Patient Education Articles

  • Here’s a scene that plays out every day, all over the world: Someone thinks they have a little back strain. Perhaps they lifted something wrong or moved the wrong way. It was just a twinge, so they waited it out a few days for the pain to go away…

  • The vertebrae in your lower back are larger than in any other part of your spine. Vertebrae are the series of bones that align to form your spine. The spinal section in your lower back is called the lumbar spine. The vertebrae are bigger in the…

  • Are you experiencing persistent tendon or plantar fascia discomfort?

    Tendonitis refers to a damaged tendon caused by repetitive use and overexertion while engaging in activities you enjoy or need to do. Repeated movements, regardless of how…

  • The neck is a very vulnerable part of the spine.  It is susceptible to injury.  Muscle, ligament, nerve, and spine injuries are common causes of neck pain.  Poor posture and “wear and tear” can also cause neck pain.  …

  • Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative arthritis, is a gradual breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is a tough, flexible connective tissue that protects the ends of bones in the joints. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder can severely…

  • What is plantar fasciitis?

    Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia originates at the base of the heel and extends distally towards the end of the plantar surface of the foot.

    What causes plantar fasciitis…
  • The OrthoArizona Foot and Ankle Institute has created some helpful resources for patients who are having or had surgery with one of OrthoArizona’s foot and ankle surgeons. We have these same documents available in our offices if you wish to have…

  • The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball of your upper arm bone fits into a socket in your shoulder blade. If the ball slips out, your shoulder has “dislocated.”

  • Skier’s Thumb is an injury that occurs when the ulnar collateral ligament of the metacarpal phalangeal joint of the thumb is injured. The ligament can be injured when the thumb is bent back away from the fingers (hyperextended). A sports injury,…

  • What is a stress fracture or insufficiency fracture?

    A stress or insufficiency fracture is a crack in a bone that occurs without a definite injury. It occurs as result of repetitive activity as opposed to a single traumatic event that causes a…