Orthopedic medicine.

Genuine care.

Dr. Tony Ruse, MD is a Board Certified Sports Medicine Specialist with nearly 20 years of experience in professional practice.

Dr. Ruse treats every patient as an individual case–a unique human being who needs special attention and care. With his compassionate, patient-focused, holistic approach to health care, dr. Ruse has helped thousands of competitive athletes, common folk who enjoy their outdoor activities, and even children, to heal and recover from their musculoskeletal injuries related to physical activity.

There are many diagnostic and therapeutic options available in the office to get to the root cause of your problem and help you feel better from the very first visit. This is why, Muscle & Joint Medicine is your first place to go to in Cullman, Alabama to get professional medical help with sports injury or any musculoskeletal problem, and to avoid often an unnecessary surgery.

Back pain is one of the top health problems in the US, and the number one musculoskeletal problem, with approx. 75% to 85% of Americans experiencing some form of back pain during their lifetime. In 2022, approx. 28% of adults reported having chronic lower back or sciatic pain, and it is also the top cause of long-term disability. As a result, back pain imposes a significant burden on our economy, with annual costs estimated in excess of $100 billion.

Common causes of back pain include muscle strains, ligament sprains, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and conditions such as spinal stenosis. Identifying the root cause in each case and ensuring the most effective treatment requires specialized expertise in musculoskeletal medicine.

While it is always recommended to seek help from a doctor trained in musculoskeletal medicine, some home treatments such as rest, application of heat or cold packs, gentle stretching exercises, and OTC medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Neck pain, or cervicalgia, is the second most common musculoskeletal problem in America. It affects approximately 10% to 20% of adults, with a higher incidence in women and an increasing prevalence with age.

Common causes of neck pain include muscle strains from poor posture, such as from prolonged computer use, degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, and injuries such as whiplash.

Minor neck pain can be treated at home during the first 48 to 72 hours by applying cold packs to reduce inflammation, followed by heat therapy to relax muscles. Over-the-counter pain medication, gentle stretching exercises, and maintaining good posture can also be beneficial. However, if symptoms persist or are severe, it is advisable to see a doctor specialized in non-surgical orthopedic medicine.

What we commonly refer to as the shoulder is actually a complex structure made up of multiple joints, along with muscles and tendons, that allow for a wide range of motion.

The most common cause of shoulder pain is rotator cuff tendinitis, which occurs when the rotator cuff tendons become irritated or inflamed, often due to being compressed under the shoulder bone. Other potential causes include arthritis, bone spurs, shoulder dislocation or separation, fractures, frozen shoulder, overuse or injury of nearby tendons (such as the biceps), nerve damage, rotator cuff tears, and poor posture.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience severe shoulder pain, pain accompanied by fever, swelling, or redness, pain that persists for more than 2 to 4 weeks despite home treatment, or if the skin around the shoulder turns red or blue.

Knee pain is a common issue that can affect people of all ages. It may result from an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage, or from medical conditions like arthritis, gout, or infections.

Accompanying symptoms may include swelling and stiffness, redness and inflammation, weakness or instability, crunching or popping noises, or difficulty fully straightening the knee.

While minor knee pain can often respond well to self-care, it is important to see a specialist if you experience severe pain, cannot bear weight on your knee, feel instability, are unable to fully extend or flex it, notice significant swelling or a deformity, have a fever, in addition to pain, redness and swelling, or if your knee pain is linked to an injury.

A bone fracture is the medical term for a broken bone. Fractures are most commonly caused by trauma, such as sports injuries, falls, or car accidents. However, they can also result from repetitive stress. For example, long-distance running can lead to stress fractures. Additionally, certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis or bone cancer, can weaken bones and make them more susceptible to fractures.

If you break a bone, treatment will depend on the type and severity of the fracture. While some fractures require surgery, others can heal with immobilization using a splint, cast, brace, or sling. The recovery time varies based on factors such as the location of the fracture, the type of break, your overall health, and the treatment method. While minor fractures may heal in a few weeks, more complex breaks can take several months to fully recover.

If you suspect you may have “broken something”, please see us to have it examined and properly treated.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a broad term used to describe pain and discomfort caused by repetitive movements, overuse, or prolonged strain on a specific part of the body. RSI most commonly impacts the shoulders, elbows, forearms, wrists, hands, and fingers. It is frequently associated with activities such as typing, using a computer mouse, assembly line work, and sports.

The symptoms of RSI usually develop over time, beginning with mild discomfort before gradually worsening. You may experience a burning, throbbing, or aching pain in the affected area, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Another common symptom is weakness in the affected muscles or joints, often with tingling, pins-and-needles sensations, or numbness.

If symptoms of RSI persist, worsen, or begin to interfere with daily activities, it is important to seek medical advice. Early intervention can help prevent further damage and improve recovery through appropriate treatments.

Arthritis is a condition that causes damage to the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. It is extremely common, affecting especially those over the age of 50. Some joints naturally wear down over time, and many people develop arthritis due to this lifelong wear and tear. This is known as osteoarthritis. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, result from autoimmune conditions. Arthritis can also develop after joint injuries, infections, or as a complication of other health conditions.

Arthritis can impact any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hands, wrists, knees, hips, feet, ankles, shoulders, and lower back (lumbar spine). Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. At Muscle & Joint Medicine, we are committed to helping you find effective strategies for managing arthritis, so you can stay active and live comfortably.

Work injuries are caused not only by sudden trauma, but those related to orthopedic medicine often result from repetitive strain, overuse, or poor ergonomics. Common conditions include lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, and knee ligament strains, all of which can significantly impact mobility and daily function. Heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, and repetitive motions place workers at risk, particularly in physically demanding jobs as well as those requiring extended computer use.

Proper workplace ergonomics, exercise breaks, strength training, and early intervention with physiotherapy or bracing can help prevent chronic pain and long-term disability.

If you experience an injury, pain or impaired function, please contact us. We are here to assess your condition, help you heal, and get you moving while preventing future complications.