Orthopedic specialist Jeffrey Sonntag, DO, has special knowledge in the diagnosis and management of shoulder and elbow conditions, injuries and complications and provides orthopedic care from nonsurgical treatments to the latest surgical procedures. He joined the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Northern, Indiana, Inc. (OSMC) of Elkhart in 2018. Dr. Sonntag attended Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in physiology. He earned his medical degree from MSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. His orthopedic residency training was performed at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mount Clemens, Michigan, with further fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. He is board certified by the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics. He sees patients for general, shoulder and elbow orthopedic care at OSMC in the Elkhart and Middlebury, Indiana locations. If you experience any of these symptoms, an orthopedic specialist can evaluate you and order an imaging test, such as X-rays or an MRI to determine the nature and extent of any injuries or deterioration that is occurring. If you are experiencing osteoarthritis, your treatment plan might initially include the common forms of pain relief described earlier, but it can also include mild exercise or, at more advanced stages, complete joint replacement. Additional symptoms to be aware of can include: • Pain that wakes you at night or stiffness that doesn’t wear off for several hours after getting up • Swelling, redness, or
warmth on a spot, which can suggest inflammation • Pain that won’t go away, especially if accompanied by other new symptoms that seem to have coincidentally developed at the same time, such as fevers, sores, or rashes If your joint pain includes any of these symptoms, it is especially critical to speak to a doctor and get a treatment plan. These symptoms can be signs of a form of arthritis that causes inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect other body parts such as internal organs or eyes. The bottom line is, no matter how old you are, chronic pain is not necessarily an inevitable part of aging. Pain
symptoms that occur regularly should always be discussed with your doctor because there are often many treatment options that can help reduce your pain and keep it from interfering with your life.
Dr. Jeffrey Sonntag, Orthopedic Surgeon Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Northern Indiana, Inc. “OSMC” 2310 California Road, Elkhart, Indiana 46514 osmc.com
Don’t get lost a of o q ques stions stions. ti s. in a sea questions. L SHIP Let SH help help. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is here to offer you free and impartial counseling about your Medicare choices. During the Annual Election Period ("open enrollment"), Oct. 15-Dec. 7, you can change your drug and health plans. Be prepared by knowing your plan options.
C ll SHIP with your Medicare questions or to out where there is a SHIP site near you!
Help with your Medicare questions.
www.medicare.in.gov (800) 452-4800 (866) 846-0139 TDD www.realservices.org
23