OIWK Blog

Partial vs. Total Knee Replacement: What’s the difference?
Ever wondered about the difference is between a partial and total knee replacement? Read on to learn more about both and what to expect.

How Nicotine Affects Your Spine Surgery
Most people know that smoking can complicate surgery by slowing the healing process, but very few truly understand the science behind why smoking, or more accurately ALL nicotine products, are so damaging to surgical outcomes.

How to Shop for the Perfect Walking Shoes
You reap benefits from walking, but that’s difficult to do if you don’t have the right walking shoes. Find the perfect pair with these tips.

What You Need to Know About a Health Insurance Card
Health insurance plans vary but they all have one thing in common—a health insurance card. Here’s how to read yours.

5 Ways to Boost Your Recovery from Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is a routine procedure that relieves chronic joint pain. In fact, it’s so common that hundreds of thousands of patients opt for it each year. But even though this surgery has become a standard medical treatment, a full recovery from it still requires time and effort. So, if you ever undergo a knee replacement, follow these steps to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

What You Should Know About Ankle Arthroplasty
Medicine has advanced considerably in recent years regarding ankle pain. Doctors can now offer treatments such as physical therapy, ankle braces, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections. Yet, sometimes, even these methods won’t completely relieve your discomfort. At that point, it’s time to consider an ankle arthroplasty.

How do you know it’s time to see a sports medicine doctor?
You don’t have to see a sports medicine doctor for every sprain or bruise, but there certainly are plenty of injuries that need expert care. If you don’t seek professional help for them, they will only get worse with time. Learn to distinguish between injuries you can treat at home and when to seek help from a sports medicine doctor.

The Primary Types of Fractures You Should Know
Fractures can happen at any time. A fracture can cause pain, swelling, discoloration, bleeding, deformity, and inability to bear weight on a damaged limb. Fortunately, our specialists can fix any bone injury, but treatments vary among types of fractures. Learn more about types of fractures.

Blood Flow Restriction Training: Make the Most of Physical Therapy Using A New Exercise Strategy
Blood Flow Restriction Training is an up-and-coming method for increasing muscle strength and endurance. At the Orthopaedic Institute of Western Kentucky (OIWK), we use it to help physical therapy patients reclaim their bodies and lives. Learn more.

Top 5 Questions Patients Ask an Orthopedic Surgeon
I am asked several of the same questions almost everyday in the office. Here are the top 5 questions patients ask their orthopedic surgeon.