The 206 bones and many joints in your body provide support, permit movement, protect vital organs, and enable you to breathe. When these tissues become weakened or injured, it’s time to visit an Orthopedic doctor for treatment.
Orthopedic doctors have up to 14 years of medical education, including four years in traditional medical school earning a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy degree (DO). They then complete an orthopedic residency.
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries and conditions that affect the body’s muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and spinal discs. They cause pain, swelling and stiffness. Most people experience a musculoskeletal disorder at some point in their lives. Some are more serious than others, but all can have a significant impact on our quality of life and our ability to work.
In addition to pain and impaired function, musculoskeletal diseases may also produce inflammation in the surrounding tissues. This is especially true of rheumatic diseases, which can include gout, osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
To reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems, it’s important to keep the bones, muscles and joints strong by doing regular strengthening exercises, keeping good posture and being careful when lifting heavy objects. If you do suffer from a musculoskeletal condition, talk to your healthcare provider about therapies that can help. These can include medication, physical therapy or surgery. Almost everyone has musculoskeletal pain from time to time, but it’s important to seek medical help if the pain is severe or persistent.
Joint Injuries
Joint injuries involving bones, muscles and ligaments can be some of the most painful orthopedic conditions. They often occur as a result of trauma or accidents or due to overuse or repetitive motions that strain the limbs and joints. Some of the most common orthopedic injuries are fractures, sprains and tendonitis.
Fractures, sprains and tendonitis are caused by the stretching or tearing of ligaments, which connect bones to joints. They are commonly associated with sports activities and high-impact movement that puts a lot of stress on the ankles, knees, wrists and hips.
Persistent or recurring joint pain may be a sign of more serious bone or joint problems. If symptoms persist despite resting, using ice, limiting movement and applying heat, physical therapy and medications, consult an orthopedist. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair or replace a damaged joint. It is also important to eat foods that promote healthy bones and joints and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake.
Spine Injuries
The spine, also called the backbone, provides stability and support for the body. It is composed of bone segments called vertebrae and cushion-like discs between each segment. The spinal cord runs along the entire length of the spine and transmits nerve signals to all parts of the body. Spine injuries can occur in the neck (cervical), thoracic and lumbar regions of the spine. Pain and weakness are common symptoms. Other symptoms may include loss of bladder or bowel control, muscle spasticity and difficulty breathing.
X-rays are often used to detect a spinal cord injury. Other diagnostic tests used to evaluate spinal cord injuries include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan and a vascular study. Treatment aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and restore movement and feeling below the level of the injury. Surgical stabilization of the spine is often necessary. This can be done with braces or internal fixation surgery involving implanted screws and hooks or by fusing the fractured segments of the spine.
Tendon Injuries
Tendons are fibrous soft tissue that attaches muscles to bones in the body. They must deal with forces that can be several times the weight of the body, which is why injuries to tendons are common. Acute sports injuries and certain medical conditions, such as gout and type O blood, increase the risk of tendon ruptures.부산무지외반증
Initial treatment for muscle and tendon injuries involves the RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) method, pain relievers and physical therapy. When nonsurgical treatments prove ineffective, surgical intervention is necessary.
During surgery, the surgeon makes one or more small incisions over the damaged tendon. The damaged ends of the tendon are then sewn together, and the area is checked for any damage to blood vessels or nerves. Once the wound is closed, the injured body part will be immobilized in a splint or cast to protect it while the tendon heals. As the healing process progresses, physical therapy is used to gradually restore movement and strength to the affected body part.부산족부정형외과