Congratulations to Dr. Amy Jo Overlin!

Congratulations to Dr. Amy Jo Overlin for her lecture on Wednesday May 8th, to the 2nd year medical students at The University of Arizona School of Medicine (on Common Sports Medicine Injuries of the Hip)! This is Dr. Overlin’s 4th year as a guest lecturer for the 2nd year medical student preclinical course.


TOCA (The Orthopedic Clinic Association)
602-277-6211
www.tocamd.com

Top Doc's 2013!

Congratulations to TOCA Physicians Dr. Tom Carter and Dr. Evan Lederman for being named Top Sports Medicine Doctors in Phoenix Magazine Top Doc’s Issue! TOCA’s physicians have been ranked Top Doc’s since 1994!

www.tocamd.com
602-277-6211

Winter Sports Injury Prevention

Common winter sports injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures. Many of these injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day's end. A majority of these injuries can easily be prevented if participants prepare for their sport by keeping in good physical condition, staying alert, and stopping when they are tired or in pain.

There are many things you can do to help prevent injury during favorite winter activities:

• Never participate alone in a winter sport.
• Keep in shape and condition muscles before participating in winter activities.
• Warm up thoroughly before playing or participating. Cold muscles, tendons, and ligaments are vulnerable to injury.
• Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding.
• Check that equipment is working properly prior to use.
• Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature. Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.
• Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating.
• Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snow boarding. Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.
• Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety.
• Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if you, or anyone with you, is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite. Make sure everyone is aware of proper procedures for getting help, if injuries occur.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activities.
• Avoid participating in sports when you are in pain or exhausted.

Sports Injuries: How to Tell If It's a Sprain or a Strain

Sports Injuries: How to Tell If It's a Sprain or a Strain

Athletes tend to suffer from a number of injuries, including those that affect their spines, necks, shoulders, wrists, hips, knees, and feet. Some of the most common sports injuries include sprains and strains—both of which can be treated by an orthopedic surgeon in Arizona. However, very few people have a clear understanding of the difference between these two injuries.

Sprains

A sprain refers to a tearing or stretching of a ligament, or the fibrous bands of tissue that connect the ends of your bones and support and stabilize the joints within your body. Sprains are often the result of bodily trauma that overstretches the joint or knocks it out of position. In some cases, a sprain may be caused by a rupture of the supporting ligaments. The most common causes of sprains include falls or direct blows to the body. While the signs of a sprain may vary from patient to patient, the most common symptoms of a sprain include bruising, swelling, pain, and inflammation.

Strains

Unlike a sprain, a strain refers to an injury of a tendon or muscle and is often the result of repetitive, prolonged movements of the tendons and muscles. In some cases, chronic strains may be caused by a direct blow to the body, excessive muscle contraction, overstretching, or lack of rest between periods of intense physical activity. The most common symptoms of strains include muscle spasms, muscle weakness, swelling, inflammation, cramping, and pain.

The best ways to avoid both sprains and strains are to wear properly fitting shoes, perform stretching exercises on a daily basis, and warm up before participating in any type of sports activity. It is also a good idea to nourish your muscles by following a proper diet and conditioning your body to build muscle strength.

Whether you’re suffering from a sprain or strain, the orthopedic surgeons with The Orthopedic Clinic Association, also known as "TOCA",  are here to help. Visit our website or contact us at (602) 277-6211 to set up a consultation.

TOCA Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is the first accredited program in the state of Arizona!

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has officially accredited the new TOCA / Banner Good Samaritan Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program! 

TOCA Orthopedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Program is the first accredited program in the state of Arizona!  This is an honor to be recognized as a center of excellence for training future Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeons.

Congratulations to our Program Director, Anikar Chhabra, MD MS, Tom Carter, MD and Evan Lederman, MD as well as TOCA, Banner Good Samaritan, and ASU faculty.