Health Articles

As a patient at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, you are always a partner in your medical care, never simply a subject of it. We curated this section of our Web site to provide you with helpful information on a variety of orthopedic topics, including orthopedic conditions and various orthopedic surgical procedures.

Our goal is to keep you educated and involved in your care every step of the way. The following health articles are meant to give you a general, educational overview of common processes and topics in the orthopedic field. Please be aware that each situation is unique, and no online content can replace one-on-one communication with your doctor.

If you have questions regarding a medical issue, please consult with your specialist at the time of your appointment or call Heartland Orthopedic Specialists at (800) 762-1177, and our staff will be happy to assist you.

For additional patient education information, please visit the following additional resources

  • After having a joint replacement, you may expect to be able to return to the lifestyle you had before surgery, but this can take some time. It is important to stay committed to your recovery plan so that your recovery process can be as smooth as…

  • Robotic-assisted surgical systems are used in joint replacement to promote accuracy and control and to spare any healthy bones or ligaments from being removed.

    In preoperative planning, the imaging software gives your joint replacement…

  • Your joints can take on a lot of damage throughout your life, leading to degenerative conditions, like osteoarthritis. Joint replacement is often the recommended solution for the pain and limited mobility associated with these conditions.

  • An ankle sprain is caused by the stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect the bones in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. 

    Ankle sprains may be common, but they are avoidable with the proper precautions. Recognizing the risks…

  • The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is along the inside of your knee, while the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is in the front of your knee. Your MCL keeps your knee from bending too far inward and allows it to rotate, and your ACL helps to…

  • Pickleball is a great way to stay active and have plenty of fun, but as with any sport, it does come with a risk of injury. Even a casual pickleball player could be vulnerable to a number of wrist, ankle, shoulder, and knee problems. 

  • There are typically only a few symptoms related to a fracture. If you or your athlete has suffered a fracture, the pain levels will vary depending on the location and type of fracture. Other common symptoms are swelling and/or bruising and an…

  • Muscle strains can happen while playing sports, hiking, running, or while performing everyday activities. Sometimes referred to as a pulled muscle, a muscle strain leaves you with a sharp pain that can cause swelling and discomfort.

    A…

  • Sports burnout is a response to chronic stress after the continued demands of playing a sport or doing an activity without the necessary or proper recovery periods. This can happen to any athlete, but it’s most common in younger athletes. For all…

  • Bone, joint, and muscle specialists devote their practices to helping patients who experience joint problems. They have a comprehensive understanding of how your joints work and what causes joint pain, and they can provide a precise diagnosis as…