The body is made up of many intricate systems, and one of the most complex is the skeletal-muscular system. Each time you move, even the slightest bit, muscles in various regions have to interact with one another to shift weight, control body function, and expand or contract to burn energy. When one of these muscles is pushed too far, a tear can occur, leading to pain, possible disability, and a trip to your local orthopedic surgeon. Below are some common orthopedic tears treated by orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist Dr. Kevin James and his team at Advanced Spine & Orthopedics. Get the facts and follow some practical tips to help you avoid torn ligaments or muscles.
ACL Tear
An ACL tear involves the anterior cruciate ligament, a major part of your knee’s structure and source of control. The ACL helps to keep your knee from flexing too far one way or the other, and ACL tears can cause extreme knee pain, even in cases of small tears. Athletic activities are some of the most common causes of torn ACLs, and as such, it’s always a good idea to pace yourself when engaged in physical activity. Be mindful of the positioning of your feet, as many ACL tears occur from twisting the knee with feet firmly planted.
Meniscus Tear
Like an ACL tear, a meniscus tear can occur when a foot is planted on the ground and a twisting motion occurs in the knee. The meniscus serves as cushioning for the knee joint, and twisting too far and hard can cause a single tear or multiple tears. In order to avoid a meniscus tear, use extra caution when walking on uneven surfaces or when playing sports.
Labral Tear
A labral tear occurs in the shoulder when the labrum is damaged due to shoulder injury or overexertion. The labrum serves as a connecting point for the ligaments and muscles in the shoulder, and a labral tear can cause extreme shoulder pain and the make it difficult to raise your arms above your head. You may also feel a grinding or weakening in the shoulder area, accompanied by a popping sound when you move. Avoid a labral tear by controlling how you extend your arms. Hard extensions of the arm, such as when pitching a baseball, can lead to a labral tear.
Rotator Cuff Tear
The rotator cuff is a part of the shoulder that is made up of various muscles, and it allows you to enjoy a full range of motion in the shoulder. When one or more of these muscles becomes torn, the shoulder injury is referred to as a rotator cuff tear. Because various muscles can be affected by a rotator cuff tear, the damage may be slight to severe. Avoid a rotator cuff injury by exercising regularly and using proper padding during contact sports.
Contact ASODocs to Learn More
If you’re concerned about an orthopedic muscle or ligament tears, contact Advanced Spine & Orthopedics in Southlake or Frisco for expert help. Our orthopedic doctors provide a variety of advanced treatment options to relieve your pain. You can also count on Advanced Spine & Orthopedics for services from a qualified spine surgeon, hip replacement surgeon, or a degenerative disc disease expert. In Frisco, TX, call 972-215-7755, or in Southlake, TX, call 817-310-8783.
