Orthopedic Programs

Foundation’s Shared Decision-Making® Programs on orthopedics.

What to do with a Torn Meniscus

When people 40 and older have a torn meniscus, the treatment is usually not clear cut. People have choices and the best choice for them depends a lot on their preferences. To help people understand their knee problems, their treatment options and the uncertainties, the Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Treatment Choices for Torn Meniscus after Age 40. Continue reading →

Posted in Orthopedic Programs | Tagged arthroscopic surgery, exercise therapy, joint pain, knee arthroscopy, knee osteoarthritis, knee pain, meniscal tear, meniscectomy, meniscus surgery, NSAIDs, Shared Decision-Making® programs, torn meniscus | Permalink

Managing Early Arthritis of the Knee

Osteoarthritis (OA) cannot be cured, but several strategies are available to help people manage symptoms so they can stay active. To help people decide which treatment is right, the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Managing Early-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis. Continue reading →

Posted in Orthopedic Programs | Tagged arthritis medications, arthritis treatment, arthroscopic surgery, exercise therapy, joint pain, knee arthritis, knee arthroscopy, knee osteoarthritis, knee pain, NSAIDs, Shared Decision-Making® programs | Permalink

Herniated Disc: Choosing the Right Treatment for You

When a herniated disc causes pain in the lower back and leg, there is more than one way to treat it. To help people work with their doctors to decide which treatment option is right for them, the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Herniated Disc: Choosing the Right Treatment for You. Continue reading →

Posted in Back Care Programs, Orthopedic Programs | Tagged disc surgery, discectomy, herniated disc, low back pain, pain medication, physical therapy, sciatica, Shared Decision-Making® programs, slipped disc, spine | Permalink

Managing Acute Low Back Pain

Almost everyone experiences low back pain at some point in their lives. Acute low back pain usually gets better with time, and there are simple things people can do at home to help manage pain and get back to normal activities. To help people with acute low back pain understand these strategies, the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Acute Low Back Pain: Managing Your Pain through Self-Care. Continue reading →

Posted in Back Care Programs, Orthopedic Programs | Tagged acetaminophen, acupuncture, acute low back pain, exercise therapy, lower back pain, massage therapy, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, NSAIDs, pain relievers, spinal manipulation | Permalink

Treatment Choices for Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee may cause limited mobility and difficulty performing daily tasks. To help people understand the available treatment options and determine which treatment is best for them, the Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Treatment Choices for Knee Osteoarthritis. Continue reading →

Posted in Orthopedic Programs | Tagged acetaminophen, arthroscopy, chondroitin, corticosteroids, exercise therapy, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, knee arthritis, knee replacement, NSAIDs, osteoarthritis, osteotomy, physical therapy, Shared Decision-Making® programs | Permalink

Treatment Choices for Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when discs in the spine grow thin with age and arthritis forms bony growths called bone spurs. These changes can put pressure on the nerves and spinal canal, and that may cause symptoms in the back and legs that make walking difficult. To help people with spinal stenosis understand their condition and decide on the best approach to manage their pain and limitations, the Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Spinal Stenosis: Choosing the Right Treatment for You. Continue reading →

Posted in Back Care Programs, Orthopedic Programs | Tagged acetaminophen, acupuncture, epidural injections, laminectomy, massage therapy, NSAIDs, pain relievers, Shared Decision-Making® programs, spinal fusion, spinal manipulation, spinal stenosis, spinal surgery, spine, spondylolisthesis, SPORT | Permalink

Treatment Choices for Hip Osteoarthritis

We rely a lot on our hips to keep us on the move. That’s why arthritis of the hip can seriously interfere with people’s lives. To help people decide on the best treatment for them, the Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Treatment Choices for Hip Osteoarthritis. Continue reading →

Posted in Orthopedic Programs | Tagged acetaminophen, chondroitin, glucosamine, hip arthritis, hip replacement, hip resurfacing, NSAIDs, Shared Decision-Making® programs, total hip replacement | Permalink

Managing Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain can limit one’s ability to perform normal daily activities at home and at work, and may cause or exacerbate stress, depression and/or other health concerns. To help individuals understand low back pain and develop an individual recovery plan, the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Chronic Low Back Pain: Managing Your Pain and Your Life. Continue reading →

Posted in Back Care Programs, Chronic Condition Programs, Orthopedic Programs | Tagged alternative therapy, back pain, back surgery, chronic low back pain, complementary therapy, lower back pain, pain relievers, physical therapy, Shared Decision-Making® programs, spinal fusion | Permalink

Protecting Your Bones When You Have Osteoporosis

Strong bones are important for getting us through an unpredictable day. But for some people, a bone may break even after a minor fall or mild impact. This type of break is called a fragility fracture and it can be a sign of osteoporosis. To help individuals who have had a fragility fracture reduce their chances of having another fracture in the future, the Foundation has developed a Shared Decision-Making® program called Osteoporosis: Preventing Another Fracture. Continue reading →