Derek West, D.O.

Interventional pain management is an effective treatment approach for patients suffering from chronic migraines. Migraines are a type of headache that can be severely debilitating, often causing significant pain and disruption to daily life.

Interventional pain management approaches seek to target the root cause of migraines and alleviate the pain and symptoms associated with them. For example, nerve blocks may be used to reduce inflammation and ease the pain caused by irritated nerves. Trigger point injections are another type of interventional pain management technique that can be used to ease muscle tension in the neck and head, which is a common trigger for migraines.

In addition to these procedures, other interventional pain management approaches may be used to address the underlying causes of migraines, such as lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, and stress-reduction techniques. Overall, interventional pain management offers an effective way to manage chronic migraines, allowing patients to experience less pain and improved quality of life. Let's talk today!!

If you’ve lived with orthopedic pain, we know that you’re a survivor. Orthopedic pain often encompasses everything you do- all day (and night) long.

If you’re still living with pain, it’s time to take the first step and give us a call 405/632-4468.

Pain isn't something you have to live with everyday. New procedures - both nonsurgical and surgical - can change your life. Let's talk today about the best way to get you back to living a full life. Call 405/632-4468

Have a safe Independence Day with friends and family!

It's a pleasure to introduce Ryan Vincent as part of the team at SOS. He brings new interventional procedures that will help many patients overcome spine, joint, migraine and other pain. If you're suffering from chronic pain, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr Vincent.

His schedule will fill up fast, so call today (405)619-4470.

Wishing the happiest of holidays to you and your family!

Hope you have a wonderful day with family and friends!

Bring the kiddos and help us celebrate our first annual
TRUNK OR TREAT!
8100 S Walker parking lot on Saturday 2-4p
See you there!

Pain from a new or old sports-related injury or condition can dramatically impact your daily life and may require the specialized care from a sports medicine physician. As a specialized area of medical care, the practice of sports medicine focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related ailments in athletes and active individuals.

Our providers at Southwest Orthopaedic Specialists have the experience in the injuries and conditions that can occur when living an active lifestyle. Call us today and get back into your best game! 405/632-4468

Remember. Never forget. #911

Enjoy your day with family and friends!

Derek West, D.O. says “the elbow is a funny joint. It is home to your funny bone—your ulnar nerve—which hurts if it's hit a certain way. And the elbow is often overlooked as an important joint to help us maintain our independence. Many older adults may not think much about the elbow, because it's not a weight-bearing joint and because it doesn't often develop arthritis or require joint replacement in the older adult population. Elbow pain can keep you from getting dressed, cooking dinner, and anything else that requires the use of your arm. Taking care of this joint helps ensure that you can care for yourself.”

The elbow is made up of bones, muscles, ligaments (which connect bones), and tendons (which connect muscles to bone). The most common cause of elbow pain is inflammation of one or both of the elbow's two tendons. This is called tendinitis, and it is often the result of overuse. Repetitive movements from everyday work, household chores, golf, or tennis can affect the muscles above and below the elbow and cause tendinitis. Tendinitis pain travels from the elbow to the upper arm or to the lower arm.

Other causes of elbow pain are fractures from falling onto an outstretched arm; arthritis; sprains, which stretch or tear elbow ligaments; and bursitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled joint cushions called bursae.

Always have your lingering elbow pain evaluated. Call us today for an exam! ☎️ 405/632-4468

Happy Independence Day!

Due to inclement weather and to ensure everyone has time to arrive safely, Southwest Orthopaedic Specialists will open at 09:00am on Thursday, February 2022.

Read more about when ankle pain could mean "Arthritis".
https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/where-it-hurts/when-ankle-pain-may-mean-arthritis

When Ankle Pain May Mean Arthritis From joint inflammation to stiffness and swelling, these ankle problems may mean you have arthritis. Learn about the diseases that can affect the ankles.

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the breakdown of cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones where they meet to form joints. Without the protective layer, the bones to rub together, causing stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement in the joint. The knee is one of the joints most commonly affected by OA. In knee OA, you may feel a grating sensation when using the joint or a popping or crackling noise.

Osteoarthritis, sometimes called "wear-and-tear arthritis," is a common condition that many people develop as they age. It can occur in any joint in the body, but most often develops in weight-bearing joints, such as the hip.

Osteoarthritis of the hip causes pain and stiffness. It can make it hard to do everyday activities like bending over to tie a shoe, rising from a chair, or taking a short walk.
Because osteoarthritis gradually worsens over time, the sooner you start treatment, the more likely it is that you can lessen its impact on your life. Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many treatment options to help you manage pain and stay active.

What is a PRP injection?
“Platelet-rich plasma” (“PRP”) is a term used to describe the blood products with an increased concentration of platelets. “Platelets” contain growth factors. Injecting PRP into injured or non-healing tissue is believed to possibly enhance or speed up healing. PRP injections can be used to treat torn tendons, tendinitis, muscle injuries, arthritis-related pain, and joint injuries as well as ongoing pain and dysfunction related to tendon conditions or injuries.

Ask Dr. West about PRP injections and if they are the right treatment for your condition.

Learn more exercises that are easier on your joints.
https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ss/slideshow-ra-exercises

Joint-Friendly Fitness Routines for RA Regular exercise boosts fitness and helps reverse joint stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). WebMD demonstrates helpful exercises to get you started.

Problems within the hip joint itself tend to result in pain on the inside of your hip or your groin. Hip pain on the outside of your hip, upper thigh or outer buttock is usually caused by problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that surround your hip joint. If you’re suffering from hip pain, consider scheduling a consultation with a SOS orthopedic specialist.

1. What are the most common causes of hip pain?
There are multiple causes that can lead to hip joint pain. The most frequent cause of pain is osteoarthritis, which means that the cartilage (coating for the bone) is wearing off and there is inflammation in the joint. Labral tears or cartilage damage can also be a significant source for pain within the joint. These conditions usually cause groin pain. Tendonitis (inflammation of different tendons such as the gluteus medius, minimus, hamstring or psoas), bursitis (inflammation of the bag of fluid on the outside of the hip), muscle strains, and nerve problems can cause hip pain.

2. What are the symptoms associated with hip pain?
Symptoms commonly associated with hip pain that may indicate damage to the cartilage or labrum include:
• Intermittent deep groin pain
• Pain at the outside of the joint
• Sharp stabbing pain when twisting
• A dull ache from prolonged sitting
• A clicking or locking sound
• Instability and decreased motion
• Stiffness and limping

3. Why do I have hip pain at night?
There are many causes that can contribute to hip pain at night. Arthritis is a common contributor to night pain as well as tendonitis, or inflammation of your tendons. If you experience pain when you are laying on one side, this may be due to inflammation of the bursa, or the small fluid-filled sacs that help cushion the hip joint (bursitis).

4. What is a labral tear?
The hip is a ball and socket joint. The socket is the part of the hip bone called the acetabulum, and the head of the femur is the ball. Articular cartilage covers both the ball and the socket and functions to reduce friction for smooth joint movement. The labrum is ring of very strong fibrocartilage (like a rubber band) that lines the outer edge of the socket and deepens the hip socket. Most labral tears are due to FAI (femoroacetabular impingement), and the symptoms usually overlap. A labral tear does not usually heal on its own because it has a limited blood supply. Some people live active lives and never have problems even with a labral tear that did not heal.

5. What is hip strain?
Hip strains occur when one of the muscles supporting your hip joint is overstretched. Strains may be mild, moderate, or severe depending on the level of injury. Hip strains can occur doing everyday tasks, but most often occur during sport activities. Factors such as muscle tightness and failing to warm up properly before exercise can put you at risk for a hip strain. Symptoms of hip muscle strain include limited range of motion, muscle weakness, and increased pain when you use the affected muscle.

6. What is piriformis syndrome?
Piriformis syndrome is a condition where the piriformis muscle spasms and causes pain in the buttock. The piriformis muscle is a small muscle located deep in the buttock, assisting in rotating the hip and turning the leg and foot outward. This condition is due to nerve compression at the hip and can cause pain down the back of the thigh or with walking up stairs. Treatment of piriformis syndrome includes rest, anti-inflammatories, and physical therapy to help stretch the piriformis muscle. Steroid injections directed near the piriformis muscle can also be used as a nonoperative treatment option. Very rarely is surgery indicated for piriformis syndrome.

7. What is Iliotibial band syndrome?
Iliotibial band syndrome, or “ITB syndrome,” is one of the most common cause of lateral knee pain particularly in runners. The ITB is a strong, thick band of tissue that runs down the outside of your thigh from your hip bone to below your knee. The exact cause of ITB syndrome is not clear, however it is thought that the pain may be caused by the friction of the ITB moving over the lower edge of the thighbone, causing inflammation. The pain experienced with ITB syndrome is often an aching, burning pain that can spread up to your hip.We’ll do a complete physical exam to diagnose ITB syndrome and rule out other causes of pain. Common treatments used for ITB syndrome include limiting activity level, icing the knee, taking anti-inflammatory meds, and performing special exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the hip and knee.

8. When should I see a doctor about my hip pain?
Tears of the hip tendons typically cause significant pain, but they aren’t the only cause of hip pain. Hip pain – even relatively minor discomfort – can be a sign of a serious underlying problem. Having pain evaluated and treated as soon as possible is important for relieving your symptoms, and it’s also important for ensuring you’ll enjoy a speedy return to the activities you love.

9. What can I do at home to reduce my hip pain?
There are a variety of techniques you can use to reduce hip pain in the comfort of your own home. It is important to avoid the activities that cause you hip pain. Applying an ice pack to the area where you feel pain can help reduce inflammation and improve your hip pain. Compression wraps and Ace bandages are additional treatment options that can be applied at home. Additionally, elevating the hip can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. A warm bath or shower may also help reduce your pain and prepare your muscles for stretching.

10. What are the treatments for hip pain?
By the time symptoms develop there is usually some damage to the hip cartilage (labrum) and with repeated use, the damage will progress. The reason athletes are often diagnosed with FAI is because they overuse the joint in extreme ranges of motion which can cause damage to the labrum and causing pain. In mild to moderate cases, symptoms can improve with nonsurgical treatment. This involves a change in activities to avoid movements that cause pain, including taking time off from athletics, using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and physical therapy. Symptoms should resolve within several weeks. Corticosteroid injections can also help relieve pain.

When nonsurgical treatments do not relieve pain and imaging reveals severe tears or detachment of the labrum, or damage to the articular cartilage, surgery will be recommended. Surgery can be performed in a minimally invasive procedure called hip arthroscopy, which is usually an outpatient procedure. However, in some cases open surgery may be required. Hip surgery is customized for each patient because each patient’s anatomy and condition are different.

The one thing that you should not do is let your hip pain go on for weeks or months. Resolving hip pain does it always lead to surgery. It’s time for us to talk. Call 405/632-4468

Healthy Exercises if you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322917 -for-ra-pain

9 best exercises for rheumatoid arthritis pain: Tips and what to avoid People with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can benefit from a daily exercise routine. Learn about exercise tips, which exercises to avoid, and more.

As your arthritis progresses and becomes more severe, medications, rest, and physical therapy may fail to relieve your symptoms. Your pain and immobility may cause you to limit your activities and lifestyle. Replacement surgery is recommended when non-surgical treatments do not provide relief of your symptoms.

If you need joint replacement surgery, you can trust Dr. West to help minimize your pain and restore your function.
With advanced skills and training, he can replace or reconstruct all or part of a joint, depending on the severity of your condition. After a thorough physical examination and imaging studies, Dr. West will determine which joint replacement procedure is right for you.

Dr. West is an acknowledged leader in all areas of orthopedic care, including advanced reconstructive procedures and total joint replacement of the hip, knee, and shoulder. If you suffer from debilitating osteoarthritis that is interfering with your quality of life, joint replacement can relieve your pain, restore function, and get you back to doing the things you love.

Dr. West helps diagnose and treat a wide variety of disorders affecting bones, cartilage, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The most common injuries and conditions he treats include all types of fractures; sprains and strains; arthritis; tendinitis and bursitis; and ligament, tendon, and cartilage tears. Dr. West will provide you with a detailed diagnosis, a clear explanation of your injury or condition, and your treatment options.

If your arthritis doesn’t respond to nonoperative treatments, there are several surgical options Dr. West may recommend:

Arthroscopic surgery enables your orthopedic surgeon to remove any debris or repair torn cartilage inside the joint that might be exacerbating your condition.
If an impact injury changes the alignment of your knee, this can cause the cartilage to wear away faster. Your surgeon can perform an osteotomy to improve the alignment of the knee joint.
A total or partial knee arthroplasty replaces the damaged part(s) of your knee joint with a metal and plastic implant to relieve pain and restore function.
If you are suffering from knee arthritis, Dr. West can help. Request your appointment with Dr. West online at: https://www.southwestortho.com/online.html

Knee Arthritis Treatment Options
Nonsurgical measures are used to treat knee arthritis in its early stages. Your doctor might recommend over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications as well as bone health supplements.

Other options include steroid injections to reduce the inflammation or viscosupplementation, a series of hyaluronic acid injections to restore the cushioning and lubricating properties of normal joint fluid.

Lifestyle modifications may also be recommended such as losing weight, switching from high-impact to low-impact activities, and strengthening and stretching exercises, can help reduce the stress on your knee joint.

As a weight-bearing joint, the knee is highly susceptible to arthritis. The most common type that affects the knee is osteoarthritis, a progressive, degenerative disease in which joint cartilage gradually wears away. It typically affects middle-aged and elderly people.

While the pain of arthritis usually develops gradually, it can also come on suddenly. Your joint may become stiff and swollen, making it difficult to bend or straighten your knee. The pain and swelling tends to be worse in the morning or after a lengthy period of inactivity.

Arthritic pain may also increase after activities such as walking, kneeling, or climbing stairs, often causing a feeling of weakness in the knee that results in the knee locking up or buckling. Many people also report that changes in the weather increase their pain.

Cheers to Derek West, D.O. And his team for all the hard work they do for their patients. Reviews like this help us know we are on the right track.

If you have an orthopedic concern, call us for an exam. We’re here when you need us most! ☎️ (405) 632-4468

Thank you to our Veterans for their loyalty and service.

Why Walking Is Good Exercise for Your Joints:

Low-impact exercise increases blood flow to cartilage, which helps cartilage get the nutrients it needs to cushion and protect the ends of bones in your joints. Plus, any movement helps lubricate your joints, which decreases pain and stiffness.

Fall Prevention Inside and Out:

Avoiding Hazards in the Home
• Make sure every room is well lit.
• Floors should be free of obstacles and have even, non-slip surfaces.
• Remove small carpets and electrical cords from the floor.
• Staircases should be well lit, in good repair, have a rail and be free of clutter.
• Put frequently used items on shelves that can be reached easily without using a step stool.
• Keep a telephone and any walking aids within easy reach.
• Bathtubs or shower stalls should have non-slip mats and grab bars. Use a bath bench if
you have difficulty climbing in or out of the bathtub.
• Install a toilet that has a higher seat and safety rails.

Avoiding Hazards Outside the Home
• Keep steps in good repair and install handrails.
• Keep sidewalks clear and in good repair.
• Keep the yard even and free of hoses, gardening materials and sporting equipment.
• Organize garages and tool sheds to be easily accessible and clear of obstacles or debris.
• Keep ice and snow clearing equipment on hand, but don’t go out on the ice unless
absolutely necessary. Wear appropriate footgear and carry a cell phone when walking in
inclement weather.
• When shopping, attending church, or visiting other homes, use the same safety habits you
use at home: wear appropriate shoes, hold onto rails, use caution while walking and
climbing stairs and avoid icy or slippery surfaces

Preventing Falls and Injuries for Older Adults

Stay active by walking and exercising as appropriate; avoid obesity.
• To improve balance, get your ears and eyes checked regularly, do physical therapy to
improve balance while standing or walking, use a cane or walker and monitor your blood
pressure.
• Take your time while doing tasks (e.g., use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying
position, get your balance before walking).
• Have your eyes examined each year and replace glasses as needed.
• Talk to your doctor/pharmacist about medications that may cause dizziness, nausea, or
tiredness.
• Avoid alcohol and drug use.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!

Joints refer to the places where two or more bones meet. The knee, for example, is the largest joint in the body and one of the easiest to injure, making it the most often treated joint by orthopedic surgeons.
Partial and total joint reconstructive surgery procedures can relieve severe pain and loss of motion in joints that do not respond to more conservative treatment. Replacement surgeries are most usually performed on the hip, shoulder or knee.
Dr. West performs both partial and total joint replacement surgical procedures for patients from Oklahoma City and many surrounding areas.
Schedule your appointment of Dr. West online:
https://www.southwestortho.com/online.html