Phone: (480) 750-0303 | Fax: (602) 631-3162
Request An Appointment

Orthopedic Surgeon Phoenix

The Importance of Joint Care

Joints are the body’s hinges. They provide a wide range of motion throughout the body, allowing us to swing, bend, rotate and more. Each joint is made up of cartilage, ligaments and a lubricating fluid called synovial fluid which all work together to cushion the area between bones and support comfortable movement.

Without healthy joints, bones can rub together and make even the simplest movements painful, which is why properly caring for joints is so important. Take care of joints to avoid damaged joints that can lead to injuries, discomfort and joint disease such as arthritis.

How to Protect Your Joints

Maintain a healthy weight with diet and exercise

Keeping a healthy body weight is one of the simplest, but most effective and important ways to keep joints working right. Every excess pound forces the body, especially joints, to strain to accommodate the extra weight.

Eating healthy foods contributes greatly to weight loss and weight maintenance, but remember to also think about nutrients. Calcium builds strong bones, which leads to strong joints, so consuming calcium rich vegetables like broccoli and spinach will build strong bones and strong joints as well. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Include fortified milk, cereal and fish into your diet so the body can fully soak up the proper nutrients.

Exercise is another component to a healthy body weight. Building muscle and flexibility supports joints and protects them from injury. Swimming and biking are great ways to get the heart rate up and burn calories without straining joints.

Find balance

Although exercise is helpful to joints, don’t over exasperate the body with excessive workouts. Remember to acknowledge the body’s limits and find a balance between physically challenging yourself and allowing the body to rest and recover, especially if a certain area is in pain.

Stretch

Stretching loosens up the body. Stretching before and after exercise is important to avoid injury and stress. Know the body’s limits and take it easy when stretching before a workout because the body isn’t loosened up yet.

Stretch and move around throughout the day, not just during a workout. Sitting in one place for too long causes stiffness in the joints, leading to pain, so get moving every hour and stretch daily.

Make use of proper technique

Your back and other joints experience wear and tear and are prone to injury. Find ways to to do tasks like pushing and pulling and lifting heavy objects using proper technique, incorporating the legs and core muscles to lift.

Proper training

Be sure to incorporate cardiovascular exercise as well as resistance training into your personal workout regimen.  Cardiovascular exercise trains your heart and lungs to deliver oxygenated blood more efficiently to your muscles and entire body.  Resistance training helps strengthen your muscles, bones and joints and helps prevent injury.  Attempt to avoid impact exercise, which decreases the stress through your joints.  Non-impact exercise such as bicycling, elliptical training and swimming are excellent exercise without the impact stress to your joints.

Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Helps Treat, Prevent Common Elbow Injuries in Baseball Players

Young athletes are working harder to reach their goals and the harder an athlete plays and practices, the easier it is to develop elbow problems early in their athletic career.

The leading orthopedic surgeons with OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, including Phoenix orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shelden Martin, are here to help athletes young or old prevent sports injuries and get back in the game.

The most common elbow injury in young baseball players is medial epicondyle apophysitis, which is known as “little league elbow.” This is an overuse injury to one of the growth plates on the inside of the elbow. Injuring the growth plates, especially at a young age may prevent them from throwing longer distances and decreases the ability to throw hard, according to Nationwide Children’s.

In order to help avoid injuries throughout the season, “It’s essential to get a pre-participation physical, wear appropriate equipment and perform essential offseason conditioning before beginning the season.  These simple steps will help ensure that these young athletes are ready with regards to their physical conditioning and safety preparedness,” Dr. Martin said.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, preventing athletic injuries at an early age will lead to a greater chance of athletes continuing to compete at higher levels of competition. While many injuries can be treated with ice and ibuprofen and will improve with rest, more serious injuries, if left untreated, can cause permanent impairment and compromise young athletes potential to continue playing sports at a higher level of competition.

The doctors at OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates give patients the proper medical care and attention they need. With the excitement of the summer baseball season, young athletes, particularly pitchers, can overwork their elbow by throwing to many pitches and to frequently.  This does not allow the elbow to rest and recover and causes microtrauma that becomes additive over time.  This is particularly a problem in warm states such as Arizona, California and Florida where athletes can play year round, and never adequately rest their throwing arms.  The doctors at OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates are here to treat and educate the athletes and help get them back on the field.

While staying active is important, resting is just as important. As discussed, the most common overuse elbow injury in skeletally immature athletes is medial epicondyle apophysitis.  This condition can also lead to stress fracture through the growth plate, or a small crack in the bone caused by fatigued muscles transferring the overload of stress to the bone.  As athletes reach skeletal maturity later in their teenage years and enter adulthood, this condition will manifest as an ulnar collateral ligament injury.  If rest and non-operative treatment fail, this condition can require a ligament reconstruction surgery commonly known as “Tommy Johns surgery” to continue throwing.

OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates surgeons are all board-certified orthopedic surgeons with extensive training and experience with sports related injuries. Dr. Martin recommends for any athlete to start their season with a physical and seek medical help at the first sign of injury.

To schedule an appointment or consultation, please call (480) 750-0303.

For more information about OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, please call (480) 750-0303 or visitwww.aoa.md. Find out more about OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/aoaatgateway and Twitter atwww.twitter.com/aoaatgateway.

About OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates
OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates strives to improve the quality of life of its patients and their families through outstanding orthopedic care. OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates is committed to excellence by pledging to provide the highest quality of orthopedic care possible. Along with the treatment of immediate or chronic problems, top-rated and board-certified orthopedic surgeons strive to integrate the doctrine of prevention in all treatment plans as a way to alleviate possible future difficulties.

Arie Luyendyk Jr. Turns to Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Shelden Martin

When TORC driver and former Indy Car Series racer Arie Luyendyk Jr. broke his clavicle at the beginning of April, the former contestant on The Bachelorette turned to Phoenix orthopedic surgeon Shelden Martin, MD to repair the break. Just two weeks later, Luyendyk Jr. took home his first podium finish at the April 25 TORC race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Shelden Martin Announces Office Move to Two New Valley Locations

PHOENIX – Dr. Shelden Martin, a leading orthopedic surgeon with OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, has announced the relocation of his office to Phoenix and Mesa effective March 17.

Dr. Martin is a board certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive training and experience in orthopedic and sports injuries. He has worked with professional, collegiate and high school athletics teams and his research has been recognized both nationally and internationally.Dr. Shelden Martin Flier (FINAL)

His office will move to OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates’s Phoenix office as one of two convenient locations for Valley residents.

“The two new locations will give patients an even better experience with added convenience,” Dr. Martin said. “The move will allow us to provide the same specialized care, now with two accessible locations across the Valley.”

The Phoenix location will be near the southwest intersection of Loop 202 and SR 143, at 3033 N 44th St, Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85018,

The East Valley office in Mesa will be located at 3130 E. Baseline Rd. Suite 101, Mesa, AZ 85204, a mile south of U.S. 60.

Patients and professionals continuously praise Dr. Martin’s expertise and attentiveness, as well as his innovative and personalized approach to each individual patient’s treatment plan. Patient James McKelvy, who received a shoulder replacement from Dr. Martin in 2012, was pleased with the care and knowledge Dr. Martin delivered throughout the process, as well as the success of his procedure.

“I really do have confidence in Dr. Martin’s abilities,” McKelvy said. “He knows what he’s doing. He fully informed me of what outcomes I should anticipate, and he was very forthright.”

Dr. Martin, and the staff at OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, can handle any orthopedic injury and offer minimally invasive options for athletes and non-athletes. Dr. Martin specializes in complex arthroscopic surgery, including ligament reconstruction, cartilage transplants, shoulder and elbow joint replacements, and reverse shoulder replacements.

To schedule an appointment or consultation, call (480) 750-0303.

For more information on OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, please call (480) 750-0303 or visit www.aoa.md. Find out more about Arizona Orthopaedic Associates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aoaatgateway and Twitter at www.twitter.com/aoaatgateway.

Learn more about Dr. Martin on his website www.orthopedicarizona.com and follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrSheldenMartin and Twitter at www.twitter.com/DrSheldenMartin.

Understanding Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

In certain patients with shoulder arthritis, a total shoulder replacement does not suffice. Conventional total shoulder replacements are adequate for patients with shoulder arthritis, but in cases where patients have shoulder arthritis with large rotator cuff tears, known as rotator cuff tear arthropathy, a reverse total shoulder replacement is necessary.

A reverse total shoulder replacement is a revolutionary new technology that was initially developed in Europe and FDA approved in the U.S. in 2004.  This device essentially switches the  internal components of a traditional shoulder replacement, which consists of a metal ball attached to a metal stem that is inserted into the humerus and a plastic liner implanted into the scapula which forms the socket of the shoulder ball and socket joint.  The rotator cuff tendons balance the ball against the socket during arm motion.

In patients that have large rotator cuff tears and therefore dysfunctional rotator cuff tendons, a standard shoulder replacement cannot be utilized.  The reverse shoulder replacement consists of a plastic liner on top of the metal stem in the humerus, and a metal hemisphere screwed to the socket.  This device relies on the deltoid muscle to compress the humerus against the hemispherical glenosphere, which acts as a fulcrum to provide arm motion.

Ideal candidates for this procedure are elderly patients who have had untreated rotator cuff tears or previous failed rotator cuff surgeries and developed arthritis, previous failed shoulder replacement surgeries, or patients that sustain severe shoulder fractures.

With appropriate postoperative physical therapy, the surgery successfully increases mobility and decreases pain.

Dr. Martin uses the latest nonoperative and surgical treatments for a wide range of shoulder, elbow, knee and sports related injuries. With the most advanced treatments, Dr. Martin is able to get you back to activity as soon as possible.

Schedule a visit with Dr. Shelden Martin today by calling (480) 685-2850.

Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Martin Featured on Debut “Health 2 Fit” TV Show

Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Shelden Martin was a guest on the debut episode of “Health 2 Fit” on AZTV on Oct. 5. If you missed it, here’s a chance to see it again.

 

Dr. Martin Announces October Saturday Clinic Hours

Dr. Shelden Martin, an orthopedic surgeon with one of the Valley’s leading orthopedic practices, OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, has announced his Saturday clinic hours for October, with his next Saturday clinic scheduled for Oct. 12.

Dr. Martin, who is fellowship trained in sports medicine and shoulder/elbow surgery, will perform physician duties on those who find themselves in an orthopedic emergency on specific Saturdays.

His office is conveniently located on the southeast corner of Loop 101 and Warner Road at 2905 W. Warner Road, Suite 23 in Chandler, AZ 85224.

“We want to help keep people from paying the high cost of weekend ER bills, and give them the specialized care they need and deserve,” Dr. Martin said. “One in six visits to the ER is for a sports or exercise related injury.”

To schedule an appointment, please call (480) 685-2850.

Rotator Cuff Injuries and Orthopedic Surgery

rotator cuff injury_phoenix orthopedic surgery

One of the most common orthopedic injuries that we operate on here in Phoenix is directly related to the rotator cuff in the shoulder. Phoenix orthopedic surgeons are  very familiar with rotator cuff repair, surgery and recovery, and Dr. Martin is highly trained to not only treat related injuries, but diagnose them properly as well.

Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff consists of the muscles and tendons that make up your shoulder. This region is not only intricate, it is extremely important in shoulder movement, range of motion, and strength. The rotator cuff quite literally is the cuff of ligaments holding the ball of your upper arm bone in your shoulder socket.

Injury to this area is quite common among athletes, specifically those in repetitive motion sports like tennis, and weekend warriors. Rotator cuff tears can be from a bad fall, lifting, or repetitive activities. Pitchers are quite often seen by Phoenix orthopedic surgeons for rotator cuff injuries due to the repetitiveness of that position.

In many cases, nearly 50% of all rotator cuff injuries, treatment involves some good, old R and R. However, there are instances with a Phoenix orthopedic surgeon is needed to repair a tendon or muscle tear.

Rotator Cuff Repairs

Conditions such as tendinitis and/or bursitis, left untreated, can lead to necessary orthopedic surgery, but in most cases you will need to see a Phoenix orthopedic surgeon for tears in the rotator cuff.

Orthopedic surgery on a rotator cuff involves either making more room for the irritated tendons and muscles or sewing torn edges of a ligament tear. Your Phoenix orthopedic surgeon will make an incision 2 inches to 3 inches in the shoulder. Any lose fragments of tendon will be removed and shaving or removing bone spurs might be executed, depending on the condition or injury.

Your Phoenix orthopedic surgeon will sew any torn tendons, repairing the injury.

Recovery involves a short stay in the hospital, followed by immobilization of the arm for a defined period of time to allow for healing. Many times, physical therapy is needed for a full recovery, especially for athletes. 

If you are suffering from chronic shoulder pain, Dr. Martin can help. If you’ve just experienced a recent injury to the shoulder, give Dr. Martin a call today to have the injury and shoulder examined by the best orthopedic surgeon in Arizona. Waiting to have pain in the shoulder properly examined can lead to greater complications and more pain down the road.

Splint Pectoralis Tender Transfer – Pre and Post-Operative: Videos

“I fell off a ladder seven rungs up suffered paralyses of my Long Thoracic Nerve, creating extreme winging of my left scapula…making it extremely difficult (and painful) to lift, grip, or pull anything across my body. This interfered with my daily life and limited my bodily activities and movements. I found Dr. Martin 6 months following my injury, after visiting several other physicians and even being misdiagnosed. Dr. Martin did an extensive analysis of my injury and performed a splint Pectoralis Tender Transfer to solve my problem. The biggest improvement to my life he made was that I didn’t have to go through constant pain – rated 8 out of 10 point scale – on an everyday basis. I am now between no pain and a “two” on my worst days. I had an excellent experience going to Dr. Martin and would recommend him to anyone.”

ARVE Error: id and provider shortcodes attributes are mandatory for old shortcodes. It is recommended to switch to new shortcodes that need only url

ARVE Error: id and provider shortcodes attributes are mandatory for old shortcodes. It is recommended to switch to new shortcodes that need only url

Accurately Diagnosing Knee Pain

 

knee pain_orthopedic surgeon_arizona

Besides back pain, knee pain is one of the most common issues that most athletes face. It can come out of nowhere, and be excruciating, and many times will need a qualified Arizona orthopedic surgeon to determine the root cause. Because the knee is such a crucial joint in the body, taking on a lot of pressure and use every single day, it’s imperative that you get the proper diagnosis directed at the exact cause of the pain, and implement the best treatment options, even it that means orthopedic surgery.

Common Knee Problems

Accurately diagnosing knee problems can literally mean the difference between a lifetime of pain and suffering, and a lifetime of activities and comfort. It takes a skilled, experience Arizona orthopedic surgeon to determine the issue behind the pain – the true source of what is causing all of the suffering. Dr. Martin, a highly recognized Arizona orthopedic surgeon, is just the man for the job.

As team doctor for the Arizona Rattlers, Dr. Martin understands knee pain like few other orthopedic surgeons in Arizona. In his opinion, some of the most common issues behind knee pain are the following:

  • Dislocated Kneecap – though most often suffered by Arizona athletes, a dislocated kneecap can be excruciatingly painful, and if not diagnosed properly can lead to a lifetime of knee problems. This type of  injury is fairly easy to diagnose, however proper treatment of the exact type of dislocation by an experienced Arizona orthopedic surgeon will keep your knee fresh for many years to come.
  • Torn Ligaments – the knee consists of three main ligaments that hold everything together. The three ligaments that are quite commonly injured by athletes are the Medial Collateral Ligament, Anterior Cruciate Ligament and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament. All three can be stretched, sprain and torn. The proper diagnosis by an experienced Arizona orthopedic surgeon is paramount.
  • Cartilage Injuries – cartilage tears are quite common in both athletes and weekend warriors. The meniscus is made of cartilage and function to distribute body weight across the joints. A meniscus tear is commonly cause by trauma to the area, or from degeneration. It’s an injury suffered by all ages, and in order to accurately treat whether it’s a tear or arthritis, it’s important to sit down with an Arizona orthopedic surgeon.
  • Bursitis – If you kneel for work, are a carpenter, landscaper or gardener, this injury is quite common to your industry. This type of injury is caused by frequent pressure, force trauma, or a bacterial infection.

Of course, there’s always breaks and sprains that are associated with the knee, as well as inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis) and many other conditions associated with knee pain. This intricate and important part of the body has many functions and many facets, so it’s important that if you’re feeling knee pain you contact Arizona’s best orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Shelden Martin, today.