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Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico Blog View all posts
Immediate Steps to Take if You Have a Diabetic Foot Wound

Immediate Steps to Take if You Have a Diabetic Foot Wound
Diabetes takes a toll on the body, particularly the feet and legs. A diabetic foot wound can turn into a substantial issue without proper care. Learn what to do immediately with a diabetic foot wound and how to help it heal appropriately.
Jul 1st, 2025
Why You Keep Rolling Your Ankles

Why You Keep Rolling Your Ankles
A sprained ankle may not seem like a significant injury, but it causes instability when it doesn't heal properly. Rolling your ankles is a common problem with instability, but is that the only reason? Find out more here.
Jun 1st, 2025

Will a Spinal Fracture Eventually Heal on Its Own?
If you’re one of the 700,000 people in the United States who suffer from vertebral compression fractures in the spine, the pain and immobility make it impossible to ignore. Do you need medical treatment, or will it heal on its own? Find out here.
Jun 1st, 2025

What Your Walking Pattern Says About Your Foot Pain
Have you ever wondered what contributes to your feet hurting at the end of the day? It may just be stress, or it could be from how you walk. Keep reading to learn how your walking pattern impacts foot pain and what to do next.
May 1st, 2025
How to Manage Osteoarthritis Without Surgery

How to Manage Osteoarthritis Without Surgery
Living with osteoarthritis is a challenge, but surgery isn't the only option for permanent relief. Learn about nonsurgical osteoarthritis treatments and how they eliminate chronic pain without painful incisions.
Apr 1st, 2025
4 Signs You Have an Infected Foot Wound

4 Signs You Have an Infected Foot Wound
Foot wounds can be problematic for many reasons, especially when they become infected. Learn how to spot the signs of an infected wound and what to do next to avoid dangerous complications.
Feb 1st, 2025

Help! My Ankle Is Swollen – What’s My Next Step?
A swollen ankle can occur for various reasons, from injuries to vascular problems, and each calls for a different approach. Your next step depends on the underlying cause, so get an accurate diagnosis from our ankle experts.
Jan 1st, 2025
When Can I Exercise Normally After Knee Surgery?

When Can I Exercise Normally After Knee Surgery?
Knee surgery is a big deal, especially when you have a total knee replacement, and returning to your normal activities can take some time. Here’s a general timeline for exercising after knee surgery.
Dec 1st, 2024

How Spinal Fusion Relieves Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is challenging, especially when you can't do things you once loved. Spinal fusion could be the answer. Read on to learn about spinal fusion and how it can relieve pain and restore function.
Nov 1st, 2024

5 Nonsurgical Treatments for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the many forms of arthritis that affect the many joints in the body — but you don't always need surgery for pain relief. Read on to learn about five cutting-edge conservative treatments for osteoarthritis pain relief.
Oct 1st, 2024
Healing From a Foot Fracture: What to Expect

Healing From a Foot Fracture: What to Expect
A foot fracture is a real bummer. Knowing what to expect during recovery is essential for the best outcome. Read on to learn what to expect from the healing process and how to speed up your recovery at home.
Sep 20th, 2024

Can Physical Therapy Treat My Hip Pain?
Physical therapy is a well-rounded treatment for many conditions, including joint pain. If you have hip pain, it could be the answer you've been searching for. Read on to discover how physical therapy reduces pain and improves your quality of life.
Aug 1st, 2024
When it Might Be Time for Custom Orthotics

When it Might Be Time for Custom Orthotics
Aching feet are standard when you’re on them all day – but they shouldn’t always hurt. Extreme foot pain and discomfort may warrant custom orthotics. Read on to discover when to consider custom orthotics to relieve foot and ankle pain.
Jul 8th, 2024
Torn Meniscus: Don’t Wait for Treatment

Torn Meniscus: Don’t Wait for Treatment
A torn meniscus is a common but unfortunate injury among athletes and older adults, but it's not something you should ignore. Keep reading to learn about meniscus tears and why prompt treatment is essential for knee health.
May 1st, 2024

5 Tips to Combat Tech Neck
It's easy to get wrapped up in texting on your phone or typing on the computer, but too much screen time could cause chronic neck pain, also known as tech neck. Read on to learn how to enjoy technology without suffering from a painful tech neck.
Apr 1st, 2024
How to Properly Clean a Diabetic Foot Wound 

How to Properly Clean a Diabetic Foot Wound 
Diabetes can lead to dangerous foot wounds, and there are right and wrong ways to take care of them. Read on to learn how to clean a diabetic wound properly and prevent complications.
Mar 21st, 2024
Sprain vs. Fracture: How to Tell the Difference

Sprain vs. Fracture: How to Tell the Difference
Any injury can set you back, especially if it's a broken bone – but what if it's a sprain? Keep reading to learn the difference between a fracture and a sprain and when to seek treatment.
Feb 1st, 2024
What to Expect When Undergoing Flat Foot Reconstruction

What to Expect When Undergoing Flat Foot Reconstruction
Flat feet happen when you don't have the proper arches to provide support and comfort when you walk — but we can manage it through surgery. Read on to discover what to expect if you need flat foot reconstruction.
Jan 19th, 2024
How Can I Tell If My Shoulder Pain is a Rotator Cuff Injury

How Can I Tell If My Shoulder Pain is a Rotator Cuff Injury
If your shoulder hurts, it could be due to a number of different conditions. However, it could also be a sign that your rotator cuff is injured. Keep reading to learn how to tell if you’ve suffered a rotator cuff injury and what you can do about it.
Dec 1st, 2023
I’m at Risk for Arthritis: What Do I Do Now?

I’m at Risk for Arthritis: What Do I Do Now?
Arthritis is a chronic condition affecting millions of people; if you're at risk, you need to know how to prevent the disease from taking over your life. Keep reading to discover the following steps if you're at a heightened risk of arthritis.
Oct 2nd, 2023
Why Has My Back Started to Hurt as I’ve Gotten Older?

Why Has My Back Started to Hurt as I’ve Gotten Older?
Back pain affects people worldwide, from kids to elderly adults. It happens due to various factors, including aging, which is entirely normal. Keep reading to learn why you're starting to feel back discomfort as the years go by.
Aug 31st, 2023
4 Nonsurgical Treatments for Lower Back Pain

4 Nonsurgical Treatments for Lower Back Pain
Low back pain is common among many people, often causing disability and difficulty with normal tasks — but is surgery necessary? Keep reading to discover four effective nonsurgical treatments for low back pain to improve your quality of life.
Aug 1st, 2023
Do Hammertoes Always Require Surgery?

Do Hammertoes Always Require Surgery?
Painful hammertoes make walking and wearing shoes hard — but is surgery the only option for long-term relief? Keep reading to discover if you're destined for surgery when living with bothersome hammertoes.
Jul 10th, 2023

4 Tips to Prepare for Hip Arthroscopy
Hip pain can affect your life due to several issues, and you may need a hip arthroscopy to find the underlying problem when other treatments haven't worked. Keep reading to learn how to prepare for your arthroscopy and what to expect.
May 3rd, 2023
Will a Torn Rotator Cuff Heal on its Own?

Will a Torn Rotator Cuff Heal on its Own?
A torn rotator cuff is a big problem, especially when you're active — but do you need surgery? Keep reading to learn if your rotator cuff tear can heal by itself or if you need professional treatment.
Mar 21st, 2023
When Should I Consider Surgery for My Bunion?

When Should I Consider Surgery for My Bunion?
Bunions are a nuisance and sometimes cause intense pain and discomfort in your feet — but when should you think about having surgery for the pain? Keep reading to discover when you should seek surgical treatment for a pesky bunion.
Jan 20th, 2023
5 Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery

5 Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery
If you're having joint pain, you may need arthroscopic surgery to determine what's wrong. Arthroscopic procedures are less invasive than open surgery, which means a quicker recovery. Read on to discover more benefits of arthroscopic surgery.
Dec 13th, 2022
Can My Venous Leg Ulcer Heal on Its Own?

Can My Venous Leg Ulcer Heal on Its Own?
When you have blood flow issues in your legs, you risk venous ulcers. These are open sores that heal slowly, possibly leading to infection. Read on to find out if leg ulcers heal independently or if you need expert treatment.
Nov 8th, 2022
6 Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Your Osteoarthritis

6 Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Your Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that affects your joints. When the pain becomes too much, is surgery your only option? Read on to learn about nonsurgical treatments that can help you overcome the pain of osteoarthritis.
Oct 1st, 2022
Things You Can Do to Support Your Spine

Things You Can Do to Support Your Spine
Your spine bears the weight of your body, gives your body shape and structure, and protects your spinal cord. Keep reading to learn what you can do to keep your spine healthy.
Aug 2nd, 2022
Life After a Fracture

Life After a Fracture
When you fracture a bone, your immediate thought is on getting treatment to allow the bone to heal. But what happens during the recovery period and after? Keep reading to learn more about life after a fracture and what to expect from recovery.
Jul 1st, 2022
Who Can Benefit from Kyphoplasty?

Who Can Benefit from Kyphoplasty?
Compression fractures in your spine are often the result of osteoporosis. If you have pain in your spine and have osteoporosis, you may have a fracture. Keep reading to learn if kyphoplasty surgery can benefit you.
Jun 1st, 2022
Signs It's Time for a Knee Replacement

Signs It's Time for a Knee Replacement
When your knees hurt, it’s hard to get anything done. A little pain sometimes is normal, but if it interferes with activities, it might signal a bigger problem. Keep reading to learn the telltale signs that point toward knee replacement surgery.
May 1st, 2022
Warning Signs You Have Carpal Tunnel

Warning Signs You Have Carpal Tunnel
Wrist pain can signal several issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome. But pain isn’t the only sign of this disorder. Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs of carpal tunnel syndrome, and when to seek treatment.
Apr 12th, 2022
Cast Care Tips to Get You Through Your Fracture Recovery

Cast Care Tips to Get You Through Your Fracture Recovery
If you break a bone, it’s likely that you’ll need it immobilized with a cast. Taking care of your cast ensures that your bone heals the way it should. Keep reading to learn about tips to keep your cast, and your bones, in good shape.
Mar 9th, 2022

The Stages of Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a real danger as you get older, potentially leading to fractures. Getting ahead of this disease is the key to keeping your bones healthy. Keep reading to learn about the different stages of osteoporosis and how it’s diagnosed.
Feb 28th, 2022
The Many Benefits of Physical Therapy

The Many Benefits of Physical Therapy
From injury recovery and prevention to chronic pain management and improved mobility and function, physical therapy offers more benefits than most realize. Keep reading to learn how physical therapy can help you.
Jan 12th, 2022
How to Tell If You're Suffering from a Rotator Cuff Injury

How to Tell If You're Suffering from a Rotator Cuff Injury
If your shoulder hurts, it could be due to a number of different conditions. However, it could also be a sign that your rotator cuff is injured. Keep reading to learn how to tell if you’ve suffered a rotator cuff injury and what you can do about it.
Dec 28th, 2021
What is the Carpal Tunnel?

What is the Carpal Tunnel?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common, but do you know what actually causes it? When you understand the carpal tunnel, it can help you avoid the condition down the road. Keep reading to learn more about your wrist anatomy and its carpal tunnel.
Oct 5th, 2021
Bad Habits That Impact Your Wrist

Bad Habits That Impact Your Wrist
Your wrists are the key to doing many things throughout the day. However, there are certain activities that could be causing your wrists more harm than good. Keep reading to learn about bad habits that lead to wrist problems.
Sep 8th, 2021
How Can Physical Therapy Help Your Back Pain?

How Can Physical Therapy Help Your Back Pain?
Back pain is a real problem — especially when it limits your life. But, if you don’t want to undergo invasive surgery, what are your other treatment options? Read on to learn how physical therapy could be the answer to your back pain.
Aug 5th, 2021

Life After Spinal Fusion
Suffering from back pain makes your life pretty difficult. Even the simplest activities take their toll — but you don’t have to suffer much longer. A spinal fusion gives you your life back. Keep reading to learn more about life after fusion surgery.
Jul 12th, 2021

What Every Menopausal Woman Should Know About Bone Health
If you’re at the age where menopause is imminent, you’re probably worried about a lot of things — including your bones. Osteoporosis is a real concern as you age. Keep reading to learn why bone health is so important at that stage in your life.
Jun 15th, 2021

5 Types of Fractures
When you break a bone, the pain is temporary, but the effects can last for months. Knowing what type of fracture you've sustained helps you understand your treatment options. Keep reading to learn more about several key types of fractures.
May 18th, 2021

How Arthroscopy Works
Do you need orthopedic surgery but are scared of large incisions and long recovery times? Arthroscopic surgery avoids the big incisions, and painful recovery. Keep reading to learn more about how this procedure works.
Apr 18th, 2021

Learn About Our New Osteoporosis Treatment
Are you worried about brittle bones? Osteoporosis is something that can lead to broken bones, so getting ahead of it is key. Keep reading to learn more about our new osteoporosis treatment that helps you get back on your feet.
Mar 16th, 2021

What to Expect at Your Orthopedic Visit
Have you recently suffered an injury and need to see an orthopedist? If so, you might be wondering what to expect at your visit. Keep reading to learn more about what an orthopedic appointment entails.
Feb 21st, 2021

Life After a Knee Replacement
Is your knee bothering you so bad that you need a knee replacement? The good news is after surgery you're on your way to pain-free living. But what else can you expect? Keep reading to learn more about what to expect following a knee replacement.
Jan 17th, 2021

Signs You May Need Hip Replacement Surgery

Does hip pain prohibit you from doing the things you love? Sometimes, it can be treated conservatively, but what happens when the pain persists? A total hip replacement may be in your future. Read on to find out when hip surgery may be the next step.
Dec 29th, 2020

Does Typing Cause Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Do you have a job where you use the computer a lot? If so, you may be at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome — or are you? Read on to find out the true link, if there is one, between carpal tunnel syndrome and typing.
Nov 11th, 2020

Physical Therapy for Back Pain: What to Expect
Back pain isn't only painful, but can be downright debilitating. So what can you do to get back on your feet? Physical therapy may be just the thing you need. Read more about physical therapy and what you can expect at your appointments.
Oct 14th, 2020

Should You Have Both Knees Replaced at the Same Time?
Knee replacements are a big deal and a pretty intense surgery. So what happens when both of your knees are damaged and need surgery? Read on to find out the advantages and disadvantages of bilateral knee surgery and how it can change your life.
Sep 16th, 2020

When Does Wrist Arthritis Require Surgery?
Wrist pain can make your everyday activities almost unbearable. If you have arthritis in your joint, you’re probably looking for permanent pain relief. Find out about arthritis in your wrist and when you’ll need to consider surgery.
Aug 13th, 2020

Sprain vs. Fracture: How to Tell If It’s a Broken Bone
If you’ve ever sustained an injury, you know that pain can be deceiving. So how can you tell if your injury is more serious than just a sprain or strain? Learn more about how to determine if you’ve suffered a fracture.
Jul 28th, 2020

What's the Best Age for a Hip Replacement?
Thanks to new surgical techniques and better materials, people of all ages are benefitting from hip replacements. If you’d like to explore whether a hip replacement is right for you, whether you’re 40 or 80, here’s what you should know.
Jun 1st, 2020