Pacific Rim Orthopedic Surgeons has a fellowship-trained specialist in hand and wrist procedures.

The hand is a very complex organ with multiple joints, and different types of ligaments, tendons and nerves. With constant use, it is no wonder that hand injuries are common. Hand injuries can result from excessive use, degenerative disorders or trauma. Some of the most common injuries to the wrist are wrist sprains and wrist breaks.

Arthritis, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are caused by overuse or by repetitive actions like using a computer keyboard. Nerves damaged by injury can be disabling and result in loss of hand function. It is vital to seek medical help as soon as possible after any hand injury.

More Conditions and Services

• Finger Joint Replacement Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Tendinitis (Tendonitis)
• Dupuytren’s Contracture
• Radial Tunnel Syndrome

The foot and ankle system is composed of 26 bones, multiple joints, ligaments, and muscles to create a unique biomechanical complex.  Foot and ankle conditions can range from benign to devastating problems. Fortunately, Proliance Pacific Rim Orthopedic Surgeons has the expertise to manage the gamut of foot and ankle problems.

Two types of doctors can help you care for your foot and ankle problems. Foot and ankle subspecialty trained orthopedic surgeons and podiatrist. Ultimately, whoever you choose, you should feel comfortable with the health care professional providing the care for your foot. Foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons train on the care of musculoskeletal problems involving the whole body. This wide area of training helps a foot and ankle subspecialty trained orthopedic surgeon provide more wholistic care for your foot.

Dr. Udawatta, a foot and ankle subspecialty trained orthopedic surgeon, who joined us in Sep 2021, can take care of your hip all the way down to your foot. Recognizing that the lower extremity is not composed of single anatomic areas that are treated in isolation, you can be confident that our team will help you get back on your feet by caring for your whole body!

Despite being a surgeon, Dr. Udawatta often times tries to find non-operative solutions for your problem. Sometimes, your foot and ankle problem can be helped with a few modifications to your shoes or starting a stretching program. When these options do not work, surgery is occasionally warranted. Rest assured, our team will help you feel safe and confident in the care you are receiving.

More Conditions and Services

• Ankle Sprains
• Toe Joint Replacement

A normal cartilage layer in joints allows nearly frictionless and pain-free movement. When it is damaged or diseased by arthritis, joints become stiff and painful. Every joint is enclosed by a fibrous tissue envelope or capsule with a smooth tissue lining, called the synovium. The synovium produces fluid that reduces friction and wear in a joint. After examination, joint replacement is considered if other treatment options will not relieve the pain and disability.

Although hip replacement surgery and knee replacement surgery are the most common, this procedure can be performed on other joints, including the ankle, foot, shoulder, elbow, and fingers. The materials used in a joint replacement are designed to enable it to move just like a natural joint.

Healthier patients may have the option of having their hip or knee replacement done at an outpatient center, instead of in the hospital. Outpatient centers are less costly and maintain quality and personalized care.

Recovery Process

In general, your surgeon will encourage you to use your “new” joint shortly after your operation.

For hip and knee replacements, you will often stand and begin walking the day after the procedure. Initially, you will walk with a walker, crutches, or a cane. Most patients have some temporary pain in the replaced joint because the surrounding muscles are weak from inactivity and the tissues are healing.

Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. Your surgeon will discuss an exercise program for you after surgery. This varies for different joint replacements and for the differing needs of each patient.

After your procedure, you may be permitted to play golf, walk, and dance. More strenuous sports, such as tennis or running, may be discouraged. The motion of your joint will generally improve after the procedure.

• Hip Replacement
• Knee Replacement
• Ankle Joint Replacement
• Toe Joint Replacement
• Elbow Replacement
• Shoulder Joint Replacement
• Finger Joint Replacement

Pacific Rim Orthopedic Surgeons has a fellowship-trained specialist in sports medicine. Sports injuries occur due to overuse or acute trauma of a part of the body when participating in a certain activity. For example, runner’s knee is a painful condition generally associated with running, while tennis elbow is a form of repetitive stress injury at the elbow.

Other types of injuries can be caused by hard contact with something. This can often cause a broken bone or torn ligament or tendon.

Pacific Rim Orthopedic Surgeons will help you get the right treatment for your injury.

Common Sports Injuries

Many injuries can occur in the course of training or playing sports, ranging from a sprain to fractures, potentially causing chronic conditions or ending a patient’s ability to enjoy that particular activity if proper treatment or care isn’t sought out.

Here are the most common injuries seen by sports medicine physicians:

• Rotator cuff injury: Inflammation of the tendons or bursae surrounding the shoulder joint, often brought on by either overuse or a sudden impact.
• Hamstring strain: Activities and sports with extensive running, jumping, sudden starts, and stops may lead to excessive stretching or tearing of the muscles along the rear of the thigh which can cause this injury.
• Golfer’s elbow: A type of tendinitis and overuse injury that causes pain in the inner elbow, potentially extending to the forearm and wrist.
• Runner’s knee: A condition that causes pain or tenderness near or beneath the kneecap, sometimes called jumper’s knee.
• Tendon tear: A rupture in the tendon, typically occurring around the knee. This injury is more common in jumping and running sports.
• Tennis elbow: A repetitive strain injury affecting the elbow tendons, where minor tears and inflammation develop.
• Fractures: bone fractures, or breaks, can occur in any part of the body as a result of an impact or degenerative disease.
• Achilles tendonitis: Caused by irritation, overstretching, or tearing of the Achilles tendon, it’s the body’s largest tendon and plays a critical role in walking, running, jumping, standing on tiptoes, or climbing stairs. This overuse injury can either become chronic or result in a complete tear (Achilles tendon rupture), requiring surgery.

Common Medical Treatments for Sports-Related Injuries

There are a variety of treatments available for injuries related to sports, ranging from non-invasive care to surgical procedures. Here are some of the common treatments provided in sports medicine:

• Physical Therapy: Exercises tailored to enhance strength, flexibility, and functionality post-injury.
• Surgery: In cases of substantial joint damage or torn ligaments, surgery may be necessary. Minimally invasive techniques, like arthroscopic surgery, are widely used in the field of sports medicine.
• Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective for pain and inflammation management. Depending on the injury or condition, other medications may also be prescribed.
• Injections: Targeted inflammation reduction can be performed through corticosteroid injections. For conditions like osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections may be given to enhance joint lubrication.
• Orthotics: Tailored shoe inserts to help with or treat various foot and ankle issues.
• Rehabilitation and Exercise Programs: These programs aim to reinstate strength, flexibility, and endurance following an injury.
• Therapeutic Modalities: These treatments, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/ice therapy, and others encourage healing and alleviate pain.
• Diet and Nutrition Counseling: Sports medicine specialists may offer guidance on appropriate nutrition and hydration to help heal after an injury or better performance
• Concussion Management: Cognitive rest, gradual return to play protocols, and other interventions are used to address symptoms and support recovery.
• Preventative Care: This involves injury prevention programs, conditioning exercises, and instruction on proper technique and body mechanics for sports activities.

Your musculoskeletal system gives you the ability to move. It provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body. This complex system includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves, and allows you to move, work, and be active.

Treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions can be done without a surgical procedure by using medication, exercise, and other rehabilitative or alternative therapies.

Pacific Rim Orthopedic Surgeons will discuss your diagnosis and available treatment options with you to help you select the best plan to enable you to live a more active and functional life.

• Septic Arthritis
• Osteomyelitis