EXPERT

Dr. James W. Cahill

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. James Cahill is an orthopaedic surgeon practicing in Hackensack, New Jersey. Dr. Cahill specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries, diseases and disorders of the bodys musculoskeletal system. As an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Cahill tends to bones, ligaments, muscles, joints, nerves and tendons. Orthopaedic surgeons can specialize in certain areas like the hand, spine, hip, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow or the knee.

Learn More About Me

Dr. James Cahill

Hackensack, New Jersey
Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
Accepting new patients

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Calf twitch

You run quite a bit. This can result in overuse injuries. You should see a sports medicine specialist or your internist. They may refer you to a neurologist.

Yoga and herniated lumbar disc

No it is not , follow your Ortho MD’s advice

Cool sensation running down tendon after extensor tendoniti

You should get an evaluation from a different orthopedist 1 foot in ankle specialist. You may need an MRI. See your internist about a possible tick borne illness.

Long-term knee pain?

Hello, You are not supposed to have long-term knee pain at your age. An evaluation from a board certified orthopedic surgeon can definitely give you some insight as to why READ MORE

Hello,

You are not supposed to have long-term knee pain at your age. An evaluation from a board certified orthopedic surgeon can definitely give you some insight as to why you are hurting. You are still growing. Overuse injuries are very common in your age group. I’m confident you can improve with a good evaluation. Please get seen.
Thank you.

A little worried?

I think you need to see a dermatologist or your family physician for this. This is really not in orthopedic issues. Best of luck to you

What to do about my foot pain?

This is likely due to possible overuse and inflammation. You did not mention if you had an injury. I’m not sure if your low muscle tone condition is contributing as well. If you READ MORE

This is likely due to possible overuse and inflammation. You did not mention if you had an injury. I’m not sure if your low muscle tone condition is contributing as well. If you are able some anti-inflammatory medication over-the-counter maybe a benefit. Please make sure you do not have any G.I. side effects to these medicines. Such medicines consist of Advil ibuprofen Aleve. You may also use Tylenol. If he’s not improve in the near term ie 5 to 7 days please get an evaluation from an orthopedist with foot and ankle experience

At what point do you need surgery for tendonitis?

Hello, happy to help you. It really depends where it is and for how long you’ve had it. It also would depend on what type of conservative i.e. non-operative treatment you have READ MORE

Hello, happy to help you. It really depends where it is and for how long you’ve had it. It also would depend on what type of conservative i.e. non-operative treatment you have had. A good board-certified orthopedic surgeon can help you with this. Try to see someone who has a reputation for being conservative and not too quick to perform surgery.

Scared of ALS?

I understand your concerns and overall level of fear regarding ALS. It is certainly not very likely. You should get a thorough examination from a neurologist. Fingers can lock READ MORE

I understand your concerns and overall level of fear regarding ALS. It is certainly not very likely. You should get a thorough examination from a neurologist. Fingers can lock for several reasons. You can have an orthopedic hand specialist check it out. Happy to give you advice but this needs more than justAn email type answer. The odds are very much in your favor that you do not have ALS

Would a terratoma change the skeletal structure?

That would be atypical. Every case is different of course. I would consult the team that has been treating you.

Calf injury?

Please get an evaluation from an orthopedic MD immediately.. You should also have an ultrasound test in my opinion to make sure you did not have a blood clot behind your leg. READ MORE

Please get an evaluation from an orthopedic MD immediately.. You should also have an ultrasound test in my opinion to make sure you did not have a blood clot behind your leg. Do this urgently. Happy to help out but this needs to be seen and it’s not appropriate for online medical advice

Is it normal to have this knee pain?

I have seen your issue many times. You may have some irregular, rough or damaged cartilage in the vicinity of your kneecap. Fortunately this discomfort only happens when you are READ MORE

I have seen your issue many times. You may have some irregular, rough or damaged cartilage in the vicinity of your kneecap. Fortunately this discomfort only happens when you are sitting in that position. It would be worth visiting an orthopedic sports medicine specialist. Knowledge is power.

Hand and wrist injury?

If you are 15 please involve your parents in your medical care. You should get an evaluation and x-ray.

Can you help me, I am getting worse?

Please get a GYN evaluation. Your internist may also suggest a rheumatology evaluation. Hep C is curable in this day and age

What should I do if my ankle hurts after running?

Yes you should see a doctor. You can have tendinitis or other syndromes from running. A good orthopedic/sports medicine or foot and ankle Specialist can be helpful

Did I break my middle finger?

Please make sure your parents are aware of your injury. Do you need an evaluation from an orthopedist or hand specialist.

Constant hip pain?

Hello, Sorry to hear that you’re hurting. Pain in the hip can be multi factorial. Pain behind the hip can be from a back issue. Particularly that radiates. Pinched nerves in READ MORE

Hello,

Sorry to hear that you’re hurting. Pain in the hip can be multi factorial. Pain behind the hip can be from a back issue. Particularly that radiates. Pinched nerves in bed discs can do this. Pain on the side can be from bursitis, which is a fraction of a tendon rubbing against the bone. A small fluid filled sac becomes inflamed. Arthritis typically causes groin pain or stiffness of the twisting motion in the hip. I would recommend you get checked by your internist or orthopedist.

Foot drop?

Yes it can if you walk with an abnormal gait. A physiatrist or p.m. and our doctor can evaluate this for you. I would imagine you use braces on your ankle.

What causes knee swelling?

Happy to help you. Swelling is generally caused by inflammation in the lining of the knee called the synovium. If you have some creaking and cracking, that could be a form of rough READ MORE

Happy to help you. Swelling is generally caused by inflammation in the lining of the knee called the synovium. If you have some creaking and cracking, that could be a form of rough cartilage inside your knees called chondromalacia. You are quite young. If this continues to happen, you should probably get an MRI. You said you saw a doctor, but did not say what type. You should definitely see an orthopedist.

What’s wrong with my ankle and foot?

Many people your age have overuse type injuries of tendons and growing developing bones. These do often not show up on x-rays. A skilled orthopedist would ideally be helpful