Month: September 2020

With requirements for wearing face masks nearly everywhere these days, you’re probably seeing an increasing variety: some clear shields, some shields that only cover a portion of your face, bandanas, masks that have vents, and even literal gas masks.  You’re probably wondering which ones are actually effective because some don’t look designed to contain the droplets from your mouth.  The CDC has some information that is very helpful.  First, to address the clear face shields, the CDC does not recommend these as a substitute for a cloth mask.   They do acknowledge there might be situations where a face shield is optimal/necessary. The limited evidence they have on these shields indicates that if you must use one, it should wrap around the sides of the face and extend below the chin.  If the shield is reusable, it should be disinfected after every use.  We did a previous blog about how the vents in the manufactured masks do very little to contain your mucus droplets.  That is explained again in this CDC article.  Masks are a critical preventative measure you can take to contain this highly contagious virus, especially when social distancing is difficult.  Paragon Orthopedic Center continues to require patients to wear a mask when in the clinic and limits visits to only the patient.  We realize this might be an inconvenience, but we also want to do everything we possibly can to keep you, your family, and our staff healthy.  We are hoping for this all to come to an end as much as you are, but until then, please work with us and follow our guidelines for the sake of everyone’s health in Southern Oregon.  Let’s keep  the Covid-19 numbers low Grants Pass!

Read more about how masks are effective, who should wear a mask, who should not wear a mask, face shields and even a link on how to clean your face shield if you wear one:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

Golfer’s elbow is pain that occurs on the inside of the elbow as a result of repeatedly using your wrist and clenching your fingers.  The pain stems from damage to the muscles and tendons that work the fingers and wrist.  This isn’t necessarily limited to golfers and can affect anyone who does this repeated motion.  Tennis elbow, however, is pain that occurs on the outside of your elbow, so the location of your pain should help you understand which condition you might have.  Both cause inflammation and pain.  So if you believe you have golfer’s elbow and the pain is on the inside of your elbow, why did this happen?  Do I need to see Dr. Bents or Dr. Van Horne?  Not necessarily.  If your elbow appears deformed,  if your elbow is hot and inflamed with a fever, if you can’t bend your elbow, or if you feel something is very wrong like a broken bone, please call Paragon Orthopedics right away.    There are risk factors that put you at higher risk for developing golfer’s elbow and ways to prevent it.  Here is an article with a graphic that helps you understand the location of pain for both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, as well as symptoms and causes of golfer’s elbow.  There is a link at the bottom to continue reading more about diagnosis and treatment.  Check it out here:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/golfers-elbow/symptoms-causes/syc-20372868

You’re sliding into second base and your shoulder pops out.  You fall down unexpectedly and feel your shoulder pop.  You see someone who has been in a car accident and they can’t move their arm.  What do you do?  You will definitely need to promptly seek a healthcare professional’s assessment of your shoulder.  An x-ray will show whether your shoulder has been dislocated and if any other bones have been fractured.  While you are waiting to get that professional help, here are two things you can do:

• Ice the shoulder-this will reduce pain and swelling
• Keep your shoulder from moving by immobilizing it-splint or sling the shoulder as it is to prevent any further damage to the tissues and blood vessels.  DO NOT TRY TO PUT IT BACK IN PLACE.

An orthopedic surgeon is who you want to be looking at those x-rays and diagnose your problems.  Dr. Bents and Dr. Van Horne have treated many of these over the years.  They have a combined 50+ years of experience and know exactly what is best for you.  They want to get you back to great health as soon as possible and their knowledge can reassure you that you’re getting the best care in Southern Oregon.  The Paragon Orthopedic Center in Grants Pass is very good at getting you in quickly for emergent situations such as these.  You can read more in this article from The Mayo Clinic about shoulder dislocations.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dislocated-shoulder/symptoms-causes/syc-20371715