Tom Willemann Health Tips

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Hip Replacement: Game, Set, Match?

Hip Replacement: Game, Set, Match?

Jake Johnson was an avid tennis player before pain from a degenerative hip joint took him off the courts. When his doctor said that he needed total hip replacement surgery, he thought his tennis playing days were over. But were they? In the past, most surgeons recommended against playing tennis after a hip replacement. Today, artificial hipContinue Reading »

Can Exercise Prevent Falls?

Can Exercise Prevent Falls?

Falls. They are the fear of many older adults. They can range from harmless stumbles to severe accidents, the effects of which can take years to heal. One of the best methods of avoiding falls might be the proactive use of exercise. Usually thought of for sculpting the body and improving cardiovascular conditioning, exercise canContinue Reading »

Getting Your Ankle Off on the Right Foot Again

Getting Your Ankle Off on the Right Foot Again

Almost everyone has heard of total hip replacement and total knee replacement. But fewer people are familiar with total ankle replacement (also called total ankle arthroplasty).Although it looks like a simple hinge joint, the ankle actually involves much more complex movement, absorbing forces up to five times body weight. Many conditions, such as severe osteoporosis,Continue Reading »

Total Hip Replacement: Getting Up and Going

Total Hip Replacement: Getting Up and Going

If you are about to have your hip replaced, you will need to begin a rehabilitation program very soon after the procedure is completed. The type of rehabilitation will vary with the surgical technique used to attach the metal prosthesis to the femur. This artificial ball and stem can be affixed either with bony cementContinue Reading »

Be Hip to Metal-on-Metal Implants

Be Hip to Metal-on-Metal Implants

If you have had a hip replaced with a metal-on-metal (MoM) implant, you may be concerned about reports of health problems with this type of artificial joint. Hip implants are fabricated from metal, plastic, ceramic or a combination of materials. Each type has risks and benefits, and it is up to you and your surgeonContinue Reading »

Fighting Arthritis? Strengthen Your Muscles

Arthritis may be a joint disease, but strengthening the muscles is an important component in its treatment. That is because a leading cause of limited movement in people with arthritis—especially, for instance, knee arthritis—is the weakening of surrounding muscles, rather than pain, dysfunction or abnormalities in the joint itself. This raises an important question: IsContinue Reading »

Antibiotic Guidelines with Joint Replacements

A recent statement from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) addresses antiobiotic usage prophylaxis for patients with joint replacements. This article recommends specific antibiotics based upon the type of surgery, ranging from dental to vascular. Since not all physicians are aware of these guidelines, educating your physician regarding the most effective antibiotic for your particular surgeryContinue Reading »

Climbing Stairs—One Step at a Time

Although going up the stairs may feel challenging, some people experience more pain going down. This is because your muscles have to work hard to control your weight as you descend. If you have suffered from knee problems in the past or continue to have problems, it is probably time to look at increasing strengthContinue Reading »

Up and Running After a Total Hip Replacement

While many surgeons say no to resuming a running program after a total hip replacement, others say you can do so depending on the bone quality and the prosthetic materials used to replace the worn hip joint. In surgery, the damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic joint surfaces.Continue Reading »

A Smooth Recovery After Hip Resurfacing

A Smooth Recovery After Hip Resurfacing

If you are undergoing aBirmingham Hip resurfacing procedure, you probably have questions about rehabilitation and physical therapy. The Birmingham Hip procedure involves placing a new metal surface on your hipbone to slide against a metal socket surface. This procedure is longer lasting, ideal for active patients, less invasive and preserves more bone than traditional hipContinue Reading »

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