Beyond the Sidelines: How Public Health Is Reshaping Athlete Care
How public health is reshaping athlete care through injury surveillance, heat safety, concussion protocols, mental health support and access to care in youth sports.
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Why Foot Health Is the Foundation of an Active Lifestyle
Foot health is crucial for mobility and overall well-being, as issues like pain or discomfort can impede daily activities. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis and ankle sprains affect many active individuals, often exacerbated by poor footwear and neglect. Early intervention and proper care are essential to maintain function and prevent long-term complications.
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Plantar Fasciitis | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Relief
Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent cause of heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia. It often develops gradually, with symptoms worsening after rest. Factors include repetitive strain and inadequate footwear. Effective treatment includes rest, ice, supportive shoes, and stretching, while severe cases may require advanced therapies. Consulting a specialist is crucial for proper diagnosis and personalized care.
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Why Sleep Positioning Is the Most Overlooked Variable in Shoulder Surgery Recovery
Sleep disruption after shoulder surgery isn’t incidental—it’s mechanical. Learn why elevation and strategic arm support are critical to protecting your surgical repair and speeding up tissue healing.
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Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow: The Definitive Guide to Identification and Recovery
Elbow pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in sports medicine, yet it is frequently misunderstood. While the monikers “Tennis Elbow” and “Golfer’s Elbow” suggest these conditions are reserved for athletes on the court or the links, the reality is that they are repetitive stress injuries that can affect anyone performing consistent forearm…
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Baseball Pitchers and the Elbow-Shoulder Connection: What Teams Don’t Tell You
Dr. Brian J. Cole MD, MBA breaks down the elbow-shoulder connection in baseball pitchers — explaining how shoulder fatigue leads to UCL tears, why arm slot changes signal injury risk, and what it takes to stay durable season after season.
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Shoulder Pain After Golf Swing: Causes, Relief, and Prevention
For many golfers, the perfect drive is often followed by an unexpected and nagging guest: shoulder pain. While golf is a low-impact sport, the repetitive and explosive nature of the swing places significant mechanical stress on the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular (AC) joints. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a scratch golfer, understanding why your…
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Blog | Injury | MidwestOrtho | Sports | Treatment
How Broken Bones Are Healed
Orthopedic surgeon explains treatments for Olympians, and us By Kevin McKeough for Midwesto Orthopaedics at Rush The 2016 Summer Olympics have included legend-making performances by athletes such as Katie Ledecky and Simone Biles. They also have included devastating injuries: French gymnast Samir Ait Said suffered a gruesome broken leg early in the games; crashes by…
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Understanding Meniscal Transplantation
Dr. Cole emphasizes patient education in sports medicine. Meniscal surgeries can lead to pain or other issues. Meniscal transplantation, using a donor meniscus, is a potential solution. The procedure has a 75-85% success rate and a 10-12 year effectiveness. Recovery takes 6-8 months with detailed rehabilitation. Rush University’s Orthopedic Surgery Department conducts leading research in orthopedics.
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Meniscal Tear Procedure: Animation Video
A meniscal tear, also known as a cartilage tear, is a common knee injury caused by twisting or rotating the knee, especially with full weight on it. Symptoms include pain, clicking sensations, swelling, and difficulty extending the knee. Treatment options range from nonsurgical approaches like rest and therapy to potential surgery.
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Blog | Dr. Brian Cole | Gymnastics | Injury | Podcast | Youth
The Physical Demands of Gymnastics: Podcast
Gymnastics is a popular sport in the US, enjoyed by nearly 5 million athletes. It offers mental and physical benefits but also carries a high risk of injuries. In a podcast, Dr. Cole and Brad Trompeter discuss treating gymnastics injuries and returning to the sport. Prevention involves proper conditioning, rest, and seeking medical help when needed.
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Animation | Blog | Dr. Brian Cole | Knee | Sports Medicine | Treatment | Videos
ACL Reconstruction Patellar Tendon: Animation Video
ACL reconstruction involves replacing a torn ACL with a patellar tendon graft, known as a bone-patellar-tendon-bone (BPTB) graft. This surgical procedure aims to restore knee strength and function, commonly following sports-related injuries. The BPTB graft, with low failure rates, is often preferred for active individuals, but the hamstring tendon graft is also an option.
