F e a t u r e
You can meet our
orthopedic surgeons
who perform joint
replacement surgery at
GlendaleAdventist.com.
GAME
IN THE
WITH
JOINT
REPLACEMENT
BACK
GET
I
Heel pain decoded
If you’re suffering from chronic heel
pain, you may have plantar fasciitis. It
occurs when the band of tissue that
connects your heel to the base of
your toes and also supports your arch
becomes irritated and damaged.
Some people say the resulting pain
is like being stabbed with a knife in
the bottom of the foot. Typically, the
pain is most noticeable when you first
get up in the morning and after—but
not during—exercise.
“Being older puts you at risk for
plantar fasciitis,” says Philip Shupe,
DPM, podiatrist at the Glendale
Adventist Medical Center Orthopedic
Institute. “So does being diabetic or
overweight, having flat feet or high
arches, tight calf muscles, wearing
poor shoes, or increasing your activity
level too quickly.”
Sometimes, spending less time on
your feet, taking anti-inflammatory
medicines, physical therapy and
cortisone injections can improve the
condition. Losing weight if you’re over-
weight or wearing supportive shoes or
shoe inserts may be helpful as well.
However, if you’re still having prob-
lems after your initial treatments, there
are other things that may help, includ-
ing a minimally invasive procedure
called Tenex Health TX
TM
. The Tenex
procedure uses ultrasonic energy
to break down the damaged tissue
through a tiny incision, leaving healthy
tissue untouched. The procedure can
be done in 20 minutes or less with only
local anesthesia.
After the procedure, a walking
boot is needed for one to two weeks,
followed by regular, supportive shoe
gear, as tolerated.
“Most patients report being pain-
free after six to eight weeks,” says
Dr. Shupe. “Since there is very little
postoperative pain, pain meds are
usually not needed.”
For more information on the
Tenex Health TX
TM
proce-
dure or other treatments for
plantar fasciitis, call the
GAMC Orthopedic Institute at
(818)
863-4446
.
Acute Rehabilitation Unit celebrating 50 years
In 1964, a gallon of milk cost 23 cents, a loaf of bread cost 9 cents and a gallon of gas would have cost
you 10 cents. That’s also the year that our Acute Rehabilitation Unit first opened its doors to patients.
For 50 years, our Acute Rehabilitation Unit has been helping people get back on their feet after a seri-
ous illness or injury. As part of our philosophy of whole-person care, our specially-trained nurses and thera-
pists assist patients who have had a stroke, orthopedic surgery, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis,
Parkinson’s disease, speech and/or swallowing disorders, and more.
Conveniently located on the hospital campus, the facility houses a nursing unit, a spacious, well-
equipped gym, therapy pool, patient lounge area, and an apartment and kitchen area to simulate
activities of everyday living. Its close proximity to the hospital means that patients in the unit also
have access to award-winning acute care including Emergency and Surgical Services, Advanced Pri-
mary Stroke Center, Chest Pain Center, STEMI (heart attack) Receiving Center and much more.
Vahan Cepkinian, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
Philip Shupe, DPM, Podiatrist
To learn more
about the services
offered at the
Acute Rehabilita-
tion Unit at GAMC, call
(818) 409-8071
.
s your knee now needing a lot of
attention just to get you through
the day with your normal activities?
“If your knee pain is interfer-
ing with your everyday life, it may
be time to replace the joint,” says
Vahan Cepkinian, MD, orthopedic
surgeon at Glendale Adventist Medi-
cal Center (GAMC). “This is especially true
if you’ve tried other things, like taking
medications, injections and exercising,
and you still hurt.”
Here’s what you need to know about this
potentially life-changing surgery.
OUT WITH THE OLD
Like many things,
joints can eventually wear out. Age, in-
jury and diseases such as arthritis may
take a toll. Your favorite activities—even
everyday life—can become difficult and
uncomfortable.
Knee replacement involves surgically
removing the damaged joint and inserting
one made of metal and plastic in its place.
In some cases, surgeons cement the pieces
of the new joint into existing bone. In other
cases, they use parts with pores that allow
your bone to grow into the new pieces and
hold them in place.
“The replaced joint will function just
like a healthy joint,” says Dr. Cepkinian.
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Typically, you’ll
spend at least a few days in the hospital
following knee replacement surgery.
Physical therapy will help you strengthen
your muscles and improve your range of
motion. You’ll begin using your new joint
right away.
Once you’re home, it will be important to
exercise with your doctor’s guidance. “Make
sure you eat well and take medications as
directed,” advises Dr. Cepkinian. “These will
help you on the road to recovery.”
Sometimes there are restrictions on
what you can do with your new joint.
Running and singles tennis may be dis-
couraged if you’ve had hip or knee re-
placement, for example. But most people
return to active lifestyles. Depending on
the type of surgery you have, full recovery
may take several weeks to six months.
Average recovery time is three to four
months.
To learn if joint replacement sur-
gery is right for you, speak with
your doctor. For a free referral to
a GAMC orthopedic surgeon, call
(818) 409-8100
.
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