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

  • The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that covers the top of the upper arm bone (humerus) and holds it in place in the shoulder joint. It allows the arm to rotate at the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff tears are a common source of…

  • If you notice increasing pain with activities as simple as opening a jar or turning a key, you may be experiencing the effects of thumb arthritis, also known as basal joint arthritis. This condition is common in postmenopausal women, with nearly…

  • For those who suffer from back pain, finding the most comfortable sleeping position can be difficult. Mattresses, pillows, and sleeping positions are all factors in a good night’s sleep with back pain, and there are ideal sleeping positions for…

  • Low back pain afflicts four out of five people at some point in their lives. However, you don’t have to take this pain lying down. Our doctors say there are proactive measures you can take to eliminate low back pain without the need for surgery…

  • Back and neck pain will afflict nearly 80 percent of Americans at some point in their lifetime. Our therapeutic neuromuscular care doctor says one of the most common causes of that pain is poor posture.

    The following tips will keep you…

  • Steroid injections are a useful tool for both the diagnosis of back, neck, leg, and arm pain and the treatment of pain. There are several different types of steroid injections, including epidural injections, facet joint injections, and sacroiliac…

  • The ankle joint distributes weight within the foot to allow for mobility.  Three bones make…

  • In young athletes, most injuries to the meniscus are a result of trauma. The menisci are vulnerable to injuries in which there is both compression and twisting across the knee. Meniscus tears are common in contact sports, like football, as well…

  • A sprain and strain are two different injuries that can occur in the ankle that can be easily confused. However, the injuries affect different parts of the ankle.

    A sprain is an injury to a ligament, or the thick, tough tissue that…

  • Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports-related injuries orthopedic doctors see, but they are often perceived as minor injuries and are easily forgotten. However, injuries to the ankle joint should never be overlooked, as they can often…