APRIL 2026

Pickleball Warm-Ups: Preparing to Play Your Best



April is National Pickleball Month, and courts across Northwest Florida are busier than ever. However, one of the most overlooked aspects of injury prevention is often skipped: a proper warm-up. In our latest blog post, our very own Lob Doc, and fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Physician Dr. Ryan Riggs, explains the key components of an effective pickleball warm-up that's simple and intentional. Click the button to begin reading the article.

Why Your Hand Falls Asleep at Night & What It Could Mean


Waking up in the middle of the night with a numb or “asleep” hand is something many people occasionally experience. However, when it wakes you up nightly or lingers into the day, it may be a sign of something more. In a post from earlier this month, fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Hand Surgeons Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Alex Coleman and Dr. James Piorkowski explain potential causes, treatment options and when to seek care. Click the button to begin reading the article.

24/7, 365 ACCESS POWERED BY HURT!

NFBJS Virtual Access Powered by Hurt!

We know injuries don’t follow a schedule, and questions don’t wait for office hours.

From sprains and strains to fractures, cuts, burns, and joint pain, expert orthopaedic advice is within reach 24/7, 365. Powered by Hurt!, online or with the app, virtual access is just a click away. Now available without setting up an account!

THE BONE & JOINT BRIEF SERIES

Episode 16: Age Management in Sports Medicine
Episode 17: Why Your Hand Falls Asleep at Night

Plantar Fibromatosis Treatment Study Participants Needed


This study is aiming to evaluate different injection treatments to treat plantar fibromatosis. To be included in this study, patients must reside in the state of Florida, be clinically diagnosed with 1 plantar fibroma, and be available to attend 5 in-person visits to the Andrews Institute in Gulf Breeze, FL. Compensation to the participant will be provided. Please contact a clinical research coordinator at 850.610.0423 or 850.679.5542.

NFBJS Physicians Serve as Faculty at the 2026 Andrews Institute Injuries in Football Conference


Earlier this month, NFBJS physicians Dr. Josh Hackel, Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Erik Nilssen, and Dr. Roger Ostrander were among the many nationally recognized physicians who served as faculty at the Andrews 2026 Injuries in Football Conference in Destin. This annual event, presented by the Andrews Research & Education Foundation, features educational lectures and hands-on sessions on football injuries and related trending topics.

Dr. Chris O'Grady Attends Miami Shoulder Conference


Last week, Dr. Chris O’Grady attended the 2026 Shoulder360™ conference in Miami, where he participated in a comprehensive shoulder course focusing on shoulder repair and reconstructive surgery. Shoulder360™ provides participants with the opportunity to learn the latest and best ways to treat patients with shoulder disorders.


Dr. Steven Kronlage Returns from Mission Trip


Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon Dr. Steven Kronlage recently returned from his trip to Ecuador with Bayside Medical Missions, where he had numerous opportunities to provide life-changing medical treatments to underserved communities in the region. During his time abroad, he also lectured at the Universidad Portoveijo Medical School.

Thank you to everyone who helped support Dr. Kronlage and this vitally important mission trip!

Support Dr. Chris O'Grady & His Mission Trip in May


Next month, Dr. Chris O’Grady will also travel to Ecuador with Bayside Medical Missions to provide treatment, including surgical intervention, to adult and pediatric patients who travel in for care from around the region. Please consider supporting this endeavor with a tax-deductible donation. Click the button to learn more or donate!

MEET OUR EXPERT SPECIALISTS

North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists includes highly trained orthopaedic surgeons with subspecialties covering the upper extremities, shoulder, knee, hip, foot and ankle, and general sports medicine physicians.

SPORTS MEDICINE

As experts in their field, Dr. Josh Hackel, Dr. Chris O'Grady, Dr. Roger Ostrander and Dr. Ryan Riggs provide specialized care for a variety of orthopaedic and sports medicine injuries and conditions. 

HAND & UPPER EXTREMITY

Fellowship-trained surgeons

Dr. Steven Kronlage, Dr. Alex Coleman and Dr. Jim Piorkowski provide adult and pediatric patients orthopaedic care for injuries and conditions of the hand and upper extremities.

TOTAL JOINT & ADULT RECONSTRUCTION

Dr. Brett Smith is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in total joint and adult reconstruction of the knee and the hip.

COMPREHENSIVE HIP

Dr. Matthew Mai is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions of the hip, including comprehensive surgical intervention.

FOOT & ANKLE

Fellowship-trained and board-certified orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Erik Nilssen specializes in providing care for all foot and ankle injuries, conditions and disorders.

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

Dr. Chris Bookout treats a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including sports injuries, arthritis, fractures and overuse injuries with the latest nonoperative and operative techniques.

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