Skip to main content
Pay Now

Blog Articles

Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Blog View all posts

Can I Still Exercise After a Meniscus Tear?
If you’ve suffered a meniscus tear, one of your first questions is probably: Can I still exercise? Read on to learn more about these injuries and get advice on how to stay active, strengthen your knee, and regain fitness safely and effectively.
Aug 1st, 2023

PRP: The Secret Ingredient to Accelerate Healing
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) accelerates healing by promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing collagen production. These characteristics make PRP incredibly powerful in healing joint injuries and damage. Read on to learn more.
Jul 2nd, 2023

Fractures vs. Sprains: How to Spot the Difference
Symptoms of sprains and fractures are quite similar, which makes it hard for you to determine which injury you have. Read on to learn the major differences between sprains and fractures, but remember, it’s best to seek expert care for your injury.
Jun 1st, 2023

How to Avoid Skier's Thumb with Pole Straps
Skier’s thumb may not be as devastating as some other skiing injuries, like concussions or ligament tears, but it makes it hard to use your hand and causes pain for several weeks. You can easily avoid this injury by using pole straps the right way.
May 2nd, 2023

When Does Arthritis Require Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling at this joint. Surgery may sound daunting, but sometimes it’s the best way to relieve pain and get your life back. Here’s when to consider a joint replacement.
Apr 1st, 2023

4 Ways to Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Pain Without Surgery
Plantar fasciitis causes serious pain in your heel, especially with your first steps in the morning. When the condition sets in, it can be incredibly hard to heal. Here are some nonsurgical interventions that can help you find relief.
Feb 2nd, 2023

Golfer's Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: What's the Difference?
You may think tennis and golfer’s elbow are the same thing. They’re actually different conditions with similar symptoms and causes. You don’t have to play golf or tennis to experience the discomfort associated with these tendon injuries.
Jan 18th, 2023

3 Levels of Ankle Sprains and How to Treat Them
When you sprain your ankle, your recovery depends on the severity of your sprain. Doctors grade ankle sprains according to the amount of ligament damage experienced. Each grade requires another level of treatment. Here’s what to know.
Dec 1st, 2022

Pain When Typing — Is It Carpal Tunnel or Arthritis?
Carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis both affect the feeling and function in your hand. If you’re having symptoms of pain while typing, here are some ways to determine which affliction is causing your condition.
Nov 1st, 2022

Signs You Have a Stress Fracture in Your Foot
The symptoms of a stress fracture in your foot may seem mild at first, but they progress over time. Here’s what to look for so you can get treatment right away and avoid complications.
Oct 2nd, 2022

Is It OK to Walk on a Sprained Ankle?
Sometimes, a sprained ankle doesn’t feel so serious. You may wonder if you can walk on the ankle, especially because crutches or boots seem like a hassle. Here’s why you should let your ankle heal before putting full weight on it.
Sep 14th, 2022

Will Hammertoe Go Away on Its Own?
Hammertoe describes a foot condition in which one or more of the toe joints has an abnormal bend, causing pain, corns, and inflammation. A hammertoe needs treatment; it doesn’t just heal on its own.
Aug 4th, 2022

Self-Care Tips for Plantar Fasciitis Pain
The stabbing heel pain of plantar fasciitis keeps you from walking, running, and even standing. But there are steps you can take on your own to ease inflammation and reduce plantar fasciitis pain.
Jul 12th, 2022

5 Ways to Manage Hand Arthritis
You use your hands every day for simple and complex tasks. Hand arthritis makes it difficult to do even the simplest things, like write or open packages. Here’s how to manage arthritis if it strikes your hands and how we can help.
Jun 1st, 2022

What To Do About a Mucous Cyst
If you have a fluid-filled sac, or mucous cyst, that’s developed on your finger or hand, there’s no need for medical concern. These cysts are benign, but can be quite bothersome and cosmetically unappealing. Here’s what to do if you develop one.
May 1st, 2022

What To Expect After PRP Therapy
PRP therapy is an innovative way to relieve pain and restore function for people with soft tissue injuries, with joint pain, or recovering from surgery. Here’s what to expect in the days and weeks following your PRP therapy.
Apr 1st, 2022

5 Conditions that Cause Chronic Elbow Pain
You may not think a lot about your elbow, until it begins to hurt. Chronic elbow pain is often due to overuse. Here are five of the most common reasons you might be experiencing inflammation and irritation at this joint.
Mar 1st, 2022

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Wrist Pain
Wrist pain can indicate a serious issue like carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. Early intervention can help you successfully manage these conditions. If you have wrist pain, here’s why you should seek medical care for a diagnosis and treatment.
Jan 1st, 2022

Help! I've Lost My Grip — What Can It Be?
Hand weakness and loss of grip strength may be due to a number of conditions, including arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Here are some reasons you might find your grip is weaker and that you’re struggling with simple tasks.
Nov 1st, 2021

Is PRP Right for Me?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy helps relieve pain and heal tissue when you’ve had an acute injury or suffer a chronic condition. Read on to find out if this natural, innovative treatment may be right for you.
Oct 1st, 2021

Treatment Options for Biceps Tendon Rupture
Your biceps tendon is a thick band of connective tissue that attaches your biceps muscle to the bones in the shoulder and your elbow. If this tendon tears, or ruptures, here are your options for treatment, including surgery.
Sep 1st, 2021

What Is Trigger Finger?
Do your fingers lock or catch when you bend them? You may have a condition called “trigger finger.” Read on to learn more about this condition and to determine if you need treatment.
Jul 27th, 2021

Life After Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a savior for people who have a damaged knee from injury or arthritis. You can go back to just about all the activities you love, pain-free. Read on to learn what to expect after your initial healing.
Jun 7th, 2021

Try These Stretches to Avoid Elbow Problems
The elbow is subject to wear-and-tear during racquet or swinging sports, weight-training, or repetitive work tasks like painting. Take care of this joint with these stretches to prevent overuse injuries and the associated pain and dysfunction.
May 1st, 2021

3 Ways a Brace Can Help Your Wrist Arthritis
When you have pain and stiffness in your wrist due to arthritis, even the simplest of daily tasks can become difficult. A brace can help you use your ailing wrist more confidently. Here’s why.
Apr 1st, 2021

What to Expect at Your Physical Therapy Appointment
When you have a soft tissue injury or are recovering from surgery, physical therapy offers indispensable support to help you recover and manage day to day. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip physical therapy and what to expect.
Feb 7th, 2021

The Link Between Diabetes and Frozen Shoulder
Poorly managed diabetes can lead to musculoskeletal issues, including a frozen shoulder. Read on to learn why staying on top of your blood sugar helps your joint health as well as so many other aspects of your well-being.
Jan 1st, 2021

Grading Your ACL Tear
A tear to your ACL is always concerning, but some cases are more serious than others. Read on to learn how your injury is graded or classified and what you can expect with treatment and prognosis.
Dec 1st, 2020

Understanding Dupuytren’s Disease
If you’ve been diagnosed with Dupuytren’s disease, you probably have lots of questions. Read on to learn more about this condition, which causes contracture in your connective tissue so your fingers abnormally bend in toward your palm.
Nov 1st, 2020

Determining the Cause of Your Elbow Pain
Elbows are prone to injury, from overuse issues such as tennis elbow to fractures due to a fall. It can be hard to know why your elbow hurts. That’s why you need an expert. Read on to learn some ways to narrow down the cause of your elbow pain.
Oct 6th, 2020

What Causes Cysts in Your Hands?
Cysts are usually benign, but these sacs filled with fluid or another substance can look and feel concerning. Read on to learn what causes them to appear on your hands and when you should seek care.
Aug 9th, 2020

What Style of Shoes Fit My Lifestyle?
Many types of joint pain start in your feet. The type of shoe you choose matters to your knees, hips, and spine. Read on to learn what style of shoe is best for your lifestyle, your foot type, and your health.
Jun 23rd, 2020

What Is Mallet Finger and How Can I Treat It?
Jamming your finger is painful and can sometimes prevent you from straightening your finger properly. This condition, called mallet finger, may require professional care to repair the tendon and possibly the small bones.
May 21st, 2020

The Best Solutions for Treating Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Plantar fasciitis causes intense heel pain that’s most severe in the morning and interferes with activity and exercise the rest of the day. Learn the best ways to find resolution and get back to all the activities you love.
Apr 14th, 2020

Cubital Tunnel vs. Carpal Tunnel: Which Do I Have?
If you have tingling, weakness, and pain in your hand, you may assume it’s carpal tunnel syndrome. However, cubital tunnel syndrome causes similar symptoms. Read on to learn how to distinguish between the two.
Mar 1st, 2020

Most Common Elbow Injuries
Elbow injuries can range from acute, such as a fracture, to chronic, such as tendinitis. Learn about the most common injuries that affect this joint.
Nov 1st, 2019

Tips for Preventing Carpal Tunnel in an Office Job
The numbness and tingling in your hands and fingers from carpal tunnel syndrome interferes with your job and your life. Avoid the inflammation of the condition with simple adjustments to your work environment.
Oct 1st, 2019

What Makes Women More Susceptible to Trigger Finger?
When one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position, it’s known as trigger finger. You develop it due to inflammation and tightening in the joint, and women are more likely to experience the condition compared to men. Why? Read on to find out.
Sep 1st, 2019

How Your Weight Affects Your Risk of Developing Arthritis
When you’re overweight, you’re at a greater risk of developing arthritis. The excess pressure a larger size puts on joints increases wear-and-tear. Read on to learn the real impact of your weight and your joint health.
Aug 1st, 2019

When You Should See a Doctor About a Cyst
When a cyst is large and interferes with function or is located in a place that causes pain, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. Learn about the various types of cysts that our orthopedists can address.
Jul 1st, 2019

Who Is Most at Risk of Suffering a Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is cartilage that cushions your knee joint. As you age, your risk of suffering a painful tear in this connective tissue increases. Older adults aren’t the only people at danger, however. Read on to learn who else may suffer the injury.
Jun 1st, 2019

How PRP Treatment Can Help You Overcome an Injury

Platelet-rich plasma therapy offers an exciting way to harness your body’s own healing powers to heal damaged tissue. Read on to learn how PRP treatment can help your injuries heal in a minimally invasive way.
Mar 4th, 2019

Do You Know What De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Is?

Pain in your wrist may be a result of a condition known as de Quervain's tenosynovitis. The condition commonly strikes people between the ages of 30 and 50, most often women. Overuse is a risk factor.
Feb 1st, 2019

Unsure If You Have A Torn ACL?

Your knee is sore, aching, and weak. You suspect you may have a torn ACL, but how can you tell? Read on to learn if you have the symptoms that point to this type of knee injury.
Nov 30th, 2018

Surprising Factors That Can Lead To Carpal Tunnel
If you have frequent burning or numbness in the palm of your hand and in your fingers, you may have developed carpal tunnel syndrome. Even if you aren’t engaged in repetitive hand activity, you may be at risk. Here’s why.
Oct 22nd, 2018

5 Steps To Recovering From Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder surgery can relieve pain and restore function to an injured shoulder, but recovery is key to the success of your surgery. Here’s what to expect once you’ve left the operating room.
Sep 26th, 2018

Why Physical Therapy Is So Important For Rehabilitation

Why do we stress the importance of physical therapy during rehab? Mainly because there’s not a lot of rehabilitation without it. Read what the experts at Maryland Orthopedic Specialists have to say about physical therapy and why you need it.
Aug 23rd, 2018

What to Expect from Knee Replacement Surgery
If you’ve been living with constant pain in your knees, you may actually be looking forward to knee replacement surgery. It’s helpful to know beforehand what you’ll experience before and after the surgery.
Jul 12th, 2018

5 Tips to Speed Recovery From Rotator Cuff Surgery
Sometimes surgery is the only way to repair a rotator cuff injury in your shoulder. While full recovery from this surgery can take months, make it as smooth as possible with a few smart strategies.
Jun 9th, 2018

10 Foods That Can Help Relieve Joint Pain
Inflammation aggravates arthritis pain. Your diet contributes a lot to inflammation -- eat lots of refined sugars, alcohol, and saturated fat and you may make your arthritis pain more severe.
May 17th, 2018

PRP: A Boon for Aging Baby Boomers and Their Joints
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses your body’s own healing growth factors to treat age-related degenerative disease and soft tissue injuries. When PRP is injected into damaged joints, it promotes healing, relieves pain, and diminishes inflammation.
Apr 10th, 2018

5 Steps for Better Posture
Poor posture can lead to a whole host of everyday aches and pains, including back pain, headaches, restricted breathing, and digestive issues.
Jan 19th, 2018

Surgery Around The Globe
Dr. Peter Fitzgibbons spent a week in Guatemala with a group of Surgeons from around the United States including several physicians from Georgetown.
May 25th, 2017

Feeling Unstable when Overhead?
Sports that involve overhead activity – weight lifting, softball, swimming, volleyball, and baseball to name a few – are very demanding on the shoulder stabilizing muscles.
Dec 17th, 2015