May
27
Dr. Julio Gonzalez, Orthopaedics/Sports Medicine, Discusses Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
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Rotator cuff tendinitis is one of the most common problems seen in the shoulder. It is usually a result of overuse activity, and is seen frequently in overhead athletes like swimmers, baseball and volleyball players.
The rotator cuff is a set of four small muscles that helps to stabilize the shoulder. The muscles are called the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles are working overtime to maintain the shoulder joint in proper position when it is subjected to unstable forces, such as during the repetitive overhead motion of swimming. As a result, the tendons can get inflamed. This inflammation then causes pain and, sometimes, limited motion. The pain is often difficult to localize and commonly radiates into the upper arm. It can be made worse by raising the arm overhead and frequently causes problems sleeping.
The diagnosis can be made by history and physical exam. X-rays are often taken, but are usually normal. An MRI may be done if there is concern for other problems, such as a rotator cuff tear or cartilage damage.
Treatment is initially aimed at decreasing the inflammation. This is usually done with ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and relative rest. Physical therapy is also often prescribed and can help reduce inflammation and pain, as well as strengthen the rotator cuff and other muscles around the shoulder. This can be done by seeing a physical therapist or by doing exercises at home.
Sometimes when these treatments fail, or don’t give complete relief, injections can be considered. These injections are typically a combination of a numbing medicine, like lidocaine, and a steroid anti-inflammatory, like cortisone. This injection is done in the space where the rotator cuff is, not in the shoulder joint itself. It may take a few days to notice any relief from the injection. Even if the injection helps, it is still recommended to continue with the rehabilitation exercises so as to prevent a re-occurrence.
Prevention for rotator cuff injuries involves balancing one’s workouts. Shoulder strengthening exercises should be part of the triathlete’s program so as to limit the chances for developing overuse tendinitis.
Dr. Julio Gonzalez works out of our Glen Ellyn and Naperville offices. For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Gonzalez, please call 630-790-1872.
Dr. Gonzalez will be a featured speaker and on-hand course physician for the U.S. Women’s Triathlon Serieskicking off in Naperville, Illinois on June 13 and 14, 2009.
May
21
Dr. Keith Monson Offers Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery
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Minimally invasive surgery keeps getting less invasive and the latest development uses a single small incision hidden in the belly-button to complete major operations with almost no scarring. Dr. Keith Monson, a board certified surgeon with DuPage Medical Group, is the only surgeon in the area who currently offers this option. At this time, the technique is done primarily for cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder), but Dr. Monson hopes to expand this to encompass additional procedures in the near future.
The advantage of this technique is primarily cosmetic, as the single incision can be essentially hidden in the umbilicus (belly-button). There is also some evidence that this procedure may be associated with less post-operative pain.
Dr. Monson has found that many patients, but especially those with cosmetic concerns, are quite enthusiastic about the prospect of this approach. Referring physicians are encouraged to keep this option in mind for their patients with gallbladder disease.
Dr. Keith Monson has consult locations available in Hinsdale - Lombard -Naperville.
May
20
DuPage Medical Group’s Hinsdale Open House a Success!
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Thank you for making this first Open House for Hinsdale’s Dermatology Institute and Plastic Surgery a huge success! Held on May 13th, Dr. Alix Charles, Dermatologist, Dr. Joseph Daw, Plastic Surgeon, Dana Roman, Licensed Aesthetician, the office staff, and numerous skin care representatives showcased and discussed the latest skin care treatments, products, and services. Demonstrations of Botox (r), Juvederm (r), Dermal fillers, and microdermabrasion were performed. Attendees received a goodie bag filled with valuable product samples as well as a coupon book for special offers throughout the year. Please see photos of our Open House below. If you missed this event, please be sure to attend next year!
Click here for more information on our Hinsdale DMG offices.
May
15
Women Take Note: The Number One Cause of Death in Women is Heart Disease
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“Heart disease is the number one cause of death in women, ” says Dr. Michael McGill, Director of Cardiac Imaging for DuPage Medical Group. “It far surpasses the next cause, breast cancer, and other forms of cancer.” However, only approximately 50 percent of women sufferers are not diagnosed until they arrive in an emergency room. Dr. McGill discusses women’s heart risk in the May 2009 edition of Naperville Magazine.
Heart disease is still overlooked as a diagnosis in women much more often than in men. A study presented by the Cardiovascular Research Foundation reported a gender bias in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease symptoms by medical internists and family physicians. Female patients received fewer coronary heart disease diagnoses, referrals, and prescriptions than men. Men and women often experience different heart disease symptoms. Women present with profound fatigue and significant shortness of breath which could be diagnosed as stress.
Dr. McGill urges women to take a proactive approach with their doctor. “They should suggest heart disease if their doctor doesn’t suggest it as a cause and even request a stress test or referral to a cardiologist.”
For most people, the diagnosis of heart disease is made after the symptoms occur. By then it’s too late. Prior to a patient’s clinical presentation, plaque builds and progresses slowly for many years. Coronary Calcium Scoring has been a valuable clinical tool to detect asymptomatic disease. Patients appropriate for testing are women >40 years of age and men >30 years of age. Younger patients with any of the following risk factors should also be considered:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Overweight or obese
History of tobacco use
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of cardiovascular disease
The test is quick and painless and now offered at DuPage Medical Group Cardiology for $75.00. Please contact our cardiology department at 630-933-8100 for more information.
Women, like men, also suffer from vascular disease, another leading – yet silent and under diagnosed – cause of death in the U.S.; unfortunately, as it is generally asymptomatic, vascular disease often presents as a catastrophic event – such as a stroke, aneurysm or heart attack. A peripheral arterial disease screening uses ultrasound technology to scan the carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and lower legs; it takes only 15 minutes, is painless and free to women and men who are eligible. Call DuPage Medical Group’s Vascular department at 630-545-7565 to see if you meet the criteria for a free screening.
Click here to learn more about DuPage Medical Group’s Cardiology Department. We have three locations to serve you - Downers Grove - Naperville - Winfield.
May
7
Protect Yourself from the Sun’s Damaging Rays
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DuPage Medical Group’s Dr. Alix Charles, board certified dermatologist, was interviewed recently for Boomers magazine, Spring 2009 edition. To protect yourself from the sun’s damage, Dr. Charles recommends generously applying a waterproof sunscreen with at least SPF 15 every day. If you are swimming or sweating, make sure you reapply the sunscreen every two hours.
Skin damage from the sun can happen even on cloudy days so be sure to use sunscreen even when the sun isn’t shining. Taking extra precautions during the times that the sun’s rays are strongest (between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm) is also important. Early outdoor or late afternoon outside activities are best and avoid wearing dark colors as they attract more rays.
Not only can Dr. Charles help you avoid future sun damage, he can help with correcting damage already done. Retinoids that you can apply to your skin nightly, chemical peels or even laser resurfacing can reduce damage and help to even skin tone. Please call 630-286-5050 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Charles at our Hinsdale office.
Join us on for a Free Open House event on Wednesday, May 13 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. If you have wondered what options will work for you, please attend and meet Dr. Charles as well as tour the facility, enjoy hors d’voeuvres and refreshments. Learn about the latest in treatments, pick up a goodie bag and enter a raffle to win one of several exciting prizes. Feel free to bring a friend! Location: 908 N. Elm Street, Suite 202 in Hinsdale. We look forward to seeing you!