How high heeled shoes can negatively effect women and cause knee pain

New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/15/2015 -- It's Fashion Week in New York City and that is always filled with distinct events all around town. Fashion icon, Manolo Blahnik, celebrated his new book, documenting his influences, during a unique conversation with fashion luminary, Andre Leon Talley. Women have been enthralled with Blahnik's, and other major designers', shoes for years. "What is often lapsed is the actual physical cost of wearing these extraordinary fashion works of art," said NYC Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Leon Popovitz, of NY Bone and Joint Specialists.

Dr. Popovitz comments that "millions of women, aside from other ailments, suffer from severe knee pain related to wearing high healed shoes. The most common condition is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. This is one of the most common knee conditions and, also, one of the least understood."

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome is a complex of symptoms related to pain at the front of the knee that is exacerbated by daily activities which include stairs, squatting, kneeling, and often wearing high healed shoes. It is common in adolescent and young adult females. The cause is, actually, subject to a lot of controversy. Proposed causes include poor skeletal alignment, muscle weakness, flat feet or poor foot support, knee cap instability and cartilage damage. Frankly, we still really do not know the true cause.

Initial treatment is typically anti-inflammatory medications. Bracing can, also, be helpful. This works by shifting the contact pressure to another (healthier) part of the cartilage in the knee. Physical therapy is a very effective method of treatment. This focuses on exercises to increase quadriceps strength that include straight leg raises, leg extensions, leg presses and step-ups. It also focuses on stretching of the IT-band and hamstrings and hip muscles. Surgical treatment is an option if an extended period of conservative treatment fails, but it is very uncommon.

Thus, ladies that are enthralled with fashion often have the cost of knee pain to endure but it can be managed with the right methods.

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Dr. Leon Popovitz, Top NYC Orthopedic Surgeon, comments on the pitcher’s knee osteoarthritis

New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/11/2015 -- NY Yankees' pitcher CC Sabathia returned to pitch two days ago after a period of rest and rehabilitation for his arthritic right knee. Sabathia underwent a knee arthroscopy for a debridement ("clean out") of his arthritis in 2014. He has been battling the knee arthritis for the last few seasons and, not coincidentally, his performance has significantly diminished throughout that duration. He has endured serious pain this season and underwent a knee drainage of fluid at one stage.

"The questions remain whether his pain will improve enough so that his performance can also improve. Afterall, he has been one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball until his arthritic knee caught up with him," said Dr. Leon Popovitz, a top orthopedic surgeon in New York City and New Jersey, who has not treated Sabathia.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the joints which causes the erosion of the cartilage that lines ends of the bone (articular cartilage). The incidence of knee osteoarthritis is 240 per 100,000 people per year. As a result of wear and tear, the incidence increases with age. The risk factors for OA include obesity, trauma and a physical labor occupation. The typical symptoms are pain, stiffness, swelling and, eventually, joint deformity. The common presentation on X-rays include narrowing of the space between the bones, bone spurs, sclerosis (hardening of the bone) and cyst formation.

The first line of treatment is typically non-operative. This includes anti-inflammatory medications, weight loss and physical therapy with an exercise program focusing on strengthening and range of motion. A brace can be used to try and diminish pressure on the narrowed part of the joint. Unfortunately, they are often cumbersome and many patients do not tolerate it.

Cortisone injections may give some temporary relief, particularly, for severe acute flair-ups. Viscoelastic injection is another treatment option. This is the injection of hyaluronic acid , a lubricant in all joints. The benefits from this injection may last up to 6 months and it can be repeated.

Surgical options are considered when conservative treatment is exhausted. One option is a knee arthroscopy (which Sabathia underwent). This is most beneficial when there are mechanical symptoms which are locking and buckling of the knee as a result of a degenerated meniscal tear. Most recent studies reveal that arthroscopy of the knee exclusively for arthritis is not recommended because the benefits have shown to be similar to physical therapy. The case of Sabathia is unique since he is a professional athlete and his livelihood is at stake.

Other surgical options include a high tibial osteotomy. This is a procedure that involves cutting and re-aligning the bone. This is most commonly performed for younger patients. A partial knee replacement may be of benefit if the arthritis is limited to one part of the knee. Finally, a knee replacement is very commonly the last option for patients suffering from OA that have not improved with conservative treatment.

There is no doubt that CC Sabathia is suffering and enduring an enormous amount of pain. His heart and integrity are evident by his efforts to contribute to his team during this important stretch run. Moreover, his hunger to continue his impressive career is clear, as well. Unfortunately, as of yet, there is no true cure of osteoarthritis. Very often the disease progresses, which further limits function for anyone let alone a professional pitcher.

There are certain extraordinary intangibles that great athletes possess that allows them to perform exceptionally and overcome great obstacles. Therefore, there is still hope that CC Sabathia will be able to contribute in some way to the Yankees. Unfortunately, we can not expect him to perform at that same high level that we have come to expect. Moreover, it will, likely, continue to be more and more difficult for Sabathia as he continues to play and time progresses. It is no doubt that he has sacrificed much of his body and is withstanding great pain to help the Yankees.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/ny-yankees-cc-sabathia-battling-arthritis-for-his-team-and-his-career-624437.htm

Dr. Popovitz, NYC Orthopedic Surgeon, gives his medical opinion.

New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/08/2015 -- The Mets' ace Matt Harvey has returned for his first season since undergoing Tommy John Surgery (Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction) in October of 2013. His agent, Scott Boras, requested that the Mets limit his innings pitched to protect his newly constructed elbow. The Mets conceded to limiting his play for the remainder of the season so as to preserve his elbow for the playoffs after some controversy. Although Dr. Leon Popovitz, NYC orthopedic surgeon, did not treat Harvey, he believes that limiting play is a smart strategy.

Medical professionals in the orthopedic realm disagree as to how Tommy John Surgery should affect performance. There are studies that have tracked performance and innings pitched in Major League pitchers after Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) reconstruction but definitive recommendations about innings pitched at this stage after surgery are not absolute.

One major study followed 179 Major League pitchers. This study revealed that pitchers returning from Tommy John Surgery had fewer innings pitched per season versus before surgery. This, though, was not as a result of intentionally limiting the pitchers' innings- many of these pitchers went on to become relief pitchers. Another study revealed that Major League pitchers that underwent UCL reconstruction returned at an average of 18.5 months after surgery with a significant decrease in innings pitched per season. Nonetheless, when comparing to the control group (an expected level of performance in all major league pitchers during a course of 7 seasons) there was no statistical difference.

Enough evidence exists only to claim that the average innings pitched decreases after Tommy John surgery, but it is not clear if this is solely due to the fact that many pitchers become relievers. In addition, a common myth claims that the fastball velocity after UCL reconstruction increases when in fact the average fastball velocity drops from 91.3 mph to 90.6 mph. Velocity for curve balls, change ups and sliders did not change after UCL reconstruction.

"Matt Harvey's agent's request may not have been a very popular one at the cusp of the Mets' first post season in 15 years, but it is an understandable one. It's possible that limiting his usage in the regular season isn't necessary, but the alternative is a risk too great to take. The Mets need Harvey for the playoffs and many years to come," says Dr. Leon Popovitz.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/ny-mets-matt-harvey-pitch-count-controversy-a-medical-opinion-623601.htm

Dr. Leon Popovitz, NYC Orthopedic Surgeon, Explains Amaro’s Next Steps and Future Performance

New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 09/04/2015 -- Jace Amaro's shoulder pain and range of motion has not improved since he suffered a torn labrum (cartilage that surrounds and cushions the shoulder) during the Jets' pre-season opener against the Lions on August 13th. Amaro will undergo arthroscopic repair of his labrum in the near future.

The typical term for labral tears in the shoulder is SLAP tear (Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior tear). Amaro is likely experiencing pain, weakness, clicking and, possibly, limited range of motion in his shoulder. SLAP tears can occur as a result of direct trauma, fall on an outstretched arm, or severe traction to the arm; but it's common for athletes like Amaro who perform repetitive overhead activities. These activities stress the vulnerable point of the shoulder joint, which is the superior (upper) labrum where the biceps tendon anchors to the top of the glenoid (socket bone).

Sports Medicine professionals theorize that throwers (which Amaro is not) tear their labrum when they have a tight ligament pulling at the back of their shoulder. A SLAP tear may often cause strain on the anterior (front) shoulder ligaments and, as a result, cause instability of the shoulder.

Amaro's orthopedic surgeon may do a few different procedures during arthroscopic surgery, depending on what his injury looks like. Arthroscopic SLAP tear repair generally includes repairing the labrum, debriding (removing damaged parts) of the labrum, and stabilizing the compromised bicep tendon by attaching it to another part of the bone (bicep tenodesis).

Dr. Leon Popovitz, an Orthopedic Surgeon in NYC who did not treat Amaro, comments that, "Amaro's prognosis is excellent since he is not a thrower. Recreational throwers and non-professional throwing athletes also have excellent results after this type of repair. Professional throwing athletes, however, do not always have the same success in returning the same level of performance. We should expect Jace Amaro to return ready to go next season, though."

About NY Bone and Joint Specialists
Dr. Leon Popovitz is head orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of NY Bone and Joint Specialists, a top-rated, private Orthopedic and Sports Medicine practice in New York City. The Orthopedic Surgery, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Pain Management Specialists NY Bone and Joint Specialists routinely perform surgical and non-surgical treatments for professional athletes from across the United States and various other countries. Dr. Popovitz and his team are known for their exemplary arthroscopic surgical skill and best-rated treatment plans, along with their top, in-office physical therapy and long term sports rehabilitation processes that return athletes of all levels to their top physical potential.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/ny-jets-tight-end-jace-amaro-tears-labrum-in-shoulder-622668.htm