In the United States, more than 28 million people develop some form of musculoskeletal problem annually. Sore backs and strained necks are an awful reality, not to mention knee and shoulder pain. When these issues develop, they require someone skilled in orthopaedics to help them eliminate or control the pain.
What Is Orthopaedics?
Orthopaedics is a specialty area in medical treatment. It focuses on diseases and injuries that affect your musculoskeletal system. This is a very complex structure that encompasses the following body parts:
- Bones
- Joints
- Ligaments
- Muscles
- Nerves
- Tendons
What Does Orthopaedics Involve?
Those who specialize in this area are professional doctors who understand the issues affecting the musculoskeletal system. They have to be expert in all the diseases that pertain to them. They need to have a thorough understanding of how to diagnose, treat and prevent the conditions that arise. Orthopaedics embraces the different parts of musculoskeletal system and their problems including these common issues:
- Problems of the bones: deformities (club foot), fractures, infections, tumors
- Joints issues: arthritis, bursitis, dislocation, swelling
- Ligament problems: ACL injury, PCL injury, ligament tears of various types
- Nerve problems: pinched nerves,
- Disc issues: herniated cervical disk, degenerative discs
- Bursa: bursitis
The most common orthopaedic-related problems are usually those that affect the ankle and foot, elbows, hand and wrist, knees, shoulder and spine.
Treatment Options
Orthopaedic surgeons have several options at their disposal depending on the severity of the injuries or other health problems. After diagnosis, treatment may embark on a simple rest program to decrease any stressors on the affected body part. Medications are common, and may include over the counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription medication. Many orthopaedic doctors and surgeons prescribe a common drug that is a form of steroids. It is used to reduce the inflammation more effectively than OTC drugs.
Physical therapy is another option that can be incorporated as part of a rehabilitative program. It can also be used following the most drastic approach reserved for severe or chronic cases: surgery. While surgery is an option, it is usually a last resort.
Orthopaedics
If you, like millions of Americans, suffer from a problem that affects how you walk, sit, stand, play or even sleep, it may be musculoskeletal in nature. If the pain is ongoing and it causes you and your family concern, chances are you need to talk to your doctor. They may then recommend you to see a specialist in the are of orthopaedics.
If you find yourself with a back, neck or spine issue, your problem may be related to your musculoskeletal system. Talk to the doctors at Suburban Orthopaedics to learn about your condition and your options. With more than 25 years of commitment to compassionate and exceptional patient care, we are there to help you. Visit us online at www.suburbanortho.com for more information. You can also connect with them on Facebook for more updates!
