DOC News
Growing pains or something more serious?
Kids’ aches and pains: Is it serious or just growing pains? “Growing pains” might seem like an old-fashioned, catch-all phrase used to describe any aches and pains in childhood. But they do happen—though they don’t necessarily account for every ache or pain, and they have little to do with growing. So what are growing pains? […]
Best practices at the gym
Things you should never do at the gym… and what you should do instead Weight training – also known as strength or resistance training – offers significant benefits regardless of age. For example, weight training can improve or maintain balance and mobility for seniors, help athletes improve performance, and even enhance joint stability and bone […]
The Truth About Scoliosis
While scoliosis – a “C” or “S” shaped curvature of the spine – is most often associated with adolescents, based on the assumption that scoliosis stops progressing when growth stops in late adolescence, many adults also experience scoliosis as a result of spinal changes as ligaments weaken or vertebrae deteriorate with age. In fact, at […]
Avoid Orthopaedic Aches and Pains by Making Smart Adjustments
WFH Woes? Avoid Orthopaedic Aches and Pains by Making Smart Adjustments Working from home has been a bit of a mixed blessing for many of us. Despite the challenge of establishing work-life balance all in one location, studies show we’ve become more productive and more satisfied with our work. But there is at least one […]
Cracking joints
Knuckle Cracking: Dangerous or Just Annoying? Cracking knuckles or other joints – from your fingers to your neck and back – can become a habit that’s hard to break. If it’s your habit, you’ve probably heard at least once that this habit can cause arthritis, a neck injury, or worse. But is any of that […]
Piriformis Syndrome vs. Sciatica
Pain in the Butt: Piriformis Syndrome vs. Sciatica You may have heard the assertion that “sitting is the new smoking.” While the long-term impact of extended sitting is most certainly negative, sitting for too long can also cause frequent or constant pain in the hips, back, or backside. To further complicate matters, this same pain […]
Optimal time for knee replacement surgery
When Is the Optimal Time for Knee Surgery According to a study by Northwestern Medicine, 90 percent of patients who would benefit from a knee replacement surgery are waiting too long. The same study also found that about 25 percent of patients have the procedure too soon. So how do you find the sweet spot? […]
Hiking Injuries to Watch Out For
Hiking is one of those autumn activities that can be fun and engaging for people of any age or ability. With trails designed to accommodate the newest novice or the most experienced trekker, it’s relatively easy to select a trail that’s the right distance and difficulty to match your skills and experience. But no matter […]
What every parent should know about concussions and traumatic brain injury
For every child who enters a field of play, there is a parent in the stands worried about possible injuries. No matter the sport, no matter the child’s age, a parent’s thoughts turn to all the possible ways their child could be hurt from falls, contact with other players or equipment, or just the nature […]
Will lifting weights make me bulky?
If you exercise regularly – to manage your weight, maintain mobility, or just to clear your head – but you’re not including weight training as part of your routine, you may be missing out. When you combine weight training with regular cardio and flexibility workouts such as running or walking and yoga, you add the […]
The [physical] pains of being a mom
The [physical] pains of being a mom Nearly every mom with a small child has a Mary Poppins-style bag containing everything her child might need or want: a baggie of cheese crackers, sunscreen, extra socks, and a bunch of band-aids. All that plus diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes can make for a very […]
Autumn Injuries to Watch Out For
Autumn Injuries to Watch Out For Don’t Fall for These Common Autumn Around-the-House Mishaps As the heat of summer finally starts to release its grip on the South, it becomes possible to imagine tackling neglected chores, picking up a DIY project, or even stepping outside to start some autumn yard work. And while it feels […]
How your BMI could impact your hips and your hip surgery
How your BMI could impact your hips and your hip surgery The joints in your legs carry your body weight in everything you do, from standing to walking or running. In fact, your knees and hips actually bear the equivalent of seven times your total weight, which puts enormous pressure on those joints. And every […]
Not your father’s hip surgery: The latest information
Not your father’s hip surgery: The latest information The first successful FDA-approved total hip replacement surgery took place in 1969. Nearly 65 years later, a lot has changed. In the 1960s, hip replacement surgery took as long as five to six hours and required a three-week hospital stay for recovery. Thanks to the evolution of […]
Is thumb arthritis possible?
Is thumb arthritis possible? Most of us don’t consider how much we rely on our hands to accomplish daily tasks, particularly our thumbs. From turning a key to writing a note, stirring coffee, or opening a door, our thumbs are a fundamental part of what makes us human. When thumb pain begins, it can be […]
Is Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery for you?
Is Robotic Assisted Knee Replacement Surgery for you? Robotic assisted surgery may sound like something out of a science fiction story, but the fact is, this innovative technology is being used in North Alabama right now. Dr. Scott Sharp at DOC Orthopaedics uses this revolutionary tool to provide the best intervention possible. He uses a […]
Top Reasons It May Be Time for Knee Replacement Surgery
Top Reasons It May Be Time for Knee Replacement Surgery For many patients, surgery is considered a last resort in managing several medical conditions. But joint surgery – particularly total knee replacement surgery – may produce better results by considering it sooner rather than later. Younger patients recover more quickly, and more advanced technology has […]
Swimmer’s Shoulder: What it is and how to avoid it.
Swimmer’s Shoulder: What it is and how to avoid it. The heat of summer can make it difficult to get motivated for cardio workouts like running or even walking. Swimming can be a great substitute and provides a full body workout. But if the pool is your gym, you’ll want to be sure your shoulders […]
Tennis Shoulder Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Tennis Shoulder Injuries and How to Prevent Them Playing tennis is a great way to stay fit and active at almost any age. It uses every part of your body, and it’s definitely more socially engaging than a HIIT video at home or a workout at the gym, especially if you enjoy a little healthy […]
What is cross training and how to use it to maximize strength (and minimize injuries)
What is cross training and how to use it to maximize strength (and minimize injuries) Whether you’re a runner or a tennis player, a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, the risk of injury is always there. While you can never eliminate the risk entirely, there are some things you can do to minimize the […]
Playing Baseball: Overuse Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Playing Baseball: Overuse Injuries and How to Avoid Them With the days getting a little longer and temperatures a little warmer, can baseball season be far behind? One of the best things about baseball is that the season is long and the games are plentiful. But for players, all that play time can mean the […]
Lapiplasty Versus Osteotomy: Which is right for you?
Lapiplasty Versus Osteotomy: Which is right for you? According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), as many as 55% of older women have bunions, but bunions can affect anyone at any age. Bunions are bony protrusions, or bumps, that appear on the outside of the big toe. These protrusions have been commonly […]
Our Doctors Are Part of the Community – Dr. Justin Daigre
Our Doctors Are Part of the Community – Dr. Justin Daigre The team of specialists at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine is committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care right here in North Alabama. Many of our board-certified physicians are Morgan County natives who have made a special point of building their homes and careers right […]
What is Lapiplasty and is it right for you?
What is Lapiplasty and is it right for you? In the past, bunion surgery was known for its long recovery time along with the very real possibility that the procedure would not completely correct the bunion. Today, more modern surgical procedures provide a faster recovery, as well as superior outcomes. The most well-known of these […]
Three Reasons Your Elbow Might Hurt
Three Reasons Your Elbow Might Hurt Your elbow is a complex joint where three bones come together – your upper arm bone (called the humerus), the ulna, and the radius, the two bones that make up your forearm. At the joint where these bones come together, cartilage helps them slide against each other and absorb […]
Our Doctors Are Proud to Be Part of the Local Community
Our Doctors Are Proud to Be Part of the Local Community At DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Decatur, our team of specialists is committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care right here in North Alabama. Our board-certified physicians are a mix of Morgan County natives and those who have sought to make this area their […]
Don’t let that annual holiday 5k sideline you this season!
Don’t let that annual holiday 5k sideline you this season! The holiday season can be a great time to take advantage of cooler weather – and some time away from work – to participate in an annual Turkey Trot, Jingle Bell Run, or other holiday-themed 5K or fun run. Runs like these are a great […]
50 Years of Service 50 Years of Keeping the Community Moving
50 Years of Service 50 Years of Keeping the Community Moving Since 1972, DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine has been committed to improving the lives of its patients by providing exceptional orthopaedic care through innovative techniques, quality services, patient communication, and education. We are focused on building close-knit relationships with our patients and their families. […]
Beware of “Fall” Injuries
Beware of “Fall” Injuries As the seasons change, the crisp cool weather starts to turn our focus to the holidays before us: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas… These holidays bring opportunities to spend time with family and friends, sharing food, traditions, and festivities. Holidays may also bring the potential increased risk of injury, as we spend […]
Pickleball Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Pickleball Injuries and How to Prevent Them Pickleball – a hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping pong – is the fastest growing sport in the country, with participation jumping nearly 10% in one year alone. While the 3.5 million Americans who play pickleball are about one-tenth the number who play golf and one-fifth the number […]
How to Reduce Fall Risks by Fixing Foot Problems
How to Reduce Fall Risks by Fixing Foot Problems The human foot contains 26 bones, plus muscles and ligaments that all work together to form the arches that bear the entire weight of your body. It’s an amazing and complex structure, and it’s no surprise that most people experience foot pain of one form or […]
Weekend warriors aren’t indestructible: Here’s how to protect yourself during your favorite activities
Weekend warriors aren’t indestructible: Here’s how to protect yourself during your favorite activities That first weekend when the weather changes – the humidity drops, the temperature takes a tiny dip, the cloudless sky is a bright almost-fall blue – transforms athletes everywhere into “weekend warriors.” And while that phrase may sound like a superhero designation, […]
Knee Arthroscopy 101
Knee Arthroscopy 101 If you enjoy an active lifestyle, the odds are good that your knees play a central role… both good and bad. When your knees feel good, you’re confident in running, hiking, playing tennis, or simply climbing steps. But when your knees become a source of pain or weakness, these large joints can […]
Save yourself from summer shoulder injuries
Save yourself from summer shoulder injuries Summer is a great time to get outside and enjoy some sunshine. Whether it’s gardening, water sports, or family fun, physical activity is one of the hallmarks of a summer well spent. But for those who might be less active at other times of the year, summer may also […]
Watch Out for Summer Injuries
Watch Out for Summer Injuries Summer in the South is prime time for outdoor activities, taking advantage of the bright blue sky and warm temperatures. That first sunny day, it’s tempting to head outside and dive into all those activities we’ve been putting off… from yard work to outdoor sports and our favorite hobbies. Of […]
Don’t let a meniscus tear take you off course
Don’t let a meniscus tear take you off course Gorgeous summer weather seems like the perfect time to head out to the links and hit a few golf balls. Time on the golf course is a great opportunity to enjoy some fresh air, spend time outdoors, and get some exercise that might actually be fun. […]
Osteoporosis Month: Everything You Need to Know
Osteoporosis Month: Everything You Need to Know May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month, which makes this a good time for a quick reminder about what osteoporosis is, what it can do, and who is at risk. It can be tempting to consider osteoporosis a women’s disease, one that specifically targets those who’ve been through menopause or […]
Spotlight on DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine’s Bone Health Clinic
Spotlight on DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine’s Bone Health Clinic The professionals at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine are dedicated to the treatment of bone injuries, and they also work to help patients avoid those injuries through treatment plans that include exercise, physical therapy and overall bone health. “We started the bone health initiative here […]
How long does it really take for a sprained ankle to heal?
How long does it really take for a sprained ankle to heal? If you’ve ever suffered a sprained ankle, you know how little it takes to cause one. An off-kilter step, a slight roll, a sudden turn can be all it takes. Depending on the type and severity of your sprain, you may be looking […]
Exploring The Top Tennis Injuries and How to Prevent Them
Exploring The Top Tennis Injuries and How to Prevent Them Playing tennis is a great way to stay active and enjoy yourself at the same time. It uses every part of your body, and it’s definitely more socially engaging than a HIIT video at home and certainly more high energy than hitting the treadmill at […]
If the shoe fits… it could improve your joint pain
If the shoe fits… it could improve your joint pain If you let your pedometer or smart watch track your steps, you may target 10,000 steps each day. That’s nearly 2,000 miles a year, which is great for your general health. But if you’re walking in shoes that are too tight, too loose, or generally […]
Nutrition and Bone Health: What you eat and drink matters
Nutrition and Bone Health: What you eat and drink matters Most of us have been told from an early age to “drink milk for strong bones.” Turns out, that’s actually true… at least in part. Calcium plays an important role in supporting bone health, and most Americans get the majority of their calcium from dairy […]
Why do you feel the cold in your knees?
Why do you feel the cold in your knees? Once we reach a certain age, it seems like cold weather makes everything hurt. If you’ve been noticing a bit more knee pain than usual this winter, it’s not your imagination. Cold weather really does cause knee pain, and here’s why: The barometric pressure changes. This […]
Winter Bone Health
Winter Bone Health Winter in the deep South doesn’t bring quite the same ferocity it does up north, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t bring inconveniences of its own. While we might not have ice and snow on a regular basis, we still have plenty of cold and damp to make winter occasionally uncomfortable and […]
Achieving orthopaedic health in 2022
Achieving orthopaedic health in 2022 Year after year, the most common new year’s resolutions involve improving overall health and exercising more. Both are worthwhile aspirations, but for some people, arthritis or other orthopaedic issues can make them a bit challenging… but not impossible. By refining your resolution to focus on your orthopaedic health, you may […]
How to achieve your fitness goals in 2022
How to achieve your fitness goals in 2022 Whether you’ve set aside your fitness goals during the holidays or during the pandemic, you may see the advent of 2022 as a chance to start again. Before you dive in headfirst, it’s important to consider your downtime, reset your starting point, and start slowly. This will […]
May your holidays be joyful… and safe.
May your holidays be joyful… and safe. For most of us, the holidays tend to be a time for more… More decorations, more traditions, more food, more family, more parties, more fun. And with all those joyous family gatherings, festive decorations and elaborate dinners, it’s important to be extra careful while enjoying the most wonderful […]
Don’t Let Those Ho Ho Hos Turn Into Oh Oh Ohs
Resolve to Be Good to Your Shoulders This Holiday Season: Don’t Let Those Ho Ho Hos Turn Into Oh Oh Ohs The holidays can be a magical time filled with family gatherings, traditions, and fun. After all, there’s much to celebrate from Turkey Day to Christmas and then the ringing in of the long-awaited new […]
Treating Basketball Injuries without Surgery
Treating Basketball Injuries without Surgery It’s that time of year again: As football season winds down, basketball season is just getting started. Student athletes and amateurs alike are taking refuge in the gym to escape cooling temperatures. And while basketball may offer advantages over outdoor sports in the winter – temperature control, artificial light, a […]
Protecting and Treating Our Hands
Protecting and Treating Our Hands When our hands are healthy and pain-free, we are able to quickly and effortlessly perform countless tasks, from tying shoes to signing our names, swinging a tennis racket or steering a vehicle, texting a loved one to gardening with our grandchildren. But because our hands are made up of a […]