Impacts of Medical Technology

Innovations in medical technology are the foundation of advancement in modern medicine. Consequently, it has led to life-changing treatments and cures for patients globally. Access and communication of healthcare information are transformative as a result of medical technology.

Significantly, technology influences medicine from diagnosis, therapy, surgical procedures, and medicine fulfillment.  As an example, technology has reduced countless medical errors through electronic prescriptions systems, allowing physicians to better communicate to pharmacies to more accurately distribute needed medicine.

Technology has resulted in changes from the way of life in general and how interaction and socialization unfold. Medical technology has even created prominent changes in human behavior.  With regard to the global Web, there is an acceleration of social and medical professional interactions allowing for a tremendous flow of information.

In the healthcare industry, due to the advancement of technology, health experts can benefit immediately from conferences from other countries. From podcasts to Live Facebook, medical professionals from all over the globe can be tied into the same conference no matter where they are. Also, people can research their own medical issues by mining data on the web on signs and symptoms, treatments and potential remedies. Consequently, individuals are empowered to make wise decisions regarding their health. Further, healthcare facilities are improving the quality and coordination of care delivery through social media by identifying contacts with patients, answering questions about various practices, launching awareness campaigns and performing community research and outreach.

Through technology, information in the medical industry becomes even more significant. Notably, through research, nurses and doctors routinely use electronic medical records, telehealth services, and mobile technologies. For instance, tablets are often used in hospitals to record a patient’s medical history or check for the best possible treatment to be administered to the patient. Also, telemedicine can allow patients, doctors, and specialists to effectively communicate with one another regarding the administration of certain meds.

The vast scope of adopting electronic health records has resulted in significant savings in healthcare costs as well as maintaining patient health and safety. For instance, medical technology companies’ primary aim is to make available products that are affordable, faster and efficient to patient care.

Conclusively, there is little doubt that medical technologies are among the leading areas of economic growth in the world as new medical technologies arrive in the market every day. Technological advancements in the field of medicine are providing specialists with new strategies and tools to deliver quality care to patients around the globe.

Remember to live life to its Fullest

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.

Achilles Tendon Injuries & Torn Achilles

The Achilles tendon, which runs from your heel bones to your calf muscles, is commonly known as the largest tendon in your body. Unfortunately, Achilles tendon injuries can occur quite commonly in sports activities such as jumping, running, walking, football, Baseball, Softball soccer, tennis, swimming, and basketball among others.

Torn Achilles can be highly problematic for athletes, and often sidelines them completely during recovery. Achilles tendon injuries can hinder one's ability to move freely or perform in virtually any sports activity. This foot injury is best known for its ability to cause extreme discomfort and excruciating pain. But, it can be fixed.

What causes Achilles tendon injuries?

A torn/ruptured Achilles tendon can occur as a result of many things. For starters, Achilles injuries can affect anyone regardless of whether they are active in sports activities or not. These injuries can be caused by any of the following factors;

·      Wrong footwear

·      Overstretching

·      Fallen arches/flat feet

·      Steroid injections

·      Physical fitness activities

·      Age

·      Weak or stiff leg muscles/tendons

·      Consumption of fluoroquinolones antibiotics

·      Sudden leg movements

Symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries

·      Tenderness/swellings/stiffness

·      Excruciating pain

·      Movement problems, particularly when stretching your ankle or knee

·      Inability to stand on your toes

·      Skin discoloration

·      Bruising

·      Discomfort/uneasiness

·      Disturbed sleep patterns

·      Mood disorders such as stress and anxiety

Prevention of Achilles tendon injuries

You can lower risks of developing Achilles tendon tears/ruptures problems through the following tactics and tips;

·      Wear appropriate footwear: Resist from wearing high heels or uncomfortable, or ill-fitting shoes.

·      Engage in stretching the calf muscles to help create more flexibility in your tendons/muscles significantly.

·      Exercise regularly, and remember to warm up beforehand.

·      Avoid running, jumping or exercising on uneven surfaces.

·      Increase your training intensity at a slow pace.

·      Avoid engaging in risky or vigorous physical activities that may mount extreme stress on your tendon Achilles unnecessarily.

Diagnosis of Achilles tendon injuries

Achilles tendon ruptures or tears can be diagnosed through the following mechanisms;

1.     Physical exams

Any reputable healthcare professional or orthopedic doctor can conduct a thorough physical exam to diagnose a torn or ruptured tendon. Your GP may scrutinize your lower leg for swellings, tenderness, bruises or skin discoloration. A gap in your tendon Achilles may be an indication of a severe rupture.

2.     X-rays

The advancement in medicine technology has been a great boost to the general healthcare sector. Doctors can examine the extent of a torn/ruptured tendon Achilles through the use of x-rays.

3.     Ultrasounds

Your doctor may decide to conduct an in-depth inspection on your lower leg using ultrasounds to determine the extent of your Achilles inflammation, tear, rupture or any other damage.

4.     MRI Scans

MRI scans have become popular among doctors due to their effectiveness in facilitating detection of ruptured or torn Achilles.

Treatments for Tendon Injuries

Having a torn Achilles or ruptured tendon? Well, you don’t have to stress yourself excessively. Achilles injuries can be treated through the following techniques;

1.     Non-surgical methods

Doctors may be able to treat a torn Achilles using non-surgical, non-invasive methods such as exercising, elevation, ice, rest, stretching, or just being careful.

2.     Physical therapy

Your doctor can treat your torn/ruptured tendon using a physical therapy program.

3.     Surgery

This is normally the best option for treating severe Achilles tendon ruptures according to many doctors. Your GP may recommend an orthopedic surgery after realizing that all other treatment options are ineffective.

4.     Rehabilitation

Your doctor may recommend a rehabilitation program that combines regular exercises, well-balanced diet, and physical therapy after your non-surgical or surgical treatment for a quicker Achilles tendon injury recovery.

Remember to live life to its Fullest

Dr. Kevin Crawford

4110 22nd Place Lubbock, TX 79410

(806) 792-4329

Disclaimer:  This information is provided as an educational service only, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.  Anyone seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.