When you need treatment for an ankle sprain, turn to the professionals at Premier Bone & Joint Centers. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians expertly treat ankle sprains and a variety of other orthopedic conditions at our satellite clinic in Rawlins, Wyoming.

Sprains vs. Strains

If you’ve gotten the terms “sprain” and “strain” confused before, you’re not alone. While the two conditions can produce similar sets of symptoms—including pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced range of motion—they’re different types of injuries involving different parts of the musculoskeletal system. Sprains occur when ligaments overstretch or tear, while strains happen when muscles or tendons overstretch or tear.

So, how do you tell them apart? Sprains often produce a “popping” noise or feeling at the time of injury. Strains, on the other hand, commonly lead to muscle cramping, spasms, and weakness.

What Does Ankle Sprain Treatment Involve?

As with other types of sprains, ankle sprains are often treated using the R.I.C.E. method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Taking pain medication may also provide relief. With that said, severe ankle sprains could require physical therapy or surgery. Our team of experts can recommend the approach that’s best suited to your situation.

Get the Help You Need

If you’re concerned that you might have sprained your ankle, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today by calling (800) 446-5684 or filling out our online appointment request form. We often have same-day appointments available at our Rawlins, WY, satellite clinic—located at 1102 West Spruce—and we’ll be happy to arrange a time for you to come in for ankle sprain treatment.

Are you concerned that you might have plantar fasciitis? If you’re in Rawlins, Wyoming, or the surrounding area, you can partner with Premier Bone & Joint Centers for treatment. We’re an award-winning practice with a team of board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors, and we’re pleased to offer plantar fasciitis treatment to members of this community.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting the toes to the heel bone (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive stretching and tearing. When this happens, it can cause stabbing pain along the bottom of the foot, near the heel. This pain is typically at its worst when someone first starts walking after not moving their feet for an extended period—for example, when they get out of bed in the morning—or when someone stands in one spot for a long time.

What Does Plantar Fasciitis Treatment Usually Involve?

After diagnosing a patient with plantar fasciitis, the orthopedic specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers will prescribe a customized course of treatment. This might include:

• Taking pain medication
• Receiving corticosteroid injections
• Icing the foot
• Stretching
• Attending physical therapy
• Wearing a splint or orthotics
• Using a cane or crutches
• Avoiding certain activities

Plantar fasciitis symptoms can usually be relieved using conservative treatment methods, but in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Speak to a Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

If you think you may need plantar fasciitis treatment, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today by calling (800) 446-5684 or filling out our online appointment request form. We’ll be happy to arrange a consultation with one of the plantar fasciitis doctors at our Rawlins, WY, satellite clinic, which is conveniently located at 1102 West Spruce. Let us know what time works best for you—we typically have same-day appointments available.

Did you recently injure your knee? Maybe you twisted the joint during your morning walk, or perhaps it was hit when you were playing a contact sport like football or basketball. Or, have you gradually developed knee pain over time, possibly accompanied by swelling, redness, warmth, stiffness, or weakness?

No matter what the case may be, you can turn to the knee specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers for treatment. The board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors at our Rawlins, Wyoming, satellite clinic have extensive experience treating knee pain. After speaking with you about your symptoms, performing a physical examination, and ordering any necessary testing, our knee doctors will accurately diagnose your condition and recommend a customized course of treatment.

What Conditions Do Our Knee Specialists Treat?

The orthopedic specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers have experience treating a wide range of acute and chronic conditions affecting the knee joint. Some of the knee conditions we most commonly see include:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Meniscus tears
• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
• Sprains

Meet With a Knee Doctor

If you’re experiencing knee pain or other unpleasant symptoms, don’t wait any longer to get the treatment you need. Schedule a consultation with one of the knee specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers by calling us at (800) 446-5684 or filling out our online appointment request form. Our Rawlins, WY, satellite clinic is located at 1102 West Spruce and often has same-day appointments available. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you take the first step toward symptom relief.

Wyoming offers a plethora of outdoor activities for residents and visitors to partake in, from running and mountain climbing to playing traditional sports. Whether your preferred game is played with a bat or a racquet, injuries in sports can happen unexpectedly. When you’ve suffered a sports injury, it’s reassuring to know that you can rely on the local sports medicine specialists at Premier Bone and Joint Centers for exceptional treatment. With a sports injury clinic conveniently located in Rawlins, we’re prepared to create a customized treatment plan to assist you in returning to your favorite activities safely and quickly.

Sports Medicine Doctors Delivering Care Worth of Wyoming

At Premier Bone and Joint Centers, our goal is to provide the highest standard of care to our patients in Rawlins and surrounding areas. Our sports injury doctors are board certified and fellowship trained, utilizing advanced orthopedic technologies to guarantee minimally invasive and efficient treatment. We cater to individuals from all backgrounds, including professional athletes and weekend sports players. Additionally, we serve as the team physicians for University of Wyoming Athletics and are the official sponsor of the Laramie High School football team.

We Treat an Array of Sports-Related Injuries

Our sports medicine doctors are pleased to offer you specialized care for any of the subsequent sports-related injuries:

• Torn ligaments
• Broken and fractured bones
• Damaged tendons
• Torn cartilage
• Sprains and strains
• Dislocated joints
• Golfer’s or tennis elbow
• Rotator cuff tears

While our doctors consistently opt for the most cautious approach to treatment before exploring other options, we may suggest surgical intervention for more severe injuries. Contact Premier Bone and Joint Centers today to arrange a visit to our sports injury clinic in Rawlins, WY.

Arthritis can make simple tasks like opening a jar or buttoning a shirt a challenge. But with the right treatment plan, you can still lead an active and fulfilling life despite the challenges that arthritis can bring. At Premier Bone and Joint Centers, we take pride in our ability to help patients in the Rawlins, Wyoming, area do just that. Our orthopedic specialists are adept at providing an array of arthritis treatments, and they’ll use their expertise to ensure you find the relief you deserve.

Identifying the Cause of Your Arthritis

In order to create an arthritis treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs, our physicians will first identify the underlying cause of your condition. When you visit our clinic, a member of our team will:

• Conduct a physical examination to evaluate your range of motion
• Take samples that may help identify any arthritis-causing infections
• Order imaging tests to assess bone damage and loss of cartilage

Our orthopedic doctors possess board certification and extensive fellowship training, so you can be confident in their ability to accurately diagnose your condition and create an arthritis treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Types of Arthritis Treatment

Premier Bone and Joint Centers is Rawlins’ premier source for treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. We are also proud to provide treatment for variations of these conditions, including post-traumatic osteoarthritis, which has earned us the honor of serving as the chief medical professionals for University of Wyoming Athletics.

Whenever possible, our doctors recommend conservative, non-invasive arthritis treatment options. These include behavior modification, physical therapy, and medication. And in more severe cases where surgical intervention is deemed most effective, we utilize the most cutting-edge orthopedic techniques and technologies to ensure a smooth procedure.

To find out which form of arthritis treatment is best for you, schedule a visit to meet with an orthopedic specialist at Premier Bone and Joint Centers in Rawlins, WY.

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel. Although this rope-like tendon is durable enough to withstand daily activities such as walking and running, it can become damaged when overused. This type of injury is referred to as Achilles tendonitis. If you are experiencing heel pain or stiffness in your ankle—both hallmark symptoms of Achilles tendonitis—don’t delay in turning to the experts at Premier Bone and Joint Centers. The foot and ankle doctors at our Rawlins, Wyoming, clinic are highly experienced and provide Achilles tendonitis treatment that are tailored to the specific needs of each patient. 

How We Treat Achilles Tendonitis 

Premier Bone and Joint Centers takes a conservative approach to treating Achilles tendonitis and other musculoskeletal conditions. If we determine that your pain is a result of Achilles tendonitis, we may recommend that you: 

• Temporarily refrain from activities that may aggravate your pain 
• Wear a brace to keep your ankle in place while your tendon heals 
• Apply an ice pack to your heel several times a day to reduce pain 
• Practice gentle stretches 
• Use a custom shoe orthotic 
• Take an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as needed 

If pain persists after conservative Achilles tendonitis treatments have been implemented or if the tendon incurs further damage, our team may recommend surgical intervention. 

Rawlin’s No. 1 Source for Achilles Tendonitis Treatment 

When you turn to Premier Bone and Joint Centers for Achilles tendonitis treatment, you can do so with confidence knowing you will receive the best care possible. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians remain up to date on all the latest practices and use innovative technologies to help our patients get back to their active lifestyles. Reach out today to schedule a visit to our Rawlins, WY, clinic. 

A bunion is a bump that forms at the large joint of the big toe, which can occur as a result of arthritis, improper foot mechanics, or a foot injury. Bunions are prevalent in individuals who have a family history of bunions. Many people with bunions live without pain, however, more severe cases in which the bump is causing the big toe to turn inward may warrant treatment. At Premier Bone and Joint Centers, the foot and ankle doctors at our clinic in Rawlins, WY, practice the latest techniques in bunion surgery and will be happy to help you experience relief. 

How Do You Know if You Need Bunion Surgery? 

Our surgeons only recommend bunion surgery in cases where the bunion is causing severe pain or mobility issues. Surgical intervention should not be performed solely for cosmetic reasons. In most cases, patients can live with bunions by wearing rooming footwear and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

Conversely, bunion surgery may be considered for individuals with: 

• Foot pain that hinders their ability to perform simple daily tasks 
• Chronic swelling around the big toe 
• Stiffness that makes it difficult to move the big toe 
• An excessively curved big toe 

When bunion surgery is deemed necessary, the foot and ankle doctors at Premier Bone and Joint Centers use innovative minimally invasive techniques for correction. 

Find Relief at Our State-of-the-Art Rawlins Clinic 

If you are experiencing severe pain caused by a bunion, the professionals at Premier Bone and Joint Centers want to help you find the relief you deserve. Schedule a visit to our Rawling-area clinic to learn if bunion surgery is right for you. 

While many people balk at the idea of surgery, it is often the only effective form of treatment when more conservative approaches don’t work. In cases when surgical intervention is deemed necessary, it’s comforting to know the specialists at Premier Bone and Joint Centers will go the extra mile to ensure the process is as stress-free as possible. One of the ways we help our patients in Rawlins, Wyoming, manage their pain and get back to doing the activities they love is with outpatient surgery. 

Why Opt for Outpatient Surgery? 

Outpatient surgery yields an array of benefits that traditional surgery doesn’t provide. In addition to helping patients to avoid lengthy hospital stays, outpatient surgery allows for: 

• Recovery in the comfort of home
• A return to a normal routine sooner 
• Money saved that would otherwise be spent on an extended hospital stay 
• A lower risk of contracting an infection in a hospital 

With benefits like these, it’s no wonder why our orthopedic specialists in Rawlins, WY, recommend outpatient surgery whenever possible. 

The Best Care Wyoming Has to Offer 

At Premier Bone and Joint Centers, our doctors always pursue conservative treatment options for our patients first. But when surgical intervention is required, you can rest easy knowing you are in the most capable of hands. Our surgeons, many of belong to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, are board certified and fellowship trained, bringing a wealth of knowledge to every outpatient surgery they perform. During your procedure, we’ll use the most advanced orthopedic practices and technologies to minimize invasiveness and reduce recovery time. 

If you’re in need of surgical intervention, make an appointment to meet with one of the decorated surgeons at Premier Bone and Joint Centers in Rawlins, WY. We’ll be happy to discuss your outpatient surgery options. 

You rely on your knees for just about everything, so experiencing severe knee pain can greatly hinder your mobility. If this accurately describes your situation, the experts at Premier Bone and Joint Centers can help. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians have performed countless knee replacements for Rawlins, Wyoming, residents, improving their quality of life, and they’d be happy to do the same for you.

Why Knee Replacement Surgery May Be Right for You

Knee replacement, also referred to as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure used to resurface damaged parts of the knee joint. Our specialists may also recommend a knee replacement if your knee pain cannot be controlled by more conservative forms of treatment. This procedure is often for individuals who experience severe arthritis or have suffered a traumatic knee injury.

Place Your Trust in Our Qualified Team

If other treatment options, such as medication or physical therapy, have not provided relief for your knee pain, the joint specialists at Premier Bone and Joint Centers may recommend knee replacement surgery. Our state-of-the-art facility in Rawlins, WY, is equipped with the most advanced orthopedic surgery technology, and our physicians are among the most experienced in the area, so you can rest assured your knee replacement will go smoothly. What’s more, we’ll recommend a post-operation physical therapy program that is tailored to your specific needs, so you can get back to doing what you love in no time.

Call Today

Experience relief and regain your mobility with a knee replacement performed by the specialists at Premier Bone and Joint Centers. To schedule a visit to our satellite location in Rawlins, WY, give us a call at (307) 324-2104.

Living with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cartilage degeneration, or a congenital deformity can limit your ability to perform the simplest of tasks, especially when medications and physical therapy are ineffective. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort due to one of the previously mentioned conditions, turn to Premier Bone and Joint Centers. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained doctors in Rawlins, Wyoming, can assess your condition and determine if a joint replacement is right for you.

What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?

A ball and socket comprise your knee and hip joints. In between each ball and socket is a protective layer of cartilage that allows the joint to move smoothly. When this cartilage deteriorates, and nonsurgical treatments such as medication and physical therapy are deemed ineffective, joint replacement surgery can be performed as a solution.

Joint replacement surgery involves removing the damaged portion of the joint and replacing it with a prosthetic ball and socket. Knee and hip replacements, in particular, require securing an implant to the weight-bearing sides of the joint. Following joint replacement surgery, you may need to temporarily use a cane or walker to get around, but once your bone grows over the implant, you’ll be able to freely move as you once had in the past.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are experiencing immense discomfort or pain in your joints, don’t delay in scheduling a visit to Premier Bone and Joint Centers in Rawlins, WY. There, you’ll be seen by one of our qualified specialists who will determine if joint replacement surgery is an appropriate course of action.

We rely on our hips for just about all we do. So, when we begin to experience painful spasms in our hip joints, it can greatly hinder our ability to perform even the simplest of tasks, from walking to keeping us balanced while sitting on the couch. If you are feeling pain in one or both of your hip joints, turn to the board-certified, fellowship-trained doctors at Premier Bone and Joint Centers in Rawlins, Wyoming. Our professionals are adept at performing hip replacement surgery and would be happy to determine if this procedure is an appropriate solution for your situation.

What Causes Hip Damage?

There are myriad factors that can cause hip damage. In a properly functioning hip, the ball-shaped femoral head rotates smoothly in the socket-shaped acetabulum, with a thick layer of cartilage and synovial fluid acting as a buffer in between the two. Individuals are often in need of hip replacement surgery because this protective layer wears down due to:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis

Performing a Hip Replacement

When you visit our satellite office in Rawlins, WY, our hip specialists will assess your condition and determine if hip replacement is the right course of action. During hip replacement surgery, our experts will remove the damaged portion of the hip joint and replace it with a prosthetic ball and joint socket. At Premier Bone and Joint Centers, we use the most advanced techniques and technology to make the hip replacement as minimally invasive as possible. This reduces recovery time and the chance of infection, so you can rest assured you’ll be back to doing what you love in no time.

Schedule Your Visit Today

For more information regarding our hip replacement practices or to schedule an appointment at our Rawlins, WY, location, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today.

Repetitive movements involving the shoulder can result in a rotator cuff tear. Such an injury can cause pain and limit your range of motion. If you are experiencing pain in your shoulder, be sure to schedule an appointment with Premier Bone and Joint Centers. One of our our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians at our Rawlins, Wyoming, satellite location will provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition, assess the severity of your rotator cuff tear, and create a treatment plan that will quickly restore mobility.

Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Tears

Proper diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear begins with a physical examination. One of our orthopedic specialists will assess your current range of movement and muscle strength. Imaging scans may also be used to provide a pin-point diagnosis. This includes an:

• X-ray – Images of the bones can help rule out the possibility of bone spurs.
• MRI – This test provides clear images of soft muscles, which helps identify tears.

Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment

Depending on the severity of your rotator cuff tear, our shoulder specialists may recommend the RICE approach to managing your condition. This treatment method involves:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

If your rotator cuff tear doesn’t improve with these non-invasive treatments, surgery may be recommended.

Schedule Your Visit

With Premier Bone and Joint Centers tending to your rotator cuff tear, you’ll experience relief in no time. Reach out today to schedule an appointment at our satellite location in Rawlins, WY.

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve—which spans from the neck to the hand—is irritated or pressured by surrounding tissues. Also known as ulnar neuropathy, this condition can develop if the elbow is frequently leaned upon. It can result from arthritis, a bone fracture, an elbow joint dislocation, or repetitive movements that involve bending the elbow, such as pulling, lifting, and reaching.

Initially, cubital tunnel syndrome may cause numbness or tingling sensations on the outer side of the hand. If the ulnar nerve remains compressed, the numbness may gradually intensify or progress into sharp, shooting pains. Severe ulnar nerve compression can cause a loss of muscle strength in the hand. If you have any of these symptoms, you can have your condition evaluated and treated by an elbow specialist at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins. We proudly offer personalized orthopedic care that is worthy of Wyoming.

How Can Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Be Treated?

Conservative treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, can help relieve the symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. Also, if a specific activity, such as leaning the elbow on a desk, is causing or contributing to the discomfort, it will be important to discontinue or modify the activity to prevent the condition from worsening. During sleep, an elbow brace can be worn to keep the joint straight and limit further irritation. Although non-surgical treatment can be effective for symptom relief, it cannot free the ulnar nerve if it has become trapped within the cubital tunnel. In this situation, surgical treatment may be considered.

At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, our goal is to help each patient find the least invasive treatment approach that will be effective. We offer the latest treatment options for addressing cubital tunnel syndrome.

If you would like to consult with an experienced elbow doctor at Premier Bone & Joint Centers, contact us today. We have a satellite clinic conveniently located in Rawlins, WY.

Trigger finger is a painful condition caused by the irritation and inflammation of the tendons and pulleys in a finger. At the point where a tendon enters a finger, it travels through a tunnel formed by a series of pulleys that allow for smooth motion. When this structure becomes inflamed, a unique sensation occurs, which many people liken to a trigger being pulled and released. The finger may feel as if it is locked in a bent position, then painfully “snap” when straightened. For expert treatment of trigger finger, including trigger finger surgery and non-surgical options, you can consult with a hand and wrist specialist a Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins, WY.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

The exact causes of trigger finger are unknown. Oftentimes, the condition develops gradually with repetitive, forceful movements of a finger. It can also result from an underlying medical condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes. As an inflamed finger tendon thickens, its passage through the surrounding protective sheath becomes more difficult. The first symptom of trigger finger is usually tenderness at the base of the finger.

How Is Trigger Finger Treated?

The goal of trigger finger treatment is to allow for full, pain-free movement of the finger. Many patients do well with conservative treatments, such as:

• Activity modifications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Splinting
• Corticosteroid injections

In severe cases, trigger finger surgery may be considered to widen the tendon sheath and allow the tendon to slide through it more easily. Afterward, normal use of the hand can be resumed as comfort permits. Additionally, a hand therapist can collaborate with the surgeon to develop a customized hand therapy program.

To learn more about trigger finger and its treatment options, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers to request an appointment with a hand doctor at our satellite clinic in Rawlins, WY.

A shoulder separation occurs when the strong band of tissue that attaches the collarbone to the shoulder blade is overstretched or torn. When no longer securely anchored, the collarbone may shift out of position and press against the skin. This type of injury can result from a fall onto an outstretched arm or a direct blow to the point of the shoulder. As such, shoulder separations are common among athletes who play contact sports, such as hockey and football, or engage in activities that often involve falling, such as gymnastics and skiing.

What Does a Shoulder Separation Feel Like?

The most common sign of a shoulder separation is pain near the end of the collarbone. Other symptoms can include swelling, bruising, arm muscle weakness, reduced range of motion, and a visible bump near the top of the shoulder.

If you have shoulder pain, you should seek prompt medical attention to help prevent it from worsening. In Rawlins, Wyoming, you can receive outstanding orthopedic care from the experienced team at Premier Bone & Joint Centers. To evaluate and diagnose your injury, we will perform a physical examination and possibly order an imaging test, such as an X-ray, which can be performed on site.

How Is a Shoulder Separation Treated?

A minor shoulder separation may resolve on its own within a few weeks, but a more severe injury can take up to several months to fully heal. In the meantime, the related discomfort can usually be managed with conservative therapies, such as:

• Rest and activity modifications – Body positions and movements that aggravate the pain, such as crossing the arm in front of the body, should be avoided as much as possible.
• Cold therapy – An ice pack can be applied to the separated shoulder to help reduce painful swelling.
• Immobilization – A sling can be worn to temporarily immobilize the arm and alleviate pressure on the shoulder.
• Physical therapy – Targeted stretches and strengthening exercises can help restore shoulder flexibility, range of motion, and strength.
• Medications – Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve inflammation.

If a shoulder separation causes severe pain or involves a fractured clavicle, we may suggest surgical treatment to repair the torn ligament or reposition the displaced bone.

To help ensure proper healing and a full return to activity, a shoulder separation should receive prompt medical attention. Contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers to request an appointment with a shoulder specialist in Rawlins, WY.

The hip is a large ball-and-socket joint that has a wide range of motion and endures a significant amount of daily wear and tear. Hip pain can result from a traumatic injury or the simple passage of time. If the discomfort becomes chronic or debilitating, Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins, Wyoming, can help. Our team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons who specialize in hip replacement and its non-surgical alternatives, including physical therapy and medication. After we evaluate your condition, we will suggest an appropriate treatment plan.

What Causes Hip Pain?

Persistent hip pain can originate from several diverse sources. In many cases, it is a consequence of years of active use. In others, it is a complication of a disease or chronic condition. And sometimes, it may be a result of an injury, sports-related or otherwise. The orthopedic hip specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers treat many conditions and injuries that cause hip pain, including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, strains, labral tears, and fractures.

When to See an Orthopedic Hip Specialist

You may benefit from seeing an orthopedic hip specialist if:

• Your hip pain is interfering with your daily life, making it difficult for you to move around or complete simple tasks.
• Your hip pain is preventing you from enjoying activities that require you to sit or lie down for an extended period.
• An X-ray or other imaging study of your hip bones has revealed damage.
• You were diagnosed with a degenerative condition such as osteoporosis that is affecting your hip joint.

The orthopedic hip specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers take a conservative approach to treatment, generally reserving surgery as a last resort. Most of our patients who decide to proceed with a total hip replacement have severe hip joint degeneration due to osteoarthritis, which causes severe pain or interferes with everyday living.

Contact us today to request an appointment with a hip specialist at our satellite clinic in Rawlins, WY.

Sciatica is a distinctive set of uncomfortable symptoms—pain, numbness, weakness, tingling, and burning sensations—that originate in the lower back and shoot down one or both legs. Some people experience discomfort that is mild and tolerable, while others liken it to the agonizing pain of a severe toothache. The symptoms may improve with time, but if yours do not, you can turn to the orthopedic experts at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins, Wyoming. We offer a full range of treatment options for sciatica and other spine conditions.

What Causes Sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated, inflamed, or compressed. The longest and widest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve spans from the base of the spine to just below each knee, where it branches into other nerves that continue down to the toes.

In many cases, sciatica is a consequence of the natural aging process. Over time, the lower back endures a significant amount of stress as the spine bends, twists, and carries a portion of the body’s weight during daily activities. The effects of the resulting wear and tear can gradually build up, potentially leading to a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal narrowing (stenosis), or osteoarthritis. All of these conditions can cause the sciatica nerve to become pinched.

How Is Sciatica Treated?

At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, we emphasize conservative treatment for sciatica, which usually involves a customized regimen of physical therapy, medications, and/or injections, as appropriate. While severe sciatica can also be treated surgically, we generally reserve surgery as a last resort, mainly because non-surgical options are effective for most patients.

If you would like to learn more about the sciatica treatment options available at Premier Bone & Joint Centers, contact us to schedule an appointment at our satellite clinic in Rawlins, WY.

Neck and back pain are common, especially among people over 50. When you think about the significant wear and tear your spine endures over the years, it’s probably easy to understand why. Like many other parts of your body, the various components of your spine gradually weaken with age. For instance, your normally pliant discs that cushion your vertebrae can become dry and brittle—a common condition known as degenerative disc disease.

While you can’t stop time or turn back the clock, you don’t have to resign yourself to living with neck or back pain, either. The board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeons at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins, Wyoming, offer the latest treatment options—both conservative and surgical—for painful spine conditions, including degenerative disc disease. After pinpointing the source of your pain, we can provide the effective and personalized treatment you deserve.

How Degenerative Disc Disease Can Affect You

Also known as osteoarthritis of the spine, degenerative disc disease is a common cause of neck and back pain, which may:

• Improve with rest (especially when you are lying down)
• Worsen with extended sitting or heavy lifting
• Worsen when you bend or twist your spine
• Persist for weeks or months, then resolve only to return later
• Radiate from your neck through your shoulders and arms
• Radiate from your lower back through your buttocks and thighs
• Be accompanied by numbness and tingling sensations in your extremities
• Cause muscle weakness

How Your Degenerative Disc Disease Can Be Treated

Many people are able to find effective relief from their degenerative disc disease symptoms with nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, bracing, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroid injections. In general, spine surgery is considered only as a last resort to address debilitating pain.

At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, we emphasize conservative treatment for degenerative disc disease whenever possible. When necessary, however, our surgeons perform the latest spinal decompression procedures, including discectomy, foraminotomy, and laminectomy, using minimally invasive techniques.

If you need help managing your neck or back pain, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to request a consultation with a spine doctor at our satellite clinic in Rawlins, WY.

A complex group of bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments, the wrist facilitates a wide range of hand movements. All elements must work seamlessly together to allow for full and pain-free function. The ligaments, in particular, are strong bands of connective tissue that stabilize the wrist and keep the bones properly aligned. Also known as a sprained wrist, a torn wrist ligament can allow the bones to drift out of position, leading to pain and wrist instability.

How Do You Know if You’ve Sprained Your Wrist?

A wrist ligament can tear if it is stretched beyond its normal limits. For instance, the most common cause of a sprained wrist is a fall onto an outstretched hand. Sometimes, a tearing or popping sensation is felt when the injury occurs.

In addition to wrist pain and instability, the signs of a torn wrist ligament can include:

• Swelling and bruising around the wrist
• Reduced range of motion in the wrist and/or hand
• Warmth and tenderness at the injury site

If you’ve injured your wrist and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you can consult with a board-certified, fellowship-trained hand and wrist surgeon at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins, Wyoming.

The Diagnostic & Treatment Process

To evaluate your injury, your physician at Premier Bone & Joint Centers will:

• Review your medical history, including the circumstances of your injury as well as any previous wrist injuries you may have had
• Perform a physical examination to check your range of movement and joint alignment
• Order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or an MRI, to check for fractures and misaligned bones

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, we can suggest a treatment plan to help you recover quickly and fully. For instance, a partially torn ligament is usually treated with several weeks of immobilization in a cast or splint, while a fully torn ligament may require a surgical repair. In either case, you can feel confident that you are in good hands with the team at Premier Bone & Joint Centers.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic hand doctor at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Rawlins, WY.

Almost everyone has experienced the radiating pain and sudden stiffness that floods your arm after hitting your funny bone. But this sort of elbow pain is temporary—what do you do when you experience pain that doesn’t cease? Well, then it’s time to contact the elbow doctors of Premier Bone & Joint Centers. At our Rawlins elbow center, our board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians regularly provide care worthy of Wyoming as they get locals back to the active lifestyles they enjoy as quickly and safely as possible. One of our elbow specialists would be happy to see you today.

Diagnosing Your Condition

When you experience an injury, you’ll likely feel pain inside or outside of your elbow as you extend your joint, rotate your arm, or grip an object. This pain may radiate up and down your arm or be accompanied by tingling sensations, swelling, and tenderness. After reviewing your medical history and performing a physical examination, your elbow physician will determine whether you suffer from:

• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Pitcher’s elbow
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• A fracture
• Arthritis
• Bone spurs
• A dislocation
• A ruptured biceps tendon
• Another condition

In some cases, one of our elbow doctors may order imaging, lab, or electrodiagnostic testing in order to rule out more serious conditions and create a treatment regimen that lays the groundwork for long-lasting recovery.

Top-Notch Care

At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, we want to make sure to offer caring and attentive treatment. So whenever possible, our elbow doctors will recommend non-invasive treatment options, like behavior modification, immobilization, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain medication. Sometimes, more serious conditions require surgical intervention in order to restore pain-free movement. If this is the case for you, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands—our experienced surgical team stays up to date on the most advanced surgical techniques and technology. We’ll keep your procedure as minimally invasive as possible so that you can return to doing the things you love as quickly and safely as possible.

You don’t have to live with elbow pain any longer. Schedule an appointment with the elbow doctors of Premier Bone & Joint Centers at our Rawlins, WY, clinic today!

Whether you’re working at your computer, cooking a meal, or holding your phone, you’re using your hands. If every movement is accompanied by pain, though, you probably want to consult an experienced hand doctor immediately. Lucky for you, the board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic doctors of Premier Bone & Joint Centers are just a phone call away. At our Rawlins clinic, our hand specialists regularly provide Wyoming residents with the attentive care they need to return to their everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible. We’d be happy to treat your condition at our local hand center as well.

Conditions We Treat

Given your hand contains a large number of complex joints, strong tendons, precise muscles, and fine nerves, it’s little wonder that all sorts of conditions can impact its functionality. Fortunately, our hand doctors have experience treating:

• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Trigger finger
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Torn wrist ligaments
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Hyperextensions
• Sprains

When you visit our Rawlins clinic, one of our hand specialists will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to test your range of motion. They may also order imaging or electrodiagnostic tests in order to gain a full understanding of your condition and develop as effective of a treatment regimen as possible.

Hand Physicians That Stand Apart

At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, our hand doctors will always recommend conservative treatment options whenever possible. Oftentimes, this includes behavior modification, immobilization, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain medication. But if your condition is severe enough to require surgical intervention, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands. Our orthopedic surgeons have plenty of experience—with several belonging to the American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons—and they’ll use the most advanced techniques and technology in order to ensure your procedure is as minimally invasive as possible.

Are you ready to make your hand pain go away? Schedule an appointment with the hand doctors of Premier Bone & Joint Centers at our Rawlins, WY, clinic today!

At this time of day, you probably find yourself wanting to roll and stretch your shoulders to release some of the tension you’ve been carrying. But if you find yourself suffering from painful spasms every time you attempt to move, it may be time to visit an experienced shoulder doctor. Luckily, the orthopedic physicians of Premier Bone & Joint Centers are here to help. At our Rawlins clinic, our shoulder specialists regularly provide Wyoming residents with the care they need to return to their active lifestyles as quickly and safely as possible. One of our doctors would be happy to diagnose your condition at our local shoulder center.

When to Seek a Shoulder Specialist

While many people carry tension in their shoulders, regular pain, weakness, stiffness, numbness, and a reduced range of motion are all signs that you should consult a shoulder doctor. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained shoulder physicians have experience treating all sorts of conditions, including:

• Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation
• Dislocation
• Sprains
• Strains
• Compressed nerves
• Rotator cuff tears

When you visit our local shoulder center, one of our specialists will perform a physical examination and review your medical history. Depending on your symptoms, they may also order imaging or electrodiagnostic tests in order to rule out more serious conditions.

The Shoulder Doctors You Can Trust

At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, we strive to provide locals with care worthy of Wyoming. Our shoulder specialists benefit from an extra year of fellowship training, and they will design a treatment regimen that lays the foundation for long-lasting recovery. We always use non-invasive treatment techniques—like behavior modification, physical therapy, and over-the-counter medication—whenever possible. If, however, your condition does require surgical intervention, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands. Our orthopedic surgeons stay up to date on the most advanced techniques and technology, allowing us to keep your procedure as minimally invasive as possible.

Let us take some of the pressure off your shoulders. So schedule an appointment with the shoulder doctors of Premier Bone & Joint Centers today at our Rawlins, WY, clinic.

Your spine lets you do just about any sort of activity—from standing and walking to rowing and climbing. Because of this, it’s usually obvious when a spinal issue or injury has occurred. If you’re suffering from any sort of spinal pain, you can receive the right treatment from the orthopedic doctors of Premier Bone & Joint Centers. As the trusted spine doctors in Rawlins, Wyoming, we can help you return to pain-free living.

When to See a Spine Specialist

So, how can you know when your neck or back pain requires a visit to Premier Bone & Joint Centers? We say that it’s always better to be safe than sorry and recommend coming in for any unusual pain or discomfort. You could be dealing with basic muscle soreness, but it could also be something that requires attention like a pinched nerve, sciatica, or degenerative disc disease. However, you should especially pay us a visit if you’re experiencing:

• Stiffness in the low back area, restricting range of motion
• Extreme back pain or pressure in your neck, head or back
• Inability to maintain normal posture due to stiffness and/or pain
• Muscle spasms either with activity or while at rest
• Pain that persists for several weeks
• Notable loss of motor function, such as the ability to tiptoe or heel walk

Our Dedicated Spine Physicians

Whatever type of neck or back pain you’re dealing with, we’ll be sure to accurately diagnose the cause to ensure you receive proper treatment. We can perform diagnostic services such as X-rays and MRIs to pinpoint the cause of your pain. Based on what we find, we can develop a conservative treatment plan consisting of physical therapy, medication, and injections. For more serious injuries or ailments, like a herniated disc or spinal decompression, you may require surgery. If it comes to this, you can feel confident knowing that we have a team of highly experienced and trained surgeons that will professionally treat you with care.

Schedule an appointment with the board-certified and fellowship-trained spine specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers today. We have convenient satellite clinics in Rawlins and other parts of Wyoming.