DOC News
Southern Summers & Joint Pain: How Heat & Humidity Impact Your Bones
Southern Summers & Joint Pain: How Heat & Humidity Impact Your Bones Once you reach a “certain age,” it’s not uncommon to feel the cold in your knees, your hips, your hands. If you’ve ever experienced it, you probably don’t doubt that cold weather can affect your joint pain. But did you know hot weather […]
The Best Treatment for an Ankle Sprain? Why RICE Isn’t Always Enough
The Best Treatment for an Ankle Sprain? Why RICE Isn’t Always Enough More than 7.3 million ankle injuries occur every year in the United States, and most are caused by minor accidents such as falls, twists, or simple missteps. If you’ve twisted your ankle, you know how bad it can hurt and how long that […]
Understanding the Most Common Causes of Heel Pain
The most common causes of heel pain Heel pain is one of the most common problems that affect the foot and ankle. Although your feet are built to handle a heavy load, too much stress can cause pain and discomfort in your heel. IT can be tempting to ignore, especially if it starts gradually, but […]
Move Through Life Feeling Your Best by Taking Care of Your Spine
Move Through Life Feeling Your Best by Taking Care of Your Spine Maintaining a healthy spine is crucial to provide structural support for your body so you can stand upright, move freely, and protect your spinal cord (which is the main pathway for nerve signals connecting your brain to the rest of your body). A […]
The ins and outs of shoulder dislocation
The ins and outs of shoulder dislocation The shoulder joint is an amazing joint. In fact, it’s the most mobile joint in the human body. It can turn in nearly any direction and allow you to position your arms and hands in multiple positions, bear your body weight, or even carry additional weight. But all […]
Committed to Peak Performance and Injury Prevention for Student Athletes
Committed to Peak Performance and Injury Prevention for Student Athletes Student athletes have a lot on their plates: practice, training, studies, class time, sports events. One of the top priorities for a student athlete is maintaining good grades – both for future endeavors and current sports eligibility – but a close second is maintaining overall […]
Hips Hurting? Everything You Need to Know About Labral Tears
Hips Hurting? Everything You Need to Know About Labral Tears If you’ve been experiencing hip pain, your mind may automatically go to your hip bones… the joints, the connection between your legs and your pelvis. But the fact is, your hip is a very complex collection of bones, ligaments and cartilage. Damage to any part […]
Can You Improve Your Balance by Walking?
Can You Improve Your Balance by Walking? Balance is a critical part of our daily life. But it’s definitely something we often take for granted—until we lose it. Good balance plays an integral role in everything from simple tasks such as walking and standing to more complex activities like playing soccer and lifting weights. It’s […]
The basics of shoewear in the workplace
The Right Shoes for Your Job Finding the right shoes is essential when your job keeps you on your feet all day. Long hours of standing can take a toll on your feet, but with the proper footwear, you can minimize discomfort and prevent injury. The best shoes for prolonged standing feature ample cushioning, flexible […]
Heading back to the gym? Do it safely.
Heading back to the gym? Do it safely. Whether you’ve been away from the gym because of injury, scheduling or just the demands of life, it’s important to get back in the swing of things slowly and safely. Depending on how long you’ve been away from regular workouts – and why – you’ll want to […]
Are Your Sleeping Habits Causing Your Neck or Back Pain?
Are Your Sleeping Habits Causing Your Neck or Back Pain? If you wake with a stiff or sore neck or back, it’s possible that your sleep habits are to blame. Using the wrong pillow, sleeping in the wrong position, or using the wrong mattress can all contribute to your discomfort. But the good news is […]
Simple ankle exercises to prevent injury
Simple ankle exercises to prevent injury A handful of simple ankle exercises may prevent injury Easy ways to prevent an ankle injury More than 20,000 ankle injuries occur every day in the United States, the majority of them caused by falls, twists or bad landings. If you’ve ever had one yourself, you know how bad […]
Can physical therapy help with pelvic floor weakness?
Can physical therapy help with pelvic floor weakness? If you’ve recently given birth, are pregnant, or have had a hysterectomy, you’re likely familiar with the symptoms of pelvic floor weakness. The pelvic floor, a group of muscles that serve as a kind of foundation for internal organs, can become weaker following labor and delivery, because […]
Anatomy of the Core: More Than Just a Six Pack
Anatomy of the Core: More Than Just a Six Pack As we age, strength training becomes more about flexibility and mobility and less about aesthetics. For example, the phrase “core strength” may conjure an image of finely sculpted abdominal muscles, the proverbial “six pack.” The fact is your core is more than just those surface […]
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. […]