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OnlineHost: Your emcee for tonight is AOLiveMC4 (KatieAE).
AOLiveMC4: Welcome to AOL, Dr. Gerber!
Jngerber: Hello! Great to be here.
AOLiveMC4: Well, we are very happy to have you!
Jngerber: Thanks to the information superhighway, I am here tonight to answer any questions about sports and work-related injuries.
AOLiveMC4: Okay, Dr. Gerber....we're ready with our first question...
Question: What motivated you to choose sports and work related injuries as a specialty?
Jngerber: As a family doctor, I found these two areas of medicine interesting, as I enjoy orthopedic related problems.
Question: Do you work with any sports teams in the Colorado area?
Jngerber: I'm currently team physician for some local high schools.
Question: Is your private practice limited specifically to sports and work related injuries, or do you treat all types of patients?
Jngerber: I treat a broad range of medical problems related to family practice.
Question: What causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Jngerber: CTS is caused by an inflammation of tendons running through a small bony canal in the wrist, which also contain nerves. The nerves become pinched, which causes numbness, tingling, and pain. It's related to repetitive motion, like the typing we're doing tonight.
Question: Do high-top athletic shoes really lessen ankle injuries?
Jngerber: Yes, they work similar to any ankle supporting device. I would still recommend a good a separate ankle support if you have recurrent ankle problems.
Question: Is it safe for a child of around 10 to weight lift?
Jngerber: A balanced program of monitored lifting and aerobic exercise would be great.
Question: How do you know when to put heat on an injury or ice?
Jngerber: I usually recommend ice for both acute and chronic injuries. Studies have shown that ice therapy has a more beneficial, long-term effect for both types of injuries.
Question: Why is AstroTurf hated by so many athletes?
Jngerber: It doesn't give enough and athletes are more prone to injuries on it.
Question: Do you see many knee injuries?
Jngerber: Yes I do. Knee injuries are very common in the work place and on the athletic field. Living in ski country, we see a lot of ski related knee injuries. However, I highly recommend skiing. It's a great sport!
Question: What is the most common work-related injury that you see?
Jngerber: Back injuries and repetitive motion syndromes.
Question: What about the controversy about HIV positive athletes?
Jngerber: In close contact sports, such as wrestling, there may be a possibility of blood to blood exposure, which could pose a risk of transmission. The risk is still relatively small.
Question: I'd like to run another marathon this year, but in training for my prior two I have had injuries only a few weeks ago from the big day. Needless to say, I run anyway and suffer for a few months after. Suggestions?
Jngerber: You may be training too hard too close to race day. Make sure your shoes are still good.
Question: I have TMJ and work at a computer all day. I have problems with neck. Is the a possible result of TMJ or occupation or both. Is there any proven treatment for TMJ?
Jngerber: I recently saw a patient with the same condition. Both neck and TMJ problems can be work-related. Don't sit at your work station grinding your teeth all day. TMJ is a difficult problem to treat. Oral surgeons have much to offer regarding TMJ.
Question: Are there special considerations a diabetic should take when exercising?
Jngerber: Diabetics require increased calories on days that they exercise, whether they use oral agents or insulin to control their blood sugar.
Question: I "buckled" the head of my radius in my right arm? How long does it take to heal? What exercises would be good?
Jngerber: A fracture at the head of the radius usually heals within 4 to 6 weeks. A sling is used only to relieve discomfort. You may exercise cautiously to your limit of pain doing aerobic upper body exercises.
Question: Could you explain the difference between aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen? Which is best for sport injuries?
Jngerber: Aspirin has the best anti-inflammatory effect compared to other medications in this class. Unfortunately, it has the most side effects, such as bleeding ulcers. Tylenol (acetaminophen) has no anti-inflammatory effect, but only treats pain.
Question: Is it common to have hand injuries from golf and what can be done besides not golf?
Jngerber: I would recommend changing your grip and swing.
Question: Do you think chiropractors do any good?
Jngerber: I use physical therapists and chiropractors frequently. The good ones can really help.
Question: How do you feel about all the different types of athletic shoes, i.e. walking, tennis, jogging, etc. Is there really that big of a difference, and do you recommend different athletic shoes for different sports?
Jngerber: Yes, there are differences in the various types of shoes you mention. Within one class of shoe, I don't think there's much of a difference. Some shoes are, however, built for people who have special problems such as narrow, wide or flat feet.
Question: Are there things I can do to prevent sport-related injuries?
Jngerber: You have to be in good condition for the sport you wish to play. A good aerobic and weight training program, as well as stretching before and after the activity, can help.
AOLiveMC4: We have time for just one more question, Dr. Gerber!
Question: How do you rate the latest workout equipment?
Jngerber: Anything that motivates you to exercise is good.
AOLiveMC4: That's all the time we have for tonight folks! A special thank you to Dr. Jeff Gerber for joining us this evening!
Jngerber: It was fun being here. Get out there and exercise! And come skiing here in beautiful, sunny Colorado!
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