Get Back to What You Love at Door Orthopedic Center

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Get Back to What You Love at Door Orthopedic Center

Living free from physical discomfort is essential for a full, active life, whether it's returning to work without pain, getting back to your favorite sport, or simply keeping up with daily activities. At Door County Medical Center's Door Orthopedic Center, our expert orthopedic team is dedicated to helping patients overcome pain and regain strength and mobility.

Dr. Brett Young, an Orthopedic Surgeon at Door Orthopedic Center, shares his insights on common orthopedic issues and why choosing Door County Medical Center (DCMC) can make all the difference in your recovery journey.

Where Does it Hurt?

Orthopedic patients seek relief from chronic conditions or acute injuries, which can impact people from all walks of life.

Orthopedic joint pain Dr.Young explains the most common causes of pain he sees at Door Orthopedic Center:

Arthritis (Hand, Hip, and Knee): A condition that causes joint inflammation and stiffness, leading to pain and limited mobility. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions joints breaks down over time. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks joints. There is no cure for arthritis.
Acute or Chronic Inflammation: Bursitis is inflammation of the tiny, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, or hip and causes pain and stiffness. Tendonitis is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick cord that connects muscles to bones. It typically results from overuse and is common in areas such as the elbow, shoulder, and knee.
Rotator Cuff Issues: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. It provides stability and movement. Damage or inflammation in this area can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A condition caused by pressure on the median nerve as it travels through the wrist's carpal tunnel into the palm side of the hand. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
Trigger Finger: A condition where a finger becomes stuck in a bent position and may snap straight suddenly, like pulling a trigger. It occurs when the tendon in the finger becomes inflamed or irritated.

Managing Chronic Pain: What About Cortisone Shots and Opioids?

There's a lot of information, and sometimes confusion, around these common treatments for pain. Dr. Young provides clarity on their appropriate use:

Cortisone Shots: Numerous studies have shown that cortisone injections are highly effective for relieving arthritis and bursitis symptoms. "It's safe to repeat these injections every 6-12 weeks, depending on the situation," he says.
Opioids: When it comes to chronic pain, Dr. Young takes a cautious approach."Opioids are not typically used for chronic pain conditions. While they can provide effective short-term relief after injuries or surgeries, they are not as effective for long-term pain management," he explains.

When developing a treatment plan, Dr. Young begins with collaboration and education. "We discuss the natural history of the problem as well as evidence-based treatment options. We typically start with less invasive treatments, but ultimately, the patient chooses their preference for treatment after discussing the options."

Will I need Surgery?

Orthopedic doctor examining patient's wrist Surgery can significantly improve quality of life; however, the idea can be daunting. It's also the last course of action in any treatment plan.

"Feeling hesitant about undergoing surgery is very common and completely understandable. No one wants to have surgery," Dr. Young says. "I try to help patients feel confident about choosing the best treatment for their individual circumstances, whether that's surgery or a different treatment."

He explains a procedure's potential benefits and risks and offers his honest opinion, even if that occasionally means referring patients elsewhere for rare or unusual conditions. The goal is for patients to feel empowered to make informed decisions about their health.

"I am very confident in the care we provide, and I strive to help patients feel confident in choosing DCMC," Dr. Young says.

Canon Aquilion CT scanner In April 2024, DCMC acquired the Canon Aquilion Serve SP CT-Scanner, making it one of the only rural hospitals in the nation with access to its innovative, state-of-the-art capabilities. This, coupled with advances in diagnostic imaging, has revolutionized surgical planning, particularly for joint replacement procedures.

"With conventional techniques, we relied on pins and rods for alignment," Dr. Young explains. "Now, we use detailed CT scans or MRIs to determine the ideal alignment on a computer. This information is sent to a manufacturer that produces a 3D surgical guide tailored to the patient's anatomy." He adds, "It makes our job easier and improves health outcomes for people."

Collaborative Patient Care

Ortho patient with Rehab staff Rehabilitation is essential for successful orthopedic outcomes, serving as a preventive measure and a follow-up to surgery. DCMC features three rehab clinic locations—Algoma, Sister Bay, and Sturgeon Bay—ensuring accessible care regardless of where you are on the Door Peninsula. Our award-winning therapists work closely with physicians and surgeons to provide comprehensive care aimed at helping patients achieve their highest potential.

"Rehabilitation is extremely important with certain orthopedic problems, for surgical and non-surgical treatment," says Dr. Young, "Each patient is unique in their needs and I utilize direct communication with the rehab team to optimize individualized treatment."

As evidenced by our patient testimonials, the orthopedic and rehab teams collaborate to help folks return to their daily lives as quickly and safely as possible. At Door Orthopedic Center, patients receive personalized care in a state-of-the-art facility, which has resulted in a 93% home discharge rate and a 100% satisfaction score.

With a strong commitment to personalized care and a patient-first philosophy, Door County Medical Center stands out as a leader in community healthcare. We take pride in offering world-class services, close to home.

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To schedule an appointment, call 920-746-0510, sign in to MyDoorCountyHealth.org, or use the My DCMC app, which is available for download on smart devices.