Volume II | Winter 2018
Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists
Sports Medicine Newsletter
Winter 2018
The flu season is upon us. When it comes to preventing illness, the smallest acts can have big impacts. Tips to stay healthy this flu season:

  • Cover your cough. Coughs and sneezes create airborne particles that carry germs from one host to another. Covering your nose and mouth will help prevent the spread of germs.
  • Wash your hands. Use warm water and a mild soap to wash your hands often, especially after coming in contact with communal equipment such as door knobs, after sneezing/coughing, and before eating.
  • Stay home when you are sick. When you go to school or work while you are sick, you put everyone you come in contact with at risk of getting sick as well.
  • Maintain your overall health. A healthy body makes a healthy immune system. Eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of fluids, and exercise regularly.

Injury Prevention
How do I treat my "sports hernia"?
“Sports hernia” is a term that is thrown around a lot with athletes. It is important to understand that “sports hernia” is a pain syndrome, which means it fits a specific set of symptoms but may be caused by different issues in different people. These symptoms could be caused by anything from a strain to the muscles of the groin or abdomen to a tear of the inguinal ligament. A common cause of these symptoms in hockey players is Athletic Pubalgia. This is caused by connective tissue from the abdominal and groin muscles pulling away from their attachment on the pubis. This usually occurs due to imbalance in muscle strengthening, when the abductors are worked more than the muscles of the groin (as in ice skating). Remembering to strengthen the agonist muscles and cross-train so muscles develop proportionately can reduce your risk of Athletic Pubalgia.

The important takeaway here is if you are diagnosed with a “sports hernia” you need to be sure you understand what the cause is so you can manage it effectively. You are your own best advocate when it comes to your healthcare. Make sure you understand what your provider is telling you. If you don’t, it’s ok to ask questions.
The Basketball Player's Heart
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common cause of sudden cardiac death in athletics. HCM is a thickening of the muscles in the heart. Genetics play a big role in a person’s risk for HCM, but lifestyle choices impact risk as well. The heart is a muscle, and like your biceps or quads, when you exercise it, the muscle grows. Some thickening of the wall is advantageous when it occurs along with an increase in the size of the heart chamber, which allows more blood to be moved with each beat. When thickening occurs without an increase in the chamber, it is problematic. This heart condition is most often associated with basketball players. The tall, slender body-type associated with basketball players combined with the sudden bursts of speed during the game are associated with HCM.

Unfortunately, there aren't any tell-tale signs and symptoms that can be observed by looking at someone. It is important to know your family history of heart disease and cardiovascular issues. Discuss these with your doctor and ask about cardiac screening if you have some risk factors for HCM. This knowledge can help you make an informed decision about sport participation. HCM does not mean a person can't participate in athletics, but should influence the type of sport they choose. Sports such as track, swimming, and crew, where the demand on the cardiovascular system is more consistent throughout the competition rather than constant changes in speed and intensity, are much safer for athletes with HCM.
Mental Health: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Winter in Central New York can be a long, cold, dark season. Up here at a latitude around 43 degrees North, the daylight between sunrise and sunset can get as short as 9 hours, and those hours are often cloudy. This darkness can greatly affect your mood and leave you feeling lethargic. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also commonly referred to as “winter blues,” is a form of major depression that follows a seasonal pattern. There are several hormonal factors that are likely contributing to these feelings of depression and lethargy. First, it has been noted that people with SAD have increased SERT levels, which lowers serotonin activity. Serotonin is one of the main neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness. The decrease in sunlight during the winter months also leads to an increase in melatonin, the hormone associated with sleepiness. Some people’s circadian rhythm (the internal clock of the body) struggles to adjust as the daylight hours change and over produces melatonin in response to the darkness leading to feelings of excessive fatigue and lethargy. The third factor is Vitamin D, which is believed to play an important role in serotonin activity. The main source of Vitamin D for most people is sunlight. With less sunlight available and people typically choosing to spend more time indoors during the winter months, people are not getting enough Vitamin D.

While SAD is a true major depression and requires a specific pattern of symptoms for a clinical diagnosis, many people can still experience these symptoms at a sub-clinical level. Vitamin D supplements and special lights can be used to help regulate melatonin and Vitamin D levels to treat symptoms. Exercise and physical activity can also help increase serotonin and dopamine levels. If you are experiencing feelings of sadness, lethargy, fatigue, or helplessness, speak up. There is help out there.

Here are some counseling services around Oswego and Onondaga County:


Or go to the NYS Office of Mental Health website for a comprehensive list of counseling and psychological services near you.
Weather Safety Corner
Cold Weather Precautions

Is it safe to be active or participate in sports outside?

There are many ways to be active during the cold and snowy months. Skiing, ice-skating, snowshoeing, running, walking, and playing outside are common activities in the winter in Syracuse. It is important to be aware of the potential for cold injuries and illness when participating in outdoor sports in cold temperatures. Current temperature and wind chill are the factors in determining how fast frostbite and other cold injuries can occur. High school sports in NYS follow the cold weather Wind Chill Procedures that can be found here . It is important to be aware of the feels like temperature when engaging in outdoor activity. Knowing the warning signs for cold injury & illness, wearing appropriate clothing, and understanding your risk factors are vital in keeping yourself safe in the winter.
Non-Environmental Risk Factors for Cold Injuries & Illnesses
  • Females have a greater risk of cold illness than males
  • Previous history of cold injury
  • Dehydration
  • Low caloric intake
  • Nicotine, Drug, Alcohol use
  • Body size and composition
  • Physical training and fitness level
  • Age >50 years old

School Spotlight
SOS Sports Medicine works with area high school, college, and professional teams to keep the athletes in our community performing at their best. Check out what's going on with some of our teams!
First up is Jamesville-Dewitt Central Schools.
Team Physician: Dr. Todd Battaglia
Athletic Trainer: David Schultz, MS, ATC
Jamesville-Dewitt has around 325 total athletes competing in 21 different sports.

Dave and Dr. Battaglia work together to help keep athletes in the game by incorporating injury prevention protocols and creating return to play protocols to get the athletes back from injury as quickly and safely as possible. Dave works on-site at the school covering all practices and games. He is available to help all the athletes get prepped and ready for practice and games, evaluate and assess injuries, and implement injury prevention and return to play protocols. When there is concern of a more serious injury that needs to be seen by a physician, Dave calls in Dr. Battaglia and he is usually able to see them in the office within a day. Over the fall season, Dave had over 700 treatment sessions with athletes and 17 athletes were referred to see an SOS physician.
Let's Meet Dave!

Dave is a board certified Athletic Trainer. He attended the University of South Carolina for his Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training and Syracuse University for his Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology. Dave served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1989-1993 serving with the infantry in Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and Desert Saber. Prior to working at SOS, Dave worked for Victory Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, where he spent 6 years as the Athletic Trainer for Cayuga Community College and Port Byron High school, and VSM's Director of fitness and training. When he's not working, he spends all of his free time with his family. He loves doing anything that challenges his fitness and is a certified level 2 Gym Jones instructor and is in the process of obtaining full instructor status.

What's happening at Jamesville-Dewitt Central Schools?

This fall was a great season for JD. There were 5 team section champions, girls soccer, boys cross country, girls swimming, gymnastics, boys golf, and girls volleyball. Many of these section championships were defending titles. They also had 2 Coach of the Year honors, Coach Bob Bewley for swimming and Coach Patty Ferris for girls volleyball. WOW! Great job to everyone in the athletics program at Jamesville-Dewitt. Keep an eye out to see what accomplishments await for the winter sports.
Next up is Hannibal Central Schools.
Team Physician: Dr. Ryan Smart
Athletic Trainer: Brendan O'Donnell, ATC
Hannibal has around 150 total athletes competing in 11 different sports.

Brendan and Dr. Smart work together to help keep athletes in the game by incorporating injury prevention protocols and creating return to play protocols to get the athletes back from injury as quickly and safely as possible. Hannibal is one of our smaller schools. Brendan is on campus there 3-5 days a week checking in on injured athletes, covering games, and helping out in the weight room. With such a small pool of athletes, there is an even bigger emphasis on injury prevention and keeping athletes healthy throughout the season. This fall season was a great season in terms of keeping athletes healthy. Brendan averaged 8-10 athlete visits per week and very few major injuries.
Let's Meet Brendan!

Brendan is a local boy. He graduated from East Syracuse-Manoa High School. After which, he attended Canisius College where he earned his bachelor's degree in Athletic Training. This is his third year at Hannibal. Outside of school, Brendan is a very active person and loves to be outdoors.

What's happening at Hannibal Central Schools?

This fall Hannibal had two seniors break the all-time school record for touchdowns scored in a single game in back to back games and a boys cross country runner place in the top 50 at the NYS meet. This winter, all eyes will be on the wrestling team. They have their eyes on a sectional title with multiple wrestlers expected to be sectional contenders. Senior Zach Williams is hopeful to make the NYS championships. Both the boys and girls basketball teams are young this year, so we are excited to see what they can do.
Tips for a Healthy Season
  • Ask questions when you see your doctor. Make sure you understand the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Athletic health starts with being healthy overall. Take the small precautions to protect yourself from common illnesses throughout this flu season.
  • Mental health is just as important as physical health. Set aside time to decompress and reach out to someone if you're feeling overwhelmed or depressed.
SOS Sports Medicine Physicians
Dr. Glen B. Axelrod
Dr. Todd C. Battaglia
Dr. P. James Newman
Dr. John F. Parker
Dr. Bradley S. Raphael
Dr. Irving G. Raphael
Dr. L. Ryan Smart
Dr. Daniel C. Wnorowski
SOS PLUS
After-Hours Care
Convenient, immediate, evening & weekend care for acute orthopedic injuries. Treats medical conditions that need prompt attention, but are not life-threatening.

Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists | Sports Medicine | 315.251.3100 | sosbones.com