Dr. Kayal Answers Your Questions

By Robert A. Kayal, MD, FAAOS

NJ Orthopedic FAQs

From week to week, my team and I field many questions from patients dealing with the pain, immobility and strength deficits caused by orthopaedic injuries and conditions. In this blog, I’d like to address a few of your most recent questions. 

What Do You Think About "Resolving" to Become Fit?

Ah, New Year’s resolutions. You may have already forgotten yours, but fitness is a common focus when people decide to improve their overall health—any time of year. And, while I believe that fitness should be part of everyone’s life, a lack of stretching and conditioning can lead to the sports-related injuries that bring patients to our office. 

Stretching out, eating wisely, and easing into a new exercise routine rather than becoming a “weekend warrior” (someone who works out at high intensity over a short period of time) is the correct way to approach physical fitness. This way, your body adjusts to the new levels of activity slowly and you will be less likely to hurt yourself. Think of fitness as a marathon instead of a sprint.

What Are the Most Common Winter Injuries?

Some of the most common winter injuries that we treat are related to overuse or snow-related accidents. They include: 

• Muscle sprains and strains
• Ligament strains
• Tendonitis
• Tendon rupture
• Low back pain
• Muscle fatigue

Other frequently encountered winter injuries include ACL tears in the knee, ankle and wrist fractures, and skier’s thumb. Remember to keep safety first in your mind when approaching exercise or winter activities. Injury can occur when you least expect it: from neglecting to stretch before a jog to shoveling incorrectly after a snowfall.

How Can I Prevent Injury?

The short answer? You can’t. Injuries happen to everyone at one time or another, but you can reduce the chance of injury through a series of easy and efficient steps:

• Warm up before physical activity. Perform range-of-motion stretches, or walk for several minutes to warm up.
• Train appropriately for sporting events through a combination of weight training, strengthening and stretching exercises.
• Maintain good bone health through healthy levels of calcium and vitamin D to reduce the risk of bone breaks. Ask your Kayal Orthopaedic bone specialist about vitamin recommendations. 
• Strengthen your core muscles to support your spine. Practicing yoga and pilates are excellent ways in which to support your core and improve your overall balance and functionality.

If you’ve been injured during athletics or daily activity, don’t wait to address your pain. Call our NJ orthopedic offices today to schedule a one-on-one appointment with me or with a member of my qualified surgical staff!

Seeking Help

At Kayal Orthopaedic Center, we specialize in orthopaedic health for all ages: children, teens, adults and senior citizens. Don’t let pain management limit your activity or become a daily task on your to-do list! Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Ridgewood or Franklin Lakes offices, or visit our website to educate yourself about common injuries and conditions! We look forward to serving you, and wish you health and safety during the rest of the winter!