LEADING MEDICINE SPRI N G/SUM M ER 2021
Cochlear Implants: Small Device, Big Impact
When to See a Doctor for
ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES 4 Reasons to See a Rheumatologist
YOUR LINK TO HEALTH INNOVATIONS, NEWS AND TIPS IN THE CLEAR LAKE AREA AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
IN THIS ISSUE - SPRING/SUMMER 2021
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C ochlear Implants: Small Device, Big Impact Cochlear implants are small, complex electronic devices that can help bring sound to people who are deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. Learn how cochlear implants work and if this may be an option for you. The path to receiving a cochlear implant begins with a thorough hearing assessment.
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W hen to See a Doctor for Orthopedic Injuries When you have a joint injury, you may wonder what to do next. Should you just walk it off, schedule a doctor appointment or head to an urgent care clinic the same day, or even the ER, immediately? Your ability to bear weight on the joint is key.
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Reasons to See a Rheumatologist 4 Rheumatic diseases are complex autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that can occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks joints and other tissues in the body. Your doctor may refer you to see a rheumatologist if you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune or inflammatory condition. Learn more about symptoms to watch for.
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voiding Weekend Warrior Sports Injuries A Overexerting yourself on the weekend to make up for lack of weekday activity may lead to pain and injury. Following a fitness conditioning plan to get in shape for your favorite sport is important for keeping injuries at bay.
New Location to Open Soon
Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Physical Therapy at Clear Lake
T
he human body is made to move. At Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our highly trained therapy specialists help patients recover from arthritis, orthopedic surgery and sports-related injuries. And now, in the second quarter of 2021, Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital’s newest medical office building — its fourth — will be home to Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake, as well as the hospital’s physical therapy facilities. The six-story, 150,000-square-foot building, currently under construction on the west side of campus, will also house clinical space for physicians
across a range of medical specialties, including additional primary care and specialty physicians in the coming years. The new medical office building will make it possible for Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital to add as many as 40 new physicians, with a focus on specialties, such as pain management, rheumatology and neurosurgery. As part of the construction process, the hospital recently completed a new, more visible entrance off NASA Parkway to improve access and make it easier for patients and visitors to navigate the campus. And in September 2021, two new emergency care centers, one in Deer Park and one in League City, are also opening. HOUSTONBuilding METHODIST ORTHOPEDIC & SPORTS MEDICINE AT CLEAR LAKE Medical 4
Visit houstonmethodist.org/orthopedics/physical-therapy for more information. To schedule an appointment, call 832.522.8777.
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18123 Upper Bay Road Houston, Texas 77058
COCHLEAR IMPLANTS: SMALL DEVICE, BIG IMPACT
C
ochlear implants are small, complex electronic devices that can help bring sound to people who are deaf or severely hard-of-hearing. Unlike Dr. Ryan Ridley hearing aids that amplify sounds, cochlear implants bypass most of the ear organs and stimulate the auditory nerve directly, sending signals to the brain. “Cochlear implants can provide both children and adults with hearing loss the opportunity to experience the world in a different way,” said Dr. Ryan Ridley, otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat specialist) at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. “The impact a cochlear implant may have is profound.”
Transmitter
Receiver/stimulator
Speech processor
Electrode array
Microphone
HOW COCHLEAR IMPLANTS WORK
Cochlear implants have two parts: One section of the implant includes a microphone, transmitter and a speech processor that sits on the outside of the skull, tucked behind the ear. The rest of the device is implanted under the skin and includes the receiver, nerve stimulator and electrode array. The microphone picks up sound in the environment and the speech processor analyzes the sound and digitizes it. Digital signals are sent through the transmitter to the receiver. The receiver converts the digital signal to electrical signals so they can be understood by the electrode array. The electrode array is the part of the device that is implanted into the cochlea, a part of your inner ear that converts sound waves to electrical signals that are translated by your brain. That is, if your cochlea works properly. For people with profound hearing loss, or complete deafness, the cochlea doesn’t operate correctly. The implant simulates the job of the cochlea by interpreting
To Learn More
To learn if a cochlear implant is right for you, visit houstonmethodist.org/ent-clearlake or call 832.783.1170 to make an appointment with an otolaryngologist.
sounds picked up by the microphone and signaling the cochlea to relay messages to the brain. But whereas a hearing person’s cochlea has thousands of cells that interpret sound, the implant has about two dozen channels that are programmed to relay language and speech. “People with cochlear implants don’t “hear” in the same way that people without implants hear,” said Ridley, “but they can understand speech and sense meaningful sounds around them, which can improve their quality of life.” A cochlear implant can help people communicate without the use of lip reading or sign language. It can also alert its wearer to sounds, such as a car horn.
IMPLANTATION IS JUST THE BEGINNING
The path to receiving a cochlear implant begins with a thorough hearing assessment. “Not everyone is a candidate for cochlear implants,” said Ridley. If it’s determined that cochlear implants are a good option for you, the outpatient procedure typically only lasts up to three hours. “Implantation is just the beginning,” added Ridley. “Following activation, the user must train themselves to understand the sounds that the implant transmits. Some adjustments and follow-up care are an expected part of the implant process.”
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When to See a Doctor for
ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES
W
hen you have an injury, you may wonder what to do next. Should you just walk it off, hope to get an appointment with a doctor the next day, go to an urgent care clinic the same day or head to the ER immediately? Every year, millions of people, who end up in the emergency room or doctor’s office with orthopedic injuries, have the Dr. J. Sawyer same debate. Croley Injuries are bound to happen whether you’re competing in sports, exercising, moving furniture or simply stepping down from a curb. “Choosing if and when to seek medical care after an injury can be a difficult decision,” said Dr. J. Sawyer Croley, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in joint replacement surgery at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN INJURY
Whether you get hurt at home or while you’re out and about, deciding what to do after an injury can be stressful. You may feel compelled to push through the pain, but continuing to move the injured area could lead to further damage and a longer recovery time. “Pain is a sign that you’ve pushed it too far, and it’s time to listen to your body and rest as needed.” Croley advises the following after an injury: Rest the injured area to avoid further injury. Apply ice or compression to reduce swelling. Elevate the injured area.
Protect your injury by wearing a cast or brace, or using crutches, if needed.
HOW SERIOUS IS IT?
How do you know if you have a minor injury that will heal on its own, or if you need further treatment from a doctor? Minor injuries can often be treated at home, but there are times when you should see a doctor to ensure proper healing. Your ability to bear weight on the joint is key. “If you’re unable to bear weight on your knee or ankle, it’s a good idea to get evaluated by a doctor or visit an injury clinic,” Croley said. “Having X-rays done can further help characterize the problem and treatment options.” Any injury that triggers swelling in the ankle or knee should also be evaluated. The majority of these injuries don’t need to be evaluated in the hospital, but should be evaluated soon in a doctor’s office. The question is whether it should be evaluated right away, or if you should wait. Warning signs that you should seek medical help right away for more serious injuries include the following: Any deformity of the limb Inability to bear weight Persistent joint pain Significant swelling with inability to move fingers or toes Swelling of a joint that comes on rapidly Weakness when moving a limb or muscle “If you’re unsure what to do, it’s best to err on the side of caution and see an orthopedic specialist or sports medicine doctor,” Croley said.
SAME-DAY ORTHOPEDIC INJURY CLINICS The next time an injury slows you down, come in for quick and convenient same-day care at Houston Methodist Orthopedic Injury Clinics. Simply drop in for evaluation and treatment of your injury. Major insurance plans are accepted. The clinic provides treatment for: Acute orthopedic injuries Fractures and broken bones Injured tendons Minor dislocations
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Painful or swollen joints Sports injuries Sprains and strains Torn ligaments Visit houstonmethodist.org/osm-injury-cl or call 713.363.9090 to get started. Chronic conditions, spine injuries, motor vehicle accidents and workers’ compensation injuries are not treated at the injury clinic. Please call 713.363.9090 to schedule an appointment with the appropriate physician for those conditions.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAL? Some injuries take longer to heal compared to others, and this may depend on the location and severity of the injury, your age, overall health and other factors. In addition to home treatment with RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation), a doctor may recommend anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections or surgery to repair torn muscles or ligaments. For injuries that don’t heal quickly on their own, physical therapy can be a key part of the recovery process. The following are a range of recovery times for common orthopedic injuries.
AVERAGE RECOVERY TIMES HAMSTRING STRAIN
a few days
A few days for a mild strain; up to 3 months for a partial or complete muscle tear. ANKLE SPRAIN
1-3 weeks
1-3 weeks for a mild sprain; up to several months for a severe sprain. TENNIS ELBOW
4-6 weeks
Most people improve in 4-6 weeks.
SHIN SPLINTS
3-6 months
Up to 3-6 months.
ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) TEAR
4-6 months
4-6 months for recovery from knee surgery. ROTATOR CUFF INJURY
4-6 months for recovery from rotator cuff repair surgery.
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Reasons to See a Rheumatologist
R
Dr. Maushmi Savjani
heumatologists are specialists who treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and disorders affecting the joints, muscles, tendons, bones and connective tissues. An autoimmune disease is a condition in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body. Your doctor may refer you to see a rheumatologist if you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis or if there is a concern for an autoimmune disease.
UNDERSTANDING RHEUMATIC DISEASES
Rheumatic diseases are complex autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that can occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks joints and other tissues in the body. “The most common type of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases treated by rheumatologists include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus,” said Dr. Maushmi Savjani, rheumatologist at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital. A rheumatologist may ask about your health history, do a physical exam, take X-rays, order blood tests or take samples of joint fluid to understand what may be causing your symptoms. Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases can be difficult to diagnose and treat, so it’s important to listen to your body and talk about your symptoms with a doctor. It is possible that your primary care physician may do certain rheumatological labs based on your symptoms, and if they are positive, you may be referred to see a rheumatologist. If you experience the following symptoms, it may be time to see your doctor or a rheumatologist:
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Joint pain. Everyone experiences soreness and painful joints from time to time, especially after exercise or long periods of standing or walking. However, joint pain and stiffness that limit your mobility is not a normal part of aging. “It’s time to see a rheumatologist when your joint pain is chronic, and your primary care physician can’t help you manage it,” Savjani said.
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Swelling of joints. If you are experiencing painful swelling in your joints, you should talk to your doctor or a rheumatologist about your symptoms. “A sign that rheumatoid arthritis, gout or another condition may be present is when joints swell,” Savjani said.
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Bone health. People can have reduced bone strength with aging, and this can predispose them to getting fractures. If you have weak bones on a bone scan or if you have had low-intensity fractures, your primary care physician may refer you to a rheumatologist to help improve bone strength.
6 LEADING MEDICINE IN CLEAR LAKE AND SOUTHEAST HOUSTON
WHAT DOES A RHEUMATOLOGIST TREAT? A rheumatologist has specialized training in rheumatic diseases affecting the joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and muscles, such as: Rheumatoid arthritis Psoriatic arthritis Lupus Osteoporosis Vasculitis
Myositis Sjogren syndrome P olymyalgia rheumatica Scleroderma
Get Help for Symptoms
Talk to a rheumatologist about how to identify and manage your symptoms. Call 281.523.3270 to make an appointment with a rheumatologist at Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital.
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Unexplained symptoms. Rheumatic diseases can cause a range of symptoms that can be elusive and difficult to manage. You may experience rashes, joint pains, stiffness, swollen fingers and toes, dry eyes and mouth, and other problems. “I take pride in evaluating and treating the patient as a whole. This is crucial when caring for patients with chronic and complex rheumatologic illnesses,” Savjani added. “Therefore, I focus on evidence-based medicine, but listen carefully to my patients, keeping their treatment goals as a part of our shared decision-making process to provide the best possible care.”
AVOIDING WEEKEND WARRIOR
SPORTS INJURIES
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fter a long work week, the occasional basketball game on Saturday morning may seem like a great idea to get some much-needed exercise and work off Dr. Javier Rios stress. But if on Sunday morning you can’t get out of bed, you may be a “weekend warrior” — someone too busy working during the week to make time for exercise. But overexerting yourself on the weekend to compensate can cause injury and pain — enough to sideline you from everyday activities. Instead, prepare your body to make your weekend sporting events an enjoyable part of your life instead of one big pain.
A CONDITIONING PLAN FOR ALL SPORTS
“Most injuries occur when you’re out of shape or when you overexert yourself,” said Dr. Javier Rios, a primary care sports medicine specialist at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake. “Typical injuries include torn rotator cuffs (shoulders), backaches, tennis elbow, knee pain, stress fractures, sprained ankles, pulled hamstrings, head injuries and dislocated joints.” Lack of conditioning and overexertion can also cause dehydration and even heart attacks. Rios suggests you try the following tips before you tackle your activity: Follow a balanced fitness program year-round. Get in shape to play your sport; don’t play your sport to get in shape. Consider conditioning at least three months before beginning your sport to build muscle, burn fat and increase stability and endurance. Exercise at least three times a week for 30–45 minutes and include aerobic exercise, strength training and stretching. Always warm up, stretch, cool down and stretch again. Cold muscles are more prone to injury. Warm up with jumping
jacks, cycling or running in place for three to five minutes. Next, gently stretch the muscles in your legs, arms, shoulders and back. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds, and never bounce. Toward the end of your activity, slow your speed to cool down gradually. Finish by stretching again. Invest in good equipment. Wear proper shoes, arch supports, pads and protective gear specific to your sport. Follow the 10% rule. Increase your activity level by only 10% a week. If you’re walking two miles a day this week, increase it to 2.2 miles next week — not five miles. The same rule applies for increasing weights. Don’t forget water and sunscreen. Drink at least one glass of water every 15 minutes and avoid alcohol. When outdoors, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
SPORT BY SPORT
“Each sport puts stress on different parts of the body,” Rios shared. “Hiring a trainer for one session to teach you the correct conditioning exercises specific to your sport may be money well spent.” Here are tips from Rios to keep in mind per sport: Tennis, soccer, handball, basketball and football. Sudden twisting, turning, starting and stopping make these sports tough on your knees. Ask a trainer to show you exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles in your legs and around your knees. Aside from soccer, these sports also place stress on your shoulders’ rotator cuffs and your forearms, so learn exercises to strengthen all arm, shoulder and neck muscles as well.
Running. To prepare for running, ask a trainer to teach you appropriate leg-strengthening exercises. Also, replace running shoes for better shock absorption and stability every 500 miles. Avoid running on hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Golf. Your golf swing requires exercises to develop strength and flexibility in your legs, back, abdomen, hips, shoulders and arms. Be sure you have full range of motion that doesn’t cause excessive stress on your muscles or joints before you pick up a golf club. Biking. Helmets are a must for all ages and can reduce serious injury by 85%. Keep the rhythm of your pedaling between 80 and 100 revolutions per minute while using a lower gear to minimize pressure on your knees. Softball and baseball. Getting hit by the ball causes the most injuries, so always wear protective gear, including a batting helmet. Pitchers should also limit themselves to between 80 and 100 pitches a game to avoid overuse injuries of the shoulder.
When It’s Time to See a Specialist
If ice and aspirin or acetaminophen don’t relieve your pain at rest or if you still have swelling the day after an injury, you should be evaluated. A doctor can help determine the cause of your pain and recommend treatment or surgical options, if necessary, for a thorough recovery. To make an appointment with a primary care sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at Clear Lake, please call 713.363.9090.
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WE STAND BEHIND THE VACCINE Here’s why our experts support the COVID-19 vaccine:
TESTED
TRUSTED
EFFECTIVE
There has been thorough testing and rigorous external review. Previous research and new technology allowed the vaccine to be developed faster, yet still follow the standard FDA process for emergency review before approval.
Most side effects are minimal, like other vaccines — including sore arms, muscle aches and fever. These flu-like symptoms indicate that the vaccine is doing its job — helping your body develop immunity to the virus. Other side effects are rare.
Current evidence indicates the vaccine is safe and up to 95% effective. COVID-19 can be fatal or debilitating. The risks of experiencing serious symptoms or being hospitalized from the disease are far greater than the risks associated with getting the vaccine.
We encourage you to get the first vaccine available to you. Visit houstonmethodist.org/texas-vaccine-hub to sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine now. #ProtectedTogether
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