Orthopedic care involves a comprehensive range of services, including clinical orthopedics, physical therapy, arthroscopy and open surgery, and radiology and lab services. The Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides these integrated diagnostic and treatment facilities in a state of the art environment.

The practice is equipped with cutting edge surgical technology and backed by a team of experienced professionals to deliver safe, proven and effective orthopedic solutions. The Knee and Shoulder Institute accepts most insurance plans, except HMO. It provides guidance to the patients about the most appropriate orthopedic treatment options and helps them make the best decisions.

Patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive orthopedic care from Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler.

 

Shoulder Treatment

Instability of the shoulder joint, which causes abnormal motion, impingement or bursitis can be treated with orthopedic care. Some patients may sustain a rotator cuff tear, which separates the tendons that make up the cuff of tissue surrounding the shoulder bone.

Osteoarthritis of the shoulder bone can cause persistent pain and restriction of movement. All these conditions can be addressed with advanced orthopedic care or arthroscopic surgery.

 

Knee Treatment

Meniscus, which is considered a shock absorber of the knee, may sometimes tear due to an injury. Ligament injuries to the knee may range from minor stretching of the ligament to a severe rupture causing knee instability. When the knee cartilage gets damaged due to long-term wear and tear, infection or trauma, it can lead to osteoarthritis in the knee.

Physical therapy, medication and rest may be advised in case of minor knee injuries, but an arthroscopic knee surgery may be performed to correct major conditions. Knee replacement surgery may be considered in case of irreparable knee damage.

 

Elbow Treatment

Tennis elbow is a common problem, which is usually sustained by people who are not tennis players. Certain drug routines and physical therapy can support healing of the injured tissue. In hard to heal or refractory cases, the orthopedic specialist may sometimes prescribe injections. Surgery may be performed as a last resort.

Ligament injuries to the elbow can occur while playing sports or performing other activities. After an accurate diagnosis, the treatment may be as simple as balancing and strengthening exercises or invasive as ligament repair or arthroscopic debridement. Patients with osteoarthritis in the elbow may be treated with activity modification and anti-inflammatory drugs. Minor arthroscopic surgery may be performed in some cases.

 

Ankle Treatment

Ankle injuries are common, and may result in a partial tearing or rupture of vital ligaments. In case of an ankle sprain, the initial treatment involving immobilizing and resting the ankle. Taping and other ankle supports can be helpful in minor cases. Physical therapy may be recommended for motion and strength improvement.

Medication can mitigate inflammation, but in more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be required to treat the damaged joint surfaces. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for ankle injury treatments.

 

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

Biceps tendons attach the biceps muscle to bones in the elbow and shoulder. A tear in the biceps tendon at the shoulder may result in the patient losing some strength of the arm and experiencing pain while turning the arm. If the symptoms of biceps tendon tear are not relieved with non-surgical treatments, the patient may require surgery.

Biceps tendon tears may be either complete or partial. If left untreated, the damage may be progressive. Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing treatment for biceps tendon tear to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

 

Causes

Biceps tendon tears are primarily caused due to injury or overuse. If a person falls hard on an outstretched arm or attempts to lift something too heavy with a sudden force, it may lead to a tear of the biceps tendon. The injury may afflict not just athletes but anyone who experiences a fall or meets with an accident.

Tears may also occur in the biceps tendon due to wearing down and fraying of the tendon over time. This will gradually occur with age, but can worse due to overuse when a person repeats the same shoulder motions again and again. Overuse can lead to a range of shoulder problems, which can add to the stress on the biceps tendon and make it more prone to tears.

 

Surgical Treatment

A long head of the biceps tendon tear will require surgical treatment only in rare cases. However, if the patient develops cramping of the muscle or persistent pain, or wants total recovery of shoulder strength, it may be necessary to perform surgery. Athletes and manual laborers may require surgery, and it may also be the right option for patients with partial tears who have not found relief with non-surgical treatments.

A number of innovative surgical techniques have been developed to repair the tendon in a minimally invasive manner. The goal of the surgery is to re-anchor the torn tendon back to the bone. The surgeon will discuss the treatment options that are appropriate to the patient’s condition. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas.

 

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Complications in this surgery are rare, and in most cases the repaired tendon will not re-rupture in future. Following the surgery, the shoulder may be immobilized with a sling for a few days.

The surgeon will recommend therapeutic exercises once the patient has recovered. Flexibility exercises will improve range of motion in the shoulder, while specific exercises to strengthen the shoulder will be added over time to the rehabilitation plan.

The muscle deformity can be corrected with surgery and the arm’s strength and function can return to normal following a successful procedure. The patient should follow the surgeon’s advice at every stage and stay committed to the post-operative rehabilitation and physical therapy to achieve optimal outcome. In many cases, the surgeon will first try to treat the torn tendon with non-surgical solutions and surgery will only be a last option.

 

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

Knee is the largest joint in the body, which is essential to perform most of the daily activities. The ends of the knee bones where they come in contact are covered with articular cartilage. This is a smooth substance to protect bones and enable their easy movement. The menisci located between the femur and tibia act as shock absorbers to cushion the knee joint.

Other surfaces of the knee are covered by a synovial membrane that reduces friction in a healthy knee. When the harmony between these components gets disrupted due to disease or injury, it can cause knee pain. Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing knee joint treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

 

Arthritis as a Cause of Knee Pain

Arthritis is the most common cause of chronic knee pain. While arthritis can be of various types, pain in the knee is caused only by three types: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis.

 

Osteoarthritis

This arthritis is age related and occurs due to wear and tear. People above the age of 50 are usually affected by this condition, but it may also occur in younger people. In this condition, the cartilage that provides cushion between the knee bones softens and wears away. This results in the bones rubbing against one another, causing pain and stiffness in the knee.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This condition occurs when the synovial membrane surrounding the joint becomes thick and inflamed. Chronic inflammation of the membrane can permanently damage the cartilage, eventually causing cartilage loss and pain in the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis.

 

Post-traumatic Arthritis

This condition may occur due to a severe knee injury. If the bones around the knee are fractured or the knee ligaments are torn, it can lead to damage of the articular cartilage over time. As a result, knee pain, and restricted knee function may occur. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada, and nearby areas for knee treatment.

 

Other Causes

Diseases or other physical conditions that may cause chronic knee pain include:

 

Tendinitis

This involves pain in the front of the knee that becomes worse while walking up an incline or climbing the stairs.

 

Bursitis

This is an inflammation of the bursa caused by repeated overuse or an injury to the knee.

 

Chondromalacia Patella

Damage to the cartilage underneath the kneecap can lead to chronic knee pain.

 

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis caused due to the buildup of uric acid.

 

Baker’s Cyst

This occurs due to a buildup of synovial fluid behind the knee, causing chronic knee pain.

 

Dislocation

The kneecap may get dislocated as a result of trauma, leading to acute pain in the knee.

 

Meniscus Tear

This refers to a rupture in one or more of the cartilage in the knee.

 

Ligament Tear

A tear may occur in one of the four ligaments in the knee. The most commonly injured ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Bone tumors such as osteosarcoma in the knee may also contribute to chronic knee pain.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

Severe damage to the knee may be caused due to injury or arthritis. This can be a debilitating condition, and the patient may have to consider total knee replacement. Knee replacement surgery is a proven and effective procedure to correct leg deformity, relieve pain, and help to restore normal activities.

Total knee replacement has emerged as one of the most successful procedures in medicine. Over 600,000 knee replacements are performed in the US every year. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide this procedure to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

 

Candidacy 

The decision to choose total knee replacement surgery should be a cooperative one between the patient and the orthopedic surgeon. The family and the personal physician may also contribute to this decision and support the patient. The physician may refer the patient for a professional evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon to determine their candidacy.

Age and weight restrictions do not exist in case of total knee replacement surgery. The candidacy will be determined on the basis of the severity of disability and pain, and not the patient’s age or body weight. A majority of patients who receive this surgery are in the age group of 50 to 80.

However, each case will be evaluated individually by the orthopedic surgeon. An appropriate candidate for total knee replacement may range from a young teen with juvenile arthritis to an elderly patient with degenerative arthritis. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for total knee replacement surgery.

 

When Surgery is Recommended

The surgeon may recommend knee replacement after evaluating various factors. Patients with one or more of the following conditions may often benefit from total knee replacement:

• A knee has become bowed due to acute arthritis
• Severe stiffness or pain in the knee hampers the performance of daily activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of a chair
• Only a short walk results in significant pain in the knee, or a cane or walker is essential to walk
• Moderate or severe knee pain persists even while resting during day or night
• Swelling and chronic inflammation in the knee that does not subside with medications or rest
• A significant knee deformity
• Negligible or no improvement in the pain and movement of the knee with anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections, lubricating injections, or physical therapy

 

Surgery

Arthroplasty or knee replacement surgery essentially involves only the surface of the bones being replaced. The surgeon will prepare the bone by removing cartilage surfaces along with a small portion of the underlying bone. The removed cartilage and bone will be replaced with metal components to recreate the surface of the joint.

The under-surface of the kneecap will be cut and resurfaced, depending on the case. A medical grade plastic spacer will be inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface. The surgery may be performed on an outpatient basis, but in case of older patients, the surgeon may advise an overnight stay at the hospital.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain or tear is known to be one of the most common knee injuries. Athletes are more likely to suffer from this injury. Surgery may be necessary in some cases to restore full function following an ACL tear. Nearly half of all ACL injuries occur along with damage to other knee structures such as meniscus or articular cartilage.

Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing treatments for ACL injuries and various other sports injuries. Wherever possible, Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler will minimize or avoid surgery to deliver conservative solutions. They provide ACL tear treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations.

 

Causes

The ACL injury may occur due to any of the following reasons:

• Slowing down while running
• Stopping all of a sudden
• Switching direction rapidly
• Landing incorrectly from a jump
• Getting into a collision or direct contact

Various studies have revealed that female athletes are at a higher risk of sports specific ACL injuries due to the differences in their muscular strength and structural and hormonal makeup.

 

Symptoms

When an ACL injury occurs, the patient may hear a popping sound and may feel that the knee is giving way. Other common symptoms include:

• Swelling and pain within 24 hours
• Range of motion loss
• Discomfort while walking
• Tenderness along the joint line

The orthopedic surgeon will be able to diagnose most ligament injuries with a detailed physical examination of the knee. Imaging tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of ACL injury.

 

Treatment

Non-invasive Treatment

While a torn ACL cannot heal without surgery, elderly patients or those with very low level of activity may benefit from non-surgical treatment. This can be recommended if the overall stability of the knee is still preserved.

 

Bracing

A brace may be recommended to protect the knee against instability. The treatment provider may also prescribe crutches to further protect the knee and keep the patient from putting weight on the injured knee.

 

Physical Therapy

Once the swelling subsides, a customized rehab program including physical therapy can be started. The therapist will advise specific exercises that can restore knee function and provide strength to the leg muscles that support it.

 

Surgery

An ACL tear cannot normally be stitched back together. Ligament reconstruction must be performed to repair the ACL and restore stability to the knee. The surgeon will replace the torn ligament with a tissue graft, which enables a new ligament to grow. Re-growth is a prolonged process, which can take about six months or more before full function is restored.

The surgeon will perform the procedure to rebuild an ACL using an arthroscope. This will involve small incisions, less pain, less time spent at the hospital, and reduced downtime. ACL reconstruction is generally performed with a certain delay to allow for the resolution of the inflammation. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for ACL injury repair.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Knee injuries may occur on the court, on the field and in everyday life. It is often difficult to prevent knee injuries. People should maintain a healthy weight, have a good fitness level, stay strong, and keep a flexible, stretchable body to help minimize the risk of knee injuries.

Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing treatments for knee injuries and various other procedures. Patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive latest and proven procedures from Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler.

 

Risk Factors

Some of the key risk factors in case of knee injuries include:

Imbalance of Muscles around the Knee

If the muscles that support and surround the knee are imbalanced, it can lead to knee injuries. If either the hamstring muscle group or the quadriceps becomes weak, the knee’s stability as well as its ability to withstand undue pressure is reduced.

 

Imbalance between Muscles of the Thigh

If the muscles within the quadriceps muscles of the thigh are imbalanced, it may cause the patella or the kneecap to track poorly. This can lead to an increased risk of patellar dislocation or patellofemoral syndrome.

 

Pregnancy

The risk of knee injury and pain increases in pregnant women because of the increased weight. The body’s center of gravity also shifts during pregnancy and certain hormonal changes may cause weakness in the ligaments and make them more lax.

 

Overweight and Obesity

When a person takes a step to walk or run, it requires the knee joint to absorb a substantial amount of force. Higher body weight multiplies the amount of force that the knee will have to sustain. Knee pain may occur in people who are significantly overweight because the excess weight will have to be constantly supported by the knee.

Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Bigler and Dr. Thomas receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for knee injury treatments.

 

When to Contact an Orthopedic Surgeon?

The patient should seek urgent medical attention if the knee injury reveals one or more of the following symptoms:

• Swelling in the knee is quick and pronounced
• The knee bones appear to be deformed
• The pain is unbearable
• The knee is unable to bear weight
• The sensation is lost beneath the injury site
• The ankle and foot turn cold and the pulse cannot be felt

Recurrent swelling and pain following a knee injury will also require urgent medical care. If the swollen knee joint becomes red or warm, or if the patient experiences fever, urgent medical attention is necessary because of the risk of infection. People with a weak immune system, children, and those who have had knee replacements should particularly look out for such symptoms.

The orthopedic surgeon may sometimes order x-rays of the knee to ascertain that there are no fractures in the bones. However, if no direct blow has taken place, the knee injury may be due to stress or overuse. In such a case, the x-ray may wait until a later stage.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

Injuries to the knee may occur more commonly in athletes, but others are also vulnerable to them. Direct blows to the knee may occur during an accident, collision, or fall, but twisting and stretching injuries of the knee are more prevalent. Such injuries will take the joint through a higher range of motion that it can tolerate.

The treatment provider will first try to determine the cause of knee injury and assess the extent of injury. Diagnostic imaging may be used to establish the precise nature of injury. Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing treatments for knee injuries to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations.

 

Causes of Knee Injuries

Sprain is a common type of knee injury that may occur when the knee is stress from a particular direction. In such case, the ligament that holds it in place may get stretched or torn due to the excessive force. Depending on the severity of the force, a first, second, or third degree sprain may occur.

Grade one sprain will stretch the ligament, but the fibers will remain intact. In case of grade two sprains, the fibers are partially torn, but the ligament is still holding together. Grade three sprain involves a total disruption of the ligament.

Twists to the knee are another common cause of knee injuries. A twist will put stress on the knee cartilage, which is called meniscus. A pinch may occur between the tibial surface and the edges of the femoral condyle, resulting in a tear of the cartilage.

Strain to the knee may occur when the muscles and tendons surrounding the knee are injured due to acute hyperextension or hyperflexion of the knee or due to overuse. Chronic abuse or direct blows to the knee can cause inflammation of the bursas or bursitis.

 

Types of Knee Injuries

Muscle Tendon Injuries

The mechanism of this injury may be hyperflexion, which involves damage to the quadriceps muscle, or hyperextension, which involves stretching or tearing of the hamstring muscles. In rare cases, damage to the quadriceps tendon may occur along with hyperflexion injury. This will usually require a surgery to repair the knee. Hamstring muscle tears are generally treated conservatively without a surgery.

 

MCL and LCL Injuries

MCL and LCL ligaments can be stretched or torn when a sideways force impacts the knee while the foot is planted. A hinged knee brace may have to be used to treat the injury and help stabilize the knee. The primary treatment in this type of injury is RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Surgery may be required when the ligament is completely torn.

 

Fractures and Other Injuries 

ACL injuries, meniscus tears, bursa inflammation, patellar injuries and fractures are other types of knee injuries. Fracture to the bone of the knee is a fairly common injury. The kneecap may fracture due a fall or a car accident. Surgery may be necessary if the bone has been displaced. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for knee injury treatments.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

Sports related injuries may require treatments such as improving mechanics for strength restoration or surgical repair to joint damage. Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs may also help to eliminate symptoms of many sports injuries.

Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing cutting edge sports injury treatments. Sports medicine is a key focus area for the surgeons. For surgical interventions, they normally rely on arthroscopy to treat the condition in a less invasive manner. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler provide these treatments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

 

Tendinopathy

Tendon injury or tendinopathy is one of the most common injuries in sports medicine. Chronic tendon problems may often take place in the knee, Achilles, shoulder, elbow, or feet. While tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, a tendon injury involves deterioration of the tendon due to overuse. Surgery is usually not necessary for such injuries. Common treatments will include the RICE method, medications, ultrasound therapy, massage, splinting, or bracing.

 

Sprains

Sprains involve damage to the connective tissue or ligaments that hold the joints together. If one or more ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range, a ligament tear may occur. Depending on the severity of the sprain, the treatment provider may recommend a solution ranging from simply resting the damaged joint to surgery to repair the damage.

 

Fracture

A fracture may occur in any of the bones in the body. Sometimes the fracture may also involve additional damage to the ligament. Correct casting or splinting may be provided to help the patient perform ordinary activities while the healing process is on. In more severe cases, a surgery may be required along with follow-up physical therapy to promote healing.

 

Meniscus Tears

The cartilage in the knee that provides cushioning to the joint is called meniscus. A painful tear to this cartilage may occur due to a strain or twisting of the knee. Non-surgical treatments for a torn meniscus will generally include RICE method to minimize the swelling. If necessary, surgical repair may be performed arthroscopically. This will involve a smaller incision, and ensure quicker healing and less obvious scarring.

 

ACL Tears

The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is one of the key connections between a bone of the lower leg called tibia and the bone of the upper leg called femur. A strain to the knee can result in stretching or tearing of this vital ACL ligament. If the stretch to the ligament is minor, it can usually be treated with physical therapy or a brace. However, if ACL sustains a tear in an active individual, a surgery may be necessary to reconstruct the torn ligament.

 

Concussions

Impact to the neck, head or jaw can cause a concussion, which is an injury to the brain. Rest and a temporary break from physical activity will typically be recommended as treatment. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Bigler and Dr. Thomas receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for various sports related injuries.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

Ankle injuries can happen to anyone at any age. Although sportspersons are more prone to these injuries, but anyone can twist their ankle and hurt it. Sometimes an activity as simple as walking on an uneven surface can create a painful, debilitating sprain.

Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons providing ankle injury treatments. Patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and surrounding locations have an opportunity to receive treatments from them.

 

Causes

When the ankle joint gets twisted too far out of its natural position, an ankle injury will occur. Sports activities, and walking or running on an uneven surface, are the most common causes for the occurrence of ankle injuries. These activities can force the foot and ankle into an unnatural position.

High-heeled shoes can also create an unnatural position of the ankle. Similarly, if a person walks in unstable or loose fitting clogs or sandals may also be at a risk of sustaining an ankle injury. In addition to wearing improper footwear, the ankle injury may be caused due to:

• Tripping or falling
• Running or walking on an uneven surface
• Landing incorrectly after a jump
• Rolling the ankle
• Twisting or rotating the ankle
• A sudden impact such as a car crash

 

Treatment

Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures may be treated surgically or non-surgically, depending on the nature of injury. If only a single ankle bone is broken, the bones are not out of place, and the ankle is stable, the surgeon may decide to treat the fracture without surgery by immobilizing the ankle. A brace or a cast may be used to work as a splint.

However, if the ankle is unstable, surgery may be used to address the fracture. A metal plate and screws are often used to restore stability of the ankle. After the surgery, the ankle is protected with a splint until the swelling is resolved. Thereafter, a cast may be used.

The fractured ankle bones will usually heal in about six weeks. The surgeon may require the patient to keep weight off the ankle during this period to enable the bones to heal in the right alignment.

 

Ankle Sprains

The ankle sprain may be treated according to the severity of the injury. Surgery will be used in rare cases where the damage involves more than the ligaments and other treatment options have not worked. A mild sprain can be treated with the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) approach. A splint or a cast will not be required.

In case of moderate or severe sprains, again RICE approach will be used, but here more time will be allowed for the healing to occur. Sometimes the surgeon may use a device such as a splint or a boot to immobilize the ankle. Physical therapy may be combined with the treatment.

Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Bigler and Dr. Thomas receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and other areas for state of the art treatments for ankle injuries.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394

A number of midfoot ailments or deformities can occur due to various reasons. If not treated early, these ailments can adversely impact the functioning of the foot and cause severe discomfort to the patient. Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven Thomas and Dr. Gregory Bigler provide advanced treatments for midfood ailments to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, and surrounding locations.

 

Acquired Adult Flatfoot Deformity

AAFD is a progressive flattening of the arch of the foot. It occurs when the posterior tibial tendon becomes inadequate. In the initial stages, the problem may cause pain along the tendon. If left untreated, it may cause advanced deformity and arthritis throughout the ankle and hindfoot.

 

Flat Feet

The normal structure of the human foot is three dimensional along with arches. One arch is aligned from heel to toes, and the second is aligned across the foot. An individual with flat foot would have both arches at a lower level. Normal flat feet are painless, do not cause movement restriction and are symmetric. However, pathological flat feet will usually present some symptoms.

 

High Arches

Feet with high arches can cause problems just as feet with low arches. A high arch is also known as a cavus foot, and may be present in a child but noticed only in adulthood. People with high arches are prone to overuse injuries during exercise and sports because their feet cannot act as good shock absorbers. Sufficient amount of foot does not touch the ground to create support for walking.

 

Lisfranc Injury

This injury involves the ligaments and joints of the middle of the foot. It may occur due to a slip, fall or an accident. Sometimes the Listfranc injury gets mistaken for a sprain. If proper diagnosis and treatment is not made, it can lead to complex problems. The extent of injury can range from minor to severe. Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler are board certified orthopedic surgeons receiving patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and nearby areas for midfood treatments.

 

Progressive Flatfoot (Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction)

Posterior tibial tendon is one of the most important lower leg tendons. It helps to hold up the arch and provides support as a person steps off on the toes when walking. Inflammation, tearing or overstretching of this tendon can cause pain in the inner ankle and gradually lead to the loss of the inner arch on the bottom of the foot, leading to flatfoot.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Foot and Ankle

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that attacks multiple joints. Nine out of 10 people with RA eventually develop symptoms related to the ankle and foot. The symptoms usually appear in the forefeet and toes first, then in the hindfeet or the back of the feet, and lastly in the ankles.

 

Stress Fracture

A small crack in the bone is called a stress fracture. It is usually a result of overuse and is commonly associated with increase in activity. Weight bearing bones of the legs most commonly sustain stress fractures. When these bones are subjected to a new stress, such as a new exercise regimen, they crack under pressure due to lack of adaptation.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. call (702) 933-9393; Physical Therapy (702) 933-9394