Many people live with pain, stiffness and limited range of motion. When those issues become debilitating and interfere with daily activities, it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist.
Orthopedic physicians have a broad range of treatments at their disposal. These include:
Bone and Joint Injuries
Bone and joint injuries are among the most common reasons people seek orthopedic care. They range from thin, hairline cracks in a bone (fractures) to completely broken bones, such as those resulting from a car accident or fall. Orthopedic doctors use splints and casts to keep the bone immobilized, which allows it to heal.잠실정형외과
Muscle and tendon injuries, including sprains and strains, are also fairly common, occurring when muscles or tendons, the tissue that connects bones to joints, are stretched or torn. While these types of injuries may seem minor, it is important to seek medical attention when needed in order to avoid worsening the injury and causing longer-term complications.
A physical examination and X-rays are usually the first steps in diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis in the early stages is very important as this helps to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient. When left untreated, a sprain or strain can lead to long-term problems.
Back Pain
Back pain is a common symptom that may occur due to health problems or musculoskeletal conditions. When the back pain is severe and interferes with everyday life, it’s important to see an orthopedic doctor for help.
A physical exam will be performed to check your range of motion, and the doctor may press on your back or legs to feel for pain, tightness, or numbness. X-rays or other imaging tools can be used to look for spinal fractures, disc problems, arthritis in the joints of your spine, and abnormal curvatures such as kyphosis or scoliosis.
Some insurance companies will cover visits to an orthopedic doctor for back pain, depending on their coverage policy and your particular situation. If you have Medicare or Medicaid,하남정형외과 it’s best to contact your plan for more information about what services are covered and where you can get access to an orthopedic specialist. Also, look for an orthopedist who has completed an accredited fellowship in a sub-specialty related to your problem.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a medical condition caused by pressure on the spinal nerve that runs from the lower (lumbar) spine down through your hip, buttock and leg. This can be from herniated discs, a tumor or bone overgrowth. The first symptom is usually pain that radiates down one side of your body. You may also experience a “pins and needles” tingling sensation and muscle weakness.
Most people with sciatica get relief from nonsurgical treatments. However, if your sciatica causes significant weakness, changes in bowel or bladder function or severe pain, you might need surgery.
An orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the spine has the expertise to diagnose your condition and provide the right treatment. This can include medication, physical therapy or epidural steroid injections (with radiographic or ultrasound guidance). Dry needling is another option for relieving pain in some patients.
Tendinitis
Tendons, cable-like tissues that connect muscles to bones, take some of the stress off of muscle tissue when people move their bodies. But if tendons are overused, they can become inflamed. The condition is called tendinitis. It can affect tendons in any part of the body, but is most common in the elbows, knees and shoulders. The pain and tenderness it causes can be very uncomfortable.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. He or she may gently move the affected area to see how easily the tendons move. They can also listen to the area for a creaking sound, which can signal inflammation in the sheath surrounding the tendon.
Most cases of tendinitis go away on their own with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. Your doctor may also recommend a physical therapy program to increase flexibility, strengthen the tendon and help it heal faster. If pain persists, a cortisone injection into the affected tendon sheath can reduce inflammation and decrease pain.
