EXPERT
Dr. Mitchell A. McDowell, DO
Orthopedist
Dr. Mitchell McDowell is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Osteopathic Physician with advanced Fellowship training in Adult Reconstruction of the hip and knee. He co-founded M Bone and Joint and serves as CEO. A Southern California native, Dr. McDowell earned his undergraduate degree with honors from California State University Long Beach and his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine. After completing his residency at Riverside University Health System, he pursued an Adult Reconstruction Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center and Central DuPage Hospital, ranked highly by U.S. News for hip and knee replacement procedures.
Dr. McDowell practiced in Southern California for eight years before founding M Bone and Joint, becoming a recognized surgeon, mentor, and researcher with numerous publications. He has extensive experience in orthopedic trauma and joint reconstruction. Currently an Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UC Riverside and Western University of Health Sciences, he specializes in primary and revision total joint arthroplasty, including minimally invasive hip and knee replacements. Certified in robotic techniques like MAKO and ROSA, he also engages in research focused on regenerative health, mobile technology, and ortho biologics. Outside of work, Dr. McDowell enjoys playing guitar, woodworking, cooking, and reading.
Dr. McDowell practiced in Southern California for eight years before founding M Bone and Joint, becoming a recognized surgeon, mentor, and researcher with numerous publications. He has extensive experience in orthopedic trauma and joint reconstruction. Currently an Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UC Riverside and Western University of Health Sciences, he specializes in primary and revision total joint arthroplasty, including minimally invasive hip and knee replacements. Certified in robotic techniques like MAKO and ROSA, he also engages in research focused on regenerative health, mobile technology, and ortho biologics. Outside of work, Dr. McDowell enjoys playing guitar, woodworking, cooking, and reading.
Dr. Mitchell A. McDowell, DO
- Corona, CA
- California State University
- Accepting new patients
Restoring Relationships in Medicine: M Bone and Joint’s Personalized Approach to Orthopedics
In today’s healthcare landscape, where large corporations dominate, patients often feel like numbers on a chart—processed swiftly and impersonally. Amid this backdrop, M Bone...
Does walking help bad knees that are extremely painful?
Given your severe knee condition, including osteoarthritis and bone-on-bone contact, it's important to exercise cautiously. Walking can help maintain mobility, but it might worsen READ MORE
Given your severe knee condition, including osteoarthritis and bone-on-bone contact, it's important to exercise cautiously. Walking can help maintain mobility, but it might worsen pain if overdone. It may be best to discuss with your doctor or a physical therapist for personalized advice- I think a focus on low-impact activities like swimming or cycling on a stationary bike with minimal resistance to reduce stress on your knees is probably best. Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings, as well as flexibility exercises, can support your joints and reduce pain. Consider discussing with your employer ways to modify work activities to lessen knee strain. Continue with prescribed pain management strategies, including medications and injections. Balancing activity with rest and avoiding exercises that increase pain is crucial. Regular follow-ups with your orthopedic doc and PT will help adjust your exercise plan as needed. Ultimately, I think you will be looking at 2 knee replacements in the future
Can chiropractic care help with sports injuries?
Chiropractic care can be beneficial for managing sports injuries like ankle injuries. Chiropractors use techniques such as manual adjustments and soft tissue therapies to improve READ MORE
Chiropractic care can be beneficial for managing sports injuries like ankle injuries. Chiropractors use techniques such as manual adjustments and soft tissue therapies to improve joint alignment, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. They also provide exercises and stretches to strengthen the ankle and prevent future injuries. However, chiropractors do not perform surgery. It is important to have your injury evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out severe damage that might require surgical intervention. Collaborative care with other healthcare providers can ensure a comprehensive recovery approach.
What helps with sciatica?
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends several strategies for managing sciatica, focusing first on non-surgical treatments. Initial treatment typically READ MORE
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends several strategies for managing sciatica, focusing first on non-surgical treatments. Initial treatment typically involves rest and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Physical therapy is often recommended to improve flexibility, strengthen core and back muscles, and promote proper posture, which can help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Additionally, specific exercises and stretches can be tailored to the individual's needs to support recovery.
If pain persists, more advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation around the nerve root. These injections can provide temporary relief and are typically used in conjunction with physical therapy. For cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief after a few months, surgical options such as a microdiscectomy or laminectomy might be considered to relieve nerve compression. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the severity and duration of symptoms.
If pain persists, more advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation around the nerve root. These injections can provide temporary relief and are typically used in conjunction with physical therapy. For cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief after a few months, surgical options such as a microdiscectomy or laminectomy might be considered to relieve nerve compression. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the severity and duration of symptoms.
How to treat ankle arthritis pain?
To treat ankle arthritis pain, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends a combination of non-surgical and, if necessary, surgical options. Initially, focus READ MORE
To treat ankle arthritis pain, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends a combination of non-surgical and, if necessary, surgical options. Initially, focus on non-surgical treatments such as lifestyle modifications, which include losing weight to reduce stress on the ankle and engaging in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to maintain joint flexibility and strength. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage pain and inflammation. Physical therapy may also be beneficial to improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the ankle. If these methods do not provide sufficient relief, your doctor might suggest corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. In more severe cases, surgical options such as arthroscopy, joint fusion, or ankle replacement may be considered. It's important to discuss your symptoms, review your X-rays/MRI and discuss treatment options with an orthopaedic surgeon to develop a plan tailored to your needs.
Hip flexor or labrum injury?
Sorry to hear about your hip. IA hip flexor strain often causes sharp pain at the front of your hip or groin, especially when moving that muscle-lifting your knee or running. On READ MORE
Sorry to hear about your hip. IA hip flexor strain often causes sharp pain at the front of your hip or groin, especially when moving that muscle-lifting your knee or running. On the other hand, a labrum tear might cause a deep ache within the hip joint, along with clicking or locking sensations and possible instability. Given your history of a labrum tear and similar symptoms now, it would be wise to consult an orthopedist. They can conduct a thorough examination and possibly order imaging tests to accurately diagnose the issue. This will ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.
Knee feels loose
It sounds like you might have something called patellar instability, where the kneecap moves out of place or doesn’t track properly, which can cause clicking, discomfort, and locking. READ MORE
It sounds like you might have something called patellar instability, where the kneecap moves out of place or doesn’t track properly, which can cause clicking, discomfort, and locking. It’s also worth checking something called the Beighton Scale, which helps assess joint flexibility and can sometimes be related to knee issues. Be sure to talk to your parents about this and see a doctor, like an orthopedic specialist. They can recommend exercises to strengthen your knee or suggest other treatments.
Broke/fractured hand
I’m sorry to hear about your hand! Based on what you’re describing—pain, bruising, a knot, numbness, and tenderness around your pinky—it could be a fracture, possibly even a hairline READ MORE
I’m sorry to hear about your hand! Based on what you’re describing—pain, bruising, a knot, numbness, and tenderness around your pinky—it could be a fracture, possibly even a hairline one. Even if you didn’t think it was serious at first, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor to make sure there’s no broken bone or other injury. In the meantime, try to rest the hand, ice it to reduce swelling, and keep it elevated. Don’t try to use it too much, and make sure to talk to your doctor as soon as possible for an X-ray to confirm what’s going on. Consider going to an urgent care
Does ankle sprain need surgery?
In most cases, ankle sprains do not require surgery. The majority of sprains involve stretching or tearing of the ligaments around the ankle and can be treated with rest, ice, READ MORE
In most cases, ankle sprains do not require surgery. The majority of sprains involve stretching or tearing of the ligaments around the ankle and can be treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation (R.I.C.E.), and physical therapy. However, surgery might be necessary if the sprain is severe, such as when there is a complete tear of the ligaments or a fracture that affects stability.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines, treatment for a sprained ankle generally follows these steps:
1. Initial treatment (acute phase): Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) to reduce pain and swelling.
2. Rehabilitation: Gradual weight-bearing, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises to restore range of motion and function.
3. Surgical intervention: Surgery is considered only if the ligament is completely torn, if the injury severely affects the stability of the ankle, or if non-surgical treatments do not work after several months.
It’s important to have an evaluation by a professional to assess the severity of the sprain and determine the most appropriate treatment.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines, treatment for a sprained ankle generally follows these steps:
1. Initial treatment (acute phase): Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) to reduce pain and swelling.
2. Rehabilitation: Gradual weight-bearing, physical therapy, and strengthening exercises to restore range of motion and function.
3. Surgical intervention: Surgery is considered only if the ligament is completely torn, if the injury severely affects the stability of the ankle, or if non-surgical treatments do not work after several months.
It’s important to have an evaluation by a professional to assess the severity of the sprain and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Unable to walk or bare weight on my legs
I'm sorry to hear about the severe pain and trouble you're experiencing with walking. Given your history of multiple knee replacements, ligament injuries, and recurring MRSA infections, READ MORE
I'm sorry to hear about the severe pain and trouble you're experiencing with walking. Given your history of multiple knee replacements, ligament injuries, and recurring MRSA infections, it's crucial to address these symptoms quickly. First, contact your orthopaedic surgeon to check for any complications or new issues related to your surgeries. Since you've had recurring MRSA infections, it's important to rule out any joint or nearby area infections that could be causing your pain.
Additionally, if Motrin isn't providing enough relief, discuss with your doctor about adjusting your pain management plan. Consider working with a physical therapist to help regain strength and mobility, but do this under medical supervision given your current pain levels and medical history. If your symptoms persist or worsen, your doctor might refer you to a pain specialist or rheumatologist for further evaluation and treatment.
There are also a few serious conditions to consider, such as blood clots, which can cause pain and difficulty walking and require immediate medical attention. Bone infections, like osteomyelitis, could be contributing to your severe pain, especially given your MRSA history. An abscess, or a pocket of infection, could also develop in the spine or leg, causing pain and mobility issues. Therefore, it's important to see your healthcare team soon to get these possibilities checked out. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and help you start feeling better.
Additionally, if Motrin isn't providing enough relief, discuss with your doctor about adjusting your pain management plan. Consider working with a physical therapist to help regain strength and mobility, but do this under medical supervision given your current pain levels and medical history. If your symptoms persist or worsen, your doctor might refer you to a pain specialist or rheumatologist for further evaluation and treatment.
There are also a few serious conditions to consider, such as blood clots, which can cause pain and difficulty walking and require immediate medical attention. Bone infections, like osteomyelitis, could be contributing to your severe pain, especially given your MRSA history. An abscess, or a pocket of infection, could also develop in the spine or leg, causing pain and mobility issues. Therefore, it's important to see your healthcare team soon to get these possibilities checked out. They can perform tests to determine the cause of your symptoms and help you start feeling better.
