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Dr. Ples Latson Kujawa, MD

Sports Medicine Specialist

Dr. Ples Latson Kujawa MD is a top Sports Medicine Specialist in San Antonio, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Ples Latson Kujawa MD is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Ples Latson Kujawa MD is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Ples Latson Kujawa MD is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In San Antonio, TX, Dr. Ples Latson Kujawa MD is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
41 years Experience
Dr. Ples Latson Kujawa, MD
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Univ of Tx Med Sch At San Antonio, San Antonio Tx
  • Accepting new patients

What kind of doctor should I see for back pain?

At age 20, most likely pain is mechanical, meaning some locked up joints called facets or SI (sacroilliac). That said, a screening and xray to rule out any less common issues. READ MORE
At age 20, most likely pain is mechanical, meaning some locked up joints called facets or SI (sacroilliac). That said, a screening and xray to rule out any less common issues. Would see an orthopaedic surgeon first, possibly a neurosurgeon or Chiropractor.
If no significant findings with the screening exam, then a physical therapist would be next. Must be a PT who is well qualified in manual or manipulative techniques.

How long is the healing period of a torn ACL?

Complicated. If a reconstruction procedure is performed, general rule is 9 months before allowing full unrestricted activities. That's if strength, quadriceps in particular, is READ MORE
Complicated. If a reconstruction procedure is performed, general rule is 9 months before allowing full unrestricted activities. That's if strength, quadriceps in particular, is solid and range of motion good. That said, from day 1 after injury, begin to use the quadriceps to not lose any more strength.

What treatment does my daughter need for her broken ankle?

Orthopaedics is my first choice, though there are some Family Sports Medicine docs who are very good. Certainly get an opinion as 12 year olds usually still have open growth plates. READ MORE
Orthopaedics is my first choice, though there are some Family Sports Medicine docs who are very good.
Certainly get an opinion as 12 year olds usually still have open growth plates. Missing some subtle issues can have long term implications.

Can I see my pain management doctor during the coronavirus?

There are no restrictions limiting visits toYour Pain Management Doc. Procedures done in His/Her office would be allowed. If an elective procedure done in a hospital or surgery READ MORE
There are no restrictions limiting visits toYour Pain Management Doc. Procedures done in His/Her office would be allowed. If an elective procedure done in a hospital or surgery center then not currently allowed unless an emergency. And, just being in pain is not considered an emergency.

Which specialist do I see for my son's dislocated arm?

Orthopedics is my first choice. "Arm" is not specific enough. Shoulder or elbow most common. Has it been reduced to normal position? Then, depending on many factors, how long to READ MORE
Orthopedics is my first choice. "Arm" is not specific enough. Shoulder or elbow most common. Has it been reduced to normal position? Then, depending on many factors, how long to immobilize vs motion vs time to begin any rehab?

How important is stretching?

I personally think stretching as well as core strength are the most neglected parts of any sports or conditioning program. Keep it smooth, in control and gradually increasing.

Can sport counseling help me be a better player?

Not likely to hurt, but value depends on where you are and your state of mind. And, the skill of the counselor. Cost to benefit??

Can working out too much be bad for my health?

Not usually, unless too many supplements or even steroids get into the picture. By far the biggest problem I see here is not being balanced with all muscle groups. Like, doing READ MORE
Not usually, unless too many supplements or even steroids get into the picture. By far the biggest problem I see here is not being balanced with all muscle groups. Like, doing bench and leg presses only. Maxing out too often with weights or doing squats all the way to the floor etc. can be damaging. No need to go below 90 degrees at the knees with squats or leg presses. Past that will lead to knee problems. Ignoring core strength and flexibility is a huge mistake and very often overlooked.

Ideally, how often should kids be active for?

Some these days are saying just an hour a day hoping to get the kid off the couch at least some. I like 2 -4 hours a day.

Can CBD oil help with muscle strain?

Not great science with CBD. That said, I see that it generally will help. And, I see really no downside to it. Bigger question is why is it strained? Is something out of alignment? READ MORE
Not great science with CBD. That said, I see that it generally will help. And, I see really no downside to it. Bigger question is why is it strained? Is something out of alignment? Is there a muscle imbalance?

How often should I drink water while playing sports?

Depends on what sport and at what level. As long as you are sweating some, you are probably okay. If very strenuous activity, just water alone will not keep up with electrolyte READ MORE
Depends on what sport and at what level. As long as you are sweating some, you are probably okay. If very strenuous activity, just water alone will not keep up with electrolyte loss. General rule would be Gatoraide at 1/3 - 1/2 strength. I prefer to do water and then every other or every third time do a Gatoraide. While I am not suggesting this, I think kids and young people 40-50 years ago plus adapted much better to longer periods between water.

What are the most common injuries in volleyball?

First off, becoming too single sport specific early on is problematic. I would emphasize several different activities and sports. Don't ignore core strength and flexibility. Specifically READ MORE
First off, becoming too single sport specific early on is problematic. I would emphasize several different activities and sports. Don't ignore core strength and flexibility. Specifically though, shoulder injuries can be first on my list. Usually not huge injuries, but more strains, etc. Especially if there is any muscle imbalance. Ankle sprains and occasional fractures, Knee sprains and the occasional ligament injury. Diving toward the floor could be a wrist, etc. That said, rather uncommon to see a serious injury with volleyball.

What age should I put my kid in sports?

I think the sooner, the better, especially if your son is interested. I do strongly encourage multiple different sports early on and as he gets older go more with what he prefers. READ MORE
I think the sooner, the better, especially if your son is interested. I do strongly encourage multiple different sports early on and as he gets older go more with what he prefers. Soccer, baseball, gymnastics, basketball, and swimming all develop different skills and overall coordination. If a kid say only swims and plays soccer, he will likely be poor at catching and throwing.

Should I put my son in football?

First, I would ask how old he is. I rarely see a serious injury below ninth grade football. Concussions are a concern for sure, but the past few years, the rules are much more READ MORE
First, I would ask how old he is. I rarely see a serious injury below ninth grade football. Concussions are a concern for sure, but the past few years, the rules are much more protective as are the coaching/tackling techniques. And the concussion protocols require a minimum of 8-10 days being observed and progressively brought back to full play. All that said, if your son is dead set on playing football, neither of you will be happy until he does. And concussions occur in soccer, wrestling, and less often in baseball, basketball, and volleyball.

Are foot massages beneficial for runners?

Certainly will not hurt. I would look first at shoes, arch supports, and stretching - achilles and plantar fascia. If still an issue after that, might consider the massage and READ MORE
Certainly will not hurt. I would look first at shoes, arch supports, and stretching - achilles and plantar fascia. If still an issue after that, might consider the massage and see if the benefit is worth the cost.

Can you still be injured without having pain?

Very unlikely, especially with knee injuries. I do see an occasional knee injury with just swelling and little or no pain. What You described wouldn't concern me at all unless READ MORE
Very unlikely, especially with knee injuries. I do see an occasional knee injury with just swelling and little or no pain.
What You described wouldn't concern me at all unless it keeps occurring.

How soon do you see a physical therapist after tearing your ACL?

Depends on how sore and unstable his knee is. Only real concern is the quadriceps (front thigh) muscle losing strength. It is a squirrelly muscle which atrophies quickly and is READ MORE
Depends on how sore and unstable his knee is. Only real concern is the quadriceps (front thigh) muscle losing strength. It is a squirrelly muscle which atrophies quickly and is tough to get back. So, if able, make the quadriceps kick in with straight leg raises, contractions, etc. Usually okay to bear weight as tolerated. Most states require a prescription to see a PT, so some delay there. At 17, any access to a high school trainer who can begin some things.

Is heat or cold better for wrist pain?

YES! Meaning which makes it feel better? After that, in general, heat before an activity, ice after. Real question is why does it hurt? Without a specific injury, in your age, READ MORE
YES! Meaning which makes it feel better? After that, in general, heat before an activity, ice after. Real question is why does it hurt? Without a specific injury, in your age, a ganglion cyst is first option. Some can be felt with your finger, some not. Very unlikely to be anything serious. Topical CBD Oil would be an option.

What is the fastest way to relieve knee pain?

Not a simple answer without knowing more, but first and most likely source starts with your foot. A stable arch support can make a big difference. If your foot is at all flat or READ MORE
Not a simple answer without knowing more, but first and most likely source starts with your foot. A stable arch support can make a big difference. If your foot is at all flat or rolls around, then your knee will twist side to side and become irritated. Past that or if swelling occurs, then get an orthopedic doc to have a look. Soccer shoes have zero or very little arch support. Does it occur when running in a good running shoe? Take you and your soccer shoes to a legitimate running store. Likely end up with an insert inside those shoes. Soccer guys don't like messing with their shoes, but seems after a couple of weeks you won't mind at all.

How do you shower after elbow surgery?

Depends on what surgery. If arthroscopic, I'd let you get it wet in the shower after a couple of days. Is there a cast? More than that and it depends. If any doubt, let's keep READ MORE
Depends on what surgery. If arthroscopic, I'd let you get it wet in the shower after a couple of days. Is there a cast? More than that and it depends. If any doubt, let's keep it dry. A plastic bag taped above and below. Most pharmacies have a cast protector. This is plastic sleeve that has a rubber seal on the upper arm. $15-$20 maybe. And what I hear works well is this newer type of Saran Wrap which is crinkly and seals very to itself (don't really know what it's actually called). This would likely be my first choice.