Patient Guides
Plain-language answers to the most common orthopedics & sports medicine questions — written by the Haute MD editorial team.
An orthopedic surgeon diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal conditions — bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves — using surgical and non-surgical treatments.
Read GuideSports medicine focuses on prevention, diagnosis, and non-surgical treatment of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions in athletes and active individuals.
Read GuideKnee pain is caused by osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, ACL injuries, tendinitis, and other conditions. Learn the most common causes and treatments.
Read GuideShoulder pain is most commonly caused by rotator cuff injuries, impingement, arthritis, labral tears, and frozen shoulder. Learn the causes and treatments.
Read GuideBack pain is most commonly caused by muscle strains, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. Most cases resolve within 4-6 weeks.
Read GuidePRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy uses concentrated growth factors from the patient's own blood to stimulate healing of tendons, ligaments, joints, and hair loss.
Read GuideStem cell therapy uses mesenchymal stem cells to stimulate tissue regeneration in joints and soft tissues. Learn the uses, evidence, and regulatory status.
Read GuideJoint preservation uses non-surgical and surgical strategies to delay or prevent joint replacement by protecting, repairing, or regenerating damaged joint structures.
Read GuideKnee replacement removes damaged cartilage and bone and replaces it with a prosthetic implant. Over 90% of patients experience significant pain relief.
Read GuideHip replacement replaces the damaged femoral head and socket with a prosthetic implant. 20-year implant survival rates exceed 80% with anterior approach options.
Read GuideArthritis has multiple causes: osteoarthritis (wear), rheumatoid (autoimmune), psoriatic, gout, and septic. Each type has different mechanisms and treatments.
Read GuideOsteoarthritis is the most common arthritis, marked by progressive cartilage breakdown. It affects over 32 million American adults and has multiple treatment options.
Read GuideRotator cuff injuries range from tendinitis to complete tears, causing shoulder pain, weakness, and limited motion. Treatment depends on severity.
Read GuideTennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is overuse-related tendon degeneration at the outer elbow. It affects up to 3% of adults and usually resolves with conservative treatment.
Read GuidePlantar fasciitis is inflammation of the heel tissue causing morning heel pain. It is the most common cause of heel pain and usually resolves with conservative treatment.
Read GuideSciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, most commonly by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or piriformis syndrome. Learn symptoms and treatments.
Read GuideSpinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness — typically in adults over 50.
Read GuideRegenerative medicine includes PRP, stem cell therapy, exosomes, and growth factor injections that stimulate the body's natural healing processes.
Read GuideCartilage restoration procedures repair damaged cartilage to delay joint replacement. Techniques include microfracture, OATS, ACI, and MACI.
Read GuideSports injury recovery combines acute management, physical therapy, and progressive loading to restore function and return athletes to full activity safely.
Read GuideACL reconstruction replaces a torn ACL with a tendon graft — typically from the patellar tendon, hamstring, or quadriceps — to restore knee stability for active patients.
Read GuideMeniscus surgery options include meniscectomy, repair, and transplantation. Tear location and pattern determine which approach is appropriate.
Read GuideJoint replacement recovery takes 6-12 weeks for daily activities and 6-12 months for full recovery. Most patients walk within 24 hours of surgery.
Read GuideSee an orthopedic surgeon for severe joint pain, suspected fractures or tears, locked joints, nerve symptoms, or symptoms persisting beyond 6-8 weeks.
Read GuideChoose an orthopedic specialist by verifying ABOS board certification, matching subspecialty fellowship to your condition, and reviewing surgical volume.
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