Every published Bone Blog article, grouped by the part of the body or the question it answers. New topics are added as articles are released.
2 articles
Learn when an X-ray may be useful after an injury, what it can show, and why normal X-rays do not always explain persistent pain.
Learn how MRI and CT scans differ, what each shows best, when contrast may be used, and how orthopedic doctors choose the right test.
4 articles
A fracture and a broken bone are the same injury. Dr. James Barnes explains the terms that describe severity and warning signs after a fracture.
Do plates and screws need to be removed after a fracture heals? Dr. James Barnes explains when hardware can stay, reasons to consider removal, and refracture risk.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Barnes explains what actually speeds up bone healing: protein, quitting smoking, safe weight-bearing, and why shortcuts don't work.
Most fractures take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal enough for basic function, but recovery depends on the bone, fracture type, age, health, and treatment.
2 articles
Bruise colors reflect the body's cleanup of blood under the skin. Learn what is usually normal, why color cannot date an injury, and when to seek care.
Joint popping is often harmless when painless. Learn common causes and when pain, locking, instability, injury, or lost function should be checked.
1 article
Painless knuckle cracking has not been shown to cause arthritis. Learn what the evidence says and when hand symptoms should be evaluated.
1 article
An orthopedic surgeon explains BPC-157, TB-500, peptide therapy, what the research actually shows, and why patients should be cautious.
5 articles
Learn why a knee may swell after injury, arthritis, bursitis, gout, or infection—and when redness, heat, severe pain, or difficulty bearing weight needs prompt evaluation.
A Baker’s cyst is fluid behind the knee, often caused by arthritis or a meniscus tear. Learn when it needs treatment or urgent evaluation.
Think you tore your meniscus? Learn what symptoms matter, when to seek evaluation, whether you need an MRI, and when surgery may be considered.
Meniscus tears and knee arthritis can feel similar—and often occur together. Learn how symptoms, exam findings, X-rays, and MRI help identify the likely pain source.
Knee pain on stairs commonly comes from the kneecap joint, an irritated tendon, arthritis, or occasionally a meniscus problem. Learn what the pain location reveals and when to be evaluated.
1 article
Does KT tape actually help pain or injuries? Orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Barnes explains what kinesiology tape may do, what it cannot do, and when it’s reasonable to try.
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