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

  • 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.

  • By taking the steps outlined below to optimize your health and environment, you’ll be well-prepared for joint replacement surgery and recovery. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth, successful outcome. Here’s…

  • Robotic-assisted joint replacement is suitable for patients with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or joint injuries requiring replacement of the hip, knee, or other joints.

    Choosing robotic-assisted joint…

  • Flexor tendons are tissues that help you control the movement of your hand. They act like a rubber band, bending and contracting. It can be extremely difficult to bend or move your fingers or thumb when you injure a flexor tendon.

    Because…

  • Pain or limited hand function due to ulnar tunnel syndrome can keep you from enjoying the activities you love, like playing golf, biking, and lifting weights. This is due to the ulnar nerve being one of the main nerves in your hand that provides…

  • Frozen shoulder results in stiffness or pain in your shoulder. It is not fully known what causes this condition, but there are a few factors that can make you more susceptible to developing it, such as diabetes and age. Frozen shoulder can also…

  • A troubling trend is emerging on playing fields and basketball courts—young girls leaping or changing direction, only to crumble in agonizing pain. Nationwide, girls experience serious…

  • As the body's largest tendon, the Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in walking, running, and jumping. However, when the tendon stretches beyond its limit, it can rupture, resulting in a partial or complete tear. This typically occurs due to a…

  • 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…

  • 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…