Richard Cunningham, MD

A “separated shoulder” is an injury to the acromioclavicular (AC) joint. The terminology can be confusing as there is the actual ball and socket joint of the shoulder (or glenohumeral joint). Rather, there is disruption of the AC joint, which is where the collarbone (or clavicle) and the highest point of the shoulder blade [...]

Mountain biking season may be winding down, but ski and snowboarding season has already begun. Clavicle fractures often result from these high-energy activities. Most commonly, clavicle (collarbone) fractures are a result of a direct blow to the shoulder.  Frequently, a fall over the handlebars of a bike or catching an edge on a snowboard [...]

Shoulder instability can be a frustrating and painful issue to deal with for athletes of all kinds. Often, younger athletes, especially males from age 18-25, or those participating in high-risk activities, are the most susceptible to shoulder subluxations or dislocations. Most commonly, athletes report to us that they fell forcefully on an outstretched hand [...]

The town is buzzing with excitement over the recent snowfall here in the Vail Valley! While we wish everyone a safe winter season, with just 52 days until the opening of Vail Mountain, we want our winter enthusiasts to be informed about ACL injury and what to expect if you experience a forceful twisting [...]

Knee dislocations are a rare but very serious injury. In a knee dislocation, the hinge joint of the knee, made up by the thigh bone (femur) articulating on the shin bone (the tibia) is disrupted. In order for the knee joint to dislocate, at least two major ligaments about the knee must tear and [...]

An arthritic knee can be extremely limiting to any active person. Hiking can become a chore, running can lose all its fun and getting on the hill to ski can be regrettable for days after taking off the boots. As with any pain, most people will turn to the classic remedies: rest, ice, compression [...]

If you’re an equestrian athlete, you know the physical and mental demand that comes with riding a horse.  An equestrian myself, I have experienced firsthand the challenge and coordination that comes with trying to effectively perform a set of skills or patterns while sitting upon a moving animal weighing upwards of 1,000 pounds. Would [...]

Rotator cuff tendonitis Rotator cuff tendonitis is often associated with repetitive overhead activities and we see it in patients who do housekeeping, construction work and various other actions and sports (throwing and volleyball). There is inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons and the lubricating bursa above the tendons. The most common symptom is an aching pain [...]

How does a shoulder dislocate: Shoulder dislocations that happen in the river relatively occur the same way they happen on land. The arm gets into a “position of vulnerability” and a traumatic force overwhelms the structures holding the humeral head in the socket. The position of vulnerability is when the arm is abducted (away [...]

Degenerative arthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage between the bones starts to break down and wear away. Our active lifestyles increase the wear and tear on our joints. An estimated 33.6% (12.4 million) adults over the age of 65 will be affected by degenerative arthritis. Isolated kneecap arthritis (patellofemoral arthritis) is the breakdown of cartilage [...]

IT band syndrome  - The illiotibial band is a long band of fascia that runs from the outer hip down the outside of the thigh to the outside of the knee on the tibia. Runners tend to have lateral leg pain that normally starts at the knee and moves its way up. The reasons for [...]

Dr. Cunningham discusses whether those who suffer from severe knee arthritis might be good candidates for a partial knee replacement. Full Article: Vail Daily health column: Are you a candidate for partial knee replacement surgery?