Shoulder dislocation isn’t that uncommon. The shoulder is an amazing joint that must allow an incredible amount of motion but remain stable (in the socket) as the humeral head (ball) moves i the smaller glenoid (socket).

As the ski hills and outdoor ice rinks begin to open, we know we’re going to see an influx of upper extremity injuries. It happens every year, without fail, so this year we’re trying to be proactive; this year we’re sharing some tips on how to avoid the upper extremity injuries that are so common with winter sports and activities.

Shoulder joints are the most movable in your body, and are composed of just three bones: The humerus (upper arm bone), the scapula (shoulder blade) and the clavicle (collarbone) and four muscles.

Finger fractures, or phalanx fractures, happen quite frequently, because the digits are involved in nearly everything you do. A finger fracture can happen because of a fall, direct contact in sports, a slammed door or a power tool accident. If you have symptoms that include: deformity, swelling, tenderness, a shortened finger or inability to move your finger, you should come into the Idaho Hand Institute for a true diagnosis and treatment plan.

The school year has begun, bringing with it the excitement of another year of learning and the intensity and anticipation of athletic competition! Many young athletes have prepared for this year by honing their skills, training to defend their titles or seeking revenge for prior defeats.   Unfortunately, with such high level competition and preparation injuries often occur.  Even with protective gear and rule changes to protect the athletes, bones are broken, ligaments get torn and tendons and muscles become inflamed.

When to ice and when to heat…one of life’s little mysteries!  Not anymore!  We are going to set the record straight here and now.

If you have teenagers in the house, then you will know that just about anything can happen!  If you have teenagers involved in high school sports then this statement really holds a lot of truth.  Having active teens is awesome and keeps them out of mischief, teaches them to work hard, be a team player and learn about responsibility.  Once they find their passion, there is no stopping them.  This passion can also be their downfall too. It’s important for teen athletes to understand their bodies and know when to push and when to back off.   Here are 4 of the leading sport injuries among the high school crowd according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

I’m sure you have never thought about this before but wrist pain really can predict your future!  In fact, without even knowing you, I can predict your future if you have wrist pain.  Don’t believe me?  Check this out!

This is just between me and you…it’s a secret. Well, 5 secrets about recovering from football injuries. So, you’re the quarterback and bam…you take a tackle to the shoulder and you are out cold, maybe the rest of the season!  Bummer!  We know you’re tough and all and really want to get back in the game but that is the problem!  Human nature is to hurry through the injury, cut corners on therapy and head back on the field at the first sign of mending.  If you do that…you are setting yourself up for another injury, re-injury and that my friend…is going to hurt physically and mentally because it really could put you out of the entire season!

Football season is upon us!  So, here’s a little question for all you football fans out there.  Do you know the difference between a burner and a stinger?  Have you even ever heard of such a thing?

Hopefully, shoulder pain is something you have only read about and not experienced firsthand.  It can be a pain you can hardly chase down.  There are many different sources of shoulder pain and not always straight forward. So, consulting with your upper extremity specialists at Idaho Hand Institute can help you sort out the source of the discomfort.

Bone density seems to be that thing we only think about when we hit 50 and menopause and usually, it’s the doctor that has to breach the subject.  As women, we love to live in denial!

Contrary to popular belief, tennis elbow is not just for tennis players!  See, life is fairer than you thought.  Why should tennis players get all the fun?

We use our hands for everything! Some people can’t even speak without using their hands to fully express their thoughts and emotions. Here’s a snapshot of your fingers to illustrate the fine-tuned machines they are!

You don’t have to look far to see the incredible feats of human beings.  Craggy mountain peaks are challenged and defeated.  Open waters with miles between dry land beckons to a long distance swimmer.  It seems there is no end to what humans can accomplish.

Jersey finger: An injury to the tendons that prevents one from making a fist.

The second mishap of the fingers is Mallet finger: An injury that prevents the finger from straightening.

Let's get back to keeping our fingers happy...Trigger finger: When inflammation and swelling occurs in the tendons of the fingers from overuse and sometimes arthritis. If you think you have trigger finger, come in and let us take a look.

Well, from yesterday’s question, trigger, mallet and jersey all have to do with injuries of the fingers.