The Specialist with Dr. Tom Miller - The Scope Rad

A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A strain is an injury to a muscle. A fracture is an injury to a bone. Why is it important to know the differences? Emily Harold, MD, professor of orthopedics at University of Utah Health Care, joins Tom Miller, MD, to discuss the differences in these injuries, how to identify them, and what the differences can mean for your treatment and recovery.

Your coach says you might have a pulled groin while running or playing sports. But is that what it really is? Contrary to what people hear, groin pulls are not common. Multiple groin pulls are even less common. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Travis Maak about what really could be causing the repeated pain in your groin, and how surgery could stop it for good.

It’s your New Year’s resolution to be healthier, but have you ever paused to consider what that means – to be healthier? Dr. Tom Miller says it’s not that complicated. It’s just about doing, and avoiding, a few things. Take sixty seconds to find out, and you might actually keep your resolution this year – and feel better too.

Just a few years ago, treating critical aortic stenosis required surgery. Now, there’s transcatheter aortic valve replacement, which allows for treatment of the heart’s blocked valve without actual surgery. Dr. Tom Miller talks to cardiologist, Dr. Jim Fang about this new procedure, how it’s actually done, and who the potential candidates are.

A jammed finger can be a common sports injury, and it\'s usually nothing to worry about. But, if pain in your finger lingers, you probably should have a physician check it out. Dr. Tom Miller speaks with Dr. Nikolas Kazmers, a hand surgery specialist, who says fingers that are actually broken or dislocated are more easily treated early rather than later. Learn how to tell when your jammed finger may require a doctor\'s visit.

The same risk factors that cause stroke can make you susceptible for repeat occurrences. Stroke specialist Dr. Dana Dewitt and Dr. Tom Miller talk about the importance of knowing the risk factors. They also discuss how to reduce your risk for stroke.

If you’re experiencing severe rectal pain, you might think it’s hemorrhoids, but it could be something worse. Dr. Tom Miller and Dr. Bartley Pickron talk about how to distinguish between common hemorrhoids and more serious conditions. They also discuss treatments and relief for pain, as well as when to see a doctor.

Someone with a severe tremor can have their hands shaking uncontrollably. Fact is, everybody has the potential to experience tremors in some form. Dr. Tom Miller talks with movement disorder specialist Dr. Lauren Schrock about the two main types of tremors and how to identify the differences between them, possible causes, and when to be concerned.

Ankle sprains are the most common injury in the United States. Sometimes they go hand-in-hand with a fracture. So how can you tell if your ankle is sprained and fractured? Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic specialist Dr. Alexej Barg about the signs of an ankle fracture.

If you have a painful but minor injury such as a sprain or fracture, it might be faster to go to an urgent care office instead of the emergency room. Dr. Tom Miller talks to emergency room surgeon Dr. Robert Stephen about how to decide where to go when you have a minor emergency injury.

Walking is something many of us take for granted. For a stroke survivor, walking is a crucial component to their recovery and lifetime health. Dr. Tom Miller talks to the Director of Stroke Rehabilitation at the University of Utah and stroke survivor Dr. Steven R. Edgley about the importance of walking. They discuss how fast a stroke survivor should be able to walk, what obstacles they might face, and why it’s so crucial for quality life after a stroke.

If your heart murmur turns out to be a narrowing of the heart valve, or aortic stenosis, you might be surprised. Many patients with aortic stenosis don’t notice symptoms. What does this diagnosis mean for you? Dr. Tom Miller and Dr. James Fang discuss the treatment options.

Hip pain without an injury isn’t always a sign of arthritis, or a pulled groin, if you’re young. Sometimes the pain is caused by a misshapen hip joint. Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Stephen Aoki about why and how a hip joint can be misshaped, and what can be done to relieve and treat the hip pain.

Headaches are a major public health issue. Everything from your daily caffeine intake to the amount of sleep you get can contribute to headaches. Dr. Tom Miller and nurse practitioner Susan Baggaley, M.S.N., discuss the differences between daily headaches and migraines and offer advice on when a headache is severe enough for a visit to the doctor. They also talk about treatment and recovery options for a throbbing headache.

You may have heard about gout in history class, but it’s still around today. In fact, if anyone in your family has suffered from the condition, you may be at risk. Dr. Tom Miller explains what causes gout, how to prevent it, and the potential treatments available for this painful disease.

Ever had a very large, inflamed insect bite and freaked out? Dr. Tom Miller talks to Dr. Mark Eliason about the body’s defenses when it comes to bug bites, how you can treat most bites safely at home, and when you should seek treatment from a physician.

Scoliosis is common and usually isn't progressive, and, fortunately, those with the condition often can live without much trouble. For some, however, scoliosis can cause pain and even impair function if left untreated. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist, Dr. Darrel Brodke, about when you should visit your physician for scoliosis and ways to lessen the pain

Most people with hand arthritis just live with it. However, there are two types of surgery that can effectively eliminate arthritis pain and improve your quality of life. Dr. Tom Miller talks to orthopedic surgeon and hand expert Dr. Douglas Hutchinson about these operations and what conservative methods you might want to consider for hand arthritis.

If you have rectal bleeding, it could be due to a hemorrhoid. But first you should see a health care professional to rule out other more serious causes, including rectal cancer—especially if bleeding is persistent. If you know for sure it’s hemorrhoids, there are some things you can do at home to find relief. Dr. Tom Miller asks Dr. Molly Gross what she recommends to her patients. She also talks about some procedures, including surgery, which can help with hemorrhoids.

Itchy eyes. Runny nose. Difficulty breathing. Allergies can make you miserable. Dr. Tom Miller discusses everything you need to know about allergies. Learn how to prevent your symptoms, relieve the discomfort, and what treatment options are best for you.