By Maritza Manressa

According to Dr. Michael K. Riley, Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon, at The Orthopaedic Institute in Ocala, the older athlete has a higher predisposition to chronic injuries, adding that the most common injuries in the aging athlete are related to overuse and repetitive microtrauma. For instance, golfers’ most common issues are problems with the rotator cuff, medial epicondylitis, which is an injury that affects the tendons in the elbow due to overuse, and inflammation of wrist tendons. Rotator cuff tears are also very common among tennis players and for those softball players – watch out for muscle strain and meniscal tears. Lastly, aging athletes who have been training most of their lives are certainly more vulnerable to developing osteoarthritis, which is the degeneration of the weight bearing joints, than the common folk. 

For access to the full article, courtesy of Ocala Magazine, visit:

http://ocalamagazine.com/2013/05/06/orthopaedics-and-the-aging-athlete

Thursday, March 15 at Comfort Suites – The Villages

By Michael K. Riley, M.D.

Active adults may have some issues with their athletic performance after 40. As we age, our bodies are more prone to injury, keeping us from playing our best. Whether its golf, tennis or even swimming, if shoulder pain is keeping you from performing at your best, come learn about the different shoulder symptoms, surgical and non-surgical treatment options and therapies that are available to help your reach your personal wellness goals.

To hear more and to have an opportunity to ask questions, join Dr. Riley for a community presentation at 10 a.m. on March 15 at Comfort Suites – The Villages. This presentation is hosted by Ocala Health Systems and is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to 1-800-530-1188.

Dr. Riley is board certified in orthopaedic surgery with an additional certification in orthopaedic sports medicine and practices at TOI’sOcalaoffice. Dr. Riley attended medical school at theUniversityofMichiganand completed his internship in general surgery, followed by his residency training in orthopaedic surgery at theUniversityofFlorida. Dr. Riley is a member of theAmericanAcademyof Orthopaedic Surgeons and Southern Orthopaedic Association.

By Michael K. Riley, M.D.

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

The aging athlete is the group of individuals over the age of 40 that have continued their athletic endeavors or taken up some sort of athletic activity in mid-adulthood. Exercise throughout life is a great practice because research has shown its positive effects on the aging process. It is a proven fact that maintaining an active lifestyle is healthy, and can increase the quantity as well as quality of life.  However, as we continue to age our body becomes more prone to injury due to the fact that our bones, muscles and even tendons begin to breakdown or become less elastic. Fortunately, approximately 30 to 50 percent of the physiological changes are the result of de-conditioning, that is, little or no exercise. 

To stay fit, healthy and continue athletic and fitness activities, one must train the body safely and properly. Our goal is to achieve a balance between an age-appropriate lifestyle while minimizing the impact of injuries on an active lifestyle. Treatment is focused on the framework of the body, including the skeleton and muscles, with a sports medicine approach that is safe, effective and in the best interests of our patients. No matter what level of activity our patient’s desire, we respect the importance of maintaining athleticism and we work hard to insure that our patients can continue the activity level that best suits their needs.

Treatment can range from medication, therapy, activity modification up to and including surgical intervention.

To hear more and to have an opportunity to ask questions, join me for a community presentation at 10 a.m. on November 10 at Comfort Suites – The Villages. It is hosted by Ocala Health Systems and is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to 1-800-530-1188.

Dr. Riley is board certified in orthopaedic surgery with an additional certification in orthopaedic sports medicine and practices at TOI’s Ocala office. Dr. Riley attended medical school at the University of Michigan and completed his internship in general surgery, followed by his residency training in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Florida. Dr. Riley is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Southern Orthopaedic Association.