		• I'm recovering from an ankle sprain. My physical therapist says I'm getting better because the swelling has gone down. But I still have a lot of pain in my ankle, and I can't do the things I usually do. What's going on? Am I getting better or not?
    		 
  		• When it comes to ankle sprains, how much is swelling related to ankle function?
    		 
  		• As a physical therapist, I see a lot of patients with sprained ankles. I usually measure around the ankle in a figure eight to check for swelling. Is this a good measure of treatment results over time?
    		 
  		• My 11-year-old daughter has just started dancing in toe shoes at her ballet class. After complaining about foot pain for a week, I took her to see the doctor. The doctor said my daughter has an avulsion fracture. What is this?
    		 
  		• My doctor repaired the rotator cuff tendon in my shoulder 10 years ago. Now I've started losing motion in that shoulder, and it is very painful. I can still lift my arm over my head, but I am worried about having another surgery. What should I do?
    		 
  		• After carrying my 20-pound baby over my arm, I started having terrible shoulder pain. The doctor thinks I may have rubbed the tendon of my rotator cuff against the bone enough to tear the tendon. What is the rotator cuff, and what does it do?
    		 
  		• At 69 years old, I'm in relatively good health. But ever since I was in my mid-40s, I have noticed increased joint stiffness, and now I can't lift my arms fully over my head. Is this normal? What's preventing me from having full motion?
    		 
  		• I started a weight-lifting program at home two weeks ago. When I increased to 20 pounds for shoulder movements, I felt a pop in my left shoulder. There was a twinge of pain at the time, and the next day I had extreme shoulder pain. I went to see the doctor, and she said I tore the supraspinatus tendon. There were no X-rays or other tests done. Shouldn't I have X-rays or MRI?
    		 
  		• I am a 50-year-old male in pretty good shape. I would like to start a weight-training program at home. About five years ago, I had a motorcycle accident and hurt my shoulder. No treatment was necessary, and I gradually got better. I still have some shoulder pain off and on, but it doesn't keep me from doing what I want to do. Should I have some kind of formal testing done on my shoulder before starting with weights? I don't want to wind up with an injury.
    		 
  		• I tore one of the rotator cuff tendons in my left shoulder six months ago. I faithfully went to physical therapy and did my exercise program for the first two months. Once the pain was gone and I could move the arm freely, I stopped doing the exercises. Is it safe now to sign up for tennis lessons?
    		 
  		• I am having surgery on my broken elbow. The doctor described cutting through the ligaments, tendons, and muscles on the outside of my elbow to get to the broken bone. I'm an avid weight-lifter. Will surgery permanently weaken my arm or keep me from lifting weights?
    		 
  		• When I straighten my arms, my elbows always look a little bit bent. They don't seem to straighten as much as other people's elbows. Is there a reason for this?
    		 
  		• I hurt my elbow in a work-related accident. When the report came through from workers' compensation, I noticed it said that I have a "positive pivot shift test." What is this, and what's it used for?
    		 
  		• Last year, I had surgery to take the pressure off a nerve on the inside edge of my right elbow. All my symptoms went away, but now I have a new one. Whenever I put any pressure on the inside of my elbow, I get a tingling sensation down my forearm into my little finger. Sometimes this happens just from pulling on a shirt when I get dressed. What is causing this?
    		 
  		• My doctor diagnosed my elbow trouble as cubital tunnel syndrome. My ring and little fingers keep falling asleep, and I can't hold a fist for more than a few seconds. What can be done about this?
    		 
  		• For the last six months, I've felt a tingling sensation in my right ring and little fingers. At first it didn't bother me, but now I am having trouble with simple things like holding silverware, opening mail, and turning my key in the door. What could be causing this?
    		 
  		• I fell on the ice two years ago and broke my elbow into little pieces. Since then, I have had six surgeries on my arm to repair the elbow. Nothing has worked, and now I have a surgically fused elbow. Even though it has been almost nine months since the surgery, I am still having trouble with simple things like picking up a glass of water or cutting my food. What do you recommend?
    		 
  		• I am a 72-year-old woman with an elbow replacement joint. Unfortunately, I got an infection in the joint, and it has to be removed. Too much of the joint has been destroyed to put in another joint replacement. The doctor is recommending arthrodesis. What is this?
    		 
  		• After having a noncancerous tumor removed from my elbow, most of the joint and bone on either side were destroyed. In order to salvage the arm, the surgeon wants to fuse together what's left of the bones around the elbow. What's the best position to put my arm in permanently?
    		 
  		• I had surgery last week to clean up a small tear in the cartilage of my knee. Afterward, my doctor said I could put as much weight on the knee as I could tolerate when up and walking. My knee's pretty sore, but I can tolerate the pain. How come I have so much swelling and pain?
    		 
  		• What are the treatments for "water on the knee"?
    		 
  		• What do people mean when they talk about "water on the knee"?
    		 
  		• I've gotten out of shape since having total joint surgery for my knee. What types of activities can I do without harming the new replacement parts in the joint?
    		 
  		• After my knee locked up, my doctor did some tests and found that part of my knee cartilage had broken off. She called it osteochondritis dessicans. What is this problem?
    		 
  		• I'm starting to do more exercises since my knee surgery. How much exercise is too much?
    		 
  		• I was injured in a hockey game one month ago when another team member smacked the front of my knee with her hockey stick. The bruising just above the kneecap is going down, but my knee feels weak when I try to squat down. I was told I had a "nerve bruise" and that it would just take a while to get better. Could my problem be from the nerve bruise?
    		 
  		• It has been 20 years since I was diagnosed with a partial tear of my medial collateral knee ligament. My knee gives out every once in a while, keeping me from the activities I enjoy. I just turned 63, and I like to keep active by skiing and playing golf. Should I have the ligament replaced?
    		 
  		• I tore the articular cartilage in my knee. Can I avoid having surgery by doing a lot of exercise?
    		 
  		• My doctor said my hip and thigh muscles are weak, and this is keeping my knee problem from getting better. How can exercises for my hip help my knee?
    		 
  		• My 14-year-old daughter has been having knee pain and complains of a "crunching" feeling under her kneecap when she straightens her knee. Her pediatrician says this may be coming from the position of her kneecap called the "Q-angle." Can you explain this to me?
    		 
  		• I am a high school soccer player. The athletic trainer for our team insists that we strengthen our hamstring muscles to prevent knee injuries. I think the trainer's going overboard. What's there to worry about?
    		 
  		• I injured the ACL in my right knee when getting down off a horse. Along with exercises in the clinic, my physical therapist gave me a round board with a special attachment on the bottom that looks like a half ball. By standing on the board, I can work on balance and weight shifting. How long should I do these exercises to avoid surgery and get back to riding my horse?
    		 
  		• I have a weak quadriceps muscle that's causing patellar-tracking problems. The doctor has diagnosed my problem as patellofemoral pain syndrome. I am supposed to go for biofeedback to help with the knee pain caused by this condition. What is biofeedback?
    		 
  		• I have chondromalacia of both my kneecaps. The doctor sent me to a physical therapist, who showed me how to sit, stand, and move properly. I have a brace to wear when I exercise more than 15 minutes, and a set of exercises to do every day. Are these really going to improve my knee pain?
    		 
  		• I have been diagnosed with chondromalacia of the knee. What is this?
    		 
  		• Last month I dislocated my left kneecap playing basketball. My doctor is recommending surgery to repair it. How do I know surgery is really necessary?
    		 
  		• I am a professional ballet dancer with dislocating kneecaps. I never know when one or both of my kneecaps will pop off to the side. Although I can push them back in place, my knees are painful for at least two days afterward, and I can't dance. I read a magazine article that suggested "conservative treatment" for this problem. What is conservative treatment, and could it help me?
    		 
  		• I am a 62-year-old woman in relatively good health. Last winter, I slipped on the ice and tore the lateral meniscus in my left knee. The doctor removed the damaged part, and now I am having constant pain, with swelling that comes and goes. I can only go up and down stairs one leg at a time. The X-ray doesn't show anything abnormal. Is this a typical result after this type of surgery?
    		 
  		• I just tore the meniscus on the outside of my knee playing football. Now I am going to have surgery to remove the torn cartilage. Will the results of this surgery last for the rest of my football career?
    		 
  		• About 10 years ago, I tore the lateral meniscus in my knee. Because both of my knees are now bothering me, I went to see my doctor. The X-ray showed arthritis in both knees. How can this be?
    		 
  		• Six months ago, my doctor reconstructed my torn ACL using a piece of the tendon and bone from below my kneecap. I completed physical therapy and still feel like the knee isn't going to hold me. My doctor says the surgery was a success and the knee is as "tight," if not tighter, than before my injury. If that's the case, why do I feel so unsteady on the leg?
    		 
  		• My skiing buddy and I both had knee injuries in competition last month. It turns out we had the same injury--a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He went on to have knee surgery. My doctor said my knee will get better with physical therapy. Shouldn't I have the same treatment as my friend?
    		 
  		• After surgery to repair my torn anterior cruciate ligament, I started a rehabilitation program. The physical therapist gave me two kinds of exercises to do. One set is with my foot planted on the ground. The other uses elastic bands with my foot off the ground. Why is it important to do both kinds of exercises?
    		 
  		• I understand that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) holds the two large bones of the leg together. Does it do anything else?
    		 
  		• I tore the anterior cruciate ligament in my knee last week in a tennis practice. I am scheduled to have surgery to repair the injured ligament. The tennis season starts in two months, but my doctor says I will be in the middle of my rehabilitation program at that time. What exactly will the program involve? And why can't I advance through it more quickly?
    		 
  		• I recently tore the anterior cruciate ligament in my right knee. The doctor told me I need surgery to repair the tear, but he seems to be in no hurry to operate. Shouldn't this kind of surgery be done right away?
    		 
  		• Last month I had ACL reconstruction surgery. Can you tell me what is actually done during this operation?
    		 
  		• I've sprained my ankle several times playing sports. My doctor thinks I may need surgery to stabilize the ankle. I'm afraid surgery will end my athletic career. Do most athletes stay active after this kind of surgery?
    		 
  		• What kinds of surgical techniques are used to stabilize an ankle with chronic sprains?
    		 
  		• I've sprained my ankle three times playing basketball. My doctor says there are ways to fix my ankle--one using the original ligament and one using tendon from my leg. Which type is better?
    		 
  		• I have torn the anterior cruciate ligament in my knee. The doctor advised physical therapy before considering surgery. One of the tests the therapist did was for joint proprioception. What is this?
    		 
  		• After injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in my knee, I had surgery and several months of rehabilitation with a physical therapist. The therapist told me that the injury caused some minor changes in my knee. One change is the knee's ability to sense its position when I am moving it. Is there a brace that could help with this problem?
    		 
  		• I often see people wearing braces on their knees. I hurt my knee in a skiing accident last week. Should I be wearing a brace?
    		 
  		• My doctor thinks I have a cyst behind my knee. An X-ray didn't show anything, so now I am scheduled for an ultrasound. If there is a cyst, will an ultrasound really show it?
    		 
  		• What causes a Baker's or popliteal cyst?
    		 
  		• What's a popliteal cyst? Is it the same thing as a Baker's cyst?
    		 
  		• I hurt my knee while mountain climbing in South America. The doctor in Argentina talked to me about the difficulty of repairing this type of ligament injury. I understand there is a new method using part of the hamstring tendon to make the repair. Is this safe?
    		 
  		• I frequently read in sports journals about the two main ligaments in the knee. I understand the anterior cruciate ligament is the one that's most often injured. Is it possible to tear both ligaments at the same time?
    		 
  		• I hurt my knee playing soccer. The doctor spent a lot of time asking questions and doing tests on my knee. Then I had X-rays and an MRI. Was this doctor just being thorough, or does every knee get this kind of inspection?
    		 
  		• I am on my high-school swim team. I have been swimming competitively since I was eight years old. Last season, I started to get shoulder pain doing freestyle. The pain is the worst when my hand goes into the water. Is there any kind of stretching or exercise program I can do for this?
    		 
  		• My shoulder hurts when I lift my arm to fix my hair in the morning. After trying anti-inflammatories with no improvement, I had an MRI. This didn't show anything. Now my doctor is recommending surgery to look inside the joint. If the MRI is negative, is there any point in going any further?
    		 
  		• I am 35 years old, an avid golfer, and unable to golf because of shoulder pain. The pain came on gradually over the last month. It gets really bad when I reach my arm forward in front of my face, and it's especially bothersome at night. What could be causing this?
    		 
  		• My 12-year-old son was hit with a baseball during regular season practice. The testing showed an injury to the end of his forearm bone. The doctor thinks my son will be out the rest of the season. Is this really necessary?
    		 
  		• I am a ballet dancer with medial tibial stress syndrome. The only advice I have been given is to take a year off and rest. I can't possibly do this. Isn't there anything else I can do to get better?
    		 
  		• What causes medial tibial stress syndrome?
    		 
  		• I recently sprained my ankle. The information I received suggested "cold therapy" as a form of treatment for the first 24 hours. What does this mean, and how do I use it?
    		 
  		• Last month, I saw a doctor for a sprained ankle. I was told it was a second-degree sprain of the ligaments on the outside of my ankle. No X-ray or other test was performed. How does the doctor know for sure the extent of the injury?
    		 
  		• My daughter sprained her ankle in gymnastics last week. She is no longer using crutches, but she can't put her full weight on that foot. When is it safe for her to return to gymnastics class?
    		 
  		• I sprained my ankle two weeks ago. I have been using ice and keeping the ankle wrapped with an ace wrap. When can I use heat instead of ice?
    		 
  		• I recently had a rotator cuff repair done with a button anchor. Now I am in a rehabilitation program, and I'm worried the device will break or come unbuttoned. What are the chances of this happening?
    		 
  		• I am having surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in my shoulder. The doctor has described using an anchor to "button down" the torn tendon. How does this work?
    		 
  		• My 16-year-old daughter separated her shoulder playing volleyball. She was treated with a sling, ice, and gentle movement until the pain went away. Now she has full motion without pain, but there is an ugly bump on her collarbone. She is a model for the local mall and wants to have this bump removed. Will this affect her shoulder motion?
    		 
  		• My teenage son separated his shoulder in a football game. The doctor has advised surgery. The doctor explained that my son could get better on his own without surgery, but there is no way to decide this ahead of time. What could happen if my son doesn't have surgery?
    		 
  		• I recently separated my shoulder in a car accident. Can you explain what exactly this means?
    		 
  		• I dislocated my shoulder some time ago. I went to physical therapy for rehab, but now I have been discharged. I notice that when my arm is at my side and my elbow is bent, I can move my hand away from my body much further on the injured side compared to the other side. Why is this?
    		 
  		• Is there a certain age when the risk of shoulder dislocation is the highest?
    		 
  		• How often do people dislocate their shoulders more than once?
    		 
  		• I had surgery for a shoulder problem last month. I was in and out of the hospital the same day. Even though I was feeling fine, the nursing staff wouldn't let me go home until I had met certain goals. Wasn't this a waste of time and money?
    		 
  		• Before having shoulder surgery next week, I met with the nursing staff at the hospital. They carefully explained all of the steps before, during, and after surgery. They mentioned that I will be able to use morphine whenever I want for pain. I am worried about becoming addicted to this drug. Can't I go without pain medication?
    		 
  		• I am going to have surgery to repair the rotator cuff tendons in my shoulder. The doctor has offered me the choice between two different types of anesthesia: general and regional. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these?
    		 
  		• I used to be involved in competitive sports and always suffered from shin splints. Now, I have three teenagers who are involved in sports. Can they inherit this problem from me?
    		 
  		• How successful is surgery for shin splints?
    		 
  		• I am a competitive long-distance runner, and I've been bothered by shin splints. I have tried ice, heat, stretching, strengthening, and taping. Is there anything else that could help?
    		 
  		• I injured my knee over the summer playing pick-up basketball. The injury happened when I stepped on a rock and turned my ankle. Why did I hurt my knee instead of my ankle?
    		 
  		• I had surgery to reconstruct a torn ligament in my knee. Since then, I have done my knee exercises faithfully. Even though it has been six months since the surgery, my leg still isn't as strong as the other leg. Is this normal?
    		 
  		• Last month, I had surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in my knee. Now I'm doing a rehabilitation program with a physical therapist. Several exercises are just for my hip and don't seem to have anything to do with my knee. Are the hip exercises really necessary?
    		 
  		• I am a college student having knee surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Will I have to quit school during the recovery time?
    		 
  		• Am I more likely to injure my nondominant knee compared to my dominant knee? If so, should I strengthen or train the nondominant side more?
    		 
  		• I am a basketball player, and I train several hours every day. I pay special attention to strengthening my legs and knees, but last year I injured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my knee. Why didn't the muscles around my knee protect this ligament?
    		 
  		• I've been following college basketball. I notice the women seem to have twice as many ACL injuries as the men. Why is this? Do men have some training secrets that women don't know?
    		 
  		• What is the knee meniscus, and what does it do?
    		 
  		• I tore the meniscus in my knee last year, but it hasn't really bothered me. The doctor recently recommended surgery to repair it. Since the knee isn't causing me any pain, I thought I would wait. How long do I have before this should be taken care of?
    		 
  		• What's the difference between a partial meniscectomy and a total meniscectomy?
    		 
  		• Lately, I have been having a lot of pain right behind my kneecap, especially when going down stairs. I am only 33 years old. Could I be developing arthritis already?
    		 
  		• I had surgery last month to replace my knee joint. Afterwards, the hospital sent me a survey. Most of the questions had to do with how I was treated at the hospital. Some of the questions were more personal, asking about my sleep, pain, and the like. What is the purpose of these questions? Should I answer them?
    		 
  		• I had a total knee replacement five months ago. I can walk just fine, but I still can't climb the two stairs in front of my house. Will I ever be able to do this?
    		 
  		• I have very severe osteoarthritis in my knee. The doctor is planning surgery to replace my knee joint with an artificial one. Before having surgery, I have to go through a series of tests that will be repeated after surgery. So far, I've done a walking test, climbed stairs, and answered a survey with lots of questions about what I can do at home and how I feel. Is all of this really necessary?
    		 
  		• I have diabetes with some loss of sensation in my feet. Because of this, I have to be very careful to protect my feet and avoid injuries. Is it possible to compensate for this by improving sensation in my ankles?
    		 
  		• After playing volleyball for a few hours, my ankles feel wobbly and weak. What causes this? Is there something I can do about it?
    		 
  		• I have a moderate rotator cuff tear. I haven't had relief from physical therapy and medications. Now we're talking about surgery. My doctor says there are a couple of ways to approach surgery for tears like mine. What type of surgery is best?
    		 
  		• What is acromioplasty? How will it help my shoulder?
    		 
  		• I have a fairly minor rotator cuff tear. My doctor is ordering a type of surgery called acromioplasty to "decompress" the tendons in the shoulder area. Will this take away the pain in my shoulder? And can I expect the results to last?
    		 
  		• I had a rotator cuff repair a year ago. The doctor used four metal anchors to hold the torn tendon in place. I am planning to fly overseas next month. Will the metal anchors set off the security system?
    		 
  		• My husband had a total shoulder joint replacement. During the operation, his upper arm bone fractured. How do they take care of this?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have my left shoulder joint replaced because of severe arthritis. The doctor told me that he might only replace half the joint. What is this decision based on?
    		 
  		• The doctor says I have “advanced stage” of shoulder arthritis. What does this mean?
    		 
  		• I was just told that I have rheumatoid arthritis. I'm only 36 years old. So far, only my hands are affected. What other joints will develop symptoms?
    		 
  		• I have a painful right shoulder from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Everyone tells me not to have cortisone injections. When is this recommended?
    		 
  		• I have arthritis in several joints. My doctor has suggested surgery to replace my shoulder and my knee joints. Which one should be done first?
    		 
  		• When exercising, what is a "kinetic chain"?
    		 
  		• I am a competitive swimmer. I know it's good to strengthen my abdominal muscles, but why?
    		 
  		• I had a fall from horseback riding and fell on my thumb. The radial collateral ligament was torn. The doctor did surgery to repair it, but advised me there could be "residual symptoms." What would these be?
    		 
  		• My 17-year old son is on a high school water polo team. Several of the players have developed osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). How can we prevent this in our child?
    		 
  		• I have three daughters in gymnastics from ages seven to 12. Each one practices at least 20 hours a week. I worry about injuries. How much is too much?
    		 
  		• What is osteochondritis dissecans? My 12-year old daughter has been diagnosed with this condition.
    		 
  		• Six years ago, I fractured my tibial plateau. It was serious enough to disrupt the joint and cause severe arthritis. Now, I need a total knee joint replacement. Will the previous bone fracture cause any problems with this new operation?
    		 
  		• What is a tibial plateau fracture and what’s the final outcome with proper treatment?
    		 
  		• I fractured the tibial plateau in my knee. Surgery wasn’t needed, but I’m having quite a bit of stiffness. What’s the worst that can happen in these cases?
    		 
  		• I have two teenage sons who have just started skiing. I worry about broken bones and injuries. How common are these, really?
    		 
  		• My doctor found a ganglion cyst in my knee. It’s called a tibiofibular ganglion cyst. Should I have this removed?
    		 
  		• I am a gymnast on a college team. I sprained my ankle six weeks ago and still can’t land my jumps. Is there any way to find out exactly which muscles are weak so I can concentrate on those before my next competition?
    		 
  		• I was coming down off the bleachers at a basketball game and missed the last step. My foot twisted in and I sprained my ankle. Do I need to strengthen all the muscles around the ankle or just the ones I sprained?
    		 
  		• I sprained my ankle six months ago. It still feels like the ankle could give out from under me at any time. Why is that?
    		 
  		• I've heard there's a way to treat shoulder dislocation with laser. Can anyone get this?
    		 
  		• One of my shoulders dislocates anytime I reach overhead and pull down with my arm. The doctor has suggested doing a shrink-wrap operation to tighten it up. How do they keep from melting the cartilage?
    		 
  		• I just had both shoulders treated with heat waves to shrink the tissue around the joint. How long will it be before I see any results?
    		 
  		• Twenty years ago I fell and tore my rotator cuff. I'm finally going to have it repaired now. Can it possibly hold up another 20 years?
    		 
  		• I turned 50 years old this year and joined a new group called the Red Hat Society. This is a group of women over 50 out to have fun. Most are 60 or older. Many of them say they've had a rotator cuff repair between ages 50 and 60. Why is this so common?
    		 
  		• I found out my shoulder pain is from a torn rotator cuff tendon, along with compression of the bone that passes over the area. The doctor wants to remove part of the bone and repair the torn tendon. Do I really need all that? Won't the tendon grow back if the pressure is taken off?
    		 
  		• Our 18-year-old son just received a football scholarship to play on a college team. He also just tore his right ACL. X-rays show he isn't done growing yet and it's best to hold off on surgery until he reaches full bone growth. Is there any way around this? We don't want him to lose his scholarship before he even gets to play.
    		 
  		• I had an ACL repair using part of my patellar tendon to repair the torn ACL. The ACL repair went fine, but the place where they took the donor graft is killing me. I can hardly walk because of it. What is the problem here?
    		 
  		• Yikes! I did a stupid thing. I went skiing before my repaired ACL was healed. I tore the graft that was used to replace the ACL. I'm supposed to see the doctor next week, but I'm wondering what will happen. Can they do the same operation again?
    		 
  		• I saw a video of the ACL repair done on my right knee last week. I noticed the hole where tissue is taken below the kneecap as a graft isn't closed up or sewn together. They just left it. Does this seem right?
    		 
  		• I'm 68-years old and have put off getting a total knee replacement for at least five years. Now my leg is weak and I've lost muscle bulk. Is there anything I can do to get my strength back once the new knee is in place?
    		 
  		• I signed up to be part of a study at the local university. The physical therapists are measuring muscle strength after a total knee replacement. I guess there's some kind of electrical shocks involved. Maybe I shouldn't do this. What do you think?
    		 
  		• I just got my first pair of orthotics for a diagnosis of patellofemoral pain syndrome. Is there anything I should avoid doing? Can I just resume all my normal activities now?
    		 
  		• I had some pretty fancy surgery done last week inside my knee joint. The doctor gave me a video of the entire operation. What I can't figure out is how they got all those tools I saw on the video inside my knee. What can you tell me?
    		 
  		• A year ago I was in a car accident and took a direct hit to my left knee. At the time of the injury, X-rays didn't show anything wrong. I'm still having pain and swelling off and on. I walk with a limp most of the time. My family doctor can't find anything. What do I do now? This injury is keeping me from playing golf, snowboarding, and doing other outdoor activities I like.
    		 
  		• I was hit by a bus while crossing the street. An MRI showed a torn piece of cartilage and bone in the back of my knee. The doctors don't think they can repair the damage without opening the knee up. Why can't they use a scope like they did last year when they repaired the meniscus in my other knee?
    		 
  		• I'm in a local theater production of A Chorus Line. It opens in two weeks, and I'm scheduled for removal of a fluid-filled cyst in my knee. How soon will I be back up on my feet?
    		 
  		• I've had the fluid removed from a cyst behind my knee twice now. Why does it keep coming back?
    		 
  		• I had a large sac of fluid behind my knee drained, but it came back. What do I do now?
    		 
  		• I've been scheduled for a "lateral release" for tennis elbow. I'll be home the same day. What exactly is done in this operation?
    		 
  		• My mother seems to be losing her ability to move. She can't raise her arms overhead to get dressed in the morning. Do older people lose the sense of where their joints are or is this a sign of early Alzheimer's?
    		 
  		• I injured my left shoulder in a hang gliding accident. It's odd, but I feel as if my right shoulder is affected by my left shoulder problems. Is this possible? The right shoulder just doesn't seem to move as smoothly as before the accident.
    		 
  		• I'm reading a report by my physical therapist about my shoulder rehab program. It mentions working on regaining joint proprioception. What is this?
    		 
  		• My doctor wants to use ultrasound to look for tears in the rotator cuff around the shoulder. Can they see if there's any arthritis in there too?
    		 
  		• When I was pregnant, the doctor took ultrasound pictures of the baby. Now I've torn the rotator cuff in my shoulder. They are going to use ultrasound to look for the tear. Is this the same test?
    		 
  		• I'm 66-years old and have a lifelong fear of closed-in spaces. I need an MRI of my shoulder, but I'm afraid to get inside the machine. Is there any other way to get the same information without an MRI?
    		 
  		• There were two employees in our office who had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in the shoulder. One person had a great result and has come back to work already. The other worker is still off with pain, depression, and loss of function. How do you account for the differences?
    		 
  		• I went to the shoulder doctor for a torn rotator cuff. They had me fill out all sorts of papers asking lots of questions. Do I have this problem? Do I have that problem? What's with all the questions? Why do they want to know all this for a shoulder injury?
    		 
  		• Two months ago I had an operation to repair a torn posterior cruciate ligament in my knee. The thigh on that side is much smaller than on the other (normal) side. Will this get better?
    		 
  		• I had surgery to repair the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in my left knee three weeks ago. I notice I get increased pain and swelling if I do more than my regular walking and exercises. Is this normal?
    		 
  		• When would you suggest a person have surgery to repair a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)? I injured mine two years ago and have put it off. It's not really bothering me, so I'm just curious.
    		 
  		• My insurance company denied a claim for physical therapy. I was just diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. They said the diagnosis hasn't been "established." What's needed to show I have this condition?
    		 
  		• I have knee arthritis on the left side. I can do everything my friends can do, it just takes me longer. Should I be concerned?
    		 
  		• My 86-year old father-in-law had a total knee replacement about a month ago. He seems very confused to us. He can't seem to remember his exercises or when to take his medications. Is this normal?
    		 
  		• My 95-year old aunt had a total knee replacement and died on the operating table. Why do they put older people through this kind of ordeal? It just doesn't seem right.
    		 
  		• My 92-year old mother has severe knee arthritis. It seems to me she could sure benefit from a knee replacement. Is she too old?
    		 
  		• Ever since an injury in college I've had a locking knee joint. I've always been able to unlock the joint on my own. For the last 24 hours, my knee has been locked and without motion. What should I do?
    		 
  		• Whenever I reach overhead with my right arm, the shoulder on that side automatically lifts up as if I'm shrugging. This doesn't happen on the left. What could be causing this to happen?
    		 
  		• I saw an exercise video that shows a series of push-up exercises. One is supposed to be easier than the others. One is the hardest and two are in-between. I can't do any of them and can't tell where to start. What do you advise?
    		 
  		• What is the "drive-through sign?" I read the surgeon's report after shoulder surgery and this is listed.
    		 
  		• I am the coach of a high school baseball team. Two of my best pitchers are out with injuries. One has a Hill-Sachs lesion. The other has a SLAP tear. What's the difference between these two problems?
    		 
  		• I'm a physical therapist working with patients after athletic and sports injuries. Has anyone been able to explain why some patients do well after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears without surgery and others don't? Some patients who don't have the torn ligament repaired actually do just as well, if not better, than patients who have the operation. Doctors aren't always sure why this happens either.
    		 
  		• Is it possible to have bursitis of the knee? I've had shoulder bursitis. Now my knee is acting up much the same way.
    		 
  		• I tore my ACL in soccer five years ago. I had an operation to repair it. Now I've torn the medial collateral ligament. The doctor doesn't think surgery is needed. How does it heal without surgery?
    		 
  		• I had a salvage operation done to save the cartilage in my knee. The doctor says it was a failed surgery because it didn't heal after all. What happens next?
    		 
  		• I've heard there's a way to regrow torn cartilage in the knee. Are they using stem cells to do this?
    		 
  		• My doctor told me I have advanced osteoarthritis. What does this mean?
    		 
  		• I had my right arthritic knee injected with a lubrication. Instead of less swelling and tenderness, I ended up with more pain and swelling. What went wrong?
    		 
  		• I heard a report that knee injections to lubricate the joint are more and more popular. Do they work? And how?
    		 
  		• I play adult-league baseball in the summers. Every year I tear my hamstring muscle on the right side. I have done everything to prevent this from happening. I've used heat, cold, taping, stretching, and so on. What else can I do?
    		 
  		• I have an old hamstring injury that doesn't bother me, but sometimes it feels tight when I run. I try to stretch out and warm up each time. What causes this sensation?
    		 
  		• My son is a high jumper in high school track and field events. Lately he's been complaining about ankle pain. Can this be caused by the long hours of training and practice?
    		 
  		• I just finished the Boston marathon for the third time. I'd like to run it again but I have bone spurs in my left ankle. Sometimes the ankle is just fine. At other times it hurts and can lock up on me. My doctor has suggested surgery to remove the extra bone. How successful is this operation?
    		 
  		• I had arthroscopic surgery on my ankle to find the cause of my chronic ankle pain. The doctor said there was an accessory ligament causing the problem. What's an "accessory ligament?"
    		 
  		• What is an "interscalene brachial plexus block?" I'm having a shoulder manipulation. This was written in the doctor's orders.
    		 
  		• My doctor wants to manipulate my shoulder because it's "frozen" and won't move. Can't I just work on this myself and get the motion back slowly?
    		 
  		• I have two separate problems: a frozen shoulder and a pinched nerve in my neck. If I have the shoulder manipulated, it could make the nerve problem worse. What can I do?
    		 
  		• I've had shoulder pain from an AC injury that occurred last month. The doctor wants to inject the joint. Should I do this?
    		 
  		• I fell forward off my bike and hurt my shoulder. The doctor who examined me poked, pushed, twisted, and pulled my arm to find out what was wrong. Isn't there any easier way to diagnose a problem like this?
    		 
  		• My 17-year old daughter had a freak accident at the bowling alley. She was standing next to a shelf when a heavy box fell and landed on her shoulder. She's having surgery now to repair a shoulder separation. What is this exactly?
    		 
  		• What is the "Paxinos test" for the shoulder? I work with athletes who have injuries, but I've never heard of this test.
    		 
  		• I thought I had a shoulder problem. The doctor says it's the AC joint. My shoulder still hurts. What's the difference between these two problems?
    		 
  		• I live in a rural part of Wyoming. I need an MRI of my rotator cuff. We have a local hospital with an MRI machine, but my doctor wants me to travel to a larger city with a newer MRI. Does it really make a difference?
    		 
  		• My doctor wants me to have an MRI for my shoulder before doing surgery. I suffer from claustrophobia and can't go inside a tube like that. What can you tell me about the new open MRI?
    		 
  		• I went to a physical therapist for a shoulder problem. Ultrasound was used to heat the tissue before stretching and exercise. I was told it's a form of heat, but I didn't feel any heat. Can you explain this?
    		 
  		• I was being treated for a shoulder problem with ultrasound. At first I got better but then I got much worse. The doctor finally figured out my problem was really a bleeding ulcer from taking medications for my arthritis. Why would the ultrasound help if the problem wasn't really in the shoulder?
    		 
  		• I work in heavy construction and tore my biceps tendon last year. Despite a good rehab program, the results aren't good enough to go back to work full-time. I still have weakness and I can't lift the heavy loads required by my job. Is there anything else that can be done?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have a biceps tendon repair next week. What kind of recovery and rehab should I expect?
    		 
  		• My doctor says I need shock wave therapy for my tennis elbow. We've tried everything else with no success. I've had this problem over a year now. What can I expect from this new treatment?
    		 
  		• I'm 50 years old and took up tennis to play with my teenage daughters this year. I got tennis elbow in the first month. I see other people my age playing tennis. How come I can't play without getting pain?
    		 
  		• I've heard there's some kind of "shock" therapy for tennis elbow. What can you tell me about this?
    		 
  		• I'm scheduled to have a special test for my knee. It's called a KT-1000. What is this exactly?
    		 
  		• What is the "Losee maneuver?" I've heard it can be used to detect a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
    		 
  		• I had an ACL repair two years ago. My doctor says the knee is "good to go." But it feels unsteady to me like it's going to give way at any time. How can this be?
    		 
  		• I have a chronic problem with chondromalacia in my left knee. I've tried exercises and taping with limited success. What about bracing?
    		 
  		• What is McConnell taping? I heard it might help my knee pain. Where do I get this tape?
    		 
  		• I have been looking into using taping for a problem I'm having with my knees. I've found different names for taping methods. Are these all basically the same or are there real differences?
    		 
  		• I'm only 35-years old and I've been told I have osteoarthritis of both my hip and knee on the right side. How common is this?
    		 
  		• I'm only 42 years old and need surgery to realign my knee because of osteoarthritis. Is there any way to put this off at least a few more years?
    		 
  		• I saw a report that doctors in Japan are using a firm, spongy wedge in shoes for patients with knee arthritis. Can anyone try this? Where do I get the wedge material?
    		 
  		• I had a total knee replacement six weeks ago. I'm a young (65-years old), active athletic-type. I'd really like to push my rehab ahead and get more aggressive. Is this possible?
    		 
  		• Now that total knee replacements have been around for a while, what are the results for most patients? I've waited an extra 10 years thinking the operation would be improved quite a bit by now.
    		 
  		• I'm in a rehab program for my knee. I had a total knee replacement four weeks ago. As I look over the program yet to come I'm a little worried. Won't all these exercises wear down my new knee? I'd like to keep it nice as long as I can.
    		 
  		• When I had my knee replaced the therapists used cold therapy on it everyday. It really seemed to help with the pain and swelling. I just had a hip replacement. The cold treatment was never used on the hip. How come?
    		 
  		• I tore the cartilage in my knee when I tripped and fell over a tree trunk root while out on a hike. The doctor says to just "leave it alone" and it might heal by itself. Is this good advice?
    		 
  		• I had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but the doctor said when she got in there the tear wasn't big enough to fix. How big does a tear have to be to get repaired?
    		 
  		• My mother had a total shoulder replacement six months ago. Six weeks later she started having all kinds of problems with that arm. The doctor says it's a condition called CRPS. Can you tell me what this is and what causes it?
    		 
  		• My 16-year old daughter had a bike accident and hurt her shoulder. The doctor must have done 20 tests before deciding what was wrong with her. Is it really that hard to pinpoint a problem in the shoulder?
    		 
  		• I thought I had a shoulder problem. The doctor says it's the AC joint. My shoulder still hurts. What's the difference between these two problems?
    		 
  		• I live in a rural part of Wyoming. I need an MRI of my rotator cuff. We have a local hospital with an MRI machine, but my doctor wants me to travel to a larger city with a newer MRI. Does it really make a difference?
    		 
  		• My doctor wants me to have an MRI for my shoulder before doing surgery. I suffer from claustrophobia and can't go inside a tube like that. What can you tell me about the new open MRI?
    		 
  		• I was being treated for a shoulder problem with ultrasound. At first I got better but then I got much worse. The doctor finally figured out my problem was really a bleeding ulcer from taking medications for my arthritis. Why would the ultrasound help if the problem wasn't really in the shoulder?
    		 
  		• I've been diagnosed with shoulder tendonitis. The doctor has given me several treatment options. I can try drugs, steroid injections, or physical therapy. Which one works the best?
    		 
  		• What is the "Losee maneuver?" I've heard it can be used to detect a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
    		 
  		• I had an ACL repair two years ago. My doctor says the knee is "good to go." But it feels unsteady to me like it's going to give way at any time. How can this be?
    		 
  		• I have a chronic problem with chondromalacia in my left knee. I've tried exercises and taping with limited success. What about bracing?
    		 
  		• I have been looking into using taping for a problem I'm having with my knees. I've found different names for taping methods. Are these all basically the same or are there real differences?
    		 
  		• I was born and raised in the South and love warm climates. I don't like anything too cold, even drinks and ice cream. My doctor tells me I need to use a cold pack on my knee. How can this really help if it just makes me cold and uncomfortable? Wouldn't someone like me do better with a heating pad?
    		 
  		• What is McConnell taping? I heard it might help my knee pain. Where do I get this tape?
    		 
  		• I have been looking into using taping for a problem I'm having with my knees. I've found different names for taping methods. Are these all basically the same or are there real differences?
    		 
  		• I tore the cartilage in my knee when I tripped and fell over a tree trunk root while out on a hike. The doctor says to just "leave it alone" and it might heal by itself. Is this good advice?
    		 
  		• I had arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus, but the doctor said when she got in there the tear wasn't big enough to fix. How big does a tear have to be to get repaired?
    		 
  		• What is an "apprehension sign?" I saw in my medical report that I have a positive apprehension sign. I'm not usually an anxious person so I don't understand why the doctor wrote this in the report.
    		 
  		• I just had surgery on my shoulder 10 days ago. An X-ray shows the screw holding the cartilage in place is poking into the joint causing problems. I really don't want to have another operation. Will this get better on its own?
    		 
  		• I tore the rim of cartilage in my shoulder and had surgery to repair it. It's only been two weeks but I'm having sharp pain with some motions. Sometimes the shoulder "clunks" so loudly, my wife can hear it. What could be causing this?
    		 
  		• I'm a high school soccer player hoping for a college scholarship to play soccer. My coach thinks I should focus on training my dominant leg. How can I tell which one this is? I'm right handed, but I kick equally will with either foot.
    		 
  		• I hear knee injuries are more common in women than men. If that's true, why are most knee studies just on men?
    		 
  		• What is "trephination?" I had knee surgery and the report says there was trephination of the lateral meniscus done.
    		 
  		• Is there any truth to the idea that ski injuries are more likely in the afternoon than in the morning? I would have thought injuries occur in the morning before skiers are warmed up.
    		 
  		• My doctor tells me the torn meniscus in my right knee should be repaired rather than removed, even though it's been there five years. How do they know a repair of this type is really better?
    		 
  		• I tore the cartilage in my knee while playing a pick-up game of hockey this past winter. The doctor wants to repair the damage, rather than remove the cartilage. Everything I've heard about this operation has been good. Is there a downside to this surgery?
    		 
  		• I had a torn meniscus repaired about six months ago. The knee on that side seems "normal" to me. How do I know when it's fully healed?
    		 
  		• My doctor has suggested trying an injection into my knee for severe osteoarthritis. What's in the injection?
    		 
  		• I've been chosen to represent my state in a Senior Citizen pageant. My biggest concern is walking normally. With osteoarthritis in both knees, I'm very slow and uneven when I walk. Is there anything I can do about this before the big day?
    		 
  		• My father is going to have a total knee replacement in two weeks. The doctor told him to expect decreased pain and less stiffness. The nurse mentioned improved "quality of life." What does this mean?
    		 
  		• My mother had a total knee replacement six months ago. We (the family) are all a little disappointed that she isn't much better than before the operation. Is this normal?
    		 
  		• I've been avoiding seeing my doctor after getting a new knee replacement. I need the other knee replaced, but I just can't face it right now. How often do I really need to have the new knee checked?
    		 
  		• I had a total knee replacement two years ago. I'm not having any problems, but my doctor wants me to come back every year. Is this really needed?
    		 
  		• I'm a research assistant in a large orthopedic clinic. We are having some trouble tracking with patients long-term. They come back for their early follow-up appointments, but then fizzle out later. We'd like to do some studies over five year increments (5, 10, 15). How are other clinics doing this?
    		 
  		• I have an unstable shoulder joint after a bad fall. The doctor thinks a special CT scan will help diagnose the exact problem. What can this tell that can't be seen by a regular X-ray?
    		 
  		• What is "shoulder instability?"
    		 
  		• I recently had surgery for an unstable shoulder. The doctor commented that the socket was tear-shaped. Is this normal? Did it contribute to the constant dislocations I was having?
    		 
  		• I had a cyst removed from my knee with an arthroscope. I was back to work the next day. I had the same kind of cyst in my elbow but had to have open surgery. Why can't they remove an elbow cyst with an arthroscope?
    		 
  		• It feels like there's a lump inside my elbow. I can't straighten my elbow because of pain and the lump seems to move as the muscle moves. What is this?
    		 
  		• I'm not a professional athlete, and I don't even compete locally. But I do like to keep in shape by playing soccer, running, and biking. After a downhill skiing injury last winter I had an ACL reconstruction. I'd like to get back to my regular activities but I want to know if my knee is "normal." Is there any way to test this?
    		 
  		• I notice climbing up hills is much easier on the knees than coming down. Why is that?
    		 
  		• Years ago I had an ACL reconstruction because the doctor told me it would prevent arthritis. Now 20 years later, I have arthritis so bad I need a joint replacement. What went wrong?
    		 
  		• I'm having my arthritic knee injected to make it glide better. How well does this treatment work?
    		 
  		• I have knee pain from a poorly tracking kneecap. I've been given an electrical stimulation unit to use at home to fire up the muscles. Why is this treatment better than just plain exercise?
    		 
  		• I've been told I have a knee condition called patellofemoral pain syndrome. My doctor advised me to try exercise to treat it. So far all I've done is made it worse. What's next?
    		 
  		• Whenever we get close to the ski season I start gearing up my exercise program. I notice the last two years I've had knee pain when squatting or practicing my wall sits. So far it doesn't bother me when I ski. What could be causing this pain?
    		 
  		• I heard there were a quarter of a million knee joint replacements last year. It seems like doctors are knife happy. Everyone over the age of 65 gets a new hip or knee joint whether they want it or not. What's going on?
    		 
  		• I saw a news report that the Rehab Institute of Chicago has a new program after knee replacement. They are using a battery-powered monitoring device to keep tabs on the joint motion. I live in the Chicago area and need a knee replacement. Should I get one of these for myself?
    		 
  		• What's the best strategy to follow for rehab after a total knee replacement? I've been saving all my energy for physical therapy. After that I'm too tired to do anything else the rest of the day.
    		 
  		• The physical therapist did a test on my knees before I had a total joint replacement. While blind folded, I pushed a button anytime I felt the knee joint move. What does this information tell him?
    		 
  		• When I had my knee joint replaced the doctor told me both ligaments inside the joint were missing. Is this something I've had from birth?
    		 
  		• I have severe osteoarthritis in my left knee. I notice sometimes I misjudge how far to extend my knee when stepping off a curb. Is that caused by the arthritis?
    		 
  		• What's the best way to prevent ACL injuries?
    		 
  		• I'm scheduled to have an ACL reconstruction in two weeks. The doctor thinks I can get back to playing sports within six months. Will I have my full function by then?
    		 
  		• I know there have been lots of studies showing women are more likely to injure their ACLs than men. Is there anything new on this topic?
    		 
  		• What's the best way to rehab my knee after an ACL reconstruction?
    		 
  		• I recently had an ACL reconstruction and then twisted it unexpectedly. How much strain can the healing graft take?
    		 
  		• I sprained my ankle last summer. After a few months it seemed to go back to normal. Will I get arthritis in this ankle later?
    		 
  		• What is a "pilon fracture?" My niece is having surgery to stabilize her leg after this type of break.
    		 
  		• I've heard there's an ankle replacement joint now. What's the latest about this?
    		 
  		• My father had a joint replacement that got infected. The doctor is talking about doing a "total revision." What does this mean?
    		 
  		• I had rotator cuff surgery three weeks ago. I'm still in an immobilizer and with a special pillow under my arm. I'm not supposed to move my shoulder unless the physical therapist does it for me. I'm really worried about getting a frozen shoulder. What are the chances of this happening?
    		 
  		• I'm 78-years old and have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear and osteoporosis. I've been told the osteoporosis puts me at risk for a failed rotator cuff repair. If the muscle is the problem, what difference does it make if the bones are brittle?
    		 
  		• I tore the rotator cuff of my left shoulder last year. I tried treating it with drugs and physical therapy but it didn't get better. Now I have to have an operation. Did I do the wrong thing by waiting to have surgery?
    		 
  		• I saw my doctor for a knee injury that turned out to be a torn ACL. The doctor wants me to start in physical therapy right away. I think I should wait until the swelling goes down at least. What's the standard treatment for this?
    		 
  		• I had ACL surgery a month ago. My leg looks like it's melted away. I'm doing a rehab program, but I'm pretty worried about how slow it's coming and how long it seems to take to do the exercises. It's still very painful. Is this normal?
    		 
  		• After injuring my ACL I decided to try rehab without surgery. The electrical studies show too much activity, too soon, from the outside portion of my thigh muscle. I'm wondering what can be done about this? I still don't want surgery.
    		 
  		• I hurt my knee in a biking accident. The doctor said I tore the meniscus and called it a bucket handle tear. What does that mean?
    		 
  		• I tore the meniscus in my left knee while playing soccer on wet grass. I felt a wrenching sensation but kept playing because there wasn't any swelling. I'm sure I reinjured it during the next game. Why didn't the knee swell up to warn me of an injury?
    		 
  		• In the last six months I seem to have developed a "trick knee." Without warning it will lock up. Then without rhyme or reason, it will start moving again. What causes this?
    		 
  		• Does it make any difference what age you are when having a shoulder replacement? I'm 82 but still going strong except for the arthritis in my left shoulder. At my age is it worth it to go ahead with this kind of operation?
    		 
  		• I need part of my shoulder replaced (the ball portion but not the socket). Will I just develop arthritis in the socket later and need to have it replaced eventually? Maybe I should just have the whole shoulder replaced now. What do you think?
    		 
  		• My doctor is advising me to have a partial shoulder joint replacement. I just can't decide. What if it doesn't work? What if I'm worse off than I am now? At least now I can get along, even if I can't do a lot of things I'd like to do.
    		 
  		• I went with my fourth grade son on a field trip to the local museum of natural science. I noticed the skeleton on my display had a very small shoulder socket. The round part of the upper arm barely fit. Is that normal? What holds it together?
    		 
  		• As a mother of two boys on a high school baseball team, I notice there are a lot of shoulder injuries. Most seem to occur with overhead throwing. What causes this to happen?
    		 
  		• I'm in the 9th Calvary Scouts. My unit is supposed to leave for Iraq next month. This is our second tour of duty. Next week I'm having an open operation on my elbow. It's supposed to take pressure off the ulnar nerve. The surgeon is also going to move the nerve over toward the middle of my forearm. How soon will I be able to get back to my unit?
    		 
  		• I'm starting to have elbow pain with numbness and tingling down my forearm. Sometimes it feels like the whole arm is asleep. What could be causing this? Is it serious?
    		 
  		• I went to see the doctor for an elbow problem and got a neck X-ray instead. Was the X-ray a mistake? Should I pay for it? What's the thinking behind this?
    		 
  		• My 73-year old father needs a knee replacement. He can't seem to make up his mind about it. Should we (his adult children) offer our opinions? Or is it better for older adults to make up their own minds?
    		 
  		• We live in Indiana, about 500 miles from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. I'd like to get a second opinion about my 17-year-old son's torn meniscus. The doctor says it's damaged very severely. He may need more than one operation. Is the Mayo Clinic the best place for a second opinion on this type of condition?
    		 
  		• I've heard it's possible to get a new meniscus if your own cartilage is torn beyond repair. Is this true?
    		 
  		• I had a meniscus repair two years ago. I think I may have torn the repair. Is there any way to tell for sure?
    		 
  		• I've heard that women are more likely to injure their ACL than men. If this is linked to hormones can't hormones be used to change it?
    		 
  		• Are women more likely to injure themselves in sports events than men? Is it because they don't have any testosterone?
    		 
  		• Is it really true having a foot amputated is better than fusing the ankle joint for severe arthritis?
    		 
  		• About 18 months ago I had a total ankle replacement for severe ankle arthritis. Everything seemed to be going good until last month. I started to have ankle pain and a loss of motion. It almost feels like the joint is jammed together. Is this possible?
    		 
  		• What's the difference between an ankle takedown and an ankle arthrodesis? My husband's surgeon used both these words when talking about an operation for his severe ankle arthritis.
    		 
  		• My surgeon has given me a choice between ankle fusion and ankle replacement. Which is better?
    		 
  		• What is a pilon fracture?
    		 
  		• I sprained my right ankle at least a dozen times during high school and college sports. Now I can hardly walk without it giving way. Is there anything that can be done about this?
    		 
  		• I hurt my left shoulder playing soccer and went to see the doctor for some tests. One of the tests was just like hurting it all over again. This can't be good for the injury. Why do they do that?
    		 
  		• My wife is a dental hygienist and uses her hands and arms all day long. Three weeks ago she fell onto her outstretched arm. Since then she's had severe, sharp pain in the shoulder on that side. At her age (48) the doctor thinks she'll need an operation. An MRI has been ordered, but the insurance company has to approve it first. Will this delay make the problem worse?
    		 
  		• I've heard there are braces that can be worn during sports play for an unstable shoulder. What can you tell me about these?
    		 
  		• I just started playing women's softball at the college level and now I've dislocated my shoulder. Can I keep playing and get it treated during the off-season?
    		 
  		• I'm a college-level football player with a dislocated (and reduced) shoulder. My ability to stay in school depends on a football scholarship. I can't afford to sit out the rest of the season. If I do everything the physical therapist tells me, how soon can I expect to get back out on the field?
    		 
  		• I had a heat treatment to shrink my shoulder about five years ago. It was pretty experimental then. I had a good result. Is this treatment still being used?
    		 
  		• I just had a special heat treatment to tighten up an unstable shoulder joint. Now I'm worried that the joint won't be able to relax. How do they shrink the capsule but still keep the motion? I'm in a sling so I can't move it just yet anyway.
    		 
  		• Six weeks ago I had thermal shrinking of my shoulder done. I'm supposed to be able to take my sling off and increase the use of my arm but my neck keeps going into painful spasms. Is this normal?
    		 
  		• My 15-year-old daughter is going to have a second surgery on her knee. The first operation wasn't successful because she had too much pain to do her exercises afterwards. When my mother had shoulder surgery last year, they sent her home with a pump to control her pain. Could my daughter get something like this?
    		 
  		• My doctor wants me to go to rehab to build my muscles up before having an ACL repair. I'm not really an athlete so I don't see the need to do this. Can't I just have the operation first and rehab after?
    		 
  		• What's the best timing for ACL repair? I'm in the off-season as an athlete so I have time to decide.
    		 
  		• My father lives in a small town 90 miles from the hospital or his doctor. He's going to have a total knee replacement next month. The plan right now is to release him directly to home after the operation. Can he really manage on his own?
    		 
  		• My elderly sister (age 78 and 20 years older than me) is having her second total knee replacement. The doctor is planning to send her directly home after the operation. How is this even possible? Won't she need time to recover from the surgery itself?
    		 
  		• My husband is having a total knee replacement today. As I was saying goodbye to him at the hospital, the anesthesiologist was telling him they would use a nerve block with the anesthesia. This is to reduce pain after the operation. There was no time to ask any questions. What is it and what does it do?
    		 
  		• My mother has been put on a morphine pump for pain after a knee replacement. We are all concerned about drug addiction with this. Is it possible? Likely?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have a total knee replacement next week. The doctor asked me if I want a nerve block before the operation to help stop the pain after the operation. What are the chances of ending up with permanent nerve damage from this?
    		 
  		• I'm concerned about my aging mother. She's 86 and needs a total knee replacement. She's on Medicare and doesn't have any other insurance. Will she get the care she needs?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have a total knee replacement. What's better: having it done at our local hospital where I'll be close to home or going to a big medical center 100 miles away?
    		 
  		• I have severe osteoarthritis in both knees. The doctor wants me to have them replaced. The way everything is changing with technology, would it be better to wait until joint implants are improved?
    		 
  		• I notice my mother-in-law can't get in and out of a chair or couch anymore without a great deal of scooting, grunting, and effort. She does have osteoarthritis in her hips and knees. Are her struggles caused by the arthritis?
    		 
  		• I am only 48 years old, but I have severe knee pain from years of running marathons and participating in triathlons. The first doctor I saw took an X-ray and said there's some narrowing of the joint space, but nothing to worry about. Would an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) show anything else the X-ray didn't show?
    		 
  		• My father has been told he has osteoarthritis of the knees. Ever since he heard that, he can't do anything for himself anymore. He acts like he can hardly get around and doesn't go out anymore at all. How do we get him back to where he was before he heard this news?
    		 
  		• I'm the assistant volleyball coach at a large community college. One of my goals this year is to reduce the number of ankle injuries for our team. What have other people done to prevent ankle sprains in athletes?
    		 
  		• I'm a college-level volleyball player with weak ankles. I trained extra to prevent ankle injuries and ended up hurting my knee. Am I just prone to injury no matter what I do?
    		 
  		• My 15-year old daughter seems to sprain her ankles easily. Would a brace or taping help or do these just weaken the ankle more?
    		 
  		• I watched an exercise program on TV at home. One of the exercises was to reach the hand behind the back and move the fingers up as close to the neck as possible. I noticed my right arm couldn't go nearly as far as my left. Is this normal?
    		 
  		• My neighbor's been complaining of shoulder pain off and on for years now. Seems like most people I know with shoulder pain have it for a few days and it goes away. Could there be something seriously wrong with my friend?
    		 
  		• My 77-year old mother is going to have therapy for shoulder pain from a fall she took at home. The X-ray showed it wasn't broken, but there's a lot of arthritis in the joint. Can therapy really help someone like this?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have an arthroscopic release of a frozen shoulder next week. Can you tell me what is done during this operation?
    		 
  		• I was in the cardiac intensive care unit for three weeks after a very severe heart attack. Ever since then I haven't been able to move my arm over head. The doctor says it's a "frozen shoulder." Nothing shows on the X-ray, so what's frozen?
    		 
  		• What is a resistant frozen shoulder? I thought a frozen shoulder is stuck and won't move. Isn't this just calling it a frozen frozen shoulder?
    		 
  		• I had a total knee replacement six months ago. After physical therapy in the hospital, I had more therapy at home. Now I'm doing my own exercises everyday. How long should I keep this up?
    		 
  		• It's been two years since I had a knee replacement. My pain is much better, but I still can't climb stairs easily or get in and out of the tub without help. Is this normal?
    		 
  		• I work out at the gym three or four times a week. I see lots of older folks around my age (67 years old) sitting on a seat and pressing weights through the foot and leg. Can I do this with my knee joint replacement?
    		 
  		• I'm a teacher at the high school level with a chance to coach girl's volleyball. I've heard that knee injuries are a big problem right now in girl's athletics. I don't remember that when I played. Just how common is this?
    		 
  		• My 14-year-old daughter grew in height by eight inches over the summer. When soccer started she injured her knee during the first practice. Is there any chance the injury was caused by the growth spurt, or is this just a coincidence?
    		 
  		• My daughter passed her high school freshman physical exam with flying colors. Yet a month later she was red-shirted with a knee injury. It happened during a basketball game. Why wasn't this weak spot found during the exam?
    		 
  		• My wife was turned down for a total knee replacement until she loses weight. The doctor says she is "morbidly obese." What does that mean exactly? Should we consider stomach stapling? I've heard that works good for lots of people.
    		 
  		• Five years ago I had my left knee replaced. It's starting to hurt again. I can hardly go up and down stairs. Even getting in and out of a chair is tough. The doctor wants me to have the knee done again. If I wait too long, will it be too late?
    		 
  		• My brother-in-law is very overweight. His knees are bad but he refuses to lose weight. He says he'll just have them replaced when they wear out. Is it really that simple?
    		 
  		• I got a pair of shoe inserts for a problem I've been having with my knees. It took a few weeks to get used to them, but eventually my knee pain went away. It's been two months and now I have a new knee pain along the outside of the leg. Could it be coming from the shoe inserts?
    		 
  		• I'm going to get a special shoe insert to help my knee pain. Do I need to buy a new pair of shoes?
    		 
  		• I'm a competitive bike racer with a torn ACL. After the operation to repair it, the doctor warned me not to start back training until I've finished my rehab program. If it's fixed, what's the danger in pushing a little?
    		 
  		• I'm not an athlete, but I like to bike, hike, and swim on a regular basis. Recently I tore my ACL in a rock climbing accident. After an ACL repair, I'm now in physical therapy. I'm concerned about one thing. The therapist doesn't have me strengthen the knee through the full motion I'm going to need for my recreational activities. How am I going to get my full strength back with this kind of program?
    		 
  		• I'm having knee pain whenever I go up and down stairs or sit for more than a half hour. My doctor has suggested trying a shoe insert. How can this help my knee?
    		 
  		• I had a bike accident and went to the emergency department for an exam. The doctor didn't find anything wrong with the knee on the MRI, so I went home. Two weeks later I still had swelling and pain so I saw an orthopedic surgeon. I had an arthroscopic exam that showed a torn ACL. How is that possible?
    		 
  		• I saw a doctor who wants to do surgery on my knee to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Shouldn't there be an MRI or some other test done before just deciding on surgery?
    		 
  		• My 17-year old son tore his ACL playing soccer. The doctor told us it was torn before the MRI confirmed it. Why did we need the expensive MRI test if the doctor already knew what was wrong?
    		 
  		• I have some mild, but painful arthritis in my left knee. I'm thinking about having arthroscopic surgery done. The doctor wants to take a look inside and smooth out any rough edges. Will that take care of the problem?
    		 
  		• I tore the cartilage in my right knee several years ago. I tried rest, drugs, and exercise (in that order) but nothing worked. Now I'm going to have arthroscopic surgery to fix whatever's wrong. The doctor is sending me to physical therapy afterwards. What's this for? Won't I be all better after the operation?
    		 
  		• What's an acromioplasty? My sister is having one next month. I'm supposed to go help take care of her after the operation.
    		 
  		• I'm 48 years old with an old rotator cuff tear. I've tried rehab and I've done exercises for five years. I can't seem to reduce the pain or get any increase in motion so I've decided to have surgery to repair the torn rotator cuff. Will this really take care of the problem?
    		 
  		• I went to the Mayo Clinic for shoulder surgery 10 years ago. It turned out fine but they keep sending me letters asking me questions about my pain and motion. I keep telling them I'm fine. Is there any way to get off their mailing list?
    		 
  		• What's the best treatment for tennis elbow? My pain is on the outside of my left elbow.
    		 
  		• I'm getting ready to do a high school science project to see if using magnets helps tennis elbow. How do I find the right people for the study?
    		 
  		• What is shock wave therapy for tennis elbow? How do I know if it would work for me?
    		 
  		• I am a professional ballet dancer with a large dance company on the West Coast. Last year I had an ACL repair using the hamstring tendon as a graft. I did my full rehab and seem to have my strength back. I have the most trouble when I try to go into a full plié (bending my knees fully while standing at the barre). How can I get this back?
    		 
  		• I just came back from testing at my doctor's office. I had an anterior cruciate ligament repair with hamstring tendon graft six months ago. The tests show the strength of my operated leg hasn't returned to normal yet. And the nonoperative side is stronger than it was before surgery. Does this make any sense?
    		 
  		• My high school son is having an ACL repair this week. He will have to miss wrestling season. Will he be able to return next year good as new?
    		 
  		• My son broke the bone in his lower leg right before the soccer play offs. With all our fancy medicine and technology hasn't someone come up with a faster way to heal bones? Does it really have to take four to six weeks?
    		 
  		• I have a knee joint replacement that is fully healed but the scar is still tender. It keeps me from kneeling down to get things. Is there any way to overcome this problem? Perhaps some kind of cream to toughen up the scar?
    		 
  		• I have a leaky pipe under my kitchen sink but with my knee replacement, I'm afraid to kneel down to repair it. Is it safe to put that kind of weight on it?
    		 
  		• I just went in for a six-month check up after getting a new knee joint. The doctor took an X-ray that showed the bone with the new joint implant. I know the implant is made of plastic but it looked like a cartoon drawing on the X-ray. How do they get a picture like that?
    		 
  		• I'm very overweight and need a new knee joint. I also have a heart condition that's getting worse. The doctor doesn't want to do the knee surgery because of the heart problem. I'm willing to do anything to get better. Is there any hope for me?
    		 
  		• My aunt is about 200 pounds overweight and needs a new knee joint. Is there really any point in having this operation before she loses some weight? Won't the new knee just wear out from all that weight?
    		 
  		• I went to my doctor for a regular check up and came out with osteoarthritis I didn't know I had. The X-rays show I'm about out of cartilage and walking with bone on bone. Why don't I have any pain or other symptoms of this problem? Can this be right?
    		 
  		• My sister lives in England and needs a total knee replacement. I've heard the wait there can be years. Would she be better off coming to the United States for this surgery?
    		 
  		• Is there any difference between results of knee replacement for men versus women? I've got a $10.00 bet riding on this one.
    		 
  		• My doctor has offered me a new operation for total knee replacement. It's done with just a small opening, so I'll have a much smaller scar than usual. Is there any other reason to have this method?
    		 
  		• I heard about a new arthroscopic operation for total knee replacement. When I asked my doctor about it, I was told I'm not a good candidate. What does that mean?
    		 
  		• I was supposed to have the new "minimally invasive" knee joint replacement. The doctor told me to expect a scar about five inches long. Looks more like eight or nine inches to me. Should I complain?
    		 
  		• I'm having my first arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn cartilage. I understand I'll be in and out of the clinic on the same day. I always thought knee surgery would be painful. What can I expect?
    		 
  		• I'm getting ready to have arthroscopic surgery on my knee to remove a destroyed meniscus. The doctors and nurses keep reminding me to take my pain meds afterwards. I don't want to take any pills. Is it really necessary?
    		 
  		• I saw all the news reports about Vioxx® being taken off the market. Yesterday the results of a study done using Vioxx® were reported in the newspaper. The drug was used before arthroscopic knee surgery to reduce pain afterwards. Why are they still putting out this kind of information?
    		 
  		• My husband is coming home from the hospital today after having both knee joints replaced. He'll be on a pump that allows him to control his pain. Even though the doctor explained it's all programmed ahead of time, I'm concerned. First of all, my husband has a past history of drug use though he's been clean for many years. Second, he is a computer whiz. It won't take much for him to figure out how to reprogram the unit. Am I worrying for nothing?
    		 
  		• I need an operation to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in my left knee. The X-ray showed my quadriceps tendon needed for the repair is small. Is this going to be a problem?
    		 
  		• My daughter hurt her ankle last year snowboarding. X-rays at the time were negative and it was diagnosed and treated as an ankle sprain. It's been eight months and she still has pain and swelling off and on. Some days she can't even walk on it. Is there anything that can be done for her?
    		 
  		• I took up snowboarding last year after years of downhill skiing without injury. My first time out, I landed on my left foot and hurt myself. At first the doctor didn't think anything was broken because the X-ray was negative. I went back to the doctor when it didn't get better. They found a piece of bone had broken off the talus bone in the ankle. Why didn't the X-ray show this?
    		 
  		• My 17-year-old son injured a nerve in his shoulder from lifting a heavy container overhead. As a result, his shoulder blade sticks out all the time. Will he always be like this?
    		 
  		• I had a sudden onset of shoulder pain that sent me to the doctor's office in a hurry. I couldn't remember any kind of injury or recent illness. The bill I received describes the treatment as a "diagnostic injection." What does that mean exactly?
    		 
  		• I'm a 48-year old woman and I had a mastectomy for breast cancer three months ago. Now that I'm back to swimming, I notice I'm having trouble with my stroke. My husband says when I reach forward to stroke the shoulder blade pops out noticeably. Could this be caused by the mastectomy?
    		 
  		• I've been told there are two ways to do a lateral release for tennis elbow: open or closed. Does it matter which one I have?
    		 
  		• The doctor told me I have a torn tendon in my elbow giving me tennis elbow. I've been told to go see a physical therapist. Shouldn't I have surgery to fix it?
    		 
  		• I woke up one day with elbow pain that wouldn't quit. The doctor tells me it's "tennis elbow." No one seems to know what caused it. Is this common?
    		 
  		• I'm seeing a physical therapist for tennis elbow. He wants to try iontophoresis on my elbow. I've been told this helps reduce inflammation. I'm trying to avoid using drugs or chemicals. Is this treatment safe?
    		 
  		• I saw a physical therapist for tennis elbow about a month ago. She did various treatments to my neck. After the first three sessions, I noticed my elbow pain was gone and I could grip jars and groceries again. What I can't figure out is why messing with the neck makes the elbow feel better.
    		 
  		• I had an ACL repair about a month ago. I'm surprised by how much motion I have already. I expected it to be tight as a drum for months. Was the operation a failure?
    		 
  		• I tore my ACL just by wrestling with my kids in the living room. The doctor thinks I should have surgery to repair it. I'm not much of an athlete and I don't have time for a rehab program. Should I just let it go?
    		 
  		• I had an ACL repair and it turned out too loose. It seemed okay right after surgery, but now after six months of rehab, it has loosened up too much. What happened?
    		 
  		• My 82-year old mother had both of her arthritic knees replaced at the same time. She thought this would save time and money. She ended up in the intensive care unit for two weeks. She had a heart attack and a blood clot in her lungs. The surgery cost 10 times more than she expected. Does this happen very often?
    		 
  		• I have severe knee arthritis. If I have both of my knees replaced at the same time, can it bring on Alzheimer's? The doctor mentioned confusion as a possible side effect of the surgery. Alzheimer's seems to run in our family.
    		 
  		• My wife is going to have both her knee joints replaced at the same time next week. The doctor mentioned death as a possible risk. How likely is that?
    		 
  		• My total knee replacement is considered a "success" but I'm not very happy. The knee is still very stiff. I can't bend it far enough to get down in my garden. What's the true definition of success in these cases?
    		 
  		• I've had one total knee replacement (TKR) and I need another on the other side. I saw a report that new technology and better surgery is on the way for joint replacements. Should I wait another year or two before having the second knee done to take advantage of the new developments?
    		 
  		• I was looking on the internet at pictures of knee implants for knee replacement. I see there are three basic parts. Does everyone get all three pieces? What if the arthritis is only on one side of the joint?
    		 
  		• What is selective resurfacing? I know it has something to do with knee joint replacements.
    		 
  		• I'd like to have surgery to repair a torn ACL in my left knee. The doctor doesn't think I'm a good candidate to donate my own graft tissue. I understand there can be some problems taking tissue from a donor bank. What are these?
    		 
  		• I had an ACL repair 10 years ago using a synthetic graft. It worked just great. Now my teenage son needs an ACL repair and the doctor tells me they don't use the synthetic grafts much any more. Why not?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have an ACL repair using my own patellar tendon as the graft. What can you tell me about this kind of graft?
    		 
  		• I tore the meniscus on both sides of my left knee. I guess this doesn't happen very often. Why did it happen to me?
    		 
  		• I saw three doctors before getting a diagnosis of torn meniscus as the cause of my chronic knee pain. Is it really so hard to find this problem?
    		 
  		• What's the "Ege's test" and how is it used?
    		 
  		• I was in a front-end collision and had a bad neck injury. The MRI showed a torn ligament along the back of my neck. I wasn't even hit that hard by the other driver. Was this ligament defective and just ready to break?
    		 
  		• Have you ever heard of anyone having his or her foot amputated for arthritis? My grandma just had this done and it doesn't make any sense to me.
    		 
  		• It looks like the new ankle joint I had put in two years ago isn't going to make it. Infection and bone fracture around the implant spells failure. I have another appointment with my doctor next week but I'm trying to find out what my options might be, Do you have any ideas?
    		 
  		• I have really bad arthritis in my left ankle from a motorcycle accident years ago. I've been told I can either have it fused or get an ankle joint replacement. After reading all the pros and cons for both operations, it looks like the implant costs more. Is it worth the extra 10 grand (US$10,000)?
    		 
  		• What is a Snowboarder's fracture?
    		 
  		• My 18-year old son dislocated his shoulder in a bike accident over the weekend. The emergency room doctor put it back in. We were sent to an orthopedic surgeon for a follow-up appointment today. The doctor did a test that nearly dislocated the arm again. It was very painful for my son. Was this test really needed?
    		 
  		• Three years ago I dislocated my left shoulder. They called it a Bankart lesion. Now I've dislocated the shoulder again with even more damage. This one's called a Hill-Sachs lesion. How is that different from the first dislocation?
    		 
  		• I am a college-level volleyball player on a sports scholarship. I have a dislocating shoulder with a tear in the labrum. The doctors here want to do a special repair. It's called a Bankart repair with some kind of suture anchor. What I really need to know is: will I get the motion back I need to serve and spike the ball?
    		 
  		• I've been having problems with tennis elbow. I notice every time I bend my head away from the painful arm, I get a shooting sensation like lightening around the elbow. What can I do about this? Will stretching help?
    		 
  		• I thought I hurt my elbow playing in an adult softball league. But I didn't get better with physical therapy until the therapist changed my computer station. She adjusted things to fit my size and improve my sitting posture. I want to pass this tip on to other elbow tendonitis sufferers.
    		 
  		• After being told I have tennis elbow I can't believe how many other people I know who tell me they have it too. How common is this problem? Why is everyone getting it?
    		 
  		• My 21-year old daughter hurt her knee when she slipped and fell on some ice. The doctor says the ACL is torn and she needs surgery to protect the joint. Protect it from what?
    		 
  		• I'm 19 years old and just had a bad knee injury. The MRI shows a torn ACL and the doctor is advising surgery. Since I'm fairly young, what are my chances of healing without needing surgery?
    		 
  		• What is the difference between a knee immobilizer and a knee brace used for patients after an ACL repair?
    		 
  		• My son is a cadet at a military academy (West Point). He could have gone to the US Naval Academy but chose West Point instead. He injured his ACL in the first month of training. Is the training more vigorous at West Point? Maybe he should have gone to the naval academy.
    		 
  		• I tore my ACL and just finished eight weeks of rehab after the surgery to repair it. I've been told wearing a brace during jumping or twisting activities is optional. Since I have to pay for the brace myself, I'm thinking about skipping this step. Is it really needed?
    		 
  		• I joined a group of seniors in an exercise group at the local senior's center. I was doing good until last week when my arthritic knee started acting up again. Does this mean I just won't be able to exercise anymore?
    		 
  		• What is a constrained knee replacement? I have very bad knock-knees. The doctor says this is the best kind for me.
    		 
  		• I'm very concerned about my three-year old granddaughter. She is very knock-kneed. I was that way growing up, too and I've had endless knee problems ever since. What are the chances she will outgrow this problem?
    		 
  		• After having a total knee replacement on both knees I notice that I stand up straighter and walk better. I was always a little knock-kneed before the operations. What do they do to change things around?
    		 
  		• Please help! I'm 68-years old with osteoarthritis of my left knee. It's getting so I can't straighten it all the way even when it doesn't hurt. Am I going to need a total knee replacement to fix this problem?
    		 
  		• The doctor says I have a flexion contracture of my right knee from osteoarthritis. What does this mean and what can be done about it?
    		 
  		• My doctor has given me several options for treating the moderate osteoarthritis in my right knee. I can keep active and "do nothing" while waiting to see what will happen. I can have the joint scraped of any rough edges and torn pieces of ligament. Or I can have the joint replaced. Any advice for me?
    		 
  		• Have you ever heard of a high ankle sprain? My daughter hurt her ankle while playing hockey and this is what the doctors are calling it?
    		 
  		• I hurt my ankle during a college hockey game. The athletic trainer and doctor both think I have an ankle sprain called "syndesmosis." There's no swelling and no bruising. I can walk fine but I just can't seem to make the turns while skating. Pushing off on the ice is really painful. Do you think the diagnosis is correct? Should I get an X-ray?
    		 
  		• My son sprained his ankle during a hockey game. How is that possible when he was wearing hockey boots? Don't they protect the ankle?
    		 
  		• I'm a construction worker. I tore my right biceps muscle lifting a heavy cement block. Can the muscle heal by itself?
    		 
  		• I saw a TV special on computer-assisted knee replacements for arthritis. Isn't this kind of technology going to increase the cost of the surgery even more in a group of people who already can't afford it?
    		 
  		• I had a unicompartmental knee joint replacement last year. That means they only replaced the inside half of my left knee. I thought it was going to be the answer to all my problems. Instead I ended up with more problems. Would it have been better to have a total knee replacement?
    		 
  		• My best friend just had knee surgery and seems to be having a terrible time getting around. I'm in a water aerobics class for a shoulder injury that seems to be helping me. Could pool therapy help with a knee injury?
    		 
  		• I've heard there's a pressure chamber designed for NASA that might be used in the future for rehab after knee and hip injuries. What can you tell me about this?
    		 
  		• I've been a marathon runner all my adult life. At age 66 I'm going to have my right knee replaced. What are my chances of being able to run again?
    		 
  		• My 73-year-old mother is going to have a total knee replacement next month. She's already talking about all the things she is going to be able to do after the surgery. What's realistic?
    		 
  		• Is it safe to stretch my leg muscles after a knee replacement? Will this damage the implant in any way?
    		 
  		• I've heard it's possible to have a partial knee joint replacement. How do I know if I might qualify for this?
    		 
  		• I thought getting a knee replacement would solve my problems, but it didn't. The pain is less, but walking on uneven surfaces like in the park with my grandchildren is still impossible. I've been told the knee implant just doesn't move like a real knee. Why not?
    		 
  		• I'm only 45 years old but I have severe knee arthritis. Only one side of the joint seems to be affected. The doctors have given me several options. The best two seem to be realigning the joint and a partial joint replacement. How do I decide what to do?
    		 
  		• I'm a football player with a bad cartilage tear in my right knee. The team doctor says I'll need surgery. They'll put some kind of tiny holes in the bone and then I'll need a motion machine after the operation. I'll be out at least six months. Isn't there some way to get me back on the field sooner?
    		 
  		• I tore the cartilage in my knee playing football. The X-ray report says there's a chondral defect with a "knee mouse." What does that mean?
    		 
  		• I tore the cartilage in my left knee clear down to the bone. The doctor wants to do surgery but I'd rather let it heal on its own. Is surgery really needed for this type of problem?
    		 
  		• I notice as I get older that I seem to misstep when climbing unfamiliar steps or stepping down off curbs. My vision is perfectly fine. The problem seems to be my knees. What could be causing this?
    		 
  		• Do I need a custom-molded orthotic for patellofemoral pain syndrome? Do the off-the-shelf (ready-to-wear) orthotics work just as well?
    		 
  		• Is anyone any closer to finding out the true cause of patellofemoral pain syndrome?
    		 
  		• I've been diagnosed with a condition called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). One of the recommended treatments is to wear orthotics in the shoe. How do these work?
    		 
  		• My 17-year old son tore his calf muscle playing baseball. We've heard there's an injection that speeds up healing. We found out the drug (Suramin) has been approved by the FDA. Is it ready for use in children?
    		 
  		• What causes loss of motion after a muscle strain? I can't seem to get full knee motion after a hamstring injury.
    		 
  		• I just saw an X-ray of the huge screw the doctor put in my son's ankle. It's for a torn ligament between the two lower leg bones. We've been told a second operation will be needed. This one will take it out when everything's healed. Is there any way to avoid this second surgery?
    		 
  		• I recently injured my lower leg and ankle in a motorcycle accident. There's a screw now holding the lower leg bones together while they heal. I have to wear a cast for six weeks. Why do I need the cast if there's a screw in place?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have a rotator cuff tear repaired using a new kind of suture to hold it down. It's made of bone, has a sharp pointed end, and goes directly into the bone. I've been told I have thick bones. What if they can't get it to go in? Or what if it breaks when the surgeon is trying to put it in?
    		 
  		• My son is going to have a rotator cuff tear repaired surgically. The doctor described a special anchor suture that will be used to hold the tendon in place until it heals. What kind of problems can come from using these anchors?
    		 
  		• What is a bone button? My doctor is going to use something like this to repair my torn rotator cuff.
    		 
  		• I've heard that if you're going to have a joint replacement it's best to go to a hospital or center where they do a lot of these operations. How many is enough to be safe?
    		 
  		• I found it really pays to shop around before having surgery. I live in New York City. I priced the cost of a total shoulder replacement in and out of the city. The cost of the operation is much higher in the City compared to upstate New York. Any idea how they can get away with this?
    		 
  		• I saw a report that joint replacements have better results when done by a surgeon with lots of experience with that operation. That makes sense. Is this the whole story or is there more to it?
    		 
  		• I'm an avid golfer in my retirement years. After having some shoulder pain for months I saw my doctor. The problem I have is called subacromial impingement syndrome. I've never heard of it. Is it a rare condition?
    		 
  		• Every time I raise my right arm up overhead, I feel and hear a sound like the bone is rubbing against something. There's no pain when I do it. What could be causing this?
    		 
  		• I've heard there's a new treatment for chronic tennis elbow. It's called Botulinum injection. What can you tell me about it?
    		 
  		• I had a Botox injection for chronic tennis elbow and then lost control of my fingers. Since I play lead guitar in a rock band this is a major problem. What can be done about it?
    		 
  		• Which is better for chronic tennis elbow: a steroid injection or injection with botulinum toxin? The clinic I'm going to offers both. I don't know how to decide.
    		 
  		• My family has a long history of arthritis in the hands, hips, and knees. I recently tore my left ACL and need surgery to repair it. Will this injury and the surgery bring on the arthritis sooner?
    		 
  		• My 14-year old daughter is a gymnast with a bad knee. She needs an ACL repair before she can continue competing. We know there are two different ways to fix the ACL. Is one method better than the other for a gymnast?
    		 
  		• I had an ACL repair nine months ago. I don't have any pain but I still seem to walk with a slight limp. I can't figure this out. What could be causing it?
    		 
  		• Last year I had a total knee replacement but kept my own kneecap. I'm having quite a bit of pain under and around the kneecap. What could be causing this to happen?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have my left knee replaced because of severe arthritis. The doctor has told me I can keep my own kneecap or get a new one. Which is better?
    		 
  		• I saw a report that joint replacements have better results when done by a surgeon with lots of experience with that operation. That makes sense. Is this the whole story or is there more to it?
    		 
  		• My 72-year old aunt is very sick. She has hypertension, high cholesterol, and she's had two heart attacks. She also has disabling arthritis in her knees. She insists on having both knee joint replacements done at the same time. I'm wondering if she should have even one joint surgery, much less both at once. How is this decision made?
    		 
  		• I need both knee joint replaced due to a disabling case of osteoarthritis. Will I save money if I have them both done at the same time?
    		 
  		• Can you tell me what's the difference between a staggered knee replacement and a sequential knee replacement? My father is trying to decide how to have his knee replacements done and these are the two choices. I'm not familiar with these terms.
    		 
  		• I notice I'm having more and more pain when I go up and down stairs (especially down). My left knee pops and cracks with every step. What could be causing this to happen?
    		 
  		• Three years ago I had a knee problem called patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Now I'm having new symptoms in the same knee. Last time the kneecap hurt and popped whenever I straightened the leg. This time there's pain all the time and swelling. Am I having a relapse?
    		 
  		• Does taping help with the painful symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome? I'm trying to find a way to stay active despite the pain.
    		 
  		• Have you ever heard of using acupuncture for knee arthritis? Does it work?
    		 
  		• I've just been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. My doctor has given me some good advice. Is there a website or book I can read to help me get an idea of what's the best treatment for this problem?
    		 
  		• I have a torn cartilage in my right knee. The doctor tells me I need surgery because it won't heal on its own. Why won't it heal?
    		 
  		• I'm 23-years old. I tore my knee cartilage clear down to the bone in a soccer match. The surgeon tells me I'll be on a machine to make my knee move for six weeks after an operation to repair the damage. I don't have that kind of time for rehab. Is there any way around this restriction?
    		 
  		• I've heard that a cartilage tear of the knee isn't as bad as it used to be. They can be repaired rather than removed with less damage to the joint later. Does it matter which side of the joint the tear is on?
    		 
  		• I know I have a torn meniscus. I'm even scheduled for surgery to repair or remove part of it. I've had X-rays to see the condition of the knee joint. Would an MRI provide any greater information at this point?
    		 
  		• I just tore the cartilage in my knee. Is there any way to tell ahead of time just how much better I might get?
    		 
  		• My ankle frequently gives way underneath me from an injury I had years ago. The doctor tells me it is "unstable" but what does that mean exactly? What's going on?
    		 
  		• After spraining my ankle I notice I can step down off stairs or curbs but I still can't jump across a puddle or other obstacles. How long does it take to get this skill back?
    		 
  		• I've had two ankle injuries in the last two years (same ankle). Is there any way to tell if I'm going to have another injury?
    		 
  		• I've been diagnosed with a shoulder impingement problem. It comes and goes, but seems to be staying longer when it comes. I've tried all the usual treatments such as drugs, acupuncture, exercise, and rest. What else is there?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have surgery for a shoulder impingement problem. How long will it be before I can return to work as a manual laborer?
    		 
  		• I am a 53-year old business executive. As part of my job, I’ve been observing various divisions of our company. During the last rotation, I helped lift some heavy pipes. I felt a snap in my right shoulder with sudden pain. I don’t want to file for worker’s comp. What should I do?
    		 
  		• When a piece of tendon is removed and used to replace a torn tendon, is the donor site weaker?
    		 
  		• Eighteen months ago, I had the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of my right knee repaired. The operation was done by removing a piece of tendon from my kneecap and using it to replace the torn ACL. Since that time, I’ve developed knee pain and a neuroma. What causes this?
    		 
  		• My sister had a tendon graft to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). She has an infection in the knee now. How is this treated?
    		 
  		• I recently saw a physical therapist for a knee rehab program. I injured my ACL years ago and find that as I age, the knee is starting to give out from time to time. The therapist described the way I walk as the “quadriceps avoidance gait pattern.” What does this mean?
    		 
  		• I injured my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a pick-up game of basketball. I opted not to have surgery and try to rehab it instead. Is this a bad idea?
    		 
  		• What is an "ACL-deficient knee"?
    		 
  		• My 150-pound Newfoundland dog ran into my leg full tilt while chasing a cat. My knee was completely dislocated. Besides tearing the ligaments in my knee, there is also some nerve damage. It’s been almost four months now. EMG studies show that there is no evidence of nerve recovery. What’s the next step?
    		 
  		• My 17-year old son was sliding into home plate when his foot hit against another player. His knee dislocated and he had surgery to repair the damaged ligaments. There’s some concern about nerve damage. How can we tell if there is a nerve injury?
    		 
  		• Last year, I had an ACL repair on my right knee. Even after going through a complete rehab program, the knee still feels unstable. The doctor and physical therapist assure me that it’s safe to use it normally. What causes this problem?
    		 
  		• After an ACL repair, my physical therapist is helping me get back my "proprioception." Just exactly what is this?
    		 
  		• Years ago, I tore the ACL in my left knee. It was more than a year after surgery before I could bend it fully and return to sports. Nowadays, it seems as though people are back to work and play after only six months. Am I right?
    		 
  		• I have been doing push-ups as part of my regular exercise routine. Does it really matter whether my elbows are out or in?
    		 
  		• My shoulder kept dislocating after an injury. I had arthroscopic surgery to tighten up the joint. The doctor used laser therapy. It’s only been three months and my shoulder is dislocating again. Should I have the laser treatment again?
    		 
  		• Sometimes, I wake up in the middle of the night and my arm is cold and stiff. My hand is blue and it looks like I’ve lost the blood supply to my hand. What causes this?
    		 
  		• I heard there's a new laser heat treatment for loose shoulders. Will this work for arthritis?
    		 
  		• What is tissue engineering?
    		 
  		• I heard there’s a way to use my own cartilage to repair torn knee cartilage. When I tore the cartilage in my knee, the doctor just removed it. Is this new?
    		 
  		• I read an article about replacing torn or damaged knee joint cartilage. Are there any side effects or problems after this surgery?
    		 
  		• After a total knee replacement (TKR) for a bad knee, I started walking with a limp and a "squeak." Every time I bend my knee it creaks and squeaks. What could be causing this?
    		 
  		• Three years ago, I had my left knee joint replaced. For the last 18 months, I’ve had uncomfortable swelling in that joint. The doctor thinks it might be a failed kneecap. A second operation is advised. What will be done?
    		 
  		• Two years ago, I was hit by a car and had to have my kneecap removed. At the time, it didn’t seem that important. Now, I find there are many activities I’d like to do that would be more comfortable or easier with a kneecap. Is it too late to have an implant put in?
    		 
  		• I've had my left knee joint replaced four times. I've had loosening of the implant, bone fracture, and wearing away of the parts. Is this typical?
    		 
  		• I had a total knee replacement that failed and had to be replaced. The original implant didn’t all come from the same manufacturer. Could this be why it broke?
    		 
  		• My husband developed a condition called heterotopic ossification after having a total knee replacement. The doctor advised a wait-and-see approach to treatment. Is this best?
    		 
  		• I am a 77-year old woman in good health. I had my left knee joint replaced last year. I ended up with a stiff knee that had to be manipulated by the surgeon while I was under anesthesia. Then, I developed something called heterotopic ossification (HO). I’m thinking about having my right knee joint replaced. What are the chances I’ll get HO again?
    		 
  		• I read an article on ACL injuries in a sports magazine that mentioned the "rule of thirds." What is this referring to?
    		 
  		• I was in the doctor’s office for a knee injury. When the doctor tested for joint laxity, there was a popping sound and my knee gave way. The diagnosis is a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Does this test usually have this kind of result?
    		 
  		• What's the difference between an acute and chronic knee injury? I have a torn ACL that is several months old, but still flares up. Is it acute or chronic?
    		 
  		• I'm an exercise leader at the YMCA. Six months ago, I had an ACL repair. Despite, a daily workout routine, there’s still some noticeable weakness on that side. I also have a patch of numbness that really bothers me. When will these get better?
    		 
  		• Should I or shouldn’t I? I’m agonizing over whether or not to have the torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in my left knee repaired. What’s the current thinking on this?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have the anterior cruciate ligament of my right knee repaired. The doctor has proposed taking a piece of tissue from my good side and transferring it to the injured leg. I understand there are two different possible donor sites. Are there any benefits of one over the other?
    		 
  		• I saw a report that "tight" hamstrings can lead to increased athletic injuries. How is "tight" measured?
    		 
  		• My 17-year old daughter has been diagnosed with posterior ankle impingement. She is going to have an operation to help decrease the pain and improve motion. The doctor is planning to cut the ankle open. Can’t this be done with an arthroscope?
    		 
  		• My daughter's ballet teacher had to quit dancing because of a condition called os trigonum syndrome. What is this?
    		 
  		• I had some shoulder surgery three weeks ago. I am doing my exercises faithfully, but there’s still quite a bit of pain. Is this normal?
    		 
  		• I am a 53-year old woman newly diagnosed with a ganglion cyst in just below my knee. Is this common in women my age?
    		 
  		• I was just diagnosed with a ganglion cyst in the upper part of my lower leg. How common is this problem?
    		 
  		• I am a volleyball player on my high school team. I fell on my knee during a game and ended up in the emergency department for severe pain. The X-rays and MRI showed that my kneecap isn’t one piece of hard bone. Instead, it’s two pieces of cartilage. Will this keep me from playing volleyball again?
    		 
  		• I am a professional football player with bipartite patella. The pain and discomfort are keeping me on the bench. What’s the best treatment for this?
    		 
  		• My 17-year old son has been diagnosed with a bipartite patella. What is this?
    		 
  		• I've read that female basketball players are more likely than male players to injure the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. Is this true in other sports as well?
    		 
  		• I saw a science program on TV about the knee. It showed the ligaments of the knee as strong bands of tissue that work together. If this is true, why do so many people tear the ACL?
    		 
  		• I sprained my ankle six months ago. It still feels like the ankle could give out from under me at any time. Why is that?
    		 
  		• I am a gymnast on a college team. I sprained my ankle six weeks ago and still can’t land my jumps. Is there any way to find out exactly which muscles are weak so I can concentrate on those before my next competition?
    		 
  		• I had a steroid injection into my shoulder for a problem with bursitis. I got immediate relief that lasted about a week. Now my symptoms are starting to come back. How long do steroid injections usually work?
    		 
  		• The doctor and physical therapist told me I have a frozen shoulder with a capsular pattern. I understand the frozen shoulder part but what does 'capsular pattern' mean?
    		 
  		• I saw two orthopedic surgeons and one physical therapist about a shoulder problem I'm having. All three gave me different explanations for the problem. None of them was the same problem. What's going on here?
    		 
  		• I had surgery for tennis elbow back a few months ago. My painful symptoms are better but I'm still weak as a kitten. Why is that?
    		 
  		• I helped a friend clean up his yard over the weekend. I ended up with a bad case of "gardener's elbow," also known as "tennis elbow." What are my chances this will clear up on its own?
    		 
  		• I've had tennis elbow off and on for three years. My job in a meatpacking plant requires me to turn pieces of meat from one side to the other as it passes by on a conveyor belt. Would changing jobs help me get rid of this problem?
    		 
  		• I've heard that steroid injections are bad for you. I've already had three for tennis elbow. They seem to work fine for awhile. How many can I have without serious harm?
    		 
  		• Twenty years ago I had a football injury and tore my ACL. I spent six weeks in a cast before starting a rehab program and never played football again. My 17-year old son just tore his ACL in a basketball injury. He had surgery and was walking on the leg and doing exercises right away. What happened to the casting?
    		 
  		• I've been going to a physical therapy clinic for rehab after an ACL repair. There's a group of us who had our surgeries around the same time. I notice some people can do much more than others after the same amount of time. Why the difference?
    		 
  		• I am going to have my six-month check-up after an ACL repair. The therapist already told me I'll be doing a single-legged hop test. This means I'll hop as far forward as possible on my operated leg. This makes me very nervous. How do I know it won't snap underneath me?
    		 
  		• My husband lost a leg while on active duty in Iraq this year. The VA wants him to be part of a study on amputees. They've given him a prosthetic device at no cost to us. Does this obligate us to be a part of the study? We're just not up to it right now.
    		 
  		• It's a funny thing but ever since my husband had his leg amputated, he walks faster. I have a hard time keeping up with him. Can you explain this to me?
    		 
  		• I have a big problem. Besides having hemophilia (a bleeding disorder), I need a knee joint replacement. Since any trauma causes bleeding into the joints, can I ever get a new joint?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have a total knee replacement next week. The doctor says I'll be in a machine moving my knee for hours right away. I'm not very strong. What if I can't keep up?
    		 
  		• I'm going to have revision surgery for a very stiff knee after a knee replacement. I can't bend or straighten my knee fully. It's changed the way I walk, sit, everything! What kind of result can I expect from this operation?
    		 
  		• I've heard of a frozen shoulder before. Is it possible to get a frozen knee?
    		 
  		• I had a total knee repla