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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

What can I take for my knee pain?

The most effective over-the-counter medications are ibuprofen and naproxen, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. They are safe for about ten days of use. They can raise READ MORE
The most effective over-the-counter medications are ibuprofen and naproxen, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. They are safe for about ten days of use. They can raise your blood pressure so check it. Tylenol is the primary other over the counter analgesic which is probably first line due to less side effects. It is also safe when used as labeled. If these don't help fully, a visit with your PCP or an orthopedic surgeon is a good idea.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

Do broken bones always get a cast?

Not all broken bones need a cast. We often buddy tape the broken toe to the normal toe to serve as a splint. Stiff-soled shoes help pain early after the fracture. Most heal in READ MORE
Not all broken bones need a cast. We often buddy tape the broken toe to the normal toe to serve as a splint. Stiff-soled shoes help pain early after the fracture. Most heal in six weeks.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

What kind of doctor should I see for my muscle injury?

A musculoskeletal medicine specialist in Orthopedic Surgery or a Family Practitioner with Sports Medicine Fellowship would be the most appropriate.

Good luck,

Dr. Louden

Why do my legs hurt when the weather changes?

The weather changes cause a change in the barometric pressure which changes the pressure in joints. It seems to be more noticeable in weight bearing changes.

Can I get my torn cartilage repaired?

The decision to repair versus excise the torn meniscus is made at the time of arthroscopic surgery. Although most macerated tears are amenable to repair, a partial lateral meniscectomy READ MORE
The decision to repair versus excise the torn meniscus is made at the time of arthroscopic surgery. Although most macerated tears are amenable to repair, a partial lateral meniscectomy will address the problem also.
Good luck!

How do I prepare for a bone density test?

There is no preparation required for a bone density test, which is like having an X-ray.
Good luck!

When do most people stop growing?

The actual answer is when your growth plates close. In males, a typical age is 18 years old, although some people grow until their early twenties. So at your age, you are not likely READ MORE
The actual answer is when your growth plates close. In males, a typical age is 18 years old, although some people grow until their early twenties. So at your age, you are not likely to grow much more.
Good luck.

Can scoliosis cause muscle spasms?

Scoliosis can cause muscle spasms on rare occasions, usually associated with curve progression. You should check in with your physician for further evaluation in this case. Good READ MORE
Scoliosis can cause muscle spasms on rare occasions, usually associated with curve progression. You should check in with your physician for further evaluation in this case.
Good luck!

Why is my collar bone raised above my shoulder?

This is typically related to an acromioclavicular separation or sprain of the joint at the end of the clavicle. If it continues to give you trouble, have it X-rayed and see an READ MORE
This is typically related to an acromioclavicular separation or sprain of the joint at the end of the clavicle. If it continues to give you trouble, have it X-rayed and see an orthopedic surgeon.
Good luck!

What's the difference between scoliosis and kyphosis?

The plane of excess curvature. Scoliosis is side to side while kyphosis is in the opposite plane causing a humpback deformity often seen with osteoporosis. Both deformities typically READ MORE
The plane of excess curvature. Scoliosis is side to side while kyphosis is in the opposite plane causing a humpback deformity often seen with osteoporosis. Both deformities typically require observation only.
Hope this helps!

Why are the soles of my feet sore when I wake up?

This is most likely to be related to plantar fasciitis, which is treated with ice, massage, stretching, and physical therapy. It will usually improve slowly with time no matter READ MORE
This is most likely to be related to plantar fasciitis, which is treated with ice, massage, stretching, and physical therapy. It will usually improve slowly with time no matter what you try over several months. If you consult the website ortho.org, it will provide further information.
Good luck!

What can I do about the labral tear in my hip?

If you have hip pain with weight bearing or motion, it may be due to the labral tear. I recommend a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon who does hip arthroscopic. Surgery is READ MORE
If you have hip pain with weight bearing or motion, it may be due to the labral tear. I recommend a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon who does hip arthroscopic. Surgery is always the last resort, but guidance and recommendations are valuable. Several variables are important to evaluate including your age, activity goals and location of the tear/healing potential.
Good luck!

What can I do to alleviate the pain from herniated disc?

There are number of treatment options in 2019 including numerous medications, physical therapy, chiropractic, injections and surgical decompression as a last resort. Ongoing pain READ MORE
There are number of treatment options in 2019 including numerous medications, physical therapy, chiropractic, injections and surgical decompression as a last resort. Ongoing pain warrants further investigation and specific treatment based on the results. Muscle weakness and numbness are also significant in the case of a herniated disc.
Good luck!

What should we do for son's Achilles tendinitis?

The answer to this question depends on age and activity level. Some heel and Achilles pain in growing children is due to irritation at growth centers. Symptomatic treatment with READ MORE
The answer to this question depends on age and activity level. Some heel and Achilles pain in growing children is due to irritation at growth centers. Symptomatic treatment with ice, stretching, activity modification, and heel pad inserts will typically allow children to participate in their chosen sports. Over-the-counter analgesics can be used if needed.
Good luck!

My knee hurts a lot, what can I do?

If you have tried rest, ice, and over-the-counter analgesics without success, I would recommend further evaluation. If you happen to be a high school athlete, you could start with READ MORE
If you have tried rest, ice, and over-the-counter analgesics without success, I would recommend further evaluation. If you happen to be a high school athlete, you could start with the athletic trainer.
Good luck!

How do you prevent osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is not hereditary; although you reach peak bone mass at about age 28-30 years of age. Osteoporosis is caused by bone loss which occurs with time. Rate of loss is increased READ MORE
Osteoporosis is not hereditary; although you reach peak bone mass at about age 28-30 years of age. Osteoporosis is caused by bone loss which occurs with time. Rate of loss is increased in women after menopause. Prevention is weight bearing exercise, weight training and adequate calcium intake. Primary care physicians and OB/GYNs can give you additional information. The Osteoporosis Foundation has lots of free literature also.
Good luck.

Will a CT scan of my spine show how to treat my injury?

A CT scan of the spine will show excellent detail of the bone which is helpful as a diagnostic tool. Further treatment of the cause can be specifically tailored. Good luck in READ MORE
A CT scan of the spine will show excellent detail of the bone which is helpful as a diagnostic tool. Further treatment of the cause can be specifically tailored.
Good luck in your recovery!

Does wrapping a sprained ankle help it heal faster?

Wrapping an ankle following a sprain helps control the swelling and pain in the first 2-3 days. Although it doesn't speed healing, it improves the symptoms after the injury. Functional READ MORE
Wrapping an ankle following a sprain helps control the swelling and pain in the first 2-3 days. Although it doesn't speed healing, it improves the symptoms after the injury. Functional bracing is helpful as one returns to sports or similar activities later.
Best of luck.

Do you need to have corrective surgery for scoliosis?

Corrective surgery is only required if the curvature worsens despite bracing. Patients are usually followed every 4-6 months while they are growing to check for progression of READ MORE
Corrective surgery is only required if the curvature worsens despite bracing. Patients are usually followed every 4-6 months while they are growing to check for progression of the curve.
Good luck.

My mother has tremendous back pain when she lies down. Is surgery a solution to her problem?

It could be, but surgery is always the last resort after medications, physical therapy, and injections to oversimplify. The are a huge number of back pain causes which don't require READ MORE
It could be, but surgery is always the last resort after medications, physical therapy, and injections to oversimplify. The are a huge number of back pain causes which don't require surgery. An evaluation by her primary physician is a great way to start.
Good luck.