Arthritis is a medical condition that causes inflammation and stiffness in the joints, leading to pain and reduced mobility. It can affect people of all ages and can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, genetics, and lifestyle factors. While this condition can limit your ability to perform simple daily tasks and keep you from doing the activities you love most, you can find relief and regain your independence when you seek personalized arthritis treatment at Premier Bone and Joint Centers in Riverton, Wyoming.

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle. Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are caused by an autoimmune response, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Other types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, are caused by wear and tear on the joints over time.

Treating Arthritis

Treating your arthritis will depend on the type and severity of your condition. For mild cases, we may recommend management through lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight loss, and physical therapy. However, more severe cases may require medication or surgery.

At Premier Bone and Joint Centers, our arthritis doctors will always explore conservative arthritis treatment options before recommending medication or surgical intervention. If surgery is deemed necessary, our orthopedic specialists will utilize the most advanced techniques available to perform the procedure with minimal invasiveness.

For more information on the types of arthritis treatments we offer at our Riverton, WY, clinic, contact Premier Bone and Joint Centers today.

We Are Proud to Offer Outpatient Surgery to Riverton, WY, Patients When Possible 

Surgery isn’t necessarily the most comfortable form of treatment. However, it can be the most effective when more conservative approaches fail. At Premier Bone and Joint Centers, we strive to make this necessary process as smooth as possible for our patients. With that goal, our orthopedic surgeons can perform a wide array of treatment procedures, including outpatient surgery. If you have an injury that requires surgical intervention, schedule a visit to see one of the orthopedic specialists at our satellite clinic in Riverton, Wyoming. We look forward to helping you along a speedy path to recovery. 

Advantages to Choosing Outpatient Surgery 

Whenever possible, our orthopedic surgeons will recommend outpatient surgery over traditional surgery as it enables patients to: 

• Recover in the comfort of their own home, rather than a hospital room 
• Return to a normal routine sooner 
• Save money by avoiding a lengthy hospital stay 
• Lower their risk of contracting an infection in the hospital 

During your outpatient surgery, our team of surgeons will utilize the most advanced techniques and technologies to ensure a smooth, minimally invasive procedure and reduce recovery time. 

Find Out if Outpatient Surgery Is Right for You 

When you choose Premier Bone and Joint Centers for your outpatient surgery, you can rest assured you have the right team performing the procedure. Our orthopedic surgeons possess both board certification and fellowship training, and many belong to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 

To discover if outpatient surgery is an appropriate course of treatment for you, contact Premier Bone and Joint Centers today and schedule a visit to our satellite clinic in Riverton, WY. 

Your rotator cuff consists of a group of muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder bones in place. When there is a tear in your rotator cuff, it can be difficult to perform even the most elementary of tasks, such as brushing your hair. Fortunately, the pain that comes with a rotator cuff tear isn’t one you have to live with—you can turn to Premier Bone and Joint Centers for personalized care. Our rotator cuff tear specialists are experienced in diagnosing tears of all kinds and providing world-class treatment to patients in Riverton, WY. 

Tell-Tale Signs of a Rotator Cuff Tear 

All rotator cuff tears fall into one of two categories: partial tears and complete tears. With partial tears, the rotator cuff tendon is damaged but not completely severed. Conversely, with complete, or full, rotator cuff tears, the tendon is entirely separated from the bone. Both types of tears produce similar symptoms, which include: 

• Pain when lifting or lowering the arm 
• Popping or clicking sounds when moving the arm 
• Shoulder pain that worsens when resting at night 
• Difficulty lifting objects 

Be sure to visit our rotator cuff tear specialists in Riverton if you are experiencing any of these signs. 

Diagnosing & Treating a Rotator Cuff Tear 

To accurately diagnosis your injury, one of our board-certified, fellowship-trained shoulder doctors will conduct a physical examination to evaluate your current range of movement and muscle strength. If we suspect you have a torn rotator cuff, we may order imaging scans such as X-rays or MRIs. 

Oftentimes, conservative treatments are effective in providing relief. However, in more severe cases, surgical intervention may be warranted. 

To have one of our rotator cuff tear specialists in Riverton, WY, assess the severity of your condition and provide an appropriate treatment plan, contact Premier Bone and Joint Centers today. 

Although you may not give it much thought, you rely on your knees for just about everything—from simple actions like kneeling over to pet your furry family member to more complex activities like running and hiking. So, if you are experiencing great discomfort or pain in these integral joints, a knee replacement may be an appropriate treatment option. Fortunately, you don’t have to make that determination on your own. Instead, you can visit Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Riverton, Wyoming, where our qualified team of knee specialists can assess your condition and, if necessary, perform knee replacement surgery using the most advanced techniques and technology.

How to Know if You Need Knee Replacement Surgery

The knee joint is made up of the femur and tibia. In between the two is a thick layer of cartilage that serves as a cushion and allows the joint to move smoothly. Overtime, this cartilage can deteriorate, leaving bone to grind on bone. Certain conditions can contribute to this deterioration; these include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis
• Traumatic arthritis

To determine whether your condition warrants knee replacement surgery, one of our board-certified, fellowship-trained knee specialists will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to assess your range of movement. To further evaluate the condition of your knee, we may also order image testing.

Providing Care Worthy of Wyoming

When you turn to Premier Bone & Joint Centers for knee replacement surgery, you can do so with confidence knowing you’re in the most capable of hands. Our orthopedic specialists stay up to date with best practices, and many of our surgeons belong to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which speaks to their expertise.

To learn if knee replacement surgery is the best course of treatment for your painful joints, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to schedule an appointment at our satellite clinic in Riverton, WY.

Do you experience a grinding sensation when moving your hip or knee? Does medication fall short in relieving your pain? Your discomfort could be the result of an orthopedic condition like osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, or a congenital deformity. At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, our board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists in Riverton, Wyoming, are experienced in providing accurate diagnosis and treatment to individuals with these conditions. In the event our non-invasive treatment options do not provide enough relief, we can perform joint replacement surgery as a final recourse.

What Does Joint Replacement Surgery Entail?

If you are experiencing pain in your hip or knee joints, we encourage you to schedule a visit to meet with one of our physicians at our satellite clinic conveniently located in Riverton, WY. We will assess the condition of your joints and severity of your pain, and if joint replacement surgery is determined to be the most effective treatment option for you, we’ll use the most advanced technology and techniques to ensure the best possible care.

When performing your joint replacement, our surgeons will remove all damaged areas of the joint and replace it with a prosthetic ball and socket. Total knee and hip replacements, in particular, involve replacing both sides of the weight-bearing joint surfaces with an implant. After your joint replacement surgery, we may recommend you temporarily use a cane or walker to get around. However, once your bone grows over the implant, you’ll be able to move around freely.

Find Out if Joint Replacement Surgery is Right for You

Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in your joints? Contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to schedule an appointment at our Riverton, WY, office. Depending on your specific condition, we may recommend joint replacement surgery.

You rely on your hips for just about everything you do. So, experiencing pain in your hip joints can keep you from performing even the most elementary of tasks. If you have pain in one or both of your hips, don’t delay in visiting Premier Bone & Joint Centers at our satellite clinic in Riverton, Wyoming. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine if hip replacement surgery is an appropriate course of action for you.

Possible Causes of Hip Pain

A ball-shaped femoral head and a socket-shaped acetabulum comprises your hip joint. In between the femoral head and acetabulum is a thick layer of cartilage and synovial fluid, which allows your joint to move smoothly. Individuals often experience hip pain when this buffer begins to break down, which can be caused by:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis

Our Approach to Hip Replacement Surgery

When you visit our office in Riverton, WY, you’ll be seen by one of our qualified specialists who will assess the severity of your pain and determine if a hip replacement is the best treatment option. Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damage portion of the hip joint and replacing it with a prosthetic ball and joint socket. Our doctors use the most advanced technology and techniques to ensure this procedure is as minimally invasive as possible, which greatly diminishes the possibility of infection and expedites recovery time.

Contact Us

With a hip replacement performed by the qualified orthopedic surgeons at Premier Bone & Joint Centers, you’ll be back to enjoying the activities you love in no time. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our clinic in Riverton, WY.

In the seconds immediately preceding a fall, an individual’s first reaction is to stretch out his or her hands to brace for impact. Oftentimes, this knee-jerk reaction results in a wrist fracture. A wrist fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the wrist—which include the two long forearm bones (the radius and ulna) and the eight smaller wrist bones (carpal bones)—crack or break. If you are experiencing pain in your wrist, visit your local Premier Bone and Joint Centers location in Riverton, Wyoming. You’ll meet with one of our board-certified physicians who will determine if a wrist fracture is present and provide a tailored treatment plan.

Indicators of a Wrist Fracture

A wrist fracture is likely to result in pain, which may worsen when moving the hand or wrist. Other signs to look for in a broken wrist include tenderness, swelling, and bruising. In some instances, more evident signs—such as an abnormal bend to the wrist—may exist.

Diagnosing & Treating Wrist Fractures

At Premier Bone and Joint Centers, we have an outstanding team of hand and wrist specialists at our satellite clinic in Riverton. We’ll conduct X-ray testing to determine if a fractured wrist is properly positioned, and if not, reset it. If we reach the conclusion that your wrist fracture will not heal correctly with a cast, we may recommend surgery followed by immobilizing the wrist. Depending on your specific situation, our specialists may suggest a splint be worn until swelling subsides and a cast can be applied.

When recovering from a wrist fracture, elevating the injured area and applying ice can help alleviate pain.

Give Us a Call

If you believe you may have a wrist fracture, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to request an appointment with a wrist doctor at our satellite clinic in Riverton, WY.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a gradual thickening and hardening of the normally flexible layer of tissue under the skin of the hand. Over time, one or more fingers may pull upward toward the palm and remain in a permanently bent position.

The causes of Dupuytren’s contracture are not well understood. The condition has not been linked to past injuries, nor is it believed to be caused by activities that involve repetitive hand vibration. In many cases, it first becomes apparent after age 50.

What Are the Early Signs of Dupuytren’s Contracture?

Dupuytren’s contracture usually develops slowly over many years. Some common symptoms include:

• Difficulty fully opening the hand
• Difficulty straightening a finger
• Difficulty grasping objects
• A firm, painless knot on the palm
• Dimpling or puckering of skin on the palm

If you have symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture, you can consult with an experienced hand specialist at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Riverton, Wyoming.

How Can Dupuytren’s Contracture Be Treated?

Treatment for Dupuytren’s contracture is sometimes unnecessary, especially if the symptoms are not painful or limiting. Instead, your physician at Premier Bone & Joint Centers may suggest a wait-and-watch approach. To monitor your condition, the physician may periodically perform a tabletop test in which you attempt to place your hand flat on a table, palm-side down.

If necessary, Dupuytren’s contracture can be treated with needling, enzyme injections, or, in severe cases, surgery. The goal is to soften or break up the fibrous cords of tissue under the skin that are pulling the fingers toward the palm.

The orthopedic team at Premier Bone & Joint Centers welcomes individuals who have symptoms of Dupuytren’s contracture or nonspecific hand or wrist pain. Throughout the diagnostic and treatment process, we provide our patients with the individualized attention and extensive support that they need to return to their active lifestyles.

To request an appointment with a hand doctor at our satellite clinic in Riverton, WY, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today.

Golfer’s elbow is a painful inflammation of the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow bones. Despite its name, the condition is not confined to avid golfers; it can result from any type of repetitive stress on the hand, wrist, or forearm. In addition to golf, common activities that could lead to this type of injury include pitching, bowling, playing tennis, raking, painting, and using a hand tool such as a hammer or screwdriver.

If you have elbow pain, you can receive the specialized care you need at Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Riverton, Wyoming. Our qualified team of sports injury doctors offers progressive, individualized treatments for golfer’s elbow, runner’s knee, and a broad spectrum of other musculoskeletal conditions.

How Does Golfer’s Elbow Develop?

The elbow is a complex joint with a wide range of motion. If the tough bands of tissue that connect the elbow bones to the surrounding muscles are overstressed, symptoms such as weakness, stiffness, pain, and spontaneous lockage may result. If left untreated, golfer’s elbow can lead to complications, including chronic pain, a limited range of motion, and a permanent bend in the elbow.

How Is Golfer’s Elbow Treated?

Treatment for golfer’s elbow can take many different forms. Following a thorough examination of the affected area, which may include an X-ray to rule out other conditions such as a fracture or arthritis, your physician at Premier Bone & Joint Centers may suggest a regimen of rest, ice applications, physical therapy, and possibly cortisone injections. Golfer’s elbow is often responsive to conservative treatment, but minimally invasive arthroscopic elbow surgery may be considered to address severe to persistent symptoms.

Contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to schedule an appointment with an elbow doctor at our state-of-the-art satellite clinic in Riverton, WY, where we treat golfer’s elbow and many other orthopedic conditions.

The hips are large ball-and-socket joints that endure a significant amount of wear and tear, not only during sports and other intense physical pursuits but also during daily activities such as standing and walking. As such, hip pain can develop due to a traumatic injury or the simple passage of time. If you have chronic hip pain that is interfering with your active lifestyle, it might be time to consult with an orthopedic hip specialist.

The renowned team at Premier Bone & Joint Centers includes board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons who specialize in hip replacement and its non-surgical alternatives, including physical therapy and medication. You can meet with a hip specialist at our satellite clinic in Riverton, Wyoming, where he or she will evaluate your condition and suggest an appropriate treatment plan to address your pain.

What Causes Hip Pain?

Persistent hip pain can stem from several different sources. In many cases, it is a consequence of years of active use. In others, it is a complication of a chronic medical condition. And sometimes, it is a result of an injury, sports-related or otherwise. The hip specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers treat many conditions and injuries that cause hip pain, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendinitis
• Strains
• Bursitis
• Labral tears
• Fractures

When to See a Hip Specialist

You can benefit from seeing an orthopedic hip specialist if:

• Your hip pain makes it difficult for you to move around or complete simple tasks.
• Your hip pain flares when you sit or lie down for an extended time.
• An X-ray or other imaging study has revealed hip joint damage.
• You have been diagnosed with a condition such as arthritis that is affecting your hip joint.

The hip specialists at Premier Bone & Joint Centers take a conservative approach to hip pain treatment, generally reserving surgery as a last resort. Most of our patients who ultimately decide to proceed with a total hip replacement have severe hip joint damage due to osteoarthritis.

Contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers to request an appointment with a hip specialist in Riverton, WY.

A prolapsed disc occurs when the firm outer shell of a spinal disc tears or splits open, which can happen suddenly through trauma or gradually through wear and tear. Each disc contains a gel-like material that is normally contained by a firm outer border, allowing the disc to serve as an effective cushion for the surrounding vertebrae during movement. If a prolapsed disc’s inner substance leaks through a breach in the wall, its presence in the spinal canal can create irritation, pressure, and inflammation that can lead to pain and other symptoms.

The spine experts at Premier Bone & Joint Centers offer a full range of treatment options for prolapsed discs and other degenerative spine conditions at our satellite clinic in Riverton, Wyoming. In most cases, prolapsed disc treatment consists of conservative measures. A non-surgical approach can be very effective in easing the resulting pain, stiffness, tingling, and numbness.

What to Do About a Prolapsed Disc

Sometimes, prolapsed disc treatment is unnecessary because the condition is not problematic and resolves on its own over several weeks. However, some people experience mild to severe discomfort, particularly if the extruded disc material comes into contact with the spinal cord or pressures a nerve root. Some prolapsed disc treatment techniques that have proven to be effective in this situation include:

• Avoiding activities that could aggravate the condition, such as lifting, reaching, and sitting or standing for an extended period
• Staying as active as possible, including engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming and walking, to help maintain spinal flexibility and facilitate healing
• Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
• Receiving targeted chiropractic care or massage therapy

If Further Prolapsed Disc Treatment Is Necessary

If the pain and other symptoms of a prolapsed disc do not respond to conservative treatment, we may suggest surgery as a last resort. To address the symptoms of degenerative spine conditions, the skilled surgeons at Premier Bone & Joint Centers utilize the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques.

If you would like to explore your prolapsed disc treatment options with a board-certified, fellowship-trained spine surgeon at Premier Bone & Joint Centers, contact us today. We have a convenient satellite clinic in Riverton, WY.

The ankle joint is formed by two lower leg bones (tibia and fibula) and a foot bone (talus), which are held in place by three strong ligaments. An ankle sprain occurs when one or more of these ligaments are stretched beyond their limits, sometimes to the point of tearing. The most common cause is a fall that forcefully bends the ankle joint outward toward the ground.

If you have a minor ankle sprain, it may heal on its own within a few days. However, if your injured ankle is very swollen, bruised, stiff, painful to walk on, or cannot support weight, you should seek professional medical attention right away. Come to Premier Bone & Joint Centers in Riverton, Wyoming. An experienced ankle specialist can evaluate the severity of your injury, determine if a fracture is present, and suggest an appropriate treatment plan to help prevent complications, such as chronic ankle pain, arthritis, and ankle instability.

How Is an Ankle Sprain Treated?

The mainstay of ankle sprain treatment is “PRICE” therapy, which involves:

• Protection – Crutches can be used to help keep weight off the injured ankle.
• Rest – Initially, it is important to minimize ankle movement, which can impede healing.
• Ice applications – To alleviate swelling and numb pain, an ice pack can be applied to the painful ankle several times a day for 20 minutes at a time.
• Compression – The injured ankle can be wrapped in an elastic bandage to provide support and help reduce swelling.
• Elevation – When possible, it can be helpful to raise the ankle above heart level to allow fluid to drain away from the damaged tissues.

You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication to further reduce the swelling. If you have a severe ankle sprain, we may suggest that you wear a cast or boot for several weeks to protect your injury and help keep the damaged ligament in place as it heals. Once your pain subsides, you can start performing gentle exercises, such as slowly rotating your ankle, to help restore your range of motion.

Get Started on the Road to Healing

If you have an ankle sprain, contact Premier Bone & Joint Centers today to request an appointment with a foot doctor at our satellite clinic in Riverton, WY.

Our hands help us interact with the world, but oftentimes we don’t think about them until pain limits movement. That’s when it’s time to reach out to an experienced orthopedic hand doctor. Fortunately, the physicians of Premier Bone & Joint Center are just a phone call away. When you schedule an appointment at our local Riverton clinic, one of our hand specialists will diagnose your condition and design a treatment regimen designed to set you on the road to recovery as quickly and safely as possible. We specialize in providing care worthy of Wyoming, and we’d be happy to give you to relief you need.

Diagnosing the Cause of Your Hand Pain

Your hands consist of hundreds of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and nerves. So it should come as no surprise that such an intricate structure could be damaged by a wide variety of conditions. Our hand doctors have experience treating all types of injuries, including:

• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Dupuytren’s contracture
• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Hyperextensions
• Sprains

When you make an appointment with one of our hand physicians, they’ll review your medical history and perform a physical examination to test your range of motion. Depending on your symptoms, they may also order imaging tests—like X-rays or an MRI—or lab tests.

Experienced Hand Specialists Provide Reliable Treatment Regimens

At Premier Bone & Joint Centers, our hand doctors always seek to create treatment regimens that lay the groundwork for long-lasting recovery. To that end, we always recommend non-invasive treatments—like immobilization, pain management, and physical therapy—whenever possible. And if your condition requires surgical intervention? Our hand surgery specialists will use the most advanced techniques and technology to keep your procedure as minimally invasive as possible.

Hand pain shouldn’t keep you from engaging with the world. Schedule an appointment with the physicians of Premier Bone & Joint Centers today at our Riverton, WY, hand center. Our hand doctors would be happy to see you.