Dr. Jonathan Oheb is an orthopedic surgeon embracing cutting edge procedures and technology that minimize downtime for common problems like carpal tunnel syndrome. Whether it's time for getting the kids back outside for summer, or just sharing helpful tips for avoiding common problems like back pain, Dr. Oheb shares his expert advice with JustLuxe.
What made you decide to pick the field of orthopedic surgery?
The balance between human compassion and anatomic precision; intricate artistic finesse and unwavering physical maneuverability. These seeming dichotomies are what initially sparked my attraction to orthopedics, and what drew me unwaveringly into the field of hand surgery.There is a tremendous amount of depth in the field of orthopedics, providing a surgeon with the ability to be involved in a wide range of surgeries. With a patient population ranging from infant to elderly it is possible to be the hand surgeon for generations of a family throughout the course of one’s career.
How has the field of orthopedic medicine changed in the past few years?
Orthopedic surgery has made great strides into restoring function through improved technology, better outcomes data and continuous training of surgeons. Arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgeries have continued to grow in the treatment of various orthopedic conditions.
What exactly is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of compression of the Median nerve as it passes from your forearm through your wrist and into your hand. It passes through an enclosed area defined as the “carpal tunnel” which has little room to expand. A number of factors can increase the pressure within this tunnel thereby placing pressure on the nerve that passes through it leading to symptoms of pain, numbness, burning, tingling and weakness.
What causes it?
Up to 10% of the population will develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Up to 70% of those patients will be female. 60% of patients diagnosed will have it in both hands. Risk factors associated with its development include female sex, obesity, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, advanced age, chronic renal failure, smoking, alcoholism, and repetitive motion activities (which is debatable).
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include numbness and pain in the hand most commonly in the thumb, index, middle finger and part of the ring finger. Frequent nighttime awakening is a common symptom. Patients can often note weakness in the hand and frequent episodes of dropping things. Often times patients will note having to “shake” their hands to relieve the symptoms.
How is it treated?
Treatment options include conservative measures such as use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, bracing, activity modification, and steroid injections. If conservative measures fail to improve a patient's symptoms, or if they have already began to develop symptoms of nerve damage, surgery release of the carpal tunnel would be the next step.
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints of adults. Are there tips for avoiding it, or improving the symptoms?
Lower back pain is the second leading cause of visits to doctor’s offices in the USA. It affects 50-80% of the population throughout their lifetime. Muscle strain is the most common cause of low back pain however there are several other causes which must always be ruled out first. So always consult your physician. Risk factors include obesity, smoking, and jobs which include heavy lifting, vibration and prolonged sitting. Tips for improving or preventing symptoms include weight management, core strengthening exercises to strengthen your abdominal and lower back muscles, proper sitting and standing posture and especially when lifting heavy objects.
What age is the safest for kids to start playing organized sports? What are the safest and why? What should parents look out for?
As per the American Academy of Pediatrics statement in 2011 on organized sports for children and adolescents, organized sports should be tailored to match the developmental levels of the participants. Prior to age 6 or 7 many children do not have the appropriate physical skills or attention span to grasp the rules of a game and organized sports should be tailored towards basic skills and fun. After age 6 or 7 organized sports should complement and not replace free play for children. Parents should consult their pediatricians prior to any organized sports to assess their developmental readiness and medical suitability for specific sports. In addition, pediatricians can monitor the health and safety of children participating in organized sports.
Each season has its own activities. Are there any overall tips that people should keep in mind in order to avoid injuries?
Overall tips to keep in mind to avoid injuries include staying hydrated, pre and post activity stretching, wearing protective equipment, taking at least 1 day off per week for rest, following rules of safe play for each sport, and stopping the activity and seeking immediate medical care are injured or are having pain.
Where do you see the field going in the next few years? Are there new procedures or treatments we should be on the lookout for?
There are many exciting developments in the fields of advanced bone healing, tendon repair, cartilage regeneration, and improved hardware biomechanics that continue to push the boundaries of what orthopedic surgeons can do to improve the quality of life of their patients. Consider consulting your orthopedic surgeon for your specific injury or ailment to find out more details.
For further information visit: http://www.jonathanohebmd.com/
