The Safety of Hip Replacements
By dr_lou_pack

The Safety of Hip Replacements  Like drugs, the jury is always out regarding the safety of surgical procedures.  Often, the latest materials and techniques are hailed as “new and improved” yet later they’re found to be not only ineffective, but dangerous.  On March 4, 2010 for example, the New York Times reported that “some of the nation’s leading orthopedic surgeons have reduced or stopped use of ‘metal-on-metal hip implants’, amid concerns that the devices are ...

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Increasing Sports Performance as You Age
By dr_lou_pack

Increasing Sports Performance as You Age  In 2004, one of my patients, Roald Bradstock, nearly 50, became the first man in any age group to qualify for the Olympic Trials.  Another, Jerry Caldwell, was in his sixty’s and couldn’t play tennis any longer.  He went on to win the Senior’s National Championship.  Kurt Strater still skis black diamond slopes with his grandchildren at 82, and turns better now than he did before!  Age doesn’t have ...

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Arthritis - The Safety of Pain Medications
By dr_lou_pack

ArthritisThe Safety of Pain Medications   Osteoarthritis has reached epidemic proportions.  One in every two seniors are now at risk of developing arthritis of their knees.  Last year there were over half a million knee and hip replacements.    Since it’s generally believed that there is no known cause or cure (other than age and excessive weight), a physician’s goal is to keep you pain free and active.  And at times, pain medication is essential and ...

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Choosing a Doctor For Knee Pain
By dr_lou_pack

Choosing a Doctor For Knee Pain  If you had a problem with an old, valuable piece of furniture you would do well to take it to an antique furniture refinisher and not someone inexperienced.  But we often don’t treat ourselves that way. Consulting a general practitioner first, is often best.  But when indicated see a specialist because they will know more about your problem since that’s all they do. But be careful. Today’s specialists are often brilliant in their ...

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Leg Length and Arthritis
By dr_lou_pack

Leg Length and Arthritis   Unequal leg lengths are a major cause of pain in the weight bearing joints of our feet, ankles, knees, hips and back.  The importance of equalizing leg lengths is generally underestimated, poorly evaluated, and if found, usually left uncorrected.  This is especially true if it’s less than a quarter of an inch which is considered normal.   But “normal,” means average, and that’s not necessarily synonymous with healthy.  As you probably know, ...

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