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Sports Medicine

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Offers an Alternative

Physical exercise can be rough on joints, whether you’re a professional athlete or a recreational jogger. An active lifestyle can sometimes result in natural wear and tear in the form of tendonitis, ACL or MCL tears, or an increased risk of osteoarthritis. Surgery, while a solution to these physical ailments, can still interfere with a person’s athletic lifestyle due to potentially long recovery times and the risk of infection or other complications, leaving injured athletes with less-than-favorable solutions to their ailments.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy offers a safe, more affordable alternative to orthopedic surgery. With a shorter recovery time and minimal invasiveness, PRP therapy is now a viable option for injured athletes looking to get healthy and back on their feet as soon as possible.

Typically when the body suffers an injury, it sends a rush of blood to the site of the wound in order to start a natural healing process. However, blood has more limited access to particularly ligamentous regions like joints, making recovery for these areas much more difficult.

With PRP therapy, the procedure sends plasma-rich platelets to the joint injury to allow for rebuilding ligaments and expedited healing. The therapy entails the injection of the injured athlete’s centrifuged blood into the joint in question. The procedure takes less than an hour and leaves little to no room for infection or complication due to lack of incision and the use of the patient’s own blood.

PRP therapy offers a more comfortable, less invasive alternative to orthopedic surgery. The procedure is less expensive than typical surgery and shaves several weeks off a patient’s rehabilitation or recovery time. PRP therapy is a smart option for all individuals suffering from joint pain, be it from vigorous activity or osteoarthritis.

Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Offers Saturday Clinic Hours for Valley Athletes

As Arizona high school basketball heats up and training for the upcoming baseball season begins, Dr. Shelden Martin, an orthopedic surgeon with one of the Valley’s leading orthopedic practices, OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, has announced Saturday clinic hours for February 15 and March 8 in an effort to help Valley athletes who experience sports injuries on the weekend.

According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 2 million injuries occur among high school athletes every year. In order to help people avoid high emergency room bills on the weekend, 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.

The Phoenix orthopedic surgeon’s 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. To schedule an appointment, please call (480) 685-2850.

“The most common cause of injury-related ER visits by children are due to sports activities,” Dr. Martin said. “With football season slowing down, basketball heating up and baseball season around the corner, sports-related injuries are more likely to occur, especially during the weekends when athletes attend tournaments with multiple games played back-to-back. That’s why I have added Saturday clinic hours.”

Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Shelden Martin Offers Advice on Youth Sports Injury Prevention

With so many choices of youth sports each season, kids and young adults can play sports year round, making them susceptible to a multitude of sports injuries.

While physical activity is necessary for growing children, too much or too intense activity can cause damage or injury to their bodies.

According to an article by USA Today, 1.35 million youths, age 19 and under, attain serious sports injuries that lead to emergent hospital visits each year. Among the most popular sports, football, basketball and soccer are the most common for injury, although not understating others.

Strains and sprains, fractures, and contusions and abrasions are the most common forms of injury, with concussions not far behind.

Dr. Shelden Martin of OrthoArizona encourages his patients to take every step necessary before and during the season to prevent serious injuries.

It is essential to get a pre-participation physical, appropriate equipment and perform necessary conditioning before beginning the season to make sure that they are ready in regards to physical and safety preparedness.

During the season, early recognition of injuries and possible treatment is critical to preventing further damage. Any injury that involves swelling, discoloration, loss of function however minor, or visible deformity should be seen by a physician.

While some of these injuries can heal on their own or with remedies like ice and ibuprofen, others can worsen and cause serious damage if ignored or played on without proper healing.

Dr. Martin specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine for any injury. He has worked with professional, collegiate and high school sports teams.

Currently, Dr. Martin is the head team physician for the world champion Arizona Rattlers and team physician for Desert Vista High School. Previously, Dr. Martin served as part of the team medical staffs for the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Knights, Joe Gibbs Racing Team and the University of North Carolina.

Dr. Martin specializes in complex arthroscopic surgery, including ligament reconstruction, cartilage transplants, shoulder and elbow joint replacements, and reverse shoulder replacements.

“We use the latest nonoperative and surgical treatments for a wide range of orthopedic problems and sports related injuries,” Dr. Martin said. “Our job is to get you back to activity as soon as possible.”

Chandler Orthopedic Surgeon Announces November Saturday Clinic

Chandler orthopedic surgeon Dr. Shelden Martin, part of one of the Valley’s leading orthopedic practices, OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, has announced his Saturday clinic hours for November.

Dr. Martin, who is fellowship trained in sports medicine and shoulder/elbow surgery, will perform physician duties on those who find themselves in a Phoenix orthopedic emergency on November 16.

According to Dr. Martin, who also serves as team physician for the Arena Football League World Champion Arizona Rattlers, one in six trips to the emergency room on the weekend results from a sports-related injury.

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

Instead of incurring the high cost of weekend ER bills and trips to the emergency room, schedule an appointment by calling (480) 685-2850.

Arizona High School Fall Physicals

High school sports are right around the corner, and with football and other Fall and Winter sports, come the necessary sports physicals. Participants in Arizona high school athletics programs can receive their required sports physicals from Dr. Shelden Martin, M.D. of OrthoArizona – Arizona Orthopaedic Associates.Arizona Orthopedic Specialist Dr. Shelden Martin

Dr. Martin, who currently serves as team physician for the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League as well as Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee, is fellowship trained in sports medicine and shoulder/elbow surgery. He will offer physicals by appointment at his Chandler office, conveniently located on the southeast corner of Loop 101 and Warner Road at 2905 W. Warner Road, Suite 23 in Chandler, AZ 85224. Appointments should be made beforehand by calling (480) 685-2850.

“The goal of a sports physical is to make sure that student is physically able to play the sport for which he or she is pursuing,” Dr. Martin said. “It’s our job to make sure that every athlete takes the field with a clean bill of health.”

Physicals are required by the Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA), the governing body of the state’s high school sports. AIA regulations dictate that student athletes undergo physical examinations in order to participate in the upcoming sports season.

The physical covers basic health conditions such as height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, lung and heart sounds, vision screening, form and function of the neck, spine and extremities as well as impairments of the eyes, ears, nose and throat.

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

Venus Williams – Athletes and Sjogren’s Syndrome

best orthopedic surgeon in phoenix

Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams withdrew from this year’s Wimbledon Championships because of back injury directly associated with Sjogren’s Syndrome, and it has many in the orthopedic surgery field talking. Sjogrens’ Syndrome is essentially an autoimmune disorder, often accompanied by rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. It’s a difficult disorder to manage, especially if you’re a world-class athlete.

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.

Floyd Mayweather’s Injured Hand – Dr. Martin’s Comments

mayweather hand injury

Did you happen to catch the ‘Money’ Mayweather vs ‘The Ghost’ Guerrero fight over the weekend? If so, you might have noticed how the fight stalled a bit towards the final rounds – many blaming Mayweather for watching the clock and protecting his obvious victory. But others, particularly those in the Phoenix orthopedic surgery industry, noticed a holding back from Mayweather, indicating a possible injury sustained in the prize fight. And if you’ve kept an eye on boxing news today, you’ll notice that Mayweather did indeed sustain a hand injury sometime during the middle rounds. 

As an Arizona orthopedic surgeon, it wasn’t difficult to ascertain the extent of the injury based on the final rounds of the fight, but let’s dive into hand injuries that boxer’s most often endure, and how the injury might affect Mayweather’s September fight.

Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather’s Hand Injury

Floyd Mayweather is a beast of a fighter. With a record of 44-0, this young man has successfully established himself as one of the best, holding titles in five weight classes. And while his fight over the weekend may not have been one of the most exciting or entertaining for any orthopedic surgeons watching, it was a lesson in boxing that many found compelling. And, later in the evening, when we found out that Mayweather was boxing with an injured right hand, it became even more apparent how remarkable this boxer is.

According to Bryan Armen Graham of Sports Illustrated, Money said that he hurt his hand somewhere in the middle stages of the fight and felt the injury is what prevented the undefeated champion from knocking Guerrero out.

After a visit to the hospital after the fight, Mayweather’s camp is telling the press that his hand is fine, no factures, simply soreness, dispelling fears regarding Mayweather’s September fight. From a Phoenix orthopedic surgeon’s perspective, the injury is most likely soft tissue contusion from multiple traumatic impacts. Something that you might expect after a boxing match that lasted as long as this one did.

Dr. Martin, Phoenix’s best orthopedic surgeon, suggests simple symptomatic treatment including rest, ice, NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and progressive return to boxing as symptoms allow.

While the extent of the injury is still unknown, as an Arizona orthopedic surgeon I can tell you the most common boxing injuries and what Mayweather could possibly be facing.

Common Boxing Hand Injuries

Boxing wreaks havoc on the body, from the spine to the knees to the neck, head, arms, shoulders, elbows, and hands. In this instance, where Mayweather experienced ‘soreness’ during and after the recent fight, we’re taking a look at common boxing hand injuries that can cause pain such as Mayweather’s, many of which Phoenix orthopedic surgeons see quite often.

Boxer’s Fracture – A Boxer’s Fracture occurs when the clenched fist is collided with a skull or hard, immovable surface. The great impact results in compression of the knuckles, which snaps the metacarpal bone. This fracture can lead to orthopedic surgery to realign the fractured metacarpal bone, casting, and rehab. In the mildest cases of Boxer’s Fracture, recovery time can be up to 3 months.

Boxer’s Knuckle – This is an injury to the prominent metacarpophalangeal joints of the hand, also known as the knuckles. Because the knuckles are highly vulnerable, this is a quite comment injury and as an Arizona orthopedic surgeon it is something that I’ve often treated. 

Finger Fractures – These types of fractures are also very common among boxers, especially those just starting out because they most often occur when a punch lands wrong. This type of injury could require treatment from an Arizona orthopedic surgeon, as well as physical therapy.

Bruising and Sprains – Boxing bruises and sprains are also very common, but as an Arizona orthopedic surgeon I have seen these simple injuries become something far worse if not treated properly. While these injuries are not considered emergencies, they can lead to a fracture or major break if left untreated.

Prevention

As Dr. Shelden Martin always promotes – prevention is truly the best medicine for boxing injuries, or any injuries related to the hand, for that matter. Hand injuries can interrupt every single aspect of your life, and as an Arizona orthopedic surgeon who has operated on many hand fractures and hand injuries, Dr. Martin suggests treating any hand injury immediately. From the smallest scrap to the most painful fracture, seeking proper treatment immediately will reduce recovery time and get you back into the ring, or on the playing field, must faster.

Call today for an appointment with the best orthopedic surgeon in Arizona! 480.685.2850

Who Can See A Sports Medicine Specialist?

sports medicine phoenix az

What is sports medicine? How is it really any different than any other kind of medicine? If I’m not an athlete, can I still see a sports medicine specialist in Phoenix?

Dr. Shelden Martin at OrthoArizona in Phoenix seems to hear these types of questions quite often, and it’s understandable. Sports medicine is a specialty that can be confusing to some simply because of one keyword: sports. In Arizona, Dr. Martin treats patients will all kinds of injuries, both sports-related and unrelated to sports altogether. But for the purpose of medical certifications and training, sports medicine and orthopedic surgery is his specialty.

Sports medicine is “the study and practice of medical principles related to the science of sports, particularly in the areas of sports injury diagnosis and treatment, sports injury prevention, sports training and athletic performance including exercises and workouts, sports nutrition and sports psychology,” according to About.com.

As the Team Doctor for the Arizona Rattlers, as well as an award-winning Phoenix orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Martin focuses on all medical, therapeutic, even psychological aspects of sports and physical activity. So, if you’re not an athlete but you do participate at the gym, perhaps you embark upon some running or maybe you play tennis once in a while, Dr. Martin can help you out with injuries and prevention of injuries.

Because Dr. Martin is a specialist, he received special, additional training after his medical school training at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. Dr. Martin underwent a General Surgery Internship at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, and then through Residency in Orthopedic Surgery at that same school.

However, in addition to his specialty and expert knowledge in orthopedic sugary, Dr. Martin pursued furthering his career specifically in sports medicine, which brought him to Charlotte, NC, and a Fellowship in Sports Medicine and Should, Elbow Surgery.

Dr. Martin’s Goal in Phoenix

While many Phoenix residents can easily become confused with the term “sports medicine,” assuming that Dr. Martin deals with athletes only, his goal here in Arizona is to help everyone, from professional athletes like those at the Arizona Rattlers, to weekend warriors and busy moms prevent injuries and optimize a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise. If an injury does occur, whether from a hit on the football field during a professional game, or a twisted ankle from running errands, Dr. Martin’s sport medicine background means that you receive the best care in Phoenix with laser focus on a complete and quick recovery. It also means that if you do play sports, Dr. Martin can get you back into the game with little to no loss of performance.

Call Dr. Shelden Martin today for more information on his orthopedic surgery background, and his sport medicine background.

Dr. Shelden Martin
OrthoArizona

Arizona Orthopaedic Associates
2905 W. Warner Road Suite 23
Chandler, AZ 85224

P: 480.685.2850
F: 480.685.2860

Dr. Shelden Martin Joins Arizona Rattlers as Team Physician

OrthoArizona Physician, Dr. Shelden Martin Joins Arizona Rattlers as Team Physician

CHANDLER, ARIZ. (January 6th, 2013) – OrthoArizona is pleased to announce sports medicine and shoulder, elbow specialist, Dr. Shelden Martin, as the official 2013 Head Team Physician for the Arizona Rattlers. Dr. Martin will serve as the team’s head orthopedic surgeon and will be assigned to oversee the medical team that provides orthopedic and medical care for the Rattlers’ athletes and coaches.

Dr. Martin is a full-time orthopedic surgeon with Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, a division of OrthoArizona, specializing in sports medicine, and shoulder elbow surgery. He will be joining the Rattler’s staff this year with the season’s kick-off on March 1st, 2013. Dr. Martin has experience working with many professional, collegiate and high school athletic teams including the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Knights, Joe Gibbs Racing team and the University of North Carolina athletic department. He currently provides care for the Chicago White Sox during baseball spring training and the local Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe High Schools.

Born in Lancaster, PA, Dr. Martin received his Undergraduate Degree at LaSalle University in Philadelphia. He then received his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed his General Surgery Internship and Orthopedic Surgery Residency at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago. He completed his training with a one-year fellowship specializing in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Shoulder, Elbow Surgery with OrthoCarolina at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Martin is a board-eligible orthopedic surgeon with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, and specializes in sports medicine, shoulder, elbow and knee surgery. Research conducted by Dr. Martin at the University of Pennsylvania led to the discovery of the gene responsible for a rare, debilitating, genetic bone disease. His research has been presented both nationally and internationally, and published extensively in peer-reviewed literature.

Dr. Martin is proud to begin his duties with the Arizona Rattlers this spring. In conjunction with this announcement, Dr. Martin would like to announce the merging of his solo practice with Arizona Orthopaedic Associates, a division of OrthoArizona and the launch of his official website http://www.OrthopedicArizona.com.