Our Blog
The North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists blog provides the latest information on orthopaedic conditions, injuries and procedures. Search our articles below by keyword category as well as author.
Featured Articles
Innovative Cold Therapy Pain Relief
Recently, Dr. Ryan Riggs completed training on iovera°, an innovative pain relief treatment that uses extreme cold to stop nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. The system is safe, doesn’t damage or destroy any surrounding tissue and does not contain any medication.
Dupuytren’s Contracture Surgery
Many times, patients are told that they do not require surgery. A painless bump or a ‘cord’ does not need intervention if it does not cause a contracture.
Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Open vs. Endoscopic CTS
Hurt During the Holidays: Orthopaedic Urgent Care
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and... unfortunately, sometimes injuries. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists (NFBJS), we understand that accidents happen, especially when juggling holiday decorations, gifts and activities. That's why we're proud to offer the Hurt! app — your trusted resource for managing acute orthopaedic injuries, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Kronlage and O'Grady Perform Life-changing Outreach
Late last month, North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists orthopaedic surgeons Dr. Steven Kronlage and Dr. Chris O'Grady performed a life-changing procedure on two ½-year-old Nassir Andrew from Grenada through their newly formed non-profit, Hands of Hope Medical Mission (HoHMM). Drs. Kronlage and O'Grady, who also serve as Co-Presidents of HoHMM, performed the organization's first sponsored stateside patient operation at the Andrews Institute Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Family Health History And Your Care
With National Family Health History Day approaching next week on Thanksgiving, it’s an ideal time to consider family health history’s role in your orthopaedic and sports medicine care. While many people think of family health history in relation to heart disease or cancer, a family history of orthopaedic conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis and other joint and bone issues can also impact your own risk and health management. Understanding and documenting your family health history can empower you and your orthopaedic provider to proactively manage or prevent conditions that could affect your long-term mobility and quality of life.
Benefits of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
October is recognized as Physical Therapy Month, a time to highlight the essential role physical therapists play in improving the lives of patients dealing with orthopaedic conditions and sports injuries. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we provide comprehensive physical therapy services designed to help our patients recover faster, avoid surgery, and regain their mobility.
Orthopedic Laser Therapy 5 Facts
The United States is currently fighting an opioid epidemic on a scale never before seen in the history of our nation. Billions of dollars have been spent in an attempt to mediate the devastating effects of the rampant overuse of prescription opioids, including fighting the heroin addictions that often arise when prescription pills become too expensive for addicted patients. In the last two years, impacted states like Ohio and West Virginia have banded together to sue the large pharmaceutical companies that profited off of the sale of opioids even after knowing about their damaging side effects, mirroring the legal strategies that took down Big Tobacco in the 1990s. The resulting settlements have ranged from hundreds of millions to many billions of dollars, and there are more to come. In fact, plaintiffs recently rejected one of the largest settlement offers to date after investigators revealed that the Sackler family, owners of Perdue Pharma, one of the largest profiteers of the opioid crisis, transferred $10 billion out of the company and into overseas accounts as pressure began to mount on the company and its role in perpetuating the devastation.
Kids Outdoor Injury Prevention
With summer in full swing and children taking advantage of more time to participate in sports-related or other outdoor activities, it’s essential to be mindful of injury prevention while encouraging their interest in activities that don’t involve screen time!
On-Site Manufacturing of DME with XO Armor
North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists continues to embrace the healthcare technology revolution by adding custom, on-site manufacturing of durable medical equipment (DME) from XO Armor Technologies.
Ischiofemoral Impingement of the Hip
Ischiofemoral Impingement (IFI) is a lesser-known but often painful condition affecting the hip joint. This condition arises when the ischium (a bone in the pelvis) and the femur (the thigh bone) come into abnormal contact, which compresses soft tissues surrounding the hip. While the discomfort typically manifests in the buttocks or groin, particularly when moving the hip or walking, it can also present as low back pain, making it challenging to diagnose early. Additional symptoms and causes include discomfort during prolonged sitting, reduced range of motion, stiffness and/or tightness in the hip area.
Physician Assistant Week 2024
According to the American Academy of Physician Associates, over 178,000 Physician Assistants (PAs) practice across various specialties and settings throughout the United States. Each year, from October 6-12, we take the opportunity to recognize these outstanding professionals by celebrating National Physician Assistants Week. Our North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists Physician Assistants (PA) have dedicated themselves to delivering exceptional care to our patients, communities and the entire profession.
Treating Pain with Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Chronic pain management continues to be a challenge for those looking for an effective non-opioid analgesia option. At North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists, Dr. Erik Nilssen and Dr. Josh Hackel provide patients with several alternatives, including Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS). Performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, PNS is an extremely safe procedure that is noted to be effective in most individuals selected for treatment. PNS involves two steps. During the initial testing phase, the electrode is connected to an external device. If the trial is successful with pain relief, then a small lead or wire is implanted into the patient’s body under the skin.
Fireworks Injury Prevention
While fireworks can be the highlight of your Fourth of July celebration, they pose significant risks, particularly to the hands and arms. In fact, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2022 Fireworks Report, the hands and fingers account for 29% of the body parts injured, the highest percentage of any body part. The same report also indicated that 73% of all fireworks-related injuries occurred in the weeks leading up to and after the July 4th holiday. Understanding these dangers and taking preventive measures can help ensure your Independence Day remains fun and injury-free.
Smith Named OsteoStrong Medical Director
Recently, fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Brett Smith was appointed as the new Medical Director for OsteoStrong® Gulf Breeze and OsteoStrong® Cordova Pensacola, marking a significant milestone for the brand locally. As a global wellness franchise, OsteoStrong® provides a unique, science-backed system for strengthening bones, joints, and muscles using cutting-edge technology and personalized care for its members.
Patient Safety & In-Office Surgeries
At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, our team prioritizes patient care and safety. As we approach World Patient Safety Day, we’d like to take the opportunity to highlight the efforts of providers, professionals, and support staff, particularly as it relates to providing in-office surgical procedures.