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

  • Maintaining a healthy weight and activity level keeps your muscles strong and can delay joint replacement. But how do you help your arthritis when it hurts to work out?

    Our experts say that focusing on low-impact exercise options can help…

  • "Every year, there are multitudes of minor and serious injuries from home improvement projects and even crafts — this year, the risk may be higher with more people taking on projects while they spend more time at home during COVID-19," says…

  • You can move your fingers because of soft tissues called flexor tendons that are attached to your fingers and the muscles in your arm. These tendons glide through channels called tendon sheaths, and trigger finger is the result of inflammation or…

  • Overuse injuries are the result of small, repetitive forms of trauma to the structures in your arm. Whether you’re an elite athlete or work with a computer daily, learning about upper extremity overuse injuries can help you practice caution and…

  • The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that covers the top of the upper arm bone, helping to hold the shoulder joint together. The structure allows the arm to rotate in the joint so you can throw a ball, pick an apple, or give someone…

  • When your shoes don’t fit right, your feet can be subject to injury or even permanent deformity. These problems include soreness, blisters, calluses, corns, bunions, and hammertoe. Wearing well-fitting shoes can prevent pain and discomfort in…

  • Your feet are built to handle lots of stress. Sometimes, excess force and other issues can overwhelm the structures of your foot or ankle, leading to short-term or chronic heel pain. This heel pain typically occurs beneath the heel, behind the…

  • Sprains and strains in the ankle are different injuries requiring different methods of care. Knowing the difference between these injuries is important. 

    An ankle sprain involves a stretching or tearing of the ligaments connecting the…

  • An ankle sprain is caused by the stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect the bones in the foot, ankle, and lower leg. It is a common injury among athletes, particularly in football, basketball, and soccer, as these sports require…

  • Not allowing the body adequate time to rest and recover from exercising only makes it harder for athletes to achieve their skill and fitness goals. Typically associated with little rest and excessive repetition, overtraining can result in injury…