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Dr. Keith Ward Louden, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr. Keith W. Louden is an orthopedic surgeon who diagnoses and treats patients at Medical City Surgery Center Fort Worth in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Louden attended the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas, and earned his medical degree in 1995. He then went on to complete his internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Louden became board-certified in orthopedic surgery by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He was honored with the Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2014, 2016, 2018) and the Patients’ Choice Award (2018).
Learn More About Me
30 years Experience
Dr. Keith Ward Louden, MD
Specializes in:
  • Orthopaedic Surgeon
  • Fort Worth, Texas
  • University of Texas School of Medicine
  • Accepting new patients

How long does a swollen knee last?

It depends on the cause. Any swelling beyond a few days indicates a need for additional medical evaluation. Try ice and elevation first, and good luck.

Dr. L

Is orthopedic surgery needed?

There are a number of degenerative changes consistent with age-related conditions in the shoulder. The MRI findings need to be correlated to symptoms to develop a treatment plan. READ MORE
There are a number of degenerative changes consistent with age-related conditions in the shoulder. The MRI findings need to be correlated to symptoms to develop a treatment plan. In general, surgery is a last resort.

How long will I be off work with a broken leg?

This is a complex question because the most important thing is the specific bone fractured. The bone fractured essentially determines estimated healing time, need for immobilization READ MORE
This is a complex question because the most important thing is the specific bone fractured. The bone fractured essentially determines estimated healing time, need for immobilization (cast, boot or brace) and degree of weight bearing advisable. A board certified orthopedic surgeon is the best individual to answer this question following an evaluation and X-rays to
start. A reasonable estimate can be made initially and then adjusted as the fracture heals. Adequate calcium intake and avoid smoking are two things you can do to speed the healing process.

Best of luck,

Dr. Louden

How do you diagnose a torn rotator cuff?

History of the symptoms and physical examination followed by an MRI or ultrasound of the shoulder.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

How do you know if you have shoulder impingement?

Typically, impingement pain occurs with reaching overhead with localization to the subacromial region which is under the front of the scapula. Repetitive lifting overhead or throwing READ MORE
Typically, impingement pain occurs with reaching overhead with localization to the subacromial region which is under the front of the scapula. Repetitive lifting overhead or throwing can cause pain as well. Your doctor can make the diagnosis and refer you to an orthopedic specialist necessary.

Good luck,

Keith

What is the best remedy for plantar fasciitis?

This is notoriously difficult to treat. It requires multiple interventions. Ice massage, stretching of foot and ankle, and a night splint to keep the foot in position while sleeping. Good READ MORE
This is notoriously difficult to treat. It requires multiple interventions. Ice massage, stretching of foot and ankle, and a night splint to keep the foot in position while sleeping.
Good luck with it.

Dr. L

Why does back pain hurt more at night?

Two main reasons: one is the activity of the day, and the other is that there are less distractions. Pain at night that disrupts your sleep regularly should be checked by your READ MORE
Two main reasons: one is the activity of the day, and the other is that there are less distractions. Pain at night that disrupts your sleep regularly should be checked by your doctor though.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

Do you need surgery for torn ligaments in the shoulder?

The answer is that it depends on the ligament torn and the degree of tear. More commonly you tear the rotator cuff in the shoulder which is a tendon. In all cases, treatment depends READ MORE
The answer is that it depends on the ligament torn and the degree of tear. More commonly you tear the rotator cuff in the shoulder which is a tendon. In all cases, treatment depends on symptoms that the injury causes. Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon should get you headed in the right direction.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

How long does it take to recover from an ankle operation?

A good range is 6 to 8 weeks depending on the conditions addressed. Your surgeon can give you their best estimate based on your specific case. Estimates are just that so they are READ MORE
A good range is 6 to 8 weeks depending on the conditions addressed. Your surgeon can give you their best estimate based on your specific case. Estimates are just that so they are subject to change.

Good Luck,
Dr. Louden

Do they put you to sleep for spine surgery?

Absolutely, general anesthesia is the standard of care for the duration of the procedure.

Good luck with your surgery,

Dr. Louden

What is the best treatment for peroneal tendonitis?

Assuming the diagnosis is correct, a short period of immobilization in an ankle brace or fracture boot depending on severity as well as anti-inflammatory medications usually resolve READ MORE
Assuming the diagnosis is correct, a short period of immobilization in an ankle brace or fracture boot depending on severity as well as anti-inflammatory medications usually resolve the issue. Formal physical therapy can play a role in treatment if necessary. Surgical intervention is seldom necessary for isolated peroneal tendonitis.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

How long do you stay in the hospital after elbow surgery?

Typically it is outpatient or 24 hours or less.
Good luck with your surgery.

Dr. Louden

How soon can you walk after rotator cuff surgery?

Immediately, assuming you are awake and oriented. Your surgeon will let you know when you can remove your arm from the sling.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

How long does it take to walk after a dislocated ankle?

Six to eight weeks depending on the fractures associated with the dislocation. Your orthopedic surgeon will guide you through the progression of weight bearing with crutches, boot, READ MORE
Six to eight weeks depending on the fractures associated with the dislocation. Your orthopedic surgeon will guide you through the progression of weight bearing with crutches, boot, etc.

Take care and good luck,

Keith

How long is recovery from a laminectomy?

It is an outpatient procedure followed by 2-4 weeks of physical therapy. Most activities of daily living are limited only by tolerance. Ask your surgeon about their specific protocol READ MORE
It is an outpatient procedure followed by 2-4 weeks of physical therapy. Most activities of daily living are limited only by tolerance. Ask your surgeon about their specific protocol though.

Good luck with surgery,

Dr. Louden

When should you see a doctor for elbow pain?

Pain which lasts for more than 3 days, limits motion, and is associated with noticeable swelling or deformity. An athletic trainer could probably check it out at school and provide READ MORE
Pain which lasts for more than 3 days, limits motion, and is associated with noticeable swelling or deformity. An athletic trainer could probably check it out at school and provide recommendations for treatment or evaluation.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

How long does my son need to use crutches?

Until the doctor managing the cast allows him to begin to bear weight. The range is typically between 4 to 6 weeks but it depends on the fracture. The nurse at the office could READ MORE
Until the doctor managing the cast allows him to begin to bear weight. The range is typically between 4 to 6 weeks but it depends on the fracture. The nurse at the office could give you a better idea I bet.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

How can I get rid of my leg pain?

If you play formally for a school, see your trainer for an evaluation. They can also begin treatment and direct you to the appropriate physician.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

Why does my knee crack when I stretch it?

This is usually associated with a vacuum phenomenon in a joint like the knee. As long as there is no pain, swelling, or activity limitation there is no need to worry about it. Good READ MORE
This is usually associated with a vacuum phenomenon in a joint like the knee. As long as there is no pain, swelling, or activity limitation there is no need to worry about it.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

What are the treatment options for a neck sprain?

Ice in the first 48 hours, heat a few times a day after, over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or Tylenol, school trainer can help with physical therapy or rehab exercises. READ MORE
Ice in the first 48 hours, heat a few times a day after, over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or Tylenol, school trainer can help with physical therapy or rehab exercises. Symptoms should improve significantly in 7-10 days.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden