Dr NM van der Berg Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr NM van der Berg Orthopaedic Surgeon We treat fractures; sprains; foreign bodies in hands; chronic shoulder, wrist, hip, knee or ankle pain; instability of joints.

02/03/2026

Tingling, numbness or weakness in your hands? It might be carpal tunnel✋ don't ignore the signs.

Living with diabetes (or being at higher risk for it) means more than watching your blood sugar. As your orthopaedic spe...
24/11/2025

Living with diabetes (or being at higher risk for it) means more than watching your blood sugar. As your orthopaedic specialist — especially here at Life Empangeni Private Hospital — I frequently see the “hidden” ways diabetes affects bone and joint health.

Here are some important conditions and changes to be aware of:
- Reduced bone quality & higher fracture risk — Even if your bone density appears “normal”, diabetes can alter structural strength and increase chances of breaks.
- Joint stiffness and mobility loss — Diabetes is linked with conditions like “frozen shoulder”, limited joint mobility in hands, and rising risk of osteoarthritis.
- Neuropathic joint damage (Charcot arthropathy) — When nerve damage leads to unseen trauma in weight-bearing joints, resulting in damage, deformity or instability.

What you can do:
- Get your musculoskeletal health checked regularly — don’t assume “bone health is fine” just because your sugar appears controlled.
- Stay active, especially with joint-safe movement, and discuss with me how to adapt your plan if you have diabetes or a joint concern.

📍 Location: Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctor’s Block A, Suite 6
📞 Call: 035 772 2387
📱 WhatsApp: 072 585 0323
🌐 Website: orthopaedicrichardsbay.info
✉️ Email: vanderberg.ortho@gmail.com

If you’re at risk of diabetes or already living with it, certain checks are particularly helpful:• Blood-sugar and HbA1c...
19/11/2025

If you’re at risk of diabetes or already living with it, certain checks are particularly helpful:
• Blood-sugar and HbA1c levels
• Blood pressure + cholesterol
• Foot exam + nerve/vascular check
• Joint mobility, muscle strength, bone health — yes, these matter too
In South Africa many cases go undiagnosed. Don’t let “it’s just blood sugar” distract you from your full picture.

📍 Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctor’s Block A, Suite 6
📞 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp: 072 585 0323
🌐 orthopaedicrichardsbay.info | ✉️ vanderberg.ortho@gmail.com

Did you know that diabetes can influence your bone health, joint recovery and injury healing? Poor blood-sugar control a...
17/11/2025

Did you know that diabetes can influence your bone health, joint recovery and injury healing? Poor blood-sugar control and vascular changes related to diabetes can slow down healing, increase risk of complications and impact mobility. This is especially relevant for patients I see in orthopaedic care.

📍 Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctor’s Block A, Suite 6
📞 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp: 072 585 0323
🌐 orthopaedicrichardsbay.info | ✉️ vanderberg.ortho@gmail.com

Today we mark World Diabetes Day — an important moment in our month of raising awareness. This year’s global theme is “D...
14/11/2025

Today we mark World Diabetes Day — an important moment in our month of raising awareness. This year’s global theme is “Diabetes and Well-being”, recognising that diabetes isn’t just about numbers — it’s about how you live, how you move, how your body supports you.

As your orthopaedic specialist, I know that movement, joint health and bone strength play a crucial role in your overall well-being — especially if you live with or are at risk for diabetes. If you’re concerned about your mobility, joint discomfort, let’s have a conversation.

📍 Location: Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctor’s Block A, Suite 6
📞 Call: 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp: 072 585 0323
🌐 Website: orthopaedicrichardsbay.info
✉️ Email: vanderberg.ortho@gmail.com

What you eat affects much more than your waistline—it affects your blood sugar, your circulation, your joints and your l...
12/11/2025

What you eat affects much more than your waistline—it affects your blood sugar, your circulation, your joints and your long-term health. In diabetes prevention, it’s not just about sugar but also about total calorie intake, carbohydrate quality and staying active.

Here are three easy tips:
- Choose whole-grain carbs instead of refined ones.
- Include lean protein and colourful vegetables.
- Stay hydrated and limit processed snacks.

📍 Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctor’s Block A, Suite 6
📞 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp: 072 585 0323
🌐 orthopaedicrichardsbay.info | ✉️ vanderberg.ortho@gmail.com

Some of the risk factors for developing diabetes include: being overweight, physical inactivity, poor diet (especially h...
10/11/2025

Some of the risk factors for developing diabetes include: being overweight, physical inactivity, poor diet (especially high-calorie intake), family history, and age. In South Africa, many people are living with undiagnosed diabetes – early detection is vital.

Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight not only supports your bones and joints but also reduces diabetes risk.

📍 Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctor’s Block A, Suite 6
📞 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp: 072 585 0323
🌐 orthopaedicrichardsbay.info | ✉️ vanderberg.ortho@gmail.com

Diabetes can feel overwhelming, but it starts with understanding what it is. In simple terms, it means your body has dif...
05/11/2025

Diabetes can feel overwhelming, but it starts with understanding what it is. In simple terms, it means your body has difficulty managing blood sugar, which can affect your organs, joints and overall health. In South Africa an estimated 3.85 million adults are living with diabetes, many undiagnosed.

📍 Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctor’s Block A, Suite 6
📞 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp: 072 585 0323
🌐 orthopaedicrichardsbay.info | ✉️ vanderberg.ortho@gmail.com

Welcome to November – a very important month, because it’s Diabetes Awareness Month. Throughout November I’ll be sharing...
03/11/2025

Welcome to November – a very important month, because it’s Diabetes Awareness Month. Throughout November I’ll be sharing helpful tips, clear explanations and supportive messages about diabetes care and prevention, tailored for our community here in Richards Bay and beyond. I invite you to follow along, ask questions, share posts — together we can make a difference.

📍 Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctor’s Block A, Suite 6
📞 Call: 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp: 072 585 0323
🌐 Website: orthopaedicrichardsbay.info
✉️ Email: vanderberg.ortho@gmail.com

Let’s use this month to learn, act and support each other.

If your hip or knee aches during movement or you hear grinding in your joint, it’s a sign that your cartilage is breakin...
22/10/2025

If your hip or knee aches during movement or you hear grinding in your joint, it’s a sign that your cartilage is breaking down and needs attention. Cartilage is the smooth, protective surface that allows your bones to glide pain-free. As it wears away, bones can begin to rub together — causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

Don’t wait for serious damage. Early assessment and treatment by an orthopaedic specialist can help preserve your joint function.

📍 Life Empangeni Private Hospital, Doctors Block A, Suite 6
📞 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp 072 585 0323
🔗 orthopaedicrichardsbay.info

Did you know that over 55% of patients who suffer a hip fracture have already had a vertebral (spine) fracture beforehan...
20/10/2025

Did you know that over 55% of patients who suffer a hip fracture have already had a vertebral (spine) fracture beforehand? In other words, many hip breaks could be prevented if earlier spine fractures were detected and treated.

A prior fracture is a red flag: if you’ve broken a bone, especially your spine or wrist, talk to a doctor about bone-strengthening treatment. Catching osteoporosis early can stop a small fracture from leading to a life-changing hip break. Take care of your spine and hips! Contact Dr. N.M. van der Berg:
Life Empangeni Private Hospital
Call: 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp: 0725850323
For more info visit: orthopaedicrichardsbay.info

Did you know the number of hip fractures worldwide is projected to nearly double between 2018 and 2050? As populations a...
20/10/2025

Did you know the number of hip fractures worldwide is projected to nearly double between 2018 and 2050? As populations age, more seniors will face debilitating falls unless we act now. The good news is many hip fractures are preventable: stay active with balance and strength exercises, make your home fall-safe, and maintain bone health through diet and screening.

By strengthening your bones today, you help avoid serious breaks later. Need guidance? Contact Dr. N.M. van der Berg – Orthopaedic surgeons can advise on preventing fractures.
Life Empangeni Private Hospital
Call: 035 772 2387 | WhatsApp: 0725850323
For more info visit: orthopaedicrichardsbay.info

Address

Life Empangeni Private Hospital
Empangeni
3880

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 20:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

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