Orthopedic Surgeon Fort Mill SC

News & Events

Author: SpecOrtho

Don’t Get Burned by These Summer Orthopedic Injuries

Here comes the sun—nature’s invitation to get outdoors for fun and fitness. But as temperatures rise, so do the chances of an orthopedic injury.

At SpecOrtho in Fort Mill, SC, Dr. Christopher Sutton and Dr. Glen Feltham, both experienced board-certified orthopedic surgeons, regularly treat patients who suffer from common summertime orthopedic injuries. Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures can help you enjoy the season safely.

Common Summertime Orthopedic Injuries

Taking it one body part at a time, here are the injuries these specialists often see during the summer—and the activities that tend to cause them.

Shoulder Injuries

Rotator cuff tendinitis and tears account for the majority of shoulder injuries. Dr. Christopher Sutton, a specialist in hand and upper extremity surgery, often treats patients suffering from these issues due to repetitive overhead motions in sports like tennis, volleyball, swimming, and baseball.

Falling on an outstretched arm or lifting something too heavy can also result in a rotator cuff tear. Fortunately, Dr. Sutton utilizes advanced computer-guided shoulder replacement technology to help restore mobility and function.

Elbow Injuries

Epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, occurs when forearm muscles and tendons become overloaded due to repetitive arm movements. This condition frequently affects athletes who play baseball, softball, or pickleball.

Knee Injuries

Your knee—the largest joint in your body—is susceptible to various injuries, from overuse syndromes like patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) to sudden meniscus tears and ACL injuries caused by quick pivots in sports like basketball and soccer.

As a dually board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, Dr. Glen Feltham specializes in arthroscopic knee surgery to help patients recover quickly and safely from these injuries.

Ankle Injuries

Trail hiking, running on the beach, or even stepping off the curb the wrong way can damage the ligaments that stabilize your ankle, resulting in a painful sprain.

Injury Prevention Tips

Although some summer activities carry risk, staying active is crucial for overall health. Dr. Feltham and Dr. Sutton recommend the following strategies to reduce your chances of injury:

  • Pace Yourself – Gradually increase activity by 10-15% per week if you’re returning to exercise.
  • Stretch Before and After Activity – A 10- to 15-minute stretch routine helps warm up muscles and maintain joint flexibility. Cooling down with ice packs can reduce inflammation.
  • Stay Hydrated – The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends drinking 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes during activity.
  • Mix Up Your Training – Cross-training and strength exercises can prevent overuse injuries by engaging different muscle groups.

What to Do If You Get Injured

If you suffer an injury, Dr. Sutton and Dr. Feltham recommend following the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). If symptoms persist beyond a week or include severe pain, inability to bear weight, or limited joint movement, seek medical attention.

At SpecOrtho, Dr. Sutton and Dr. Feltham provide personalized orthopedic care, helping you heal efficiently and get back to the activities you love. Don’t let an injury take the fun out of summer—stay proactive, stay safe, and keep moving!

Emsculpt NEO Meets SpecOrtho: A Revolutionary Approach to Orthopaedic Care

BTL’s Emsculpt NEO has long been celebrated for its ability to burn stubborn fat and build muscle. But now, it’s breaking new ground with FDA clearance for medical applications, expanding beyond aesthetics to support functional wellness and physical rehabilitation.

This innovation aligns perfectly with the expert orthopaedic care provided at SpecOrtho in Fort Mill, SC—a premier provider specializing in sports and non-sports-related injuries. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery, and comprehensive patient care, SpecOrtho is pioneering a cutting-edge approach to rehabilitation by incorporating Emsculpt NEO into its treatment plans.

Emsculpt NEO’s Expanded FDA-Cleared Medical Applications

As of October 2024, Emsculpt NEO has gained approval for various medical uses, including muscle rehabilitation, injury prevention, and post-surgical recovery. Patients struggling with muscle atrophy, mobility loss, and injury-related complications can now benefit from this non-invasive, high-tech solution.

How It Helps:

  • Prevention of Disuse Atrophy – Emsculpt NEO keeps muscles active even when patients are immobilized after an injury or surgery.
  • Muscle Re-Education – Helps retrain muscles post-surgery or following neurological conditions.
  • Increasing Range of Motion – Improves flexibility and mobility for patients recovering from orthopaedic injuries.
  • Prevention of Post-Surgical Calf Muscle Atrophy – Reduces muscle deterioration and complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
  • Relaxation of Muscle Spasms – Helps manage pain and tension in recovering muscles.
  • Enhancing Blood Circulation – Speeds up healing and recovery through improved vascular activity.

How Emsculpt NEO Complements Treatment at SpecOrtho

SpecOrtho provides comprehensive orthopaedic care, including physician consultations, imaging services, surgery, and physical therapy. Emsculpt NEO enhances these traditional treatments by offering fast and effective muscle recovery solutions.

Key Benefits for Patients at SpecOrtho:

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation – Helps maintain muscle strength, reducing recovery time.
Physical Therapy Support – Works alongside traditional therapy to improve muscle function.
Injury Prevention – Strengthens stabilizing muscles, reducing the risk of future injuries.
Pain & Mobility Management – Helps patients regain flexibility and manage chronic muscle-related pain.

By integrating Emsculpt NEO, SpecOrtho provides a more effective rehabilitation experience, allowing patients to recover faster and return to their active lifestyles.

How Does Emsculpt NEO Compare to Traditional Therapies?

Unlike conventional rehabilitation methods, Emsculpt NEO provides deeper, more effective muscle stimulation without the need for extensive physical strain.

Comparison Overview:

Feature

Emsculpt NEO

Traditional Therapy

Muscle Strengthening

Uses HIFEM energy to induce supramaximal contractions stronger than voluntary exercise

Relies on manual exercise, resistance training, and electrical stimulation

Fat Reduction

Burns fat while building muscle

Requires diet, exercise, or surgery

Recovery Time

30-minute sessions, no downtime

Weeks or months of therapy for full recovery

Pain & Mobility Improvement

Increases blood circulation, relaxes muscle spasms, boosts flexibility

Uses manual therapy, stretching, and medication

Who Can Benefit from Emsculpt NEO at SpecOrtho?

Emsculpt NEO’s expanded medical applications mean a broader range of patients can now benefit—not just those looking for aesthetic improvements.

Ideal Candidates Include:

Post-Surgical & Rehabilitation Patients – Helps combat muscle atrophy and restore strength.
Individuals Recovering from Injuries – Improves mobility and accelerates healing.
Older Adults Facing Muscle Deterioration – Supports muscle retention, improving balance and independence.
Athletes & Active Individuals – Strengthens muscles, preventing future injuries.
Patients with Chronic Pain or Mobility Issues – Reduces stiffness and improves range of motion.

The Future of Orthopaedic Wellness at SpecOrtho

By integrating Emsculpt NEO, SpecOrtho in Fort Mill, SC, is setting a new standard in orthopaedic care. From post-surgical recovery to injury prevention, patients now have access to cutting-edge treatments that enhance mobility, strength, and overall physical wellness.

Want to learn more? Contact SpecOrtho today and experience the next generation of orthopaedic rehabilitation!

Spread Joy and Hope: Join SpecOrtho’s Holiday Donation Drive for Hurricane Helene Relief

operation mountain child.

Join us in our efforts to deliver hope and happiness to the children of the western Carolinas this upcoming holiday season. SpecOrtho will be collecting new school supplies and toys for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, to be distributed during a special holiday celebration by Black Mountain’s Mayor, Michael Sobol. Please help us spread the joy by dropping off your donation at SpecOrtho. New toys and school supplies will be accepted thru 11/21/24.

Great Time At The Strawberry Sprint & Stroll

Strawberry sprint and stroll.

SpecOrtho had a blast sponsoring the Strawberry Sprint & Stroll 5k this past weekend! It was a great event filled with so much fun. Shelby Ladd PA-C, Shannon – Practice Manager, and Dr. Feltham were thrilled to be there, supporting the event and cheering on the runners every step of the way. It was a memorable day, and they can’t wait for the next opportunity to come together and show their support for such a fantastic cause.

 

SpecOrtho: Proud Sponsor of Strawberry Sprint & Stroll

SpecOrtho is proud to sponsor the 4th annual Strawberry Sprint and Stroll 5K and Fun Run that will take place in Fort Mill’s historic downtown corridor on Saturday, April 27, 2024. The 5k begins at 9:00 AM with the Fun Run at 10:00 AM. The race will conclude with a Runner’s village, including local merchants, food trucks, kids’ zone, music and a festive atmosphere. Your SpecOrtho team will also be there!

This year the charitable organization is Foundation for Fort Mill Schools who will receive a portion of the race profits.

Register Today!

Register for Strawberry Sprint & Stroll

Strawberry Sprint & Stroll poster

When to See a Specialist for Your Child’s Knee Pain

With the warm weather on its way, parents are likely to be faced with kids complaining of knee pain. They fall, overdo it playing sports, combined with bending, climbing and stretching the wrong way. Sometimes they may complain about it, and then never mention it again. But other times the pain becomes severe and doesn’t go away. It is important to know when to see a specialist for your child’s knee pain.

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Benefits of Seeing a Sports Medicine Doctor

If you are a coach, a parent, a pro athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone who wants to continue to be active even in later life, there are numerous benefits of seeing a sports medicine doctor. Whether your injury is due to a sudden accident, overuse or overtraining, a sports medicine doctor is the most effective way to treat these injuries and prevent more in the future.

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How To Keep Your Knees Healthy As You Age

Do you hear a creak when you get up from a chair? Is it becoming more difficult to kneel down to do your gardening? If so, you know what “old man time” can do to your knees. That snap, crackle, and pop is not what you want to hear. The good news is, how to keep your knees healthy as you age is really not as difficult as you may think.

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Understanding The Difference Between Sprains, Strains, And Fractures

All you know right now is that your ankle hurts like the dickens. Is it sprained, strained, or fractured? All you want is for the pain to go away. Understanding the difference between sprains, strains, and fractures can help you know the appropriate measures to relieve the pain before seeing the doctor. The only way to know for certain is to visit the SpecOrtho orthopaedic urgent care team for an evaluation and X-ray.

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