Should I see a doctor for a finger injury?

Posted April 25, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I hurt my finger playing basketball last week. The pain is manageable, but doesn’t seem to be lessening. Should I see a doctor?

DEAR READER: Catching a ball — a football, baseball or basketball — is a common way kids and young adults can injure a finger. Fortunately, most finger injuries are not serious or lasting. But sometimes a tendon (fibers that connect muscles to bones, and cause fingers to move) can be torn, or a joint can be dislocated, or one of the finger bones broken. So you’ve asked an important question.

How do I use a cane?

Posted February 28, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I recently had a right hip replacement. My doctor says I’m ready to use a cane. What’s the best way to use one?

DEAR READER: A cane will get you on your feet and allow you to be more active. It will also help you strengthen your body and give you some independence while your hip heals.

How can I prevent neck strain while sleeping?

Posted February 06, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: Most nights I fall asleep feeling fine. But I wake up in the morning with a literal pain in my neck. What can I do?

DEAR READER: Without even realizing it, you may be putting stress and strain on your neck muscles at night. But there are steps you can take to prevent neck pain, even as you sleep.

How can I prevent sports injuries?

Posted February 02, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: My teenage son plays several school sports. He loves them, but I’m concerned about sports injuries.

DEAR READER: Playing sports is a great way for your teen to get regular exercise, meet other teens and learn teamwork. Of course, kids can get injured while playing sports. Fortunately, the risk of serious injury is low. Still, there’s a risk.

What is tennis elbow?

Posted February 01, 2012

DEAR DOCTOR K: I’m an avid tennis player. Unfortunately I’ve developed tennis elbow. What can I do to treat this problem? And how can I make sure it won’t return?

DEAR READER: “Tennis elbow” is one of the many minor maladies of man that have not been studied as seriously as they should be.

So what is tennis elbow? Let’s start with a little anatomy. Hold your right arm out in front of you, with the palm up. Now with your left hand, grab underneath your right elbow. The fingers of your left hand should feel a hard, bony, round bump on the outer part of your right elbow. That’s where the pain is, right?

Injuries