If you have felt an uncomfortable sensation in your shoulder joint, as if it were slipping out of place, you might have suffered a shoulder subluxation. It is a common shoulder injury, especially (though not exclusively) among younger people during sporting activities, and among older people who fall from a standing height. Shoulder subluxations are...

There are risks associated with a knee replacement at 400 pounds or even at 300 pounds or less. However, being overweight or obese is not automatically a disqualification for knee replacement. It is important to understand the risks and talk to your surgeon about your concerns and what you can do to minimize risks. Is...

Low back pain is a very common complaint. It can be mild or severe, acute or chronic, and a result of many various causes. Being physically active is one of the best things you can do to prevent or manage back pain, but if you experience back pain when walking, it’s difficult to get enough...

A pitcher’s elbow injury occurs on the inside of the joint and is also known as medial epicondyle apophysitis and Little League elbow. It is a painful repetitive use injury that occurs in both adults and children who regularly engage in overhand throwing. It can usually be managed by conservative treatments but sometimes requires surgery....

Trigger points are tight, knotted areas of muscle that cause myofascial pain. They are common in muscles that affect the neck and can be a source of chronic neck pain. A simple injection into these points can provide minimally invasive pain relief. If your ongoing pain has not responded to other therapies, your EmergeOrtho—Foothills Region...

Carolina Orthopedic Specialists, now EmergeOrtho, has updated its QUICK CARE service! AccessOrtho, operated by EmergeOrtho, the region’s most comprehensive center for orthopedic care, is a walk-in medical service for patients of all ages with conditions that need to be diagnosed right away. Call Today! 828-459-OUCH (6824) No Appointment Necessary When you need urgent orthopedic care,...

Sarah Bone is a national board certified Physician Assistant. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Exercise Science from Albion College in Albion, Michigan. She became a certified Athletic Trainer in 2002. Sarah then earned her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant studies at Western Michigan University in 2004. Prior to joining EmergeOrtho, she...

Dr. Christopher G. Houdek, DO is a fellowship trained board certified Orthopedic surgeon joining EmergeOrtho in Catawba County. He attended the University of Michigan where he graduated with a degree in Cell and Molecular Biology. He was awarded his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. He completed his residency...

EmergeOrtho would like to welcome Dr. Jason Zook to our team! Dr. Jason Zook is a board certified orthopedic surgeon joining EmergeOrtho’s Foothills Region (formerly Carolina Orthopedic Specialists) in Burke county. Dr. Zook’s interests range from minimally invasive spine surgeries, such as decompressions and fusions to adult reconstructive surgery of the spine. He employs the latest cutting-edge techniques...

EmergeOrtho (formerly Carolina Orthopedic Specialists) would like to welcome Dr. William B. Bell to our team. Dr. William Bell is a board eligible Orthopedic surgeon joining  EmergeOrtho’s team of orthopedic doctors in Burke County. In 2008, Dr. Bell received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Bell’s professional training...