From Kayaking to Paddleboarding: Orthopaedic Care and Injury Prevention for Water Sports Enthusiasts

There’s nothing like being out on the water—gliding across a glassy lake on a paddleboard, navigating a winding river in a kayak, or exploring the coastline by canoe. These summer pastimes aren’t just relaxing—they’re also great for your overall fitness, building upper body strength, balance, and cardiovascular health. But like any sport, water sports come with some orthopedic risks.

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we see a range of water sports–related injuries every year, from overuse strains to acute trauma. The good news is that many are preventable with the right conditioning and technique—and very treatable if they do occur. Both Dr. Abigail Boduch and Dr. Andrew McMahon specialize in treating sports-related injuries and conditions, with a focus on reducing pain and getting patients back to the activities they love. Dr. McMahon has served the seacoast community as a Primary Care Sports Medicine provider and served as team physician for a number of local high school teams, while Dr. Boduch is an orthopedic surgeon (and paddle board enthusiast) who specializes in the treatment of tendon, ligament, and cartilage injuries, as well as trauma care focused on fractures of the extremities. Dr. Tyler Welch is an orthopedic surgeon and partner at Atlantic Orthopaedics who also specializes in Sports Medicine, with a focus on Arthroscopy of the knee, shoulder, and hip

Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just getting started with water sports, here’s what to watch for, how to avoid common injuries, and how we can help if something goes wrong.

Common Water Sports Injuries (and How to Prevent Them)

1. Rotator Cuff Strains and Tears
Shoulder pain is one of the most common complaints among kayakers and paddleboarders. Repeated overhead paddling motions, especially without proper technique or warm-up, can strain or even tear the rotator cuff—the group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint. Atlantic Orthopaedics partner Dr. Mayo Noerdlinger specializes in injuries of the shoulder, encouraging his patients to take an active role in their treatment. An advocate of opioid-sparing surgery, Dr. Noerdlinger uses novel pain-relieving treatment options to hasten the recovery process.

Prevention:

Warm up shoulders and arms before heading out

Use proper paddling technique—avoid overreaching or poor posture

Strengthen shoulder and upper back muscles with resistance exercises during the off-season

Treatment Options:

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) for minor strains

Physical Therapy to rebuild strength and improve flexibility

Corticosteroid Injections to reduce inflammation

Surgical repair in the case of full-thickness tears

2. Elbow Overuse Injuries (Including Tennis Elbow)
Holding a paddle for extended periods, especially with a tight grip or poor wrist alignment, can cause overuse injuries like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), which involves inflammation of the tendons around the elbow. Hand and upper extremity surgeon Dr. Maximilian Meyer has years of expertise in treating both acute elbow injuries and chronic conditions. His philosophy centers on listening to and working together with patients to create individualized care plans – both surgical and non-surgical – that help you return to an active lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Prevention:

Avoid a death grip on the paddle—relax your hands

Strengthen forearm muscles with light weights or resistance bands

Mix up your activities to avoid repetitive strain

Treatment Options:

Rest and anti-inflammatories

Elbow braces or straps to relieve strain

Physical Therapy with eccentric strengthening exercises

Steroid or PRP injections for more stubborn cases

Elbow surgery in the event of serious injury

3. Foot and Ankle Injuries

From the sudden jolt of a fall from a jet ski to the subtle wear-and-tear of beach running, your feet and ankles take a beating during many popular water sports. These joints are crucial for balance, propulsion, and impact absorption—making them particularly vulnerable in fast-paced or high-impact environments like surfing, jet skiing, waterskiing, and beach volleyball. From ankle sprains to Achilles tendon tears to “Turf Toe” (a sprain of the big toe joint), ankle and foot injuries are some of the most common when it comes to water sports.

Prevention:

Warm up and stretch before getting on the water

Wear appropriate footwear (water shoes, board shoes, or sport-specific bindings)

Strengthen foot and ankle muscles with balance exercises, heel raises, and resistance band work

Be cautious on wet, slippery surfaces—many injuries happen on docks, boats, or shorelines

Treatment Options:

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Ankle bracing or taping for support during recovery

Immobilization in a boot or cast

Physical therapy to restore strength and stability

Surgical repair in cases of severe ligament tears

4. Lower Back Pain and Muscle Strain
Poor posture, weak core muscles, or long hours kneeling or sitting can lead to lower back discomfort—especially for paddleboarders and kayakers. Water sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing can also result in muscle strain or injury. If you suffer from persistent lower back pain, there are non-surgical treatments that can help. Dr. Andrew Lehn is a board-certified interventional pain management provider uses spinal injections and other interventional and opioid-sparing treatments to alleviate back pain and get patients back to doing the activities they love.

Prevention:

Incorporate core exercises like planks, bridges, or Pilates into your regular routine

Sit tall while paddling and avoid slouching

Alternate between sitting, kneeling, or standing to give your back a break

Treatment Options:

Heat or ice, depending on the cause of pain

Physical Therapy focused on core strength and flexibility

Spinal Injections to alleviate pain

5. Wrist and Hand Injuries
Whether you’re gripping the throttle of a jet ski, maneuvering a sailboat, or paddling your way through a river, your hands and wrists are working hard. These small but essential joints are involved in nearly every water sport—and because of that, they’re also vulnerable to overuse, strain, and acute injury. If hand or wrist pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by numbness, weakness, or swelling, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Dr. H. Matthew Quitkin specializes in treating conditions of the hand and wrist, including fractures, tendon injuries, nerve compression syndromes (Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel), and overuse syndromes (Tendinitis, Tennis Elbow).

Prevention:

Adjust your grip—keep wrists neutral and avoid bending too far forward or back

Take breaks to shake out and stretch your hands

Use ergonomic paddles, grip pads, or sailing gloves

Treatment Options:

Wrist splints to reduce movement

Ice and anti-inflammatory medication

Corticosteroid injections for inflammation

Surgery for persistent carpal tunnel syndrome

6. Knee Pain and Meniscus Injuries
Jet skiing, surfing, and waterskiing can all place stress on your knees. The knees act as shock absorbers and stabilizers, constantly adjusting to shifts in motion and impact from waves, jumps, and turns. A rapid pivot, a forceful landing, or an unnatural twisting motion—such as falling while your foot is still anchored in a waterski or planted during a hard turn—can tear the meniscus. In some cases, these movements may also strain or injure surrounding ligaments, like the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), or cause patellofemoral pain syndrome, which involves irritation under the kneecap. If pain or swelling in the knee persists, don’t ignore it. Early treatment can make a significant difference in recovery. Dr. Michael Morwood is an expert in treating knee conditions, including fractures and injuries due to trauma. And Dr. Akhil Sastry is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in partial and total knee replacement. Dr. Sastry was among the first 15 surgeons worldwide to perform a robotic-assisted total knee replacement and has since performed the surgery over 1,000 times.

Prevention:

Strengthen the muscles that support your knees—quads, hamstrings, and glutes

Practice proper landing mechanics, and use well-fitting equipment, including bindings or knee supports if needed.

Stretch hips and hamstrings to improve mobility and reduce strain

Treatment Options:

Rest and elevation for swelling

Targeted rehab exercises with a physical therapist

MRI evaluation for suspected structural injury

Arthroscopic surgery for severe meniscus tears

When to See a Specialist

Many water sports injuries start small—but they can become serious if they aren’t evaluated. If you experience persistent pain, numbness, swelling, or weakness after water sports, it’s time to check in with an orthopedic provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can keep minor issues from turning into long-term problems.

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, our entire team of doctors, physician assistants, and support staff are here to help get your body back in motion and feeling great so you can enjoy a pain-free summer season. From conservative treatments like physical therapy and injections to advanced surgical options, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your activity and goals.

Love the water? We’ll help you stay strong, safe, and ready for your next adventure. Schedule an appointment today.

Pain’s Gone, Summer’s On! Take Your Summer Back

Summer’s here—time for barbecues, beach days, and family road trips. But if you’re one of the millions struggling with chronic back, neck, or joint pain, even those simple pleasures can feel out of reach. The good news is that a minimally invasive procedure called Radiofrequency Ablation may be able to help. At Atlantic Orthopaedics, pain management specialist Dr. Andrew Lehn has seen firsthand how this treatment can dramatically improve quality of life for patients suffering from chronic pain.

What Is Radiofrequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a targeted treatment designed help lower back pain. The procedure targets the small nerves that transmit pain signals from the joints in your spine to your brain. RFA uses heat generated by radio waves to disable a small section of nerve tissue. By “turning off” these nerves, the procedure can provide long-lasting pain relief, especially in the lower back, neck, and arthritic joints.

How Do I Know if the Procedure Is Right for Me?

Radiofrequency Ablation isn’t for everyone, but it’s an excellent option if you:

Have chronic low back pain (often diagnosed as facet joint arthritis).

Have not experienced significant relief from medication, injections, or physical therapy and want to avoid—or delay—major surgery.

Are in generally good health and can undergo a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.

To determine if RFA could benefit you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lehn. He will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order imaging to evaluate the degree of damage from your arthritis or spinal injury. He will then use a diagnostic block test to pinpoint the source of your pain. In the test, a local anesthetic is injected near the source, and if the injection alleviates your pain, it means you may be a good candidate for RFA.

What Is Involved in the RFA Procedure?

You’ll be positioned face down on a specialized X-ray table, and you’ll stay awake so you can respond to any questions. Medication to help you relax during the procedure is optional.

Your provider will numb the skin at the treatment area with a local anesthetic, then insert a fine needle using live X-ray guidance for precise targeting. You may feel brief pressure, but most patients describe it as far less uncomfortable than their everyday arthritis pain.

Then, an electrode is inserted through the needle to determine that the placement is correct. You may feel a slight tingling, muscle twitch, or mild discomfort—an indication that the electrode is in the right position.

With the location confirmed, radiofrequency energy is transmitted through the needle using the same electrode to heat and disable the targeted nerve, preventing it from transmitting pain signals to your brain. The procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to half a hour, depending on the number of nerves being treated. RFA is an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home the same day. Recovery time usually takes a few days at most.

With the nerve “turned off,” you should notice a decrease in pain. Some patients experience immediate relief, but for others it may take more time. Side effects can include mild inflammation or tenderness at the injection site that should resolve within a week.

You’ll come in for a follow-up appointment about two weeks after the procedure to assess your condition.

RFA is considered very safe and involves very few complications compared to more invasive surgeries. Though some patients experience relief that lasts several years, treated nerves can regrow, and the procedure can be repeated if your pain returns after a period of six months or longer.

Benefits of RFA

Sustained Pain Relief: Many patients enjoy six to 12 months (or more) of significantly reduced pain.

Minimal Downtime: Most people return to normal activities within a day or two.

Reduced Medication Dependence: Less reliance on oral pain meds or steroids means fewer side effects.

Improved Mobility: With the pain dialed down, you can move more freely.

Here’s what a recent patient had to say about RFA:

“I’ve been seeing Dr. Lehn for almost a year now and have had positive results. I have low back arthritis and started off having cortisone shots which only helped for the short term. Dr. Lehn suggested an ablation for my back. I feel great one day later and I’m walking better. This is a great alternative to surgery. Dr. Lehn has always been positive, answering all my questions and concerns.”

Summer doesn’t have to be a season you watch from the sidelines. With Radiofrequency Ablation, you can return to the activities you love—whether that means pickleball, playing with the grandkids, or just enjoying a comfortable car ride to the beach. If chronic pain has been putting your life on hold, Dr. Andrew Lehn and the team at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine are here to help you take it back.

Ready to make pain a memory? Contact us to request an appointment today.

When Foot Pain Isn’t Just Foot Pain: Knowing When to See a Specialist

We all know the feeling of foot pain after a long day on your feet, a weekend of yardwork, or a strenuous workout or sporting event. But what happens when that discomfort doesn’t go away and starts to interfere with your daily life? That’s when it may be time to get checked out by a specialist.

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Cameron Eilts has been helping patients find relief from foot and ankle pain since 2011. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, complications from diabetes, or chronic heel pain, Dr. Eilts focuses on understanding each patient’s unique needs and finding the right treatment—surgical or not—to relieve the pain and get them moving again.

Common Causes of Foot & Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain can come from many sources. Some of the most common include:

Plantar Fasciitis
Symptoms: A sharp, stabbing pain in the heel that’s often worst in the morning.
Cause: strain or small tears in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, often due to overuse, poor arch support, or tight calf muscles.

Arthritis
Symptoms: Stiffness, swelling, and discomfort in the joints of the foot or ankle.
Cause: Results from wear and tear (osteoarthritis), autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis), or post-injury degeneration that leads to joint inflammation and cartilage breakdown.

Tendonitis
Symptoms: Pain due to inflammation of the tendons.
Cause: Typically caused by repetitive stress or sudden increases in activity, leading to inflammation of tendons that connect muscle to bone.

Ankle Sprains
Symptoms: Ankle pain due to overstretched or torn ligaments.
Cause: Often a result of sudden twisting, rolling, or impact during sports or uneven walking.

Diabetic Foot Issues
Symptoms: Include nerve damage and reduced blood flow that can lead to infection, ulcers, and decreased healing ability.
Cause: Stems from long-term high blood sugar

While these conditions vary widely, the goal is always the same: relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further damage.

Not All Foot & Ankle Issues Require Surgery

One of the most common misconceptions about seeing an orthopedic specialist is the fear that surgery is the only option. Dr. Eilts emphasizes a conservative approach to treatment whenever possible. Many patients find non-surgical relief through physical therapy, injections to reduce inflammation, or bracing to immobilize and protect the area so it can heal.

When It Might Be Time to Consider Surgery

Of course, not all pain can be resolved non-surgically. If conservative treatments haven’t worked, or if your condition is worsening, surgical intervention might be the best path forward. Here are a few signs that it’s time to see a foot and ankle specialist like Dr. Eilts:

Chronic pain that doesn’t improve with rest or conservative care

Recurrent sprains or instability in the ankle

Numbness, tingling, or visible deformities

Limited mobility affecting your quality of life

Dr. Eilts takes the time to evaluate each case individually, using a physical exam and advanced imaging and diagnostics, to create a treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle. If surgery is needed, he will walk you through every step of the process, from pre-op preparation to post-op rehab.

Don’t Wait on the Pain

The longer foot and ankle pain goes untreated, the harder it can be to fix. Trying to “tough it out” can sometimes do more harm than good. Whether you’re dealing with nagging heel pain, recurring ankle sprains, or diabetic foot concerns, Dr. Eilts and the team at Atlantic Orthopaedics are here to help. With a focus on personalized care and a full range of treatment options, we’re ready to set you on the path to recovery–so you can get back to doing the things you love as soon as possible.

If you’re suffering from foot or ankle pain, don’t wait it out. Get in touch to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eilts today.

The BEAR Procedure: A Revolutionary Approach to ACL Repair

ACL tears are one of the most common knee injuries, sidelining more than 100,000 Americans every year. Traditionally, repairing a torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) required surgical reconstruction using tissue from another part of the patient’s body or donor tissue. While often effective, this procedure is invasive and requires a lengthy recovery time. But now, thanks to advancements in orthopedic surgery, patients suffering from a torn ACL have an alternative called Bridge Enhanced ACL Restoration, also known as BEAR.

What is the BEAR Procedure?

BEAR is a breakthrough in ACL repair that enables the body to naturally heal on its own. Because synovial fluid, which reduces friction in the knee, prevents formation of blood clots that are necessary for healing, the ACL does not have the ability to heal itself. In the BEAR procedure, instead of removing the damaged ACL and replacing it with donor tissue, a special implant is used to bridge the torn ends of the ligament. This creates an ideal healing environment, enabling the ACL to heal, typically within eight weeks.

Meet Dr. Welch: Maine’s First BEAR Surgeon

At Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, we’re proud to have Dr. Welch, a pioneer in ACL repair, on our team. Dr. Welch was the first surgeon in Maine to perform the BEAR procedure and remains one of the few specialists in the region to offer it. He performs the surgery at York Hospital and at the New England Center for Orthopedic Surgery in Portsmouth, providing patients with a cutting-edge alternative to traditional ACL reconstruction.

Why Choose the BEAR Procedure?

For many patients, BEAR offers significant advantages over traditional ACL surgery:

Preserves your own tissue: unlike reconstruction, which requires a graft from another part of the body or a donor, BEAR allows your ACL to heal naturally.

Better post-operative knee function: because the original ACL is preserved, patients tend to experience less pain and less muscle weakness after surgery.

Less invasive: the surgery is an outpatient procedure, and does not require harvesting tissue from another part of the body

No donor tissue risks: There’s no concern over donor graft quality

Faster healing timeline

Real Results: A Patient’s Journey Back to Running

Patients who undergo the BEAR procedure are seeing amazing outcomes, including Rachel, who recently shared her experience:

“Thanks to Dr. Welch at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine for the amazing BEAR procedure and Shantelle and Ian at Coppola Physical Therapy for helping me get back on the road as quickly as I did. I’m so lucky to have this team and my family and friends cheering me on.”

Six months after her surgery, Rachel was back to running–something that once felt impossible. Her success story is just one of many that demonstrate the life-changing potential of this innovative ACL repair method.

Who is Eligible for BEAR?

The BEAR implant was cleared by the FDA for patients who meet the following criteria:

Must be at least 14 years old.
Must have a complete ACL rupture, as confirmed by MRI.
Must have an ACL stump attached to the tibia.

The team at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine are committed to bringing the latest advancements in orthopedic care to our patients. Dr. Welch continues to be at the forefront of ACL treatment, helping patients regain knee strength and mobility with a less invasive approach than traditional reconstruction. If you’ve suffered an ACL tear and are exploring your options, the BEAR procedure may be the right choice for you. Contact Atlantic Orthopaedics today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Welch and learn more.

FREE Seminar – Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Taking Care of the Female Athlete

Join Dr. Abigail Boduch for Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Taking Care of the Female Athlete on:

Tuesday, April 15th at 6:00pm
Wells Public Library
1434 Post Road Wells, ME 04090

This FREE informative event will explore the unique orthopedic challenges female athletes face and the best ways to prevent and treat injuries. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, or simply interested in sports medicine, this is a great opportunity to learn from Dr. Boduch and ask questions. Don’t miss out—mark your calendar and bring a friend!

Must register to attend, please click HERE.

Innovative ACL Surgery for Athletes

An ACL injury can sideline an athlete for months, but fortunately, orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Abigail Boduch is successfully treating patients with an innovative approach to ACL reconstruction. The all-soft tissue quadriceps autograft is a cutting-edge technique that uses grafts from the quadriceps tendon, and offers numerous benefits, including a reduced risk of arthritis and decreased pain when bending or kneeling. Notably, the procedure eliminates the need to use bone from the patella, reducing the fracture risks associated with the traditional method. As the number of ACL injuries among high school and college athletes continues to rise–especially among female athletes–this approach is likely to be more widely adopted.

Why the Quad Graft Technique Stands Out

For female athletes, the quad graft technique can be a game changer. Emerging research highlights the differences in how ACL injuries impact male and female athletes, and studies suggest that females benefit significantly from this approach. With female athletes being three to six times more likely than males to suffer ACL tears, innovative solutions like this are crucial for addressing the unique challenges they face.

Additionally, Dr. Boduch’s ability to tailor her surgery to the individual sets her apart. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all graft for ACL reconstruction, her personalized approach maximizes success for each patient. Factors such as the patient’s activity level, age, and injury specifics guide her choice of graft, providing a truly customized surgical solution.

Why It Matters Now

ACL injuries are reaching “epidemic” levels among young athletes, making prevention and effective treatment more important than ever. Dr. Boduch recommends programs like the FIFA 11 injury prevention program, which has been proven to reduce ACL injury risks.

However, if an injury does occur, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Signs of an ACL injury include knee swelling, difficulty bending or extending the leg, and pain after an injury. Athletes experiencing these symptoms should consult an orthopedic specialist to assess the damage and explore treatment options.

Meet Dr. Abigail Boduch

Dr. Boduch is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. With expertise in Sports Medicine and Trauma, she specializes in treating injuries of the shoulder, elbow, and knee. Her areas of expertise include the treatment of tendon, ligament, cartilage, and other soft tissue injuries through both arthroscopic and open approaches, as well as trauma care focused on fractures of the extremities.

By offering state-of-the-art procedures like the quad graft ACL reconstruction, Dr. Boduch is helping athletes return to their sport stronger and with a reduced risk of future complications. Her individualized approach ensures every patient receives the care and attention they need to get back in the game.

If you or someone you know has experienced a knee injury or wants to learn more about sports injury prevention and treatment options, reach out today!

Get to Know Dr. Abigail Boduch

We’re excited to welcome the newest member of our team, Dr. Abigail Boduch. An orthopedic surgeon who specializes in Sports Medicine and Trauma, Dr. Boduch has experience treating athletes at all levels, from professional to high school, and looks forward to being part of our local sports community. An alumna of Winnacunnet High School and UNH, Dr. Boduch recently returned “home” to the Seacoast to join us at Atlantic Orthopaedics.

To help our patients get to know her better, we recently asked Dr. Boduch some questions about her roots on the Seacoast, her favorite part of her job, and how she likes to spend her free time.

How do you feel about moving back to the NH Seacoast?
I loved growing up here. The beauty of the Seacoast, as well as the access to the ocean and mountains, has never been lost on me. It is a wonderful place to live. The community has always meant so much to me and I am grateful to be back. I feel very fortunate to be able to provide care for the people in what I have always considered “my community”.

What made you want to join the practice at Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine?
It really stood out to me how much everyone was invested and interested in each other’s lives at work and outside of work. I was also impressed by the level of care provided for the patients. Everyone I interacted with exemplified the team mentality I love about orthopedics. The partners talked about doing hard cases together and collaborating on patients to provide the best care possible.

What made you pursue orthopedic surgery over other specialties?
I liked most specialties I rotated through during medical school and think I would’ve been happy in a lot of areas of medicine. I enjoy talking to patients and getting to know their stories, which is a large part of most medical fields. Orthopedics stood out to me because it is very tangible. Patients tell you what the problem is and, based on anatomy knowledge, you have a diagnosis and usually can work to find a solution that improves the symptoms. It is all about getting people back to what they love to do. Keeping mobility has such a direct impact on everyone’s day to day life that it is very rewarding to be able to help patients maintain that for as long as possible.

I also love how in orthopedics I am part of a team again. I played sports in high school and college and liked the team dynamics. Surgical fields in general have a team mentality, as it takes a lot of people working together to operate, but I think orthopedics stood out as the most team oriented. In the office we rely on physical therapists to guide our patients through post op rehabilitation or work closely with the therapists for non-operative treatments.

What is your specialty?
My specialty is Sports Medicine/Trauma. Sports injuries of the shoulder, elbow, and knee. Injuries to tendons, ligaments, cartilage and other soft tissues. Treatments with arthroscopic and open approaches for the shoulder and knee. Trauma, focusing on fractures of the extremities.

Sports Medicine specifically adds the aspect of team coverage. During my fellowship, I was fortunate to cover the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins, which was a great experience. But I like the idea of sports team coverage more on the community level. Getting to be the team doctor for a high school gets you into the community and I like feeling like I am part of the sports community again.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The relationships I have with patients are the most rewarding. Gaining the trust of a patient to care for them is a privilege. This relationship includes listening to their symptoms, being able to validate them by explaining what I think is the cause and lastly deciding how to move forward together. On the surface this is getting people back into their activities, whether it is a sporting activity or getting back to daily activities in less pain. But for me it is the relationship and trust that is required to do that which is the most rewarding.

What are your favorite things to do when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and our family. We like to take advantage of everything NH has to offer. We enjoy camping, hiking and paddleboarding. We also love to ski and are looking forward to being close to the NH mountains again.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Boduch to Atlantic Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. Her background, knowledge, and experience are a perfect complement to our team. If you’re suffering from an injury like a ligament or muscle tear, or experiencing persistent signs of tendonitis, cartilage deterioration to the shoulder, elbow or knee, schedule a consultation with Dr. Boduch. Our specialists will work with you every step of the way to diagnose and treat your condition so you can get back to doing what you love.

What You Need to Know About Feet and Ankles

Your feet and ankles are the foundation of your body, supporting you through all your daily activities, and maintaining their health is important for mobility and overall wellbeing. The ankle is a complex joint that’s located at the junction of three bones: the talus (connects the leg to the foot), fibula (on the outside of the calf), and tibia (the larger shinbone). It acts as a hinge between the leg and the foot, enabling the foot to rotate or pivot.

The following tips can help keep your feet and ankles in good health:

Wear Proper Footwear
Choosing the right shoes can make a significant difference in the long-term health of your feet and ankles. Shoes, sneakers, or sandals should provide adequate support, cushioning, and a good fit to prevent issues like blisters, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with poor arch support for long periods of time.

Exercise Regularly and Avoid Smoking
Strengthening the muscles in your feet and ankles can improve stability and prevent injuries. Exercises like heel raises, toe curls, and ankle circles help with both strength and mobility. Smoking is known to increase inflammation in the body, which can lead to rheumatoid arthritis, a common cause of joint damage. Smokers who undergo joint replacement are also at greater risk of surgical complications and increased healing time.

Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess pounds put additional stress on your feet and ankles, increasing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis and tendonitis. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise will reduce excess pressure on your lower extremities and promote overall joint health.

Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to signs of pain or discomfort in your feet and ankles. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming more serious problems. Don’t wait to consult a foot & ankle specialist if you’re experiencing persistent pain or swelling.

Atlantic Orthopaedics’ own Dr. Cameron Eilts is a board-certified Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and specialist in total ankle replacement surgery. Dr. Eilts was inspired to pursue podiatry due to his own history of sports-related injuries of the foot and ankle. He brings years of experience and expertise in the field and believes in approaching every patient with empathy and compassion. Dr. Eilts has been with Atlantic Orthopaedics since 2011, treating patients with a wide range of conditions, from sprained ankles to arthritis to diabetic limb care.

A recent patient of Dr. Eilts had this to say:

“Dr. Eilts is a great surgeon! Very intelligent, a good listener, and thoroughly explains everything. He provided a high level of attention and good advice during every follow-up appointment after my ankle surgery and thinks outside of the box for the best solution for each challenge I’ve had.”

Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or posttraumatic arthritis from past injury to the joint can compromise foot and ankle function, leading to pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement. For patients who have not found relief through conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, orthotics, or physical therapy, total ankle replacement may be the best option.

When should you consider ankle replacement surgery?

Patients with advanced arthritis, who have significant pain and limited mobility, are good candidates for the procedure. Ankle replacement surgery is not recommended for people with severe deformities, poor bone quality, active ankle infection, or neuromuscular disorders affecting the ankle joint. Most patients who undergo total ankle replacement experience relief from pain and improved mobility and can return to an active lifestyle.

What is involved in the procedure?

Before surgery, a thorough evaluation with imaging is done to assess the extent of the damage and tailor the procedure to the specific patient. Total ankle replacement surgery involves removing the damaged portions of the ankle joint and replacing them with prosthetic components that are inserted to recreate the joint, eliminating pain and restoring normal ankle function. The implant has two metal parts, with a plastic piece between them that allows them to glide smoothly.

What can I expect in recovery?

Immediately after surgery, the joint will be elevated to reduce swelling and encourage wound healing. Patients will then use crutches or a knee walker and wear a splint or boot for several weeks to immobilize the joint, until the foot and ankle can bear weight. Physical therapy is recommended to increase strength and restore range of motion during rehabilitation. Follow-up visits with your orthopedic surgeon will ensure that there are no post-op complications, and the ankle is healing properly.

If you’re suffering from severe ankle pain and reduced mobility, total ankle replacement surgery offers the potential for significant pain relief and a return to an active lifestyle. Schedule a consultation to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs, whether surgical or non-surgical. Dr. Eilts and the team at Atlantic Orthopaedics are committed to providing comprehensive care to help every patient achieve optimal health and get back to doing what they love.

Coping with Hand Arthritis: Tips for Daily Activities and Pain Management

Is painful hand arthritis affecting your ability to perform daily tasks and engage in the activities you love? Hand arthritis can be debilitating and negatively impact overall quality of life. The good news is that there are treatments, both non-surgical and surgical, that can alleviate pain caused by hand arthritis.

Hand arthritis is a disease that attacks the tissues surrounding your joints and most commonly affects the knuckle joints closest to the nails (distal interphalangeal joints) and the basal thumb joint (carpometacarpal arthritis). There are many types of hand arthritis, but osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are the most common. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage at the end of bones to degenerate is usually the result of wear and tear associated with aging. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that can affect patients of any age. It causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissue, eroding first the cartilage and then the bone. Psoriatic arthritis affects the skin and joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Dr. Maximilian Meyer is a hand and upper extremity surgeon at Atlantic Orthopaedics who specializes in treatment of the fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow. His philosophy centers on listening to and working together with his patients to create individual care plans that help them return to an active lifestyle. Dr. Meyer stays up to date on the latest scientific evidence and advanced techniques, and is committed to providing compassionate orthopedic care.

We asked Dr. Meyer to answer some frequently asked questions* about hand arthritis.

What are a few tips you would give your patients to cope with hand arthritis and pain management?

There are a variety of non-surgical treatment options available for hand arthritis, including bracing, topical and systemic anti-inflammatories, and injections. Additionally, working closely with a hand therapist can lead to significant improvements in pain and function. Surgery is typically reserved for patients whose symptoms have not responded to conservative treatments, and who feel that their hand arthritis limits their quality of life. When this happens, surgery can both relieve pain and improve hand function. My role as a surgeon is to help patients better understand the impact of arthritis on their hands, so that they can pick the treatment that is best for them.

Are there any exercises that can help with hand arthritis pain management?

Arthritis in the hands typically presents with both pain and with stiffness. Both symptoms can often be improved with low-impact exercises that emphasize joint motion and tendon gliding. I commonly recommend the “6-pack” hand exercises for patients with stiffness, either from arthritis or after sustaining hand trauma. By systematically isolating and improving motion of the major joints in the hand with these exercises, patients often find that they are able to do more with less pain. The exercises are simple to do and illustrations that make it easier to visualize can be found online.

Straight: straighten your fingers as much as possible.
Tabletop: make a tabletop shape with your fingers by bending at the knuckles, keeping your wrist straight.
Hook: bend and straighten your fingers, keeping your knuckles and wrist straight.
Fist: make a fist, bending each joint as much as possible.
Open and Close: straighten and open your fingers as if you are waving and then bring them back together.
Thumb to Tip: make an “O” shape by touching your thumb to each fingertip, one at a time, opening your hand wide after each finger.

What are the signs it’s time to see an expert like yourself for hand arthritis pain?

It is never too early to see a hand surgeon for arthritis, as we can help guide non-operative treatments and relay patient-specific information to hand therapists prior to starting therapy.

Patient Question: I have severe arthritis in my right hand. It affects everything I do from drying my hair, brushing my teeth, driving. How can I learn to deal with this excruciating pain?

Hand arthritis should not reach the point where it interferes with daily activities or with quality of life. If this occurs, surgical intervention in the form of joint-sparing procedures, joint replacement, or joint fusion can lead to significant improvements in hand function. I would encourage a visit to our office to explore treatment options.

If you’re suffering from arthritis in your hands, there are many options available that can alleviate pain and help you get back to the activities you love. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Meyer to learn more.

*Medical Disclosure: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not dispense medical advice or treatments to individuals who have not been seen by a healthcare professional.

It’s crucial to understand that every individual’s medical situation is unique, and what may work for one person may not necessarily work for another. Additionally, individuals may have underlying health conditions, allergies, or other factors that require personalized attention and consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.

Therefore, we strongly advise individuals to consult with a licensed healthcare professional before initiating any new treatments, making changes to their current treatment regimen, or addressing any medical concerns. This includes seeking professional guidance for managing allergies, assessing potential medication interactions, and ensuring overall safety and efficacy of any suggested treatments.

We are not liable for any actions taken based on the information provided on this blog. The responsibility for healthcare decisions lies solely with the individual and their healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional promptly.

How the MILD Procedure Helped an 86-Year-Old Woman Get Her Life Back

In early 2023, 85-year-old Jackie Freehart reached to put something away in a kitchen cupboard and fell backwards, injuring her back. It was so painful that she needed her son’s help to get up from the kitchen floor. After two days of waiting for the pain to stop, she went to the hospital to get checked out. Jackie was seen by Atlantic Orthopaedics pain management specialist, Dr. Lehn, who told her that she had Spinal Stenosis, a condition that occurs when the channel inside the spine narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, and causing pain when standing or walking. Spinal Stenosis can be the result of an injury like Jackie’s, or just the normal wear and tear that comes with aging.

Dr. Lehn listened closely to Jackie’s story and suggested she try conservative treatments for the pain first, rather than rushing into surgery. “I was so impressed with Dr. Lehn,” Jackie said. “He doesn’t rush but takes the time to explain things. He doesn’t give orders. He gave me a choice.” She decided to try physical therapy, and then Cortisone shots, but found that neither one helped, at least not for long. “Getting in and out of bed was the worst thing,” Jackie said. “I just couldn’t get comfortable. The only position I could sleep in was lying on my side, but turning from one side to the other was painful and difficult.”

At her next visit, Dr. Lehn told her about a procedure for Spinal Stenosis called MILD, short for minimally invasive lumbar decompression. MILD is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional spinal surgery where the surgeon inserts a spinal decompression device through a tiny incision in the back, using it to remove the tissue that’s pressing on the spinal nerves. The procedure takes less than an hour and is performed with local anesthesia so patients can go home the same day. Dr. Lehn gave Jackie a brochure about MILD to take home and asked her to think about it. In the meantime, she continued to get Cortisone shots in the hopes that it would provide relief.

When she returned to Dr. Lehn a few months later for her Cortisone shot, he mentioned that he had done the MILD procedure on a 90-year-old patient the day before and she had walked out of the hospital on her own. “I had read the brochure and I Googled it,” Jackie said, “and we talked about it twice before I got serious about it. He didn’t try to coerce me into it.” About 7 months after her fall and still in pain, Jackie made up her mind to undergo the procedure.

“Dr. Lehn explained everything, so I knew what to expect,” she said. “He was very reassuring and I was not a bit nervous when I went in.” Dr. Lehn performed the MILD procedure at NECOS in Portsmouth in August of 2023. Jackie woke up soon after and walked out with the help of a walker. She was still in some pain when she left the hospital and it continued for the next day. But two days after the surgery, Jackie reported, she was pain-free. “The recovery was almost miraculous!” she said. “Now I have no pain going to bed. I’m not fearful about it. I can sleep and I feel like myself again.” Jackie can get around now with just a cane. She recently attended a baby shower and is back to walking at the mall three days a week. “I can cook again, which is my passion,” she said. “I have company over now.”

When asked if she would recommend the MILD procedure and Dr. Lehn to her friends, Jackie didn’t hesitate. “I can’t say enough wonderful things about Dr. Lehn. The whole staff was incredible, very helpful and kind,” she said. “This procedure is worth it for anyone having this pain, because quality of life is so important.” Jackie was so pleased with the care she received that she wanted to show her gratitude to everyone at Atlantic Orthopaedics. “I didn’t know what to do other than say thank you,” she said. “I told my son I wanted to do something more, and so we went out and got a great big basket of cookies and brought them for the staff.” Now, eight months after she had the procedure, Jackie remains pain-free. “I’m so glad I had it done,” she said. “I feel like I have my life back.”

Relief From Hip Pain – How Arthroscopy Can Alleviate Pain and Restore Function

Hip pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from mobility to sleep to overall quality of life. The hip joint is where the thigh bone (femur) connects to the pelvis and is used constantly when one walks, bends, and supports his/her upper body.

Who is a good candidate for Hip Arthroscopy?

Hip pain has varied causes; in young people the most common cause is a labral tear–damage to the soft tissue lining the inside of the hip socket (acetabulum). A Labral tear can occur from repetitive wear over time, impingement from an underlying problem with the joint structure, or trauma from a sports injury or accident.

For patients who suffer from a labral tear –and who have not found relief from conservative treatments like rest, over-the-counter pain relievers and physical therapy–hip arthroscopy may be the answer. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that can restore hip function and alleviate pain.

Patients with osteoarthritis, cysts, or ankylosis (fusion) of the hip joint are not good candidates for hip arthroscopy.

What is involved in the Hip Arthroscopy procedure?

First, an orthopedic specialist will determine whether hip arthroscopy is appropriate based on a physical exam and x-ray or MRI imaging. Unlike open surgery, arthroscopy only requires a small incision through which a camera (arthroscope) is inserted. This gives the surgeon a clear, magnified view of the interior of the hip joint during the procedure. The surgeon will then repair or remove the damaged labrum, bone impingement, or loose bodies. Performed in an outpatient setting , arthroscopic hip surgery usually leads to less post-operative pain and shorter recovery time than open hip surgery.

Surgical Expertise + State of the Art Technology

Dr. Tyler Welch is a board certified orthopedic surgeon who has performed approximately 300 hip arthroscopy procedures – In addition to his extensive experience, Dr. Welch utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including “HipMap” software that generates a detailed 3D image of the hip structure in advance of the procedure. Used as a planning tool, this advanced imaging enables him to precisely target the surgery and minimize disruption to surrounding tissue.

Another innovative device employed by Dr. Welch is the Guardian, a cutting-edge operating table designed to hold the patient comfortably and securely in place, while providing the surgeon greater range of motion and visibility during the procedure. Traditionally, achieving proper positioning for hip surgery required the use of a post between the patient’s legs, a technique that can cause groin pain . The Guardian table has eliminated post-operative groin pain.

Below, we asked Dr. Welch a few questions about hip arthroscopy.

Where do you perform this procedure?
I perform hip arthroscopy at NECOS and at York Hospital.

Are you still the only practice in the Seacoast that uses the Guardian Table for this procedure?
That’s right, I’m still the only surgeon on the Seacoast that uses the Guardian Table.

Anything else you’d like current or future patients to know about this procedure and how it would benefit them?
What is nice about hip arthroscopy is that it is a relatively straightforward recovery. Crutches are only required for about one week, and most patients make significant gains within 4-6 weeks. It is not too painful, and I have found that most patients only require pain medication for the first 24-48 hours.

Also, surgery is reliable for the right patient. As long as the patient has hip impingement without any sign of arthritis, surgery typically alleviates pain and eliminates most symptoms.

If you suffer from hip pain, don’t ignore it. Atlantic Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine offers treatments–both surgical and non-surgical–that can alleviate hip pain and restore your quality of life. If you think that hip arthroscopy may be right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Welch to learn more.

A Solution for a Common Orthopedic Injury – Distal Radius Fracture Repair for Wrist Fractures

Along with cold weather, snow, and ice, winter in the Northeast means an increase in distal radius (wrist) fractures, most of which occur from landing on an outstretched hand after a slip and fall. These fractures result in pain, limited range of motion, and decreased wrist function. For patients with a fracture that is significantly displaced, surgical intervention may be recommended.

Our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Meyer, specializes in treating upper extremity injuries (fingers, hand, wrist, and elbow), and understands the tremendous impact that wrist fractures can have on patients’ lives. In patients who are candidates for surgery, he has seen excellent outcomes from Distal Radius Fracture ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation, which means fixing the bone in its native position with a plate and screws).

Below, we asked Dr. Meyer some questions about the procedure.

Q: In your own words, how does this procedure benefit your patients?

A: Distal radius fractures are the most common fracture of the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand). The radius bone is part of the forearm, and the distal (end-portion) of the radius supports the bones of the wrist. Certain distal radius fractures are stable and will heal well with a period of immobilization in a cast. Other distal radius fractures are unstable and often benefit from surgery to align the fracture pieces in a more anatomic position.

When surgery is performed, a combination of a plate and small screws are used to hold the bones in the optimal position. Surgery for displaced distal radius fractures have been shown to lead to excellent outcomes, including near-complete return of motion and grip strength and very low rates of persistent pain and disability. The majority of patients sustaining these injuries are able to return to their jobs and hobbies without limitation.

Q: Who is a good candidate for this procedure?

A: Anyone who sustains a broken wrist should be evaluated with a physical exam and a set of x-rays. A wide range of both patient-related factors (age, medical history, functional demands from jobs/hobbies, smoking status, etc.) and injury-related factors (mechanism of injury, fracture alignment/displacement, etc) are used to help guide the decision between treating a wrist fracture with a cast (no surgery) versus performing surgical fixation.

Q: Where do you perform this procedure?

A: I perform surgical fixation of distal radius fractures at the New England Center for Orthopedic Surgery (NECOS), Portsmouth Regional Hospital, and York Hospital.

Q: Tell us about a recent success story.

A: A 65 year old woman presented to my office after slipping on black ice and injuring her wrist. She had a displaced distal radius fracture that significantly limited her wrist motion. She is an elementary school teacher, and her two biggest goals were to optimize her long-term wrist function and to return to activity quickly. We discussed the treatment options, and she chose surgery in order to accelerate her rehabilitation, minimize her time in a cast, and give herself the best chance for healing her wrist injury in an anatomic position.

We fixed her wrist with a plate and screws. The surgery took a little over an hour and she was back to work the same week. Within two weeks, she was out of her splint and working on gentle wrist range of motion exercises. She is an avid pianist, and found that playing piano helped to improve her wrist and finger motion in the early post-operative period. Six weeks after surgery, we started gentle strengthening. By the 2.5 month-mark, she was cleared for full strengthening and return to all activities. Now, she is back to all school-related activities and does not feel limited at all by her wrist.

Q: Anything else you’d like current or future patients to know about this procedure and how it would benefit them?

A: These fractures occur most commonly after a slip and fall onto an outstretched hand. Here in the Seacoast, we see a large upstick in the number of patients sustaining distal radius fractures during the wintertime. Whether it is slipping on ice or falling while skiing or skating, these injuries can unfortunately happen at any time. The best way to treat a wrist fracture is to not have one! So, my best advice is to make sure to tread carefully when walking, skating, and skiing. Furthermore, many patients in their 60’s and 70’s have osteoporosis (thin bones that are more prone to fracture). With several months of cold and cloudy weather in the Seacoast, many of us also have low calcium and Vitamin D levels. I would encourage patients to discuss their bone density and calcium and Vitamin D levels with their primary care physicians in order to make sure their bone health is optimized to start off the new year.

If you’ve suffered a wrist fracture, it’s important to consult with an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. Dr. Meyer’s treatment philosophy centers on listening to patients and working together to find solutions, both surgical and non-surgical, that help them resume a pain-free active lifestyle. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Meyer today.