Working with an orthopedic doctor for a car accident injury or motor vehicle claim involves several steps to ensure you receive appropriate medical care and effectively manage the insurance and legal aspects of your case. Here’s a guide on how to navigate this process:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Immediate Care:

• Following a car accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel immediate pain. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms right away.
• Visit the emergency room or a primary care physician for an initial assessment.

2. Contact Dr Marshall P Allegra Orthopedic Doctor

Primary Care Referral or Direct Access:

• If the initial assessment indicates an orthopedic injury (e.g., broken bones, joint damage, muscle or ligament injuries), ask for a referral to an orthopedic specialist, Dr Marshall P Allegra Orthopedic Surgeon’s office in Hazlet.

• In most cases, you may be able to directly book an appointment with Dr. Marshall P Allegra, orthopedic doctor, without a referral by calling (732) 888-8388

3. Document Your Injuries and Medical Visits

Keep Records:

• Maintain a detailed record of all medical visits, treatments, and prescribed medications.
• Ensure all medical reports, imaging results (X-rays, MRIs), and treatment plans are documented.

4. Communicate Clearly with Your Orthopedic Doctor

Discuss the Accident:

• Provide Dr. Allegra, your orthopedic doctor, with a comprehensive account of the car accident and the injuries you sustained.
• Describe all symptoms, even if they seem minor, as they may be relevant to your diagnosis and treatment plan.

Follow the Treatment Plan:

• Adhere strictly to the treatment plan prescribed by your orthopedic doctor, including physical therapy, medications, and follow-up appointments.
• Ask questions to understand the purpose and importance of each aspect of your treatment.

5. Coordinate with Your Insurance Company

File a Claim:

• Contact your auto insurance company to report the accident and initiate a claim. Provide them with all necessary details and documentation.
• Notify your health insurance provider if your auto insurance policy includes medical payments coverage or if you need to coordinate benefits.

Submit Documentation:

• Provide your insurance company with copies of all medical reports, bills, and treatment plans from your orthopedic doctor.

6. Legal Considerations

Consult an Attorney:

• If you plan to pursue a personal injury claim, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents. They can help you navigate the legal aspects and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Release of Medical Records:

• Be prepared to authorize the release of your medical records to your attorney and insurance company. Ensure only relevant records are shared to protect your privacy.

7. Track Your Recovery Progress

Monitor Symptoms:

• Keep a journal of your symptoms, pain levels, and progress in recovery. Note any changes or new symptoms and discuss them with your orthopedic doctor.

Follow-Up Appointments:

• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your orthopedic doctor to track your recovery and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

8. Stay Informed and Proactive

Stay Informed:

• Educate yourself about your injuries and treatment options. Understanding your condition can help you make informed decisions about your care.

Be Proactive:

• Communicate proactively with your healthcare providers, insurance adjusters, and legal representatives. Keep all parties informed about your medical progress and any issues you encounter.

By following these steps, you can effectively work with Dr. Marshall P Allegra, orthopedic doctor and other professionals to manage your car accident injury and motor vehicle claim. This approach will help ensure you receive the necessary medical care and appropriate compensation for your injuries.

Most golf injuries are a result of poor mechanics and overuse. Non-golfers do not understand that you use your entire body to execute a golf swing in a complicated, coordinated movement.  It truly is a sport and not just a hobby.

Most common injuries in golf

• Back Pain
• Elbow Tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff
• Shoulder Pain
• Knee Pain
• Wrist Pain

Warm Up the Golf Swing

Find some open space in your home or outside in the yard/garage and make 50% swings to warm up and get the muscles in your back and torso loosening up again after a long winter lay-off.

Then move towards 75% swings and then full swings. Aim to complete 100 golf swings a day to build up your muscles and flexibility/range of motion again. No golf ball needed. Just practice swings.

You may want to play a round of air golf before you hit the course. Like air guitar, this is practicing your swing motion without the club in hand.  This will loosen up your joints and muscles to the once familiar swing motion.  Warming up before playing any sport is essential.

Working on your mobility can ward off evil injuries. Stretching and rotating your knees, hips, and lower back as well as your neck and shoulders feels wonderful and is a great help. Balance plays a big part in your game and your safety.  Work on your core strength and cross body coordination as well as the oblique muscles needed for your ultimate torso rotation/swing.

Stretch.

Hopefully you have been moving all winter and if not…start stretching. You probably know where you are most tight but pay particular attention to shoulders, back and hamstrings. Tight muscles limit your range of motion in your golf swing. You will self-correct, adjust and create a new funky swing move that you cannot repeat. Loosen up.

Strengthen.

Women tend to be particularly weak in hands and forearms. Work on building your strength in your arms. I like to specifically work my left arm at the start of season. Your left arm does a lot of work in the golf swing (for right-handed golfers) and likely you are very right hand dominate after winter…especially if you play tennis or paddle. I like to try to get both sides equally coordinated and strong.

Playing a full 18 holes requires a lot of repetitive movements, putting stress on the same muscles, tendons, and joints time after time. To try and avoid injuries:

• Ease into the 18-hole game with a shorter one at first.
• Dress for success with proper footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather
• Don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• Warm up for 10-15 minutes to stretch and increase your range of motion
• Be mindful of posture- poor posture leads to back, neck and shoulder pain
• Brace yourself if certain body parts tend to be weak and need support

If you are experiencing pain apply ice/a cold pack for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation, every 3 hours if possible. You can use heat when inflammation subsides. Rest it out, take an anti-inflammatory or analgesic if allowed.

If the pain does not diminish within a few days to a week, you might be wise to visit an Orthopedic Specialist to rule out serious or chronic injuries.

Think well, live well, be well.

Dr. Marshall P. Allegra

879 Poole Avenue, Hazlet New Jersey, 07730
Phone: (732) 888-8388

Dr. Marshall P. Allegra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Monmouth County for over 25 years. As an experienced diagnostician, Dr. Allegra can expertly determine injuries, and then determine the best treatment options to return you back to your normal life, restoring functionality and range of motion as quickly as possible and avoiding long term implications.

As the winter weather sets in, many start experiencing an aching in their joints that worsens the colder it gets. Joint pain, especially in the hands, knees, hips and back, can be aggravated by lower temperatures. The good news is there are some things you can do to help alleviate discomfort in your joints during the winter.

The changes in barometric pressure that come along with colder weather are thought to affect the fluid pressure within joints, causing them to swell slightly and put more pressure on the already ailing joints. This leads to more inflammation which means more pain signals being sent to the brain.

Keeping warm is critical in reducing the impact that plummeting temperatures can have on already sensitive joints. Wear layers when heading outside so body heat is locked in and blood flow stays steady. Covering up joints with braces, wraps or supportive tape can also be helpful in the cold. Investing in warm yet sturdy winter shoes with good gripping soles is also an easy change to ease knee and hip pain when walking on potentially slippery surfaces outdoors.

Another tip for alleviating joint discomfort during the winter is using local heat therapy to relax muscles and increase blood flow to swollen areas. Taking a warm shower or bath can do wonders before bed. You can also use a heat pack or a moist heating pad for twenty minutes on aching joints during the day.

Even if joints are painful, it’s important to keep moving. Long periods of sitting or inactivity lead to more stiffness. Gentle range of motion exercises, or simply walking around the house can help lubricate the joints. Yoga and other low-impact workouts like riding a stationary bike can also improve flexibility and blood flow to gently reduce joint pain. Don’t feel the need to overdo it! Stick to gentle movements.

Lastly, it is important to maintain a healthy diet during the winter months. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon, chia seeds and walnuts help combat underlying joint inflammation that causes discomfort. Supplements like glucosamine, turmeric and magnesium are also beneficial for joint health. Boosting antioxidant intake by eating dark leafy greens and berries can also help to reduce pain. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is also key to keeping joints well-cushioned.

The winter does not have to mean months of painful swollen joints. Following these tips can go a long way to alleviate the pain. Stay warm and listen to what your body needs this season.

Dr. Marshall P. Allegra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Monmouth County for over 25 years. Specializing in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, full and partial joint reconstruction, hand, foot, and ankle surgery, fracture care, and non-surgical treatment options.

 

Dr. Allegra is dedicated to providing one-on-one personalized care to every patient. Come to our office and experience NO WAIT TIME. We respect your time and realize you have things to do. That’s why we never overbook or overschedule. Learn more at allegraortho.com or call 732-888-8388 to schedule an appointment

As summer winds down and kids head back to school, fall sports seasons begin. While athletics provide many benefits for young athletes, they do come with a risk of injury. As a parent, you want to keep your active kids safe while allowing them to play and participate in the sports they love. Our team loves sports, and we want our patients to feel confident and secure as they participate. Here is a guide to fall sports safety and injury prevention.

Warm Up & Cool Down

Never allow kids to jump straight into intense activity. Warm-ups get the blood flowing, raise body temperature, and prep muscles for activity. Cool downs help avoid post-exercise muscle soreness and stiffness. Make sure your child stretches before practices and games.

Focus on Form

Proper technique is critical. Many sports injuries happen due to improper form. If your child is in a new sport, ensure coaches provide instruction on correct stance, movement, and body positioning. If your child participates in a sport, they are familiar with, reinforce fundamentals at home to build good habits. Learning and practicing proper form prevents injuries and damage down the road.

Listen to Pain Signals

Playing through pain often leads to more severe, chronic injuries. Children should alert you or their coach about unusual joint pain, muscle strain, or ligament sprains so they can adequately rest and recover. Make sure your child’s coaches are aware of any injuries your child may be suffering from. Do not let eagerness to play lead to long-term health impacts.

Stay Hydrated & Fueled

Dehydration and low energy contribute to muscle cramps and fatigue-related accidents. Make sure your child drinks enough water leading up to and during activities. Pack healthy pre-game and halftime snacks like fruits, veggies, nuts, grains, or protein bars to maintain energy levels.

Prioritize Protective Gear

Sports equipment protects vulnerable body parts. Ensure your child wears a helmet for contact sports like football, hockey, or lacrosse. Ankle and knee braces provide joint stability if needed. Mouth guards prevent dental injuries. It is vital to invest in sport-specific, high-quality safety gear.

These safety tips should be applied no matter what sport your child participates in or their age. By preparing your child and taking the proper steps, you can keep your kids’ fall season injury-free. Focus on fundamentals, listen to their bodies and outfit them properly so they can achieve their athletic goals.

Dr. Marshall P. Allegra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Monmouth County for over 25 years. Specializing in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, full and partial joint reconstruction, hand, foot, and ankle surgery, fracture care, and non-surgical treatment options, Dr. Allegra is dedicated to providing one-on-one personalized care to every patient. Come to our office and experience NO WAIT TIME. We respect your time and realize you have things to do. That’s why we never overbook or overschedule. Learn more at allegraortho.com or call 732-888-8388 to schedule an appointment.

Skiing down snow-packed slopes or strapping on ice skates, the winter season offers a variety of family– friendly fun, and activities for people at all skill levels. But winter sports may also come with unique safety risks. Some of these issues are due to bulky equipment, slippery surfaces, and frigid environments. During the winter there are thousands of people being treated at hospitals, doctor’s offices and emergency rooms for injuries related to winter sports.

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, at one point almost 200,000 people were treated for injuries, from snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, sledding and tobogganing

Common winter sports injuries include sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures. Many of these injuries happen at the end of the day, when people overexert themselves to finish that one last run before the day’s end. Most winter sports injuries can easily be prevented if participants prepare for their sport by keeping in good physical condition, staying alert, and stopping when they are tired or in pain.

Strengthen Your Core and Hips

Staying conditioned is very important, as well. With a strong core and good hip strength, you’re at a lower risk of falling, especially in sports like ice skating or skiing. Do exercises to strengthen your core and glute muscles, such as hamstring stretches. Also, Yoga is an excellent exercise for keeping balance.

Practice Winter Sports Safety

To help prevent injury during your favorite winter sports and activities, follow the safety tips below:

• Never participate alone in a winter sport.
• Keep in shape and condition muscles before participating in winter activities.
• Warm up thoroughly before playing or participating. Cold muscles, tendons, and ligaments are vulnerable to injury.
• Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding.
• Check that equipment is working properly prior to use.
• Wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing for warmth and protection. Layering allows you to accommodate your body’s constantly changing temperature. Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.
• Know and abide by all rules of the sport in which you are participating.
• Take a lesson (or several) from a qualified instructor, especially in sports like skiing and snowboarding. Learning how to fall correctly and safely can reduce the risk of injury.
• Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature.
• Seek shelter and medical attention immediately if you, or anyone with you, is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite. Make sure everyone is aware of proper procedures for getting help, if injuries occur.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activities.
• Avoid participating in sports when you are in pain or exhausted.

Don’t Ignore Pain

While it’s easy to end up with bumps and bruises from falling, sometimes what you think is just a bruise could be something worse, like a stress fracture. Stress fractures, or microfractures on your bones, may occur when you do too much activity too quickly.

If you do get injured and need help, seek an orthopedic specialist.

Dr. Marshall P. Allegra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Monmouth County for over 25 years. As an experienced diagnostician, Dr. Allegra can expertly determine your bone health, injuries, and then determine the best treatment options to boost your normal life, restore functionality and range of motion as quickly as possible and avoid long term implications.

It seems that from the moment you learn to walk, you also learn to struggle not to fall. Falls Prevention Awareness, celebrated in September, is a national health campaign observed on the first day of fall to increase awareness around falls health and injury prevention.

The reporting of falls has increased over the years.  Many falls do not cause injuries, although some falls do cause serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.  There are a significant number of falls that are severe enough to require medical attention each year.

As reported by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), next to the elderly, children between zero to four years old and youths between fifteen to nineteen years old are the most at risk to suffer from a head injury caused by a fall. The severity of head injuries can differ depending on the fall’s impact, but one of the most severe outcomes of hitting your head when you fall is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

We have all seen children trip on air, their own feet and general clumsiness. Many of these falls are preventable. There are strategies to protect our children from fall-related injuries which include:

• Supervision is the key!
• Installing safety gates on stairs and guards on windows to prevent falls by young children.
• Providing a soft-landing surface below playground equipment.
• Using the proper safety equipment, such as knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and helmets, while playing sports.
• Removing fall hazards whenever possible (objects on the floor, clutter, unsecured area rugs, extension cords).

Across all age groups and regions, all genders are at risk of falls. Risk factors effecting the adult population include:

• occupations at elevated heights or other hazardous working conditions.
• alcohol or substance use.
• socioeconomic factors including poverty, overcrowded housing, sole parenthood, young maternal age.
• underlying medical conditions, such as neurological, cardiac, or other disabling conditions.
• side effects of prescription and over-the-counter medication, physical inactivity, and loss of balance, particularly among older people.
• poor mobility, cognition, and vision, particularly among those living in an institution, such as a nursing home or chronic care facility.
• unsafe environments, particularly for those with poor balance and limited vision.

Older adults are very vulnerable to falls. When a senior falls, the chances of more serious injury due to their age is worrisome.   There are many risk factors which can be modified to prevent them. Just as you had to child proof your toddler’s environment, the same needs to be done for our senior citizens. Observe their home in terms of possible tripping and falling risks. Accident-proof your home; getting rid of tripping hazards, adding grab bars in vulnerable areas like the shower and toilet, improve the lighting throughout the home, use non-slip mats in the bathroom and area rugs throughout the home.

How can you prevent falls and strengthen your body against them?

• Do exercise regularly, especially those that will improve balance.
• Have your vision checked regularly.
• Wear flat, wide toed shoes
• Remain active
• Do appropriate weight training to strengthen legs.

What should you do when a fall occurs?

First and foremost, stay calm. Take a moment to assess your situation. Do you feel pain? Is there blood? Are you able to move?

If you are not hurt, try to get up from the floor slowly and carefully. Call a friend, family member or neighbor and let them know

If you are hurt or unable to get off the floor, call for help and keep warm and moving as best you can while you wait. Fall alert pendants and bracelets are wonderful tools, as are smart speaker such as Alexa. Use your phone to call a neighbor or friend, or 911 if you feel you are injured.

Whether or not you think you are injured, you should still be checked over by your doctor for injuries and even possible causes of the fall. You should be more concerned when:

• A person falls more than twice in a year, especially if the falls occur inside the house
• There is loss of consciousness or difficulty in remembering the events surrounding the fall
• A person stays on the ground for several hours

If you are unsure of the cause of the fall and whether or not you may have sustained injury, it would be our pleasure to see you for a consultation.

Dr. Marshall P. Allegra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Monmouth County for over 25 years. As an experienced diagnostician, Dr. Allegra can expertly determine your bone health, injuries, and then determine the best treatment options to boost your normal life, restore functionality and range of motion as quickly as possible and avoid long term implications.

It’s Spring and that is a time to get out there and revive your garden, get back to enjoying the great outdoors and renew your own spirit!

Except for that pesky pain in your hip, or is it your knee?  If you have gone from doctor to doctor in all different modalities of medicine.  Chiropractor… Physical Therapist… Pain Management… Orthopedist…they may have told you the same thing.  You need a joint replacement.

Dr. Marshall P. Allegra performs both partial and total joint replacement surgical procedures for patients from Monmouth County and surrounding areas. In many cases, Dr. Allegra can perform total joint replacement surgery in an outpatient setting, or same day surgery in a hospital or surgical center.

Partial and total joint reconstructive surgery procedures can relieve severe pain and loss of motion in joints that do not respond to more conservative treatment. Replacement surgeries are most usually performed on the hip, shoulder, or knee. Prosthetic replacement joints are made of durable materials designed to fit together smoothly and move like regular joints.

Ninety percent of people who go through hip or knee replacement have osteoarthritis. Other possible issues leading to hip replacement surgery may be to correct problems related to broken bones or other medical conditions, such as osteonecrosis.

On one hand, you are lucky to be a candidate for total replacement.  Not everyone is. You have no contraindications that would suggest potential risks outweighing the benefits of surgery. If you have an infection in the bone, severe osteoarthritis which makes for brittle bones, cannot handle follow up surgical instructions, or use tobacco in any form may make you ineligible.

Some of the indications that replacement surgery may be your future:

• When the pain interferes with your daily life
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs
• Pain is moderate to severe even while at rest.
• Range of motion during normal activities is limited.
• Limping.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, steroid injections don’t adequately relieve pain
• Need the use of a cane or walker.

Dr. Marshall Allegra performs both partial and total joint replacement surgical procedures for patients from Monmouth County and surrounding areas. Partial joint replacement surgeries are minimally invasive procedures, most commonly performed on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Hip replacement surgery can be performed traditionally or by using what is considered a minimally invasive technique. The main difference between the two procedures is the size of the incision.

 

In many cases, Dr. Allegra is even performing total joint replacement surgery in an outpatient setting, or same day surgery in a hospital or surgical center.  Overall stay in the hospital, if necessary, is reduced to one to two days for most patients rather than the typical four to six days. Speak to Dr. Allegra about whether your individual needs qualify for this. How and where you recover depends on you, and your personal health issues.

Not sure if you are a candidate for joint replacement? Dr. Marshall P. Allegra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Monmouth County for over 25 years. As an experienced diagnostician, Dr. Allegra can expertly determine your bone health, injuries, and then determine the best treatment options to boost your normal life, restore functionality and range of motion as quickly as possible and avoid long term implications.

Yes, it’s a given…regular exercise has enormous benefits for health.

Why?  Most importantly, it will diminish the risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death.

Need more reason? Consider the many studies that link physical activity to protection against diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and fractures, depression, insomnia, dementia, colon cancer, breast cancer, and possibly prostate cancer.

In actuality, only about 1/3 of American adults get the exercise they need. Lack of time seems to be the most common reason. Moderate exercise can be built into daily life.  It is important to speak with your doctor about your health before beginning any fitness program.

There is also a nasty little rumor that exercise causes arthritis. Studies show that exercise can be safe for joints, both in older, overweight folks and in athletes.

The younger you start, the better the benefits, although it is never too late to start. The best time to build bone density is during years of rapid growth. Our peak bone mass in maximum strength and density is achieved in our late twenties. Exercise can prevent or slow bone loss, maintain muscle mass to preserve and strengthen surrounding bone, and decrease the risk of falling. Both men and women also need good nutrition, calcium, and Vitamin D to preserve their bone mass.

Weight-bearing, strength training or resistance exercises are the very best for your bones. Weight-bearing exercises force you to work against gravity.  What that does is increase your bone density, your muscle strength, your flexibility, as well as boost your mood and your cognitive function.

Bone mass decreases with age naturally. Women will typically lose 30 to 50 percent and men 20 to 30 percent of their bone density over a lifetime.

What is considered a weight bearing/strength training/resistance exercise?

 

• walking
• hiking
• jogging
• climbing stairs
• Racquet sports
• dancing
• lifting weights
• Resistance Training

An effective exercise program for bone health includes 30 minutes of weight-bearing activity, four or more days a week. Start slow, take rest days, and always use proper form. The benefits of lifting weights include building muscle, burning body fat, strengthening your bones and joints, reducing injury risk, and improving heart health. 

Choose an activity that you enjoy, maybe one that combines social tine. There are many activities that will get you on your feet and moving.

Adding strength training to your workouts is a great way to improve your overall fitness, from burning body fat and strengthening your bones to preventing injury and making your heart healthier. Other exercises such as swimming and bicycling can help build and maintain strong muscles and have excellent cardiovascular benefits. Tai Chi and yoga provide significant flexibility and balance training benefits.  Strengthening balance is essential to prevent dangerous falls for seniors.

Keeping your joints healthy should begin with the initial goal of reducing the wear and tear on the cartilage over time. Some of the best exercises you can wrap into your routine to support your joint health.

• Cross-training
• Flexibility exercises
• Stretching exercises
• Aerobics
• Cardiovascular exercises
• Low-impact exercises
• Bicycling,
• Paddleboarding,
• Walking
• Swimming
• Weight training

Exercise can have a colossal influence on your mood. In fact, it is thought that exercise can be just as effective as anti-depressants in treating mild-to-moderate depression. It will increase your energy levels, help you get a good night’s sleep, improve your self-esteem, increase your confidence, and relieves the stress.

Not sure if you are a candidate to begin a workout regime? Dr. Marshall P. Allegra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Monmouth County for over 25 years. As an experienced diagnostician, Dr. Allegra can expertly determine your bone health, injuries, and then determine the best treatment options boost your normal life, restore functionality and range of motion as quickly as possible and avoiding long term implications.

Yippee, after months of hibernation and social distancing, the Good Old Summertime is here! It seems like forever since we were able to be at our normal activity level.

Increased activity means an increase in injuries, especially if you have been a sofa spud for over a year. Sports account for 2/3 of the hospitalizations that occur outside of the home. In 2019, that totaled 2.3 million injuries.

Take is slow and easy, build up to where you used to/think you should be. Do not forget to warm-up and stretch, hydrate to avoid problems, wear your sunscreen, plan your safety gear, and take breaks as you need to. An avoidable injury or issue can kill the rest of your summer.

In many sports, they advise to keep your eye on the ball.  When it comes to your family, keep your eyes on the kids.

Here are some helpful tips and facts to help you have a safe and injury-free summer.

·         AMUSEMENT PARK, STATE FAIR AND CARNIVAL RIDE INJURIES: safety rules and restrictions should be followed, and thought should be put into the appropriate clothing and shoes to wear.

·         ATV, MOPED AND MINIBIKE INJURIES: Using ATVs on paved roads is an accident waiting to happen. By all means, enforce helmet wearing and proper clothing to protect your family. Make sure the vehicle is age appropriate, if they are too young to drive then maybe they need to be a passenger.

·         BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL INJURIES: While they are non-contact sports, injuries happen less frequently. Keep the safety gear on, warm up and stretch. This can help prevent common strains and sprains.

·         BICYCLE INJURIES: Wearing a helmet will reduce the chance of a head injury by 85 percent. Be mindful of overuse injuries by starting out too aggressively. Do stretches to create flexibility. Shift your posture occasionally to avoid neck tension.

·         PLAYGROUND INJURIES: Studies indicate that roughly 7 out of 10 playground injuries happen because of a fall or an equipment failure. Choose a playground that is age appropriate for your children. Proper play clothing and shoes can help your child stay safe. Safety ground cover is so important. the best play surface is rubber or wood chips, which give some cushion for falls. Monkey bars, climbing equipment and swings are the most likely to be injured on. Supervision is key.

·         SWIMMING INJURIES: supervision is key with youngsters for obvious reasons. Swimmer’s Shoulder, neck injuries, knee issues and swimmer’s ear go hand and hand with increased water exposure. Diving boards, and diving in general, while fun, can lead to serious head and neck injuries.

·         TEAM SPORTS INJURIES: Basketball, Soccer and Football injuries are on the higher side as these are contact sports. Warmups and cool-downs are key to preventing many injuries, including the severe sprains, torn cartilage, and damaged anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs). Use all safety equipment fitted for your player.

·         TRAMPOLINE INJURIES: while great fun, trampolines cause nearly 100,000 injuries in a one-year period among children, some being life threatening and serious. Roughly 20% are injuries to the spinal cord.  Supervision cannot be stressed enough. Too many on at the same time, improper surface, trying daring stunts all lead to an increased danger level.  Sprains and fractures are the most common among them, but bruises, bumps and bloody noses are also a concern.

·         VOLLEYBALL INJURIES: Staying fit and stretch and warm up time before a game is essential. A softer playing surface has its pluses and minuses.

·         WATER SPORTS INJURIES: Many of these injuries can be prevented with preseason conditioning and a purposeful warm up before your exercise.

·         YARDWORK AND HOME IMPROVEMENTS caused 775,000 in 2019, mostly due to eye injuries and fingers.  Get the proper safety gear, please.

 

Dr. Marshall P. Allegra is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in private practice in Monmouth County for over 25 years. As an experienced diagnostician, Dr. Allegra can expertly determine injuries, and then determine the best treatment options to return you back to your normal life, restoring functionality and range of motion as quickly as possible and avoiding long term implications.