Senior Olympics in Missoula this week

The Montana Senior Olympic Summer Games are in Missoula this week, June 13-15,2019. It is a multi-sport competition devoted to adults aged 50+. Events are divided into age groups with five year intervals. The sports offered in Missoula, Montana this year are: archery, bowling, basketball, badminton, cycling, golf, horseshoes, racewalk, pickleball, road race, swimming, table tennis, tennis, and track & field. The headquarters is located at Fort Missoula Complex. Come on out and be inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of these senior athletes.

Stay active well into your senior years!

Physical activity and competition at all ages can enhance quality of life. Many of our patients consult with our surgeons because their goal is to continue to be active well into their senior years. We love to hear the many patient stories of how our orthopedic care has enabled our patients to get back to playing sports, and doing the activities they love.

If you are experiencing pain schedule an appointment.

Dr. Michael Wright cautions athletes of all ages to see an orthopedic physician if they are experiencing pain. Most times it is critical to be diagnosed and treated early. This is very true for groin and hip pain that is being caused by a stress fracture of the hip. In this image below, Dr. Wright shows a patient where the stress fracture is identified on this MRI imaging series of the hip.

What is a Stress Fracture:

A stress fracture is a break in the bone that occurs when minor injuries to the bone build up over time and the bone is unable to repair itself. In the above image, Dr. Wright is pointing to the fracture site located at the femoral neck, the connection between the femur (thigh bone) and the hip joint. During running and other impact activities like pickleball, tennis, volleyball, softball, the hip joint absorbs some of the greatest forces in the body. Repeated high-impact activities, overuse, and too much too soon, can result in a stress fracture of the hip. Sometimes, there is an underlying risk factor that can make the bone susceptible to a fracture. Risk factors can include poor nutrition, inadequate energy intake, certain medications, and poor lifestyle habits.

Symptoms and Treatment of a Stress Fracture:

Initial symptoms include pain in the groin or front of the hip that is usually activity related, and goes away with rest. As the condition worsens the pain can become constant. It is critical to diagnose and treat stress fractures quickly. If a stress fracture goes untreated and the person stays active the fracture can lead to a complete break. If identified early we may recommend non-weight bearing modifications and monitor how the injury responds. In severe cases where the fracture area is large and symptoms don’t respond to rest, Dr. Wright recommends surgery to stabilize the fracture and encourage healing.

If you wish to stay active but are experiencing pain there is usually a solution. Schedule your appointment today (406)721-4436 or request an appointment online.

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