The Dirty Little Secrets Some Chiropractors Aren’t Telling You About Stem Cell Injections

“Judy,” our middle-aged patient, presents to our practice with chronic knee pain due to arthritis. She is seeking another opinion. She relates that three months ago she went to a “Dr. X’s” chiropractic office seeking the miracle cure of her chronically painful knee. She had seen a Facebook post from the chiropractor’s office advertising “stem cell” injections for patients with painful orthopedic conditions. The ad looked great. The testimonials on the website captured her even more. After two previous knee arthroscopies (“scope surgeries”), this was now her chance to get that knee better without a knee replacement. Per the advertisement, “regrow cartilage and become pain-free, all with just a simple injection.” She placed the phone call and within a week, she was in “Dr. X’s” office writing that rather large check to receive her miracle shot of stem cells. Fast forward 3 months and now “Judy” has paid $5000 out-of-pocket for her pseudo stem cell injection and another $1000 for a knee brace. It’s obscene. Has she seen improvement? A “little bit” she tells us, but not enough to justify that $6000 check.

Concerned. Disappointed. Angry. Those are the first words that come to mind when I read or hear about another non-medical doctor advertising “regenerative” injections, such as stem cell or platelet-rich plasma. I’ll be honest here…the greatest number of advertisements come from the practices of chiropractors. Here’s the irony: chiropractors cannot legally give orthopedic-based injections. So, what’s the catch? Most hire mid-level providers, physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs), to give these injections. Mid-levels serve very valuable roles in our healthcare system. Some are skilled enough to provide injections in a very competent fashion. However, our medical system has been designed such that mid-levels are mentored and directly supervised by medical doctors who have expertise in providing procedures such as injections. In the case of a chiropractor’s office, how can the supervising chiropractor mentor or teach the mid-level to do an injection when he or she has never given a joint, tendon or other similar injection in his or her entire career? It just does not make sense, plain and simple. Then, you are talking about very advanced injections, most of which are not covered by insurance and cost the patient hundreds to thousands of dollars. Finally, many of these injections done by mid-levels are not guided in any fashion, meaning neither ultrasound nor fluoroscopy (live x-ray) is used. Thus, the accuracy of the injection is likely less than optimal.

Here's another valuable piece of information: these injections claiming to be “stem cell” injections very likely have minimal to zero live stem cells. Most independent studies have verified this. Most of these injections primarily consist of amniotic fluid, the fluid surrounding a fetus when a woman is pregnant. Now, amniotic fluid does have value, as it is rich in growth factors. These growth factors can serve to reduce inflammation, and thus, lead to a reduction in pain and improvement in function. Can they help cartilage to regrow? The truth is that we don’t know. Right now, it’s unlikely that any injection can reliably regrow cartilage, so the honest clinician tells the patient that although cartilage regrowth is theoretically possible and may occur in some cases, we certainly cannot guarantee this will happen. So, when a medical practice is using an injection such as this that does not come from the patient’s own fat/adipose or bone marrow, then it is not a true stem cell injection. Thus, the claim that “stem cell” injections are being given is misleading at best, fraudulent at worst.

Quickly, we will also cover the cost of these injections. Admittedly, some of these best procedures in orthopedics are not covered by insurance. Thus, medical practices can set their own prices for these orthobiologic injections. What’s reasonable to charge? On top of the cost of injection and materials to provide the injection, add in the typical cost of an office visit, the cost of the injection procedure, ultrasound guidance (if used) and for the time/research it has taken to develop an expertise in this skill. What’s that worth? $300-$500 is our typical “mark-up” a for platelet-rich plasma or an amniotic fluid injection. We believe this is very reasonable and equal to or less than most of our peers who are experts in providing orthobiologic injections. When a patient pays $3000-$5000 out-of-pocket for an injection (other than a true stem cell injection), then you can bet that the mark-up is in the thousands, not hundreds. Once again, it is so disheartening that some medical practices decide to take advantage of patients desperately seeking relief from their painful orthopedic condition.

Here’s the bottom line: even with all the radio, magazine, TV and social media advertising done by some practices claiming to be experts in “regenerative injections,” you need to carefully choose who you want to provide these advanced office procedures. I have a very healthy respect for several of my colleagues who are chiropractors. I freely refer to them. Many do an excellent job with care of the spine and rehabilitation of some extremity issues as well. However, orthopedic injections are just not in their wheelhouse.

At Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, we have used ultrasound guidance for 11 years and only after taking a minimum of 6 courses on the subject. We are carefully studying the science and trends pertaining to orthobiologic/regenerative injections and have provided these to our patients over the past 9 years. We are not the only ones in the Nashville area doing these advanced injections, but you will be hard-pressed to find any practice more experienced or dedicated to the honesty and integrity of the process.

-F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.

Five Mistakes to Avoid with Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, most commonly seen in middle-age individuals. There are numerous treatment options, yet with our decades of experience in treating this problem, we’ve found many pitfalls, and thus, here’s a list of what NOT TO DO!

1)      Stretching the bottom of the foot. An example is when you pull the toes back towards you. Most cases of PF involve inflammation and/or tearing of the fascia. Stretching damaged or inflamed tissue is often counterproductive

2)      Pushing through the pain with exercise. If you have PF, you have to relatively rest, which may mean temporarily discontinuing running, walking, jumping, etc. or at least, reducing your distance or frequency of these activities.

3)      Skimping on shoes and/or orthotics. The old adage, “you get what you pay for…” applies here. Think of purchasing high-quality athletic and everyday shoes as well as orthotics (inserts) as an investment in your health and quality of life. At times, the more expensive orthotics are worth the extra cost.

4)      Having multiple cortisone/steroid injections. It’s probably best to avoid steroid injections altogether for PF, yet a one-time steroid injection can occasionally be indicated for the patient that is miserable due to severe heel pain. Repetitive steroid injections often result in long-term worsening of this condition.

5)       Not being patient. PF resolves in 95% of individuals with the proper customized treatment, yet it often is a 6 to 12-month process. Don’t give up on certain treatments too soon, as most interventions work gradually over weeks to months, including footwear changes, night splints, relative rest, physical therapy, orthotics and orthobiologic/regenerative injections.

If you are struggling with plantar fasciitis, then we are here to help!

Clarke Holmes, M.D.

I've Heard of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections. Am I a Candidate?

Platelet-Rich Plasma injections have taken the orthopedic world by storm. Why is this? They are safe. They are natural. They can be done in the office in a short period of time. They may prevent surgery in some cases. They can be disease-altering, not just symptom-reducing. Most importantly, in many cases of tendon, ligament and joint problems, they are EFFECTIVE.

PRP injections involve drawing blood from a patient’s vein, typically in the arm. Then, the blood is centrifuged (spun) to separate out the red and white blood cells, while simultaneously concentrating your own platelets. Our platelets are known to have numerous growth factors that serve many beneficial roles in our musculoskeletal tissues. Just minutes later, this concentrated solution is then injected under ultrasound-guidance back into an area of damage, such as a partially torn tendon, the plantar fascia or an arthritic joint. We believe that these platelets help to modulate unhealthy inflammation that resides in damaged tissues. This helps over the long-term to reduce pain and subsequently, improve function. In some cases, damaged soft tissue can heal in the presence of these concentrated platelets. In other cases, the deterioration often seen in cases of osteoarthritis can be slowed or halted. Thus, there are some preventative benefits of PRP.

In our practice, the percentage of PRP injections is increasing, while the percentage of cortisone/steroid injections is dropping. Why? We want our patients to have “game-changing” treatments whenever possible. We want conditions to improve over the long-term. We want to stop that deterioration process and to promote healing when possible. Also, we know that in the case of steroid/cortisone injections, some patients feel so good, so quickly, that they are prone to re-injure themselves. Steroid injections also can be catabolic, meaning they contribute to the deterioration of tissue. Thus, short-term improvement, but long-term worsening with some steroid/cortisone injections.

Thus, here are some patient scenarios that demonstrate when PRP would be an excellent choice:

-A 50-year-old woman plays in a weekly tennis league. Her arthritic knee is painful and swollen, and she needs some long-term relief to keep playing the sport she loves. It’s a big part of her social life as well. We choose two leukocyte-poor (low white blood cells) injections 3-6 weeks apart to provide that relief and protect her knee from the “wear and tear” that comes from a high-impact sports like tennis. She will likely feel better within a few weeks of the injection and also likely will see a reduction of symptoms for 6 to 18 months.

-A 35-year-old runner tore his ACL at age 20 and had successful surgery. Now, he has mild osteoarthritis of the knee that is stiff in the morning, aches after long runs and occasionally swells. He is a another great candidate for PRP. PRP should help his keep inflammation down, reduce these aches and preserve the cartilage in his knee for years to come.

-A 65-year old woman has had 6 months of lateral hip pain after a trip to the beach with frequent walking. She can’t sleep on the side of her painful hip and going up stairs is difficult. We diagnose her with trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendonosis Two CORTISONE injections at another office each helped for a few weeks, but the benefit was only temporary. An MRI confirms gluteus medius tendonosis, yet there is no large partial tear. We offer her a leukocyte-rich (higher white blood cells) PRP injection with the hope to overcome this condition, or at the very least, allow her to resume a walking program, climb stairs pain-free and lie on that hip while sleeping.

-A 42-year runner just can’t overcome her heel pain due to chronic plantar fasciitis, despite physical therapy, custom orthotics and one steroid injection. One leukoctye-rich PRP injection hopefully will do the trick. She will be in a boot for about 3 weeks after the injection, we’ll ask her to rest from running for at least 6 weeks.

-A 24-year-old recreational basketball player has patellar tendonopathy and pain every time he jumps and lands. Symptoms have been present for 6 months and despite physical therapy, a brace and NSAIDS, he is only 50% better. We offer him 1-2 PRP injections. We need to promote healing of that tendon. We want long-term reduction in symptoms and tissue improvement, so that he can continue to play basketball and with reduced risk of tearing the tendon. Plus, we never inject cortisone in or around certain tendons, including the patellar and Achilles tendons, due to the risk of tendon rupture.

-A 70-year-old has mild to moderate hip and knee osteoarthritis. He can play golf a couple days a week, but relies on frequent doses of ibuprofen after his golf games and on days he plays with his grandchildren. His hoping to avoid joint replacement in his lifetime and knows that long-term use of NSAIDs is not good for his blood pressure, stomach or kidneys. We offer him PRP as a great option, with an injection into the knee and hip joints on the same day. He then will return a month later for his 2nd set of injections. After that, we hope and expect that he will have less pain and better function for 6 to 18 months, while also lowering his chances of joint replacement in the intermediate future. These PRP injections can be safely repeated months to years later, if necessary.

These are everyday examples of how we customize our treatments for patients based on their symptoms, diagnosis and goals. Age of the patient can play a role, but one is never “too old” to have a PRP injection. When head-to-head studies compare PRP to steroid injections, PRP is declared the “winner” the large majority of the time. Thus, we know that for long-term benefits of many joint and tendon problems, PRP is the better choice.

The world of orthobiologic injections such as PRP will only continue to expand as we strive to find more natural and less-invasive ways to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions. Dozens of medical studies each year continue to demonstrate that PRP injections are a safe, beneficial and cost-effective option for osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis and many chronic tendon problems.

-Clarke Holmes, M.D.

My Elbow Really Hurts, and I Feel Like a Wimp!

We hear this comment or one very similar to it on a frequent basis. Good ole’ tennis elbow, also know as lateral epicondylitis. Despite these names, this is not a problem limited to tennis players and does not typically involve the bone on the outside of the elbow named the lateral epicondyle. It is actually a tendon problem. The common extensor tendon on the outside of the elbow is highly involved in gripping, grabbing and lifting. When you shake someone’s hand, this tendon is under a lot of stress. When you lift the coffee mug with a handle, the positioning of your wrist transmits stress to this tendon. When you pull your sheets up to you when in bed, the position and action of the wrist and forearm send stress to this tendon. Finally, when this tendon is inflamed and/or partially torn, it HURTS! I mean, it really hurts. You are not a wimp for complaining about tennis elbow. Fortunately, this is one of my favorite conditions to treat. Why? For many reasons: we usually can cure this problem. Patients are so grateful to see this pain go away. Finally, it’s gratifying to see patients return to things they love to do after successful treatment such as tennis, golf, weight lifting, gardening and even typing!

Turning our attention to treatment options, there are traditional and innovative options. At Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, we specialize in both types:

Traditional:

1) REST and changing the biomechanics- how and how much you lift, grip and grab

2) A wrist splint- yes, immobilizing the wrist and forearm unload the tendon far more than immobilizing the elbow

3) A cortisone injection- in our hands, 90% of patients experience relief with an ultrasound-guided injection. However, since tendon damage is often the cause of the stubborn pain, cortisone, at times, may only provide temporary benefit.

4) Physical Therapy- helpful in changing the biomechanical problems that led to the tendon damage. However, the benefit can be limited if tendon is partially torn.

Innovative:

1) The Tenex procedure- a true game-changing minimally-invasive procedure. This is our favorite option for those patients that have not improved with the traditional treatments. Local anesthesia only, a tiny incision, 2 minutes of tendon treatment with a small probe, no stitches, typically covered by insurance and a 90% success rate. How does that sound? We've loved this procedure for 7+ years.

2) Orthobiologic Injections- platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are very solid choices, isolating and concentrating the platelets from you own blood. This becomes a solution rich in human growth factors utilized to stimulate healing of the tendon.

3) Nitroglycerin patches- placed on the skin over the tendon, these are good choices for those patients needing something extra, but prefer a treatment that is non-invasive. These work by producing nitric oxide in the tissues, which then can be responsible for tendon healing.

In summary, we hate that you have "tennis elbow," but always appreciate the opportunity to treat you. It's our mission to make this common cause of elbow pain leave your life and never return! Let us know if we can help.

-F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.

Will Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections Replace Cortisone?

The answer to this question is simple: Yes, No and Maybe. Platelet-Rich Plasma injections have taken the orthopedic world by storm. Why is this? They are safe. They are natural. They can be done in the office in a short period of time. They may prevent surgery in some cases. They can be disease-altering, not just symptom-reducing. Most importantly, in many cases of tendon, ligament and joint problems, they are EFFECTIVE.

PRP injections involve drawing blood from a patient’s vein, typically in the arm. Then, the blood is centrifuged (spun) to separate out the red and white blood cells, while simultaneously concentrating your own platelets. Our platelets are known to have numerous growth factors that serve many beneficial roles in our musculoskeletal tissues. This concentrated solution is then injected under ultrasound-guidance back into an area of damage, such as a partially torn tendon, the plantar fascia or an arthritic joint. We believe that these platelets help to modulate unhealthy inflammation that resides in damaged tissues. This helps over the long-term to reduce pain and subsequently, improve function. In some cases, damaged soft tissue can heal in the presence of these concentrated platelets. In other cases, the deterioration often seen in cases of osteoarthritis can be slowed or halted. Thus, there are some preventative benefits of PRP.

Cortisone injections, known medically as steroids, have been around for decades. They simply are very strong anti-inflammatories. They can reduce pain and swelling within hours to days of an injection. However, they are known to have catabolic, or “breakdown” effects, meaning, numerous exposures to steroids can worsen the structure and strength of a soft tissue or joint. They also can produce short-term systemic side effects, including fluid retention, headache, insomnia, changes in emotions, skin flushing/redness and increases in blood sugar, particularly in diabetics. Cortisone injections are still used quite frequently to treat tendonitis, arthritis and disc problems in the spine.

Now, back to the question in the title. In our practice, we still use both types of injections. However, the percentage of PRP injections is increasing, while the percentage of cortisone is dropping. Why? We want our patients to have “game-changing” treatments whenever possible. We want conditions to improve over the long-term. We want to stop that deterioration process and to promote healing when possible. Also, we know that in the case of cortisone injections, some patients feel so good, so quickly, that they are prone to re-injure themselves. Thus, short-term improvement, but long-term worsening with some cortisone injections.

Thus, how do we choose what type of injection to recommend to a patient? Here are some examples:

-A 60-year-old woman will be traveling on a bucket-list trip to Italy in one week. Her arthritic knee is painful and swollen, and she needs some quick relief to really enjoy this trip. We choose a CORTISONE injection to provide that relief. She will likely feel better within a few days of the injection and will probably see a benefit for 1-3 months.

-A 35-year-old runner tore his ACL at age 20 and had successful surgery. Now, he has mild osteoarthritis of the knee that is stiff in the morning, aches after long runs and occasionally swells. He is a great candidate for PRP. PRP should help his keep inflammation down, reduce his aches and preserve his cartilage in his knee for years to come.

-A 65-year old woman has had 2 weeks of lateral hip pain after a trip to the beach with frequent walking. She can’t sleep on the side of her painful hip and going up stairs is difficult. We diagnose her with trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendonitis. A CORTISONE injection here may do the trick. She has an acute inflammatory response and needs some relief to simply sleep better at night and handle her activities of daily living with less pain.

-A 24-year-old recreational basketball player has patellar tendonopathy and pain every time he jumps and lands. Symptoms have been present for 6 months and despite physical therapy, a brace and NSAIDS, he is only 50% better. We offer him 1-2 PRP injections. We need to promote healing of that tendon. We want long-term reduction in symptoms and tissue improvement, so that he can continue to play basketball and with reduced risk of tearing the tendon. Plus, we never inject cortisone in or around certain tendons, including the patellar and Achilles tendons, due to the risk of tendon rupture.

-A 70-year-old has mild to moderate hip and knee osteoarthritis. He can play golf a couple days a week, but relies on frequent doses of ibuprofen after his golf games and on days he plays with his grandchildren. His hoping to avoid joint replacement in his lifetime and knows that long-term use of NSAIDs is not good for his blood pressure, stomach or kidneys. We offer him PRP as a great option, with an injection into the knee and hip joints on the same day. He then will return a month later for his 2nd set of injections. After that, we hope and expect that he will have less pain and better function for 6 to 24 months, while also lowering his chances of joint replacement in the intermediate future. These PRP injections can be safely repeated months to years later, if necessary.

These are everyday examples of how we customize our treatments for patients based on their symptoms, diagnosis and goals. Age of the patient can play a role, but one is never “too old” to have a PRP injection. When head-to-head studies compare PRP to steroid injections, PRP is declared the “winner” the large majority of the time. Thus, we know that for long-term benefits of many joint and tendon problems, PRP is the better choice.

In conclusion, cortisone/steroid injections are not going away any time soon. They still play a role in helping patients in select situations. However, the world of orthobiologic injections such as PRP will only continue to expand as we strive to find more natural and less-invasive ways to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions.

The 5 Biggest Mistakes Inexperienced Runners Make Leading to Injury

1)     Training for a ½ or full marathon when you’ve never run a 5K or 10K- because of variability of muscle types, bone density, running mechanics and the efficiency of oxygen consumption, not everybody was made to run long-distance races. Some great athletes are hardly capable of running 5 miles. Then, you have those individuals who can run a ½ marathon and barely train to do it. If a novice runner, see what your body is capable of first by training for and completing shorter races before attempting much longer runs.

2)     Pushing through pain to get through a run- there’s fatigue, soreness, the muscle burn and then, there’s pain. Concerning pain includes sharp discomfort, pain that results in limping, constant pain and pain associated with swelling. Pain around a tendon or right over a bone is a warning sign. Don’t ignore the “check engine light” that comes on in your body. Learn to recognize the difference between the types of discomfort and seek medical attention when the concerning form of pain is present.

3)     The wrong footwear- this can be shoes that are too old or the wrong type for your foot and particular gait pattern. It’s time for new shoes when there’s visible wear of the tread, especially in the forefoot area (the third of the foot closest to the toes). Shoes should be updated every 300-500 miles or every 9-12 months, whichever comes first. Also, seek a true “fitting” for your shoes. The right size, width and style (stability, neutral, zero drop, etc.) are important choices, and you should avoid choosing the latest “fad” shoe or the one that has the coolest design simply for the fashion statement. Find a quality running store that can help you with these choices.

4)     Training with a partner of a different skill set- it’s generally best to train with someone of a similar skill set and set of goals. Many runners are competitive (whether they admit it or not!), and will push each other at times even on training runs. While this is not all bad, someone training for their first ½ marathon will likely struggle to keep up with someone that has run numerous long-distance races. What’s the net result? The inexperienced runner tries to keep up with the experienced runner in terms of speed, distance and mindset. This is a recipe for injury. If wanting to train with a partner, try to find one that is willing to follow a similar schedule and runs a similar pace.

5)     Making up for lost time- sometimes a training schedule gets derailed. An illness, an injury or a life event knocks a runner off his/her training schedule for a couple of weeks. Race day is nearing, and thus, the runner tries to advance the training schedule by increasing the number of running days each week or jumping ahead and doing more miles or longer runs than what he/she should be doing. Example: it’s late in the training schedule for a ½ marathon, and the longest run you’ve done is 7 miles. You missed 2 weeks of training because of a sinus infection. You jump ahead on the schedule and do 10 miles on a Saturday. Now, your shin is throbbing. Shin splint or stress fracture? Either way, you’re done! No race for you. No running for weeks to months. What should you have done instead? Resumed your training schedule where you left off before the illness. Then, if not ready for this race, postpone and run another one. There are ½ marathons within a region almost every weekend, especially from the late winter until the late spring. Or, you could have still run the race, but adjusted your goals. Maybe you change your mindset to just finishing the race, even it meant walking part of race. The bottom line: skipping steps in your training often results in an increased risk of injury.

At Impact Sports Medicine, we would rather help you prevent an injury, but when one does occur, we are ready to help! Enjoy your running!

Tennis Elbow: The Most Misnamed Orthopedic Condition

Fewer than 10% of patients that have tennis elbow actually play tennis. In addition, the medical term for this condition is "lateral epicondylitis." This also is misnamed. Why? The lateral epicondyle is the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. This sometimes stubborn condition is not a bone problem, but a tendon problem, actually involving what we call the common extensor tendon. This also can be a very humbling condition. It can cause significant pain with some simple, everyday activities- lifting a coffee cup, shaking hands, pulling your bedsheets, just to name a few. Why you ask? Stress to this tendon is not only related to the weight of a lifted object, but also the arm and wrist position. Certain positions cause overloading of the damaged and/or inflamed tendon. Turning our attention to treatment options, there are traditional and innovative options. At Impact Sports Medicine, we actually specialize in both types:

Traditional:

1) REST and changing the biomechanics- how and how much you lift, grip and grab

2) A wrist splint- yes, immobilizing the wrist and forearm unload the tendon far more than immobilizing the elbow

3) A cortisone injection- in our hands, 90% of patients experience relief with an ultrasound-guided injection. However, since tendon damage is often the cause of the stubborn pain, cortisone, at times, may only provide temporary benefit.

4) Physical Therapy- helpful in changing the biomechanical problems that led to the tendon damage. However, the benefit can be limited if tendon is partially torn.

Innovative:

1) The Tenex procedure- a true game-changing minimally-invasive procedure. This is our favorite option for those patients that have not improved with the traditional treatments. Local anesthesia only, a tiny incision, 2 minutes of tendon treatment with a small probe, no stitches, covered by insurance and a 90% success rate. How does that sound? We've loved this procedure for 6+ years.

2) Orthobiologic injections- platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are very solid choices, isolating and concentrating the platelets from you own blood. This becomes a solution rich in human growth factors utilized to stimulate healing of the tendon

3) Nitroglycerin patches- placed on the skin over the tendon, these are good choices for those patients needing something extra, but prefer a treatment that is non-invasive. These work by producing nitric oxide in the tissues, which then can be responsible for tendon healing.

In summary, we hate that you have "tennis elbow," but love the opportunity to treat you. It's our mission to make this common cause of elbow pain leave your life and never return! Let us know if we can help.

My Heel is Killing Me! What is This and How Do I Get Rid of It?

In middle-age individuals, 90% of the time, heel pain is caused by plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a soft-tissue band, technically a ligament, that supports the hindfoot and midfoot. It is quite prone to inflammation, degeneration and tearing. Let’s quickly dive into this common cause of heel pain.

How Does it Present?

·       Heel pain, often sharp, with the first few steps out of bed and after a long day on your feet

·       Pain when rising from a seated position after prolonged sitting, such as in a car

·       In endurance athletes, pain during and after exercise

·       Tenderness on the bottom of the foot, specifically at the heel where the plantar fascia originates

Why Did I Get This?

·       Age- middle-agers are prone to this, as they are very active, but their rate of tissue breakdown exceeds their body’s repair rate. This is why younger individuals do not typically get this problem. They have a faster healing rate.

·       Poor footwear- shoes that are flimsy, too old or generally unsupportive contribute

·       Weight- gaining weight or being overweight overloads the tissue at the lowest point of our body

·       Too much activity/overuse- runners, walkers, and athletes repetitively load the plantar fascia, and at times, are in a situation of overuse or too much, too soon

·       Poor biomechanics- tight or weak calf muscles, a high arch or flat foot or a foot that excessively pronates or supinates can all contribute

How Do I Treat It?

Patience is the key. This condition may require a month or a year of treatment. Recovery can be slow. The underlying risk factors listed above must be corrected. What works for one patient may not be the best treatment for another. Care must be individualized.

·       Rest- yes, this is a dirty, four-letter word for many patients. Plantar fasciitis will NOT improve as long as one continues to run, walk or exercise to the same degree. Sometimes, activity modification will work- fewer miles, less frequent high-impact exercise and/or trying something lower impact such as biking or swimming

·       Improve the footwear and minimize going barefoot- remember with shoes, you often get what you pay for. Don’t go cheap!

·       Physical Therapy- helps most patients, can be curative for those with mild cases. Will not get the job done by itself for moderate to severe cases

·       Orthotics/Inserts- over-the-counter or custom. OTC ones are less expensive and worth a try for mild cases. Custom are more expensive but more beneficial for most patients. Orthotics alone will not cure plantar fasciitis. Other treatments must be combined

·       Anti-inflammatory medications- helpful in mild cases caught early. Not helpful in more severe cases or in patients that have had the problem for months or longer

·       Cortisone injections- occasionally helpful, occasionally harmful. We rarely utilize these, as they don’t promote healing, only reduce inflammation and can increase the risk of further tearing of the fascia. NEVER get a series of 3 cortisone injections as recommended by some.

·       Orthobiologic injections- very helpful for most. These are meant to “heal the heel!” Platelet-rich plasma injections introduce numerous growth factors to the area to promote tissue regeneration. These are game-changing injections and ones we have provided under ultrasound-guidance successfully now for many years.

·       Surgery- we favor a minimally-invasive procedure called the Tenex procedure. Tiny incision, local anesthesia only, no stitches required with minimal healthy tissue disruption. The “old-school” surgeries require larger incisions and involve “releasing”/cutting the fascia off the bone, are less successful, higher risk and have been abandoned by most orthopedic surgeons

In conclusion, heel pain affects a high percentage of middle-age Americans and can range from a nuisance problem to a disabling one. The key here is to seek care early and from someone who can customize a well-constructed treatment plan for you that has a variety of quality interventions. We are here to help!

"Regenerative" Injections- Let's Be Honest Here

Concerned. Disappointed. Those are the first words that come to mind when I read or hear about another non-physician advertising “regenerative” injections, such as stem cell or platelet-rich plasma. I’ll be honest here…the greatest number of advertisements come from the practices of chiropractors. Here’s the irony: chiropractors cannot legally give orthopedic-based injections. So, what’s the catch? Most hire mid-level providers, physician assistants (PAs) or nurse practitioners (NPs), to give these injections. Mid-levels serve very valuable roles in our healthcare system. Some are skilled enough to provide injections in a very competent fashion. However, our medical system has been designed such that mid-levels are mentored and directly supervised by medical doctors who have expertise in providing procedures such as injections. In the case of a chiropractor’s office, how can the supervising chiropractor mentor or teach the mid-level to do an injection when he or she has never given a joint, tendon or other similar injection in his or her entire career? It just doesn’t make sense, plain and simple. Then, you are talking about very advanced injections, most of which are not covered by insurance and cost the patient hundreds to thousands of dollars. Finally, many of these injections done by mid-levels are not guided in any fashion, meaning neither ultrasound nor fluoroscopy (live x-ray) is used. Thus, the accuracy of the injection is likely less than optimal.

Here’s the bottom line: even with all the radio, magazine, TV and social media advertising done by some practices claiming to be experts in “regenerative injections,” you need to carefully choose who you want to provide these advanced office procedures. I have a very healthy respect for several of my colleagues who are chiropractors. I freely refer to them. They do an excellent job with care of the spine and rehabilitation of some extremity issues as well. However, orthopedic injections are just not in their wheelhouse.

At Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, we have used ultrasound guidance for 10 years and only after taking a minimum of 6 courses on the subject. We are carefully studying the science and trends pertaining to regenerative injections and have provided these to our patients over the past 8 years. We are not the only ones in the Nashville area doing these advanced injections, but you will be hard-pressed to find any practice more experienced or dedicated to the honesty and integrity of the process.

-F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.

The Top 3 Activities that Lead to Summer Injuries in Adults

What are the top 3 activities that lead to summer injuries for adults?

1) Yard work- often a situation of doing too much at one time. Repetitive bending, lifting, pushing and trimming frequently lead to low back, neck, shoulder and elbow issues. Our advice- spread the work load among several family members and among several days. Instead of 4 hours of work on one day, divide the work load into 2-3 days. Get as close as you can to something you are lifting or trimming. Doing these with your arms further away from your body can overload the spine, joints and tendons. 

2) Tennis and golf- these are great warm-weather sports, but lead to a elbow tendon and low back problems quite frequently. The same concept discussed above applies: avoid overuse situations. Play 9 holes instead of 18 on some days. If you are a middle-ager, don't expect to play 72 holes on a weekend and not feel some aches and pain. With tennis, consider playing with a 2-handed backhand. Play some doubles, not just singles, as this can decrease your reps, but lead to similar enjoyment of the game. 

3) Running and power walking- many love just being outdoors for these fitness activities, while others are starting to train for 1/2 and full marathons in the fall. A couple of pieces of advice: if training for a race, follow a program/regimen. 12 weeks to train for a 1/2 marathon, 18 weeks for a full. To all: update your athletic shoes every 9-12 months or if any wear is present on the tread. Also, make sure your other shoes are supportive. Flimsy sandals and flip-flops lead to foot, ankle and knee problems, especially if these areas are already being stressed by other fitness activities. When it comes to summer shoes, to some degree, you get what you pay for. A quality pair of sandals or flip-flops will run you $50-$100. 

Enjoy the summer!

The Top 5 Reasons to Have an Orthobiologic Injection

Regenerative injections, also known as orthobiologic injections, include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), amniotic membrane and fluid, alpha-2 macroglobulin and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)

1)      Cortisone has not gotten the job done- corticosteroid injections are potent anti-inflammatories and can be effective in treating inflammatory conditions, but these have either zero or even a detrimental effect on healing. Most chronic tendon problems are not inflammatory, and thus, cortisone will provide minimal long-term benefit. Not all cases of arthritis are inflammatory either.

2)      You are hoping to avoid surgery or you had surgery and are less than satisfied- we know that certain surgeries produce superior outcomes compared to nonsurgical treatment, particularly in younger and active individuals. Examples include ACL reconstruction after a full ACL tear and shoulder stabilizing procedures after multiple dislocations. However, there are numerous conditions that have equal or superior outcomes with nonsurgical treatment. These include small tears of the rotator cuff, hamstring, patellar and Achilles tendons; plantar fasciitis; degenerative meniscal tears; tennis and golfer’s elbow and mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder and basal thumb joint. These conditions are ideal candidates for regenerative injections, especially when traditional surgical and nonsurgical treatments are not producing major levels of benefit

3)      Cost- no, insurance does not cover regenerative injections. However, these injections are designed to provide long-term or permanent benefit. The expected goals are months to years of reduction in pain, improvement in function, soft tissue healing and slowing or suspending joint degeneration, i.e., preventing osteoarthritis from getting worse. Thus, these injections have a very good chance of saving you money. These benefits translate into fewer physician’s visits, fewer trips to physical therapy (although we still see the value of PT), fewer medications and potentially, the elimination of the need for an expensive surgery.

4)      You want a game-changing treatment, not one that just treats symptoms- regenerative injections are designed to change the environment of the area injected. Through the introduction of nutrients, growth factors and potentially stem cells, the goal of these injections is to not only make a patient feel and function better, but also to produce a healing response. This can mean tendon or ligament re-growth, cartilage regeneration and/or the reduction of unhealthy inflammation in the area of damage.

5)      The medical literature- although insurance companies would like to paint orthobiologic injections as “experimental” and thus not pay for them, the truth is that there are now hundreds of studies that demonstrate a clinically significant benefit in the treatment of chronic tendon problems and osteoarthritis with regenerative injections. In fact, hot off the press, a prominent sports medicine journal just posted a detailed review of orthobiologic injections. The authors came to this conclusion:  There was a total of 21 PRP (platelet-rich plasma) studies in the study. All PRP studies showed clinical improvement with PRP therapies in outcomes surveys measuring patient satisfaction, pain, and function…. The one PRP study that had a 2nd look arthroscopy reported increased cartilage regeneration with PRP. All 8 MSC (mesenchymal stem cell) studies with follow-up MRI and all 7 MSC studies with 2nd look arthroscopy showed improvement in cartilage regeneration in terms of coverage, fill of the defect, and/or firmness of the new cartilage.

Translation: patients are very satisfied with their outcomes after receiving these injections. Although we do not make guarantees about cartilage re-growth, improvement in the integrity of the cartilage after these injections is a possibility.

In conclusion, orthobiologic injections are rapidly entering and evolving within the world of orthopedic medicine. At this point, both their present and future look very bright. When considering a “regenerative” injection, seek the consultation of a medical doctor who has vast experience in researching and performing these procedures.

-Clarke Holmes, M.D. 

The Traveling Doctor's Perspective on Travel to Costa Rica

Why would a physician post a blog on travel on his website? Well, I’ve always had an interest in travel, and that passion has been cultivated especially by my wife’s career choice as a travel adviser. I do spend a sizeable portion of my time outside of the office sharpening my medical skills and knowledge; however, I do not long to be one-dimensional. I would hope that my patients see me as more than a robotic answer to their medical question. I also greatly desire to know my patients well beyond their medical issues. Many of my patients also share my passion for traveling, and I treasure the couple of moments in the patient room when we discuss not only their arthritis, sprain, fracture or tendonitis, but also their past or upcoming domestic or international travels. I can gather their travel tips while also sharing my own. This sharing of information can be one of the highlights of my day. All that being said, here’s some nitty gritty on Costa Rica for those considering a trip to this fantastic country. I’ve been there twice in the past 5 years…once as adult couples and just recently, with my wife and children of 11 and 13 years of age.

WHY GO TO COSTA RICA?: This is a country full of beauty- mountains, volcanoes, animals, flowers and many forms of water. It’s an outdoor paradise for nature-lovers, fisherman, hikers, etc. Plan to be quite active. Of course, you can set your own schedule, but if looking for a low-key place to rest and relax, this is not the place for you. There are other destinations that focus more on R and R. Also, if you do love the outdoors, then your body needs to be prepared for some of the rigors that come with the territory. Those with very symptomatic hip, knee or ankle arthritis, or those fresh off of a lower body injury or surgery, will not find this to be an easy trip. Also, if Costa Rica is on your bucket list, don’t save this one for your retirement years. Many of the activities are not very conducive to older individuals (of course, this is a generalization, not an absolute), and in my travels to CR, I’ve not seen many tourists in their 60s or above.

Costa Rica is a great vacation option for families with active children, ages 6 to 18. Your family gets to experience an international destination, learn some Spanish, not have to travel a tremendous distance from the U.S,. and jet lag is not much of an issue, as CR is the same as the mountain time zone in the U.S. For Nashville, this means Costa Rica is only one hour behind us.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION: If traveling any significant distance from the airport (San Jose or Liberia) or when heading to a tour, I strongly recommend arranging for a private driver. They typically drive mini- to large vans of fairly new and of high quality. The roads are steep, curvy, somewhat narrow and not well-marked. This is not a country I recommend you drive yourself. Also, as a driver, you lose the ability to enjoy the beautiful views that will surround you because your focus is on the road. The drivers also tend to be excellent tour guides as well, providing a wealth of interesting information about the area. Finally, because of the many curves and hills, beware of motion sickness. If you are prone to this, sit towards the front of the vehicle, and for long rides, consider an OTC med such as Dramamine to counteract the motion sickness. My family was on the verge of vomiting a few times, but we survived without any messes!

WHERE TO STAY: If looking for an inland experience, let me endorse two properties. No, I do own stock in either, but I can speak highly of both based on personal experience. The first is the Peace Lodge, located about an hour north of the San Jose airport. This is more of a rustic lodge, developed around an animal sanctuary. The rooms are well-appointed with waterfall themes, especially in the bathrooms which are very unique including waterfall-type shower heads. The room amenities are impressive. The food options are a nice variety of Latin America fare and Americana cuisine. The highlight of this property is the animal sanctuary. Here, you will be up close and personal with toucans, parrots, ducks, monkeys, sloths, snakes, wild cats, poison frogs and butterflies as well as others. Most of our time with the animals was very personalized, getting uninterrupted and one-on-one education from the animal keepers while also experiencing the “high” of actually feeding the sloths, hummingbirds and toucans while holding some impressive non-venomous snakes. There is also a small trout pond where you can reel in a trout with relative ease. While I’ve been to some impressive zoos before in Washington, DC, St. Louis and San Diego, the Peace Lodge blew those away. In addition, all within about a one-mile hike, you can get an up-close look at 7 very powerful and beautiful waterfalls. Finally, the customer service at this property was first-rate.

The next location I recommend is The Springs Resort and Spa. This is located about 3 hours north of the San Jose airport, near the town of La Fortuna and within a great eyeshot of the Arenal Volcano, one of 7 active volcanoes in Costa Rica. The signature of this property is 26 pools, several derived from the mineral water pumped from wells near the volcano area. The pools range in temperatures from 88 to 103. The views from the property are spectacular, especially of the volcano when not covered by clouds, often late in the afternoon. At the base of the property, Club Rio offers numerous outdoor activities including river kayaking and tubing, animal sanctuary tours, horseback riding, ATV tours and rappelling. Off site and within about 30 minutes of the property, we enjoyed a 2-hour guided rainforest hike traveling over many hanging bridges hundreds of feet in the air while seeing monkeys, snakes, lizards, tarantulas, giant grasshoppers, sloths and owls, all in their natural habitat. A chocolate tour was our culinary education on this trip, seeing the process of making chocolate from pod, to bean, to nib to the many varieties of delicious chocolate. You participate in the process and are rewarded with several tastings at the end. Zip lining and coffee tours are two other popular tours for the area, but we did not partake in either this time. The only true drawback to the Springs property is the 2-mile road leading to its entrance. Curves, bumps and pot holes galore define this ride into the property. Once at the Springs, the road can be a deterrent to wanting to journey out from the property on a frequent basis.

A previous journey to the Costa Rica took us to the Pacific coastal area of Jaco, staying at the very nice Los Suenos resort. Golfing and deep-sea fishing were the highlights of this area. An 8-hour journey into the Pacific Ocean yielded some major battles with 75 lb. or greater sailfish, won by the humans. However, this was a “catch and release” outing, and thus, the fish were not significantly harmed, and we had photos and memories to commemorate the experience. Although a coastal area, I would not consider Jaco to be a “beach trip,” as the gulf beaches of Florida are far prettier.

THE COSTA RICAN PEOPLE: Rarely will you find a more friendly and hospitable group of people. This includes the tour guides, the drivers, the restaurant wait staff and all the property employees. These people are all impressively knowledgeable about their country, quoting statistics about their volcanoes, the number of resident animal species, the types of inhabiting flowers and their cuisine. The large majority speak very good English and also enjoy teaching you and your children Spanish along the way. They welcome tips but certainly don’t demand it. The Costa Ricans understand that tourism is a huge part of their economy, and thus, are very hospitable hosts. Fortunately, they don’t have to put up with a “spring break crowd” of college students very often, as travelers to Costa Rica tend to be a bit more calm and sophisticated. No offense to you college students! Also, of note, both American dollars and Costa Rica “colones” are widely accepted by most. Don’t be intimidated by the currency exchange rate: approximately 1 American dollar = 500 Costa Rican colones.

THE FOOD: Obviously, Latin American influence, resembling that of a more traditional Mexican cuisine. Unique options include rice and beans, aka "gallo pinto," a staple on the Costa Rican breakfast table. The fruit is extremely fresh and tasty, including bananas, plantains, papaya, pineapple and guava, among many others. Of course, seafood is a solid option for the area. Parents and those with “tongues of familiarity,” not to worry, American choices such as nachos, quesadillas, burgers and pizza are options at many hotels and resorts.

WHEN TO TRAVEL AND THE WEATHER: The temperature does not vary much in Costa Rica. There are basically two seasons: the rainy and not-so-rainy season. Expect major rainfall from May until December, with one native counting on a break from the rain in July of each year. This break from the rain, however, was not substantiated by other natives. However, traveling to Costa Rica during the rainy season has its advantages. First, the crowds are much smaller. Our 2nd trip in late May almost never felt crowded, and thus, wait times were minimal and our experiences felt much more personalized. Also, prices of the hotels, flights and tours tend to less expensive during the rainy, ”non-peak” season. Finally, after very busy and taxing mornings and relatively non-rainy tours, we welcomed the afternoon rain, giving us permission to catch up on some rest. Alternatively, if you truly desire to travel to CR during the drier season, then late December through March is your best bet. Expect to pay more during this season.

SAFTEY AND MEDICAL ISSUES: As mentioned before, if you desire to partake in hiking, water sports, waterfalls tours and similar activities, you need to be in decent if not relatively good cardiovascular and musculoskeletal condition. Our Fitbits usually read 11,000-15,000 steps by the end of each day. Good condition and slip-resistant shoes are a must. Waterproof clothing is highly recommended. Regarding food and water safety, gastrointestinal issues are always a concern, but at most higher-end restaurants and properties, the water is filtered and food is quite sanitary. I always recommend traveling with a medical bag of OTC meds including pain-relievers, cough and cold meds, motion sickness meds, Pepto-Bismol, an acid blocker, eye drops, antibiotic ointment and minor bandages. In addition, it’s not a bad idea to a have a broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribed by a physician to treat Strept. throat, ear, skin and urinary tract infections. Finally, keep a nice supply of hand sanitizer in your pocket, as you will touch many surfaces contacted by many others and may want to grab a bite to eat spontaneously when not near soap and water. Insect repellent is a must, but anti-malarial medications are not needed in most areas.

In conclusion, Costa Rica is a can’t-miss destination for those who love animals, love the outdoors, appreciate beautiful scenery and desire to experience a new culture without draining the bank account or begging for major jet lag. I wholeheartedly welcome friends and patients to knock on my door if you desire more information on a trip to this fascinating country.

The Guide to Regenerative Injections

Dr. Holmes’ Guide to Regenerative Injections

Regenerative injections are those specifically utilized to promote healing of damaged tissue, reduce or eliminate unhealthy inflammation and slow or halt the progression of soft tissue and joint deterioration. We now use them regularly for tendon problems including tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, the rotator cuff, the high hamstring, patellar and Achilles tendons. We also have seen great success in treating osteoarthritis of the knees, shoulders, hips, thumb and great toe joints. Plantar fasciitis, ligament and muscle tears are great candidates for regenerative injections as well. 

·      Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

o   Blood obtained from an arm vein is centrifuged for 15-20 minutes, isolating the platelet-rich plasma

o   Platelets are very rich in our natural growth factors (healing agents), and are concentrated 6-10 times their natural concentration

o   Under ultrasound-guidance, the PRP is injected into the damaged tendon, ligament, fascia, joint or muscle

o   Great option for tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, small rotator cuff tears, small patellar tendon tears, high hamstring tendon tears, Achilles tendon tears, plantar fasciitis, etc.

o   Widely-used also for osteoarthritis of numerous joints

o   PROS: very natural and safe (your blood); used in orthopedics for ~10 years, Dr. Holmes has used for 7 years; numerous medical studies confirm significant benefit; 2-3 areas can be injected at one time; long-term benefit for most patients

o   CONS: these work gradually, over weeks to months; increased pain after the procedure for 2 days to 2 weeks; immobilization required with a splint or boot for some injections

o   UNKNOWNS: length of benefit (can be months to years); number and frequency of required injections. 1-2 injections initially for most soft tissue problems; 2-3 initially for arthritis/joint problems

·      Amniotic Membrane Allograft Injections (brand- AmnioFix)

o   Utilize one of the placental membranes (these cover the fetus during pregnancy) to form a product containing numerous types of growth factors

o   Intended to reduce inflammation, reduce scar tissue formation and enhance healing

o   The membrane undergoes a rigorous purification and sterilization process, and is stored as a dehydrated powder; sterile saline is added to become an injectable solution

o   Great option for plantar fasciitis (#1 use), tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, small rotator cuff tears, small patellar tendon tears, high hamstring tendon tears and small Achilles tendon partial tears

o   PROS: very safe, with no significant reportable adverse effects; Dr. Holmes has used for 5 years; no rejection, despite not being one’s own tissue; no blood draw required; typically less post-procedure pain than PRP

o   CONS: probably not as effective for joint pain/arthritis; otherwise, same cons as PRP

·      Amniotic Fluid Injections (brand- Catalyst PDA-HAF)

o   Very similar to amniotic membrane injections, but often stored in a frozen form and thawed immediately before injection

o   Contain over 200 different growth factors

o   Great option for soft tissue as well as joint problems such as osteoarthritis

o   PROS: theoretically, a more powerful amniotic product than a dehydrated membrane

o   CONS: more expensive than the dehydrated membrane product

·      Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Injections

o   A natural substance found in our bloodstream

o   Blood drawn from the patient, centrifuged, manually separated and then placed in a separation pump to further isolate and concentrate the A2M

o   45-minute procedure done in one office visit

o   Functions as a “protease inhibitor,” binding the inflammatory proteins that cause the degradation of cartilage in the joint

o   Utilized to reduce pain, inflammation, halt the progression of osteoarthritis and provide “longevity” to the joint

o   PROS: very safe and natural substance; presumed long-term benefit, less post-procedure discomfort than other injections; two to three injection sites can often be chosen with one procedure

o   CONS: newest type of regenerative injection; very few medical studies proving effectiveness thus far, but studies are underway; frequency of injections not known at this point (likely every 6-24 months)

With any of these injections, all forms of ORAL and TOPICAL anti-inflammatories must be stopped for 1 week before and 2 weeks after, as to not interrupt the initial healing cascade initiated by the injections. This includes:

·      Advil/Motrin/ibuprofen

·      Aleve/naproxen

·      Aspirin- any doses above 81 mg

·      Mobic/meloxicam, Celebrex/celecoxib, Voltaren/diclofenac

·      Fish oils/Omega-3 fatty acids

·      Turmeric

·      Oral green tea

·      Glucosamine/chondroitin

·      Arnica

COST: Regenerative injections are rarely ever covered by insurance. Although we closely monitor their coverage status, in the current climate of healthcare and insurance companies reducing their coverage of even typical treatment measures, we do not expect these injections to be covered in the near future.

With rising deductibles, many patients pay out-of-pocket for traditional treatment measures as well. Thus, a regenerative injection may ultimately be a similar out-of-pocket cost to traditional treatments but more clinically effective and cost-effective over the long-term.

A patient should view these injections as an investment into the long-term health of their tendons, fascia, ligaments and joints.

We are here to serve you! 

F. Clarke Holmes, M.D. 

THE ANATOMY OF A LEADER: MY VIEW AS A SIDELINE PHYSICIAN, COACH & PARENT

Over the past 20 years, I’ve served as a coach for youth sports, a team physician working the sidelines & courtside and as a parent of two young athletes. It has been enlightening to observe those athletes who are particularly skilled in their leadership capabilities. I’ve learned that being a leader can take on many forms. There is not a “cookbook” formula, but it is obvious that every type of team needs leaders to succeed. Here are some of the various types of leaders and their attributes.

• The Encourager - this leader can do so from the field/court or the bench. He (spoken generically, “she” can apply in all situations as well) may be a starter or rarely see playing time. Either way, he’s the one leading the cheers, picking up his teammates when they are down on the ground, congratulating one after a big play or consoling a teammate after a mistake. This type of leader is often an extrovert and tends to be less focused on his own performance.
• The Leader by Example - this person is often on the quiet side. He doesn’t lead by cheers or many words, but is frequently a workhorse. She is obedient and respectful with her coaches and rarely steps out of line. A coach often asks her to demonstrate various drills during practice. Other players begin to emulate this athlete, and the domino effect has a very positive effect on the team.
• The Star - this leader is a “gamer.” He wants the ball when the game is on the line. “Ice water in his veins” is a phrase often assigned to this athlete. She inspires her teammates as she does not hesitate to make a big play during a key portion of the game. Even though a excellent player, to effectively be a leader, the “star” must still remain humble and do things on the game or practice field to make his teammates better.

Every team needs leaders. A championship often team has all three types described above. Even if not a winning team, it’s still important to have various type of leaders emerge on each team. These leadership skills often spill into other types of endeavors, perhaps in the academic or business arena. During the formative years, these leadership skills may help your child resist some negative forms of peer pressure.

As a parent or coach, realize that leaders may be born, or they may be made. If you exhibit leadership in your own arena, your children will take notice. Recognize the personality of your child or player and tap into his skill set to develop their particular leadership style. Also, realize that a child or young athlete may be a leader in one field and a follower in another. That is not a weakness, but just a reality. If an athlete gives his best effort in all that he does, then one or more of these leadership styles will often develop as positive bi-product.

Get busy leading!

F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.

Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics 

Should My Son Play Tackle Football?

"Should my son play tackle football" is a question I receive on a very frequent basis. Parents are more concerned than ever about the risks that come with playing this collision sport. The first question I ask the parent in return is "Does your son really want to play tackle football?" Football is a rigorous, gladiator-style sport. It often pushes boys towards their limits with regards to commitment, fear, body contact and fitness level. These "pushes" can be a positive thing for your son, but if he is not enthusiastic about playing this sport, then your question has been answered. I strongly discourage participation in football if your son doesn't want to be on that field. 

Here are the reasons your son SHOULD play football:

• He becomes part of a team, something bigger than himself. Bonding is often very high among football teammates, as they adopt an "in the trenches together" mentality
• Courage, dedication, loyalty, sportsmanship and confidence are valuable character traits that often develop with a successful football experience
• Improved fitness levels- football is a sport requiring endurance, speed, quickness and power, with some positions emphasizing more of these traits than others
• Mentoring- many football coaches become like father-figures to young men, teaching them important life lessons while teaching them football as well

Here are the reasons your son should NOT play football:

• First and foremost, he doesn't want to play
• The risk of injury. Here are some important injury-risk considerations:

1. Size and strength deficits- if your son is physically less developed than many other peers competing in football, then his risk is increased. If the team or league is allowing 140 lb. boys block and tackle 225 lb. boys and vice-versa, then the smaller boy's risk is much greater. In the youth leagues, rules are often in place to reduce this effect. In the high school environment, it is up to the coaches to ensure the safety of the smaller athletes.
2. Concussions- we could create an entire blog on this subject, but in a nutshell, concussions are common at all levels of football. Contrary to most conditions in medicine, concussion symptoms in younger football players often last longer than those more mature. New evidence is suggesting that the earlier the age one starts having concussions, the greater the risk of long-term problems such as memory deficits and depression, just to name a few. Also, the multiple concussions likely create a cumulative effect, meaning several concussions in a relatively short period of time create more long-term damage than one concussion or a few concussions separated by many years. Simply put, someone playing tackle football for 10 years is much more likely to have more concussions, whether diagnosed or not, than one playing for only 3 years. Improved equipment such as helmets and better tackling techniques may reduce the severity and risk of concussions, but no equipment or rule adjustment can significantly reduce or eliminate concussions. 
3. Orthopedic Injuries- minor contusions and sprains are part of the game for nearly every player and heal without consequence. However, some fractures and ligament sprains, although appropriately treated, leave football players with long-term pain and dysfunction. For example, despite a successful ACL-reconstruction surgery after an ACL tear, 50% of athletes have knee arthritis within 12 years of the injury. In addition, repetitive microinjury to the back likely leads to an increased risk of disc problems in the cervical and lumbar spine. 

When weighing the risk of injury as it relates to football participation, consider not only the immediate impact of injury, but also the long-term implications of concussions and orthopedic injuries.

If there is an opportunity to play flag football, then I encourage one to play this version for as long as possible. In my opinion, tackle football is a sport that be re-joined or joined for the first time at a later age, perhaps 9th or 10th grade without a major roadblock to success. Years of tackle football does not necessarily guarantee success at higher levels such as high school or college. In fact, beginning tackle football at a young age can lead to burnout or injuries that derail one's ability and desire to continuing playing into middle and high school. 

In conclusion, the decision of whether your son plays tackle football or not must be one thoughtfully considered by and discussed among the athlete and his family members. Risks and benefits for your child should be carefully weighed.

F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.

Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, PLLC