DocTalk

Thanks!

 

There are 12 coffee mugs on my mantle. One for each Boston that I've run. This week's column is written with a heavy heart, talking about community disaster preparedness. Boston gets a gold medal for its response to terror. I wish they never ha to compete.
http://mddirect.org/2013/04/15/planning-for-disaster/

 

Another week where the topic for discussion begins away from the field. From paramedics to ER docs, drunk drivers are those patients who engender the least empathy. Yovani Gallardo is the latest pro athlete to suffer from a major lapse in judgement; we won't count Al Michaels.

This week's article about drunk driving and sports "heroes"

http://mddirect.org/2013/04/22/drunk-driving/

 

The word for this week's column is "draft". The NFL draft is a very public event where fans are invested in the picks of their favorite team. Medical students are also drafted for their internship and residency training. It may perhaps affect your life more than a third round running back.

http://mddirect.org/2013/04/29/the-medical-draft/

 

Families always ask why. I have reasonable answers for medical questions but am less adept at talking about philosophy. Why does a patient become ill today and not tomorrow or yesterday? Why does a victim survive a major injury and yet another can die from a seemingly innocuous blow?

This week's column: three sports figures this week, Ashely Lowery, Lars Ellers, Ricardo Portillo, and three separate outcomes.
http://mddirect.org/2013/05/06/life-is-a-gamble/

Thanks for reading

 

Sergio complains that his workplace is too noisy. Perhaps he would like to work in mine? This week's article talks about noise in the ER. I presume that the topic resonates well in the newsroom environment.

http://mddirect.org/2013/05/13/its-just-noise/

Thanks for reading.

 

Eric Staal is rewarded for representing his country in the world hockey championships by tearing his MCL. This week's column talks about the glass being half full. Add a little history, a new anatomy discovery and we can find out how lucky it's "only" the MCL.

http://mddirect.org/2013/05/20/luck-knees-and-anatomy/

 

Scars may be a badge of honor for hockey players but for the rest of the world, a good cosmetic result is the goal. A quick step approach to fixing wounds in this week's column.

http://mddirect.org/2013/05/27/its-only-a-flesh-wound/

 

Doc, I sprained my left knee nine days ago doing squats (like an idiot I was trying to max out). I followed the usual treatment plan for it and I'm about 90 percent today. But I still don't have full range of motion. If I try to get into a catcher's squat, it hurts like crazy. Give it more time or should I be doing something specific?

 

Not enough information. Did the knee swell after he injury? Immediately or did it take awhile? The diagnosis of sprain presumes a ligament injury but with a deep squat mechanism, it may be that you have a meniscus tear instead.

Does the knee pop or give way? Does it hurt going up or down stairs? Does it lock?

Knees are not easy to self examine or diagnose. If you're still having issues after a couple of weeks, you may need to see a health professional. Do you have access to a trainer or physical therapist who could give you a curbside consult? Otherwise it may take a visit to a doc?

Hope this helps.

 

I felt a twinge when I was standing back up after hitting the bottom of the move. I immediately racked the weight and stopped. I was fine the rest of the day, next morning it was sore. No swelling.

I did yoga today and didnt have any problems. But I still can't get in a catcher's squat without pain.

I figured it was a sprain based on how quickly I improved. If it is still acting up after vacation, I'll head to the MD.

Thanks.

 

Feel better soon. You never can tell when an MLB team will need a bullpen catcher.