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

  • Dupuytren’s disease is a common and benign condition of the palm and fingers where the fibrous tissue underneath the skin tightens and thickens. As the tissue tightens, nodules and rope-like cords form below the skin, and the finger joints are…

  • Because of the nature of gaming systems and computer use, gaming-related injuries are typically overuse injuries, like trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendinitis. These injuries can cause significant pain and eventually require…

  • For most women, thumb arthritis is not from prior injury. Men suffer from the condition with fewer incidences than women; however, male patients will frequently have a history of a prior injury.

    The anatomy of the thumb basal joint depends…

  • 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…