An Orange County, CA sports medicine physician will focus on helping an athlete improve performance or recover from an injury. From professional athletes to weekend warriors, participating in sports training and physical activities bring about aches and pains – major and minor in nature.

Sports Medicine in Orange County
When the pain increases or an injury has occurred, seeking an Orange County, CA sports medicine physician is the next step.

Focuses on the Athlete
A sports medicine physician focuses on the athlete’s unique needs. Beginning with an accurate diagnosis, the orthopedic specialist will work the athlete to achieve a fast and optimal recovery. Administering various components will help the specialist determine the right course of treatment based on the results.
•Reviewing the athlete’s complete medical history will help determine how the injury occurred
•Physical examination
•Medical testing including, x-rays, MRIs, and other imaging resources
Athletes are normally at the highest level of physical fitness. An injury may cause a disruption or change in the overall fitness level of the person. Depending on the degree of injury, returning to the sport may not be an option. An accurate diagnosis and course of the treatment plan are vital to achieving the best possible outcome.

Course of Action
The accurate diagnosis will determine the course of action in the treatment program. Under some circumstances, the injury may be due to improper training techniques, including over-training or insufficient warm-up practices. Conservative methods may be used to restore the athlete to a normal active lifestyle.
•Rest: An injury or weakened muscle may just need time to heal.
•Ice: Applying ice to the injured area may help reduce swelling and inflammation.
•Physical Therapy: Specific exercises or stretching techniques to strengthen the muscles around the injured area may be implemented.
•Bracing: The use of a brace or support aid may help in the healing process.
•Drugs: Prescription, over the counter medications, or injections may be administered to help reduce the pain and other symptoms.

Surgery
When an injury is too severe or other approaches do not yield the desired results, surgery may be the only option available. The surgical technique depends on the type and extensiveness of the injury. In most cases, the surgical technique is one of the two following procedures.
Arthroscopy: A less invasive surgical method performed by inserting instruments through small incisions ...

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An Orange County, CA sports medicine physician will focus on helping an athlete improve performance or recover from an injury. From professional athletes to weekend warriors, participating in sports training and physical activities bring about aches and pains – major and minor in nature.

Sports Medicine in Orange County

When the pain increases or an injury has occurred, seeking an Orange County, CA sports medicine physician is the next step.

Focuses on the Athlete

A sports medicine physician focuses on the athlete’s unique needs. Beginning with an accurate diagnosis, the orthopedic specialist will work the athlete to achieve a fast and optimal recovery. Administering various components will help the specialist determine the right course of treatment based on the results.

- Reviewing the athlete’s complete medical history will help determine how the injury occurred
- Physical examination
- Medical testing including, x-rays, MRIs, and other imaging resources

Athletes are normally at the highest level of physical fitness. An injury may cause a disruption or change in the overall fitness level of the person. Depending on the degree of injury, returning to the sport may not be an option. An accurate diagnosis and course of the treatment plan are vital to achieving the best possible outcome.

Course of Action

The accurate diagnosis will determine the course of action in the treatment program. Under some circumstances, the injury may be due to improper training techniques, including over-training or insufficient warm-up practices. Conservative methods may be used to restore the athlete to a normal active lifestyle.

- Rest: An injury or weakened muscle may just need time to heal.
- Ice: Applying ice to the injured area may help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Specific exercises or stretching techniques to strengthen the muscles around the injured area may be implemented.
- Bracing: The use of a brace or support aid may help in the healing process.
- Drugs: Prescription, over the counter medications, or injections may be administered to help reduce the pain and other symptoms.

Surgery

When an injury is too severe or other approaches do not yield the desired results, surgery may be the only option available. The surgical technique depends on the type and extensiveness of the injury. In most cases, the surgical technique is one of the two following procedur...

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The symptoms of arthritis can negatively affect daily living routines. Arthritis creates pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. When a person has arthritis in one or both knees, everyday activities become extremely difficult.

Knee Arthritis Treatment

Even though arthritis is incurable, finding options to manage the painful symptoms will aid in staying active. Various factors including the degree of degeneration will help determine the best type of knee arthritis treatment for each individual.

Medical Insurance

The costs of knee arthritis treatment will vary with each person’s particular insurance policy coverage. Calling the medical insurance provider’s customer service representative will help determine the amount of coverage a patient has for knee arthritis treatment. Each health insurance policy is different. Specific guidelines for knee arthritis treatment may need to be followed for the utmost medical insurance coverage compensation.

•Prior recommendation and referral from the family or primary physician
•The orthopedic specialists must be within the medical insurance care network
•Co-pays or deductibles may be part of the out of pocket costs as outlined in the insurance policy
•Non-surgical measures may first need to be implemented prior to surgery costs coverage

Non-Surgical Options

Under many insurance policies, surgical options are often viewed as the last resort in knee arthritis treatment. An accurate diagnosis is the first step in determining the type of individualized knee arthritis treatment.

Unless the degree of degeneration is too severe, a patient will typically begin treatment with non-surgical options to relieve the symptoms.

•Over the counter or prescription drugs to reduce inflammation and pain
•Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections
•Weight management to help reduce the pressure and stress on the knee joints
•Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee to help improve movement and flexibility
•Walking aids or a cane to help support stability during movement
•Knee brace to provide extra support

Surgical Options

If the non-surgical options do not yield the desired results, the next step in the knee arthritis treatment process is surgery. Knee joint replacement is one of the most effective methods used. The joint is removed and replaced with prosthesis. The costs vary with medical insurance guidelines and other contributing factors.

•Geographic location
•Length of hospital stay
•Type of ...

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People who lead active lifestyles understand knee pain will occur at some point. Participation in sports, training, or a fitness routine can create all types of problems for the knee.

Best Knee Specialist
From simple muscle strains to serious injuries, knee pain can abruptly halt one’s active lifestyle. Chronic pain may decrease participation in activities dramatically. Finding the best knee specialist in Tustin should be the next step.

Knee Injury Symptoms
Symptoms will vary with each person based on the degree of injury or the stage of the degenerative disease. The best knee specialist in Tustin – Dr. Howard Marans – will be able to determine if the symptoms are part of a larger problem.

•Pain is often the first indicator of an injury or disease
•The pain does not subside over time
•Simple knee movements may increase the amount of pain
•Swelling of the knee creating extra pressure and pain
•Difficulty standing or placing full weight on the knee
•Redness or tenderness to the touch around the knee area

After experiencing any knee injury symptoms, the decision to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist should be a priority. Early diagnosis and treatment will help in achieving the desired outcome allowing the person to resume normal activities.

Common Knee Problems
The best knee specialist in Tustin will start with a precise diagnosis to determine the reason for the pain. Medical history, physical examination, x-rays, MRIs, and other imaging devices are primarily used.

•Arthritis commonly effects the knees of elderly adults
•Arthritis is a degenerative disease causing stiffness, inflammation, and pain in the knee joint
•Dislocated knee cap
•Bursitis occurs from overuse or repetitive motion of the knee joint
•The bursa sac swells, creating pain in the knee
•Knee ligament injuries
•Knee cartilage tears

Each type of knee problem will require a specialized treatment approach based on the patient’s diagnosis.

Treatment
In many cases, the only treatment available is surgery to repair the damage or help eliminate the painful symptoms of a degenerative disease. Milder injuries may be treated with non-surgical methods to help engage in the body’s healing process.

•Resting and avoiding activities that require knee movement
•Elevation of the knee with a pillow during times of inactivity
•Cold compresses for approximately 20 minutes every 4 hours or as directed by a healthcare professional
•Anti-inflammatory medication to help fight pain an...

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People who lead active lifestyles understand knee pain will occur at some point. Participation in sports, training, or a fitness routine can create all types of problems for the knee.

Best Knee Specialist

From simple muscle strains to serious injuries, knee pain can abruptly halt one’s active lifestyle. Chronic pain may decrease participation in activities dramatically. Finding the best knee specialist in Tustin should be the next step.

Knee Injury Symptoms

Symptoms will vary with each person based on the degree of injury or the stage of the degenerative disease. The best knee specialist in Tustin – Dr. Howard Marans – will be able to determine if the symptoms are part of a larger problem.

• Pain is often the first indicator of an injury or disease

• The pain does not subside over time


• Simple knee movements may increase the amount of pain

• Swelling of the knee creating extra pressure and pain

• Difficulty standing or placing full weight on the knee

• Redness or tenderness to the touch around the knee area

After experiencing any knee injury symptoms, the decision to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist should be a priority. Early diagnosis and treatment will help in achieving the desired outcome allowing the person to resume normal activities.

Common Knee Problems

The best knee specialist in Tustin will start with a precise diagnosis to determine the reason for the pain. Medical history, physical examination, x-rays, MRIs, and other imaging devices are primarily used.

• Arthritis commonly effects the knees of elderly adults

• Arthritis is a degenerative disease causing stiffness, inflammation, and pain in the knee joint

• Dislocated knee cap

• Bursitis occurs from overuse or repetitive motion of the knee joint

• The bursa sac swells, creating pain in the knee

• Knee ligament injuries

• Knee cartilage tears

Each type of knee problem will require a specialized treatment approach based on the patient’s diagnosis.

Treatment

In many cases, the only treatment available is surgery to repair the damage or help eliminate the painful symptoms of a degenerative disease. Milder injuries may be treated with non-surgical methods to help engage in the body’s healing process.

• Resting and avoiding activities that require knee movement

• Elevation of the knee with a pillow during times of inactivity

• Cold compresses for approximately 20 minutes every 4 hours or as directed by a healthcare professional

• Anti-inflammatory medication to help fight pain and reduce swelling

• Physical Therapy to allow the muscle to be strengthened to add to the flexibility of the knee

• Steroid injections to help reduce painful symptoms including swelling

Best Knee Specialist in Tustin

Each treatment option will depend on the findings of the initial ...

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As soon as you enter the office of Dr. Howard Marans, you’re going to feel a transforming and healing presence. His absolute care for his patients for 29 years makes him one of the most recommended physicians by his peers in Southern California.

Howard is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in 1993 and recertified in 2003. He’s also certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 1989.

He completed his pre-med and master’s degree at the University of Toronto. He finished his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of Toronto under the Gallie Surgical Program in 1989.

Dr. Howard Marans completed his orthopedic fellowship in knee and shoulder at Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre in Toronto in 1990 and after a year, he completed once again his fellowship in knee and shoulder at SPORTSMED•SA, and at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

He also gained some achievements in his career such as a J.C. Kennedy Award for Excellency in Sports Medicine, and Excellence in Research Award (Sports Sciences) American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Howard is affiliated with 6 hospitals, namely Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, West Anaheim Medical Center, Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center, Fountain Valley Regional Hospital & Medical Center, Anaheim Memorial Medical Center, and College Medical Center.

For 19 years, Howard delivered volunteer medical assistance and coverage to many colleges and high schools. He is currently the team physician for Orange Lutheran High School and Tustin High School. He previously took care of Northwood High School (Irvine, California) and Concordia University. He was also an officer for the Special Olympics. He continues to provide medical coverage at several local, national, and international cycling events.

His team has a passion for putting patients first. They consist of professional and efficient individuals who are always ready to give their utmost care for their patients. In particular, they provide prompt care using established orthopedic treatments and advanced surgical and arthroscopic procedures.

Because of the wonders of modern technology, many born deformities can now be corrected. Deformed facial bones can be replaced or reshaped. On the other hand, Dr. Howard Marans can provide a normal-appearing prosthesis to those who became victims of a grave disease such as cancer which causes them to lose a limb.

Prosthetics is the design, fabrication, and fitting of custom-built artificial limbs or other ass...

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The feet and ankles are responsible for bearing the weight of the entire body and supporting the body in walking, standing, running, jumping, and more. As a result of falls, trauma, overuse, or wear and tear, a number of foot and ankle injuries can develop. Dr. Marans treats foot and ankle injuries with non-surgical methods and with surgery as necessary.

Common Injuries

Symptoms such as foot or ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the foot or ankle should always be evaluated by a physician. Some potential causes of symptoms include:

• Achilles tendon tear – The Achilles tendon attaches the heel to the calf muscles. The Achilles tendon can tear as a result of sports, overuse, or wearing high heels. Tears may be partial or complete.

• Achilles tendonitis – In Achilles tendonitis, the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed but does not tear.

• Bunions – Bunions are bumps at the base of the big toe that develop when the big toe points toward the next toe. Bunions develop progressively over many years.

• Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is the degeneration of one or more of the joints in the foot or ankle. In this condition, the cartilage, and sometimes the bone, breaks down, resulting in inflammation.

• Plantar fasciitis – The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes and forms the foot’s arch. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed. It’s common among joggers and people with flat feet.

• Fractured ankle – The ankle is made up of the tibia, fibula, and talus. The tibia is the shinbone, the fibula is a smaller bone in the calf, and the talus is a small bone that lies between the heel bone and the tibia and fibula. Any or all of these bones can be fractured. Fractured ankles vary in severity.

• Fractured calcaneus – A heel bone fracture usually occurs as a result of trauma, such as falling from a height or being in a car accident. A fractured calcaneus is a serious injury that can cause significant disability.

• Fractured toe – One or more of the toes can sustain a fracture. Fractured toes are painful, but not usually serious.

• Sprained ankle – The ligaments that support the ankle become stretched or torn. This can occur as a result of twisting the ankle in a fall, or even just by stepping the wrong way.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Every situation is unique, but many foot and ankle injuries can be treated non-surgical. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can often alleviate issues like sprained ankles and Achilles tendonitis. Simple fractures can be treated with casting or splinting. Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of foot and a...

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Arm injuries are injuries that affect the forearm, arm, or elbow. The arm contains three bones (ulna, radius, and humerus), along with tendons, muscles, ligaments and bursa. If any of these structures is injured, pain and other symptoms can occur.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is common among tennis players, but also among other athletes who use the elbow frequently, like powerlifters and grapplers. The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis, and it occurs because overuse of the extensor muscles in the forearm. Tennis elbow usually develops slowly over time. Tennis elbow can usually be treated non-surgically.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow. They are both forms of tendinitis that usually occur as a result of overuse in sports players. However, golfer’s elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow.

Fractures

Bones can be fractured at many points in the arm. Severe fractures may require arm surgery to set the bone, while less severe fractures may need only casting and immobilization.

Some types of arm fractures include:

• Distal humerus fracture – Occurs where the arm bone, or humerus, meets the forearm bone, or ulna, in the elbow. Distal humerus fracture is a severe injury that could lead to arthritis as well as neuro-vascular problems.

• Olecranon fracture – The olecranon is the bony point of the elbow that you can easily feel when touching the elbow. A blow to the elbow or a fall can cause an olecranon fracture.

• Radial head fracture – The radius is the smaller bone in the arm. The radial head lies near the elbow, and can be fractured after trauma to the elbow or arm.

• Distal radial fracture – A fracture that occurs on the part of the radius that is closer to the wrist.

• Ulna shaft fracture – The shaft of the ulna can be fractured, most commonly by striking the forearm. Ulna shaft fractures are also referred to as “nightstick fracture.”

Bursitis

The bursa are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the elbow and facilitate movement. Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa. Hitting the elbow is the most common cause of elbow bursitis. Swelling and pain are the most common symptoms.

Most cases of elbow bursitis will resolve on their own with rest and ice. In rare cases, the doctor may need to drain the excess fluid from the swollen bursa.

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tear

The ulnar collateral ligament can stretch or tear due to overuse or trauma. UCL tears are especially common among pitchers. Minor tears may heal on their own within a few days, while moderate tears will often...

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Arthritis is a broad term that refers simply to inflammation of a joint, or a place at which two or more bones meet. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The majority of arthritis cases can be managed non-surgically, and most people with arthritis are able to live full lives not limited by their condition.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It refers to the degeneration of a joint, and occurs most commonly in older adults. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage at the end of the bones breaks down, causing friction that leads to inflammation. Joints may also lose some of the fluid that keeps them lubricated.

Post-Traumatic Arthritis

Post-traumatic arthritis is inflammation of a joint that occurs after an injury to the joint. Post-traumatic arthritis is very common among athletes, but it can also occur in people who have been in a car accident or sustained a fall.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive condition that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and joint deformity.

Rheumatoid arthritis is most common in the hands and feet and tends to affect the same joints on both sides of the body, one factor that distinguishes it from other forms of arthritis.. This condition is most common in women of childbearing age.

Other Forms of Arthritis

There are a variety of other forms of arthritis which are much more rare than the three described above. Examples include:

• Infectious arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Reactive arthritis

Non-Surgical Treatments

In most cases, osteoarthritis can be treated without resorting to surgery. It’s preferable to avoid surgery whenever possible, since surgery comes with its own set of risks and costs which should always be taken into account.

Some non-surgical treatments that Dr. Howard Marans uses for osteoarthritis include:

• Physical therapy – Physical therapy strengthens the muscles that support the joints and restores flexibility to stiff joints. Patients should keep doing the exercises they learn at physical therapy at home as often as recommended.

• Lifestyle changes – Remaining active, avoiding high-impact activities, and maintaining proper body alignment can all prevent flare-ups of symptoms.

• Weight loss – Excess weight places stress on the joints, which can exacerbate symptoms of osteoarthritis. For obese patients, losing as little as 10% of the body weight can produce...

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Internal fixation is a procedure in which a device is attached to a bone to stabilize it and help it heal. Internal fixation is highly effective at aligning bones and promoting healing. Pins, plates, screws, and rods can all be used to fixate a bone internally.

How it Works

During internal fixation, the patient is taken into the operating room and the area that will be operated on is sterilized. The doctor makes an incision above the bone. Once the bone is accessed, the first step is to place the bone in its natural position (open reduction). Then, the bone is stabilized and kept in that position through the use of special implants.

Implants that can be used in internal fixation include:

• Plates – Internal splints that are connected to the bone with screws. Plates are often left in place after healing is complete.

• Screws – Screws can be used along or in conjunction with other implants. Screws may either be left in place or removed after healing.

• Rods – Rods are inserted through the hollow center of a bone, typically a bone with marrow in the center, especially shinbone and thighbone fractures. Rods are secured with screws at the top and bottom, to prevent the bone from shortening or rotating. Rods may be left in or removed after healing.

• Pins – Used to treat bones that are to small for screws. Pins are usually removed after healing.

There is typically a hospital stay of 1-7 days after an internal fixation. This varies on the type of fracture and age/health of the patient.

When It’s Necessary

Simple fractures in which the bone is cracked but stays in place can often heal without surgery, simply by casting and immobilizing the bone. However, in cases where the bone is fractured in many places or where the pieces of the bone separate significantly, internal fixation may be required.

Fractures are usually immediately apparent after they occur, and internal fixation is usually performed on an emergency basis, as soon as medical imaging confirms that the nature of the fracture requires open reduction and internal fixation.

Prompt Treatment of Fractures is Essential

The importance of prompt treatment for fractures cannot be overstated. If a fracture is suspected, it is always best to seek medical treatment. Signs of fractures include severe pain, visible or palpable bumps on the bone, and an inability to move a joint.

Without prompt treatment, a number of significant complications can occur due to a fracture. Examples include:

• Compartment syndrome – A life-threatening and limb-threatening condition i...

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