Our bodies are incredible machines, allowing us to walk, run, jump, and navigate the world with remarkable flexibility. They achieve this through the musculoskeletal system, a complex network of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. However, just like machines, these parts can wear and tear or sustain injuries, leading to pain and limited mobility.
This is where orthopedic care comes into the picture. Practitioners in this field help diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. Specialists perform orthopedic surgery in Charlotte.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain or limitations in movement, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. The Charlotte orthopedic doctors at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology can assess your situation and recommend the best course of action to get you back to living an active life.
Call 704-412-3045 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Orthopedic Care?
Orthopedic care is a field of medicine that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. This complex system encompasses your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and even some aspects of the skin.
Orthopedic doctors, also known as orthopedists, are medical professionals who specialize in this vital system. They possess extensive skills and expertise in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from common issues like sports injuries and arthritis to complex fractures, joint replacements, and even certain types of tumors.
What Are Common Reasons for Orthopedic Treatment?
The musculoskeletal system is intricate and constantly in use, making it susceptible to various conditions. Here are some common reasons why you might seek orthopedic care:
Injuries
Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries can cause a multitude of musculoskeletal problems, including fractures, sprains, strains, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries like muscle tears and tendonitis. Orthopedic doctors have the skills necessary to determine the extent of the injury and come up with a treatment plan for optimal healing and recovery.
Back and Neck Pain
Back and neck pain are quite prevalent in Charlotte, often stemming from poor posture, repetitive strain, and injuries. Orthopedic doctors can diagnose the underlying cause of your pain and recommend treatment options like physical therapy, pain management techniques, or spinal injections.
In severe cases such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis, orthopedic surgery may be necessary.
Arthritis
This is a general term for inflammation and degeneration of joints. There are various forms of arthritis, with osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis) and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common.
Orthopedic doctors can manage arthritis symptoms through medications, pain relief injections, physical therapy, and, in some cases, joint replacement surgery to restore mobility and reduce pain.
Sports Injuries
Athletes are prone to various musculoskeletal injuries from overuse or sudden impacts. Orthopedic doctors with a focus on sports medicine can diagnose and treat these injuries, including sprains, strains, tendonitis, ligament tears, and fractures. They can also help athletes prevent future injuries by optimizing their training techniques and recommending appropriate strengthening exercises.
Bone Fractures
Fractures, also referred to as broken bones, can occur due to accidents, falls, or even certain medical conditions. Orthopedic doctors have the expertise to diagnose fractures, determine their severity, and recommend the best course of treatment, which might involve casting, splinting, or surgery for proper healing and alignment.
Joint Replacements
Severe arthritis, injuries, or certain conditions can damage your joints beyond repair, causing significant chronic joint pain and limiting mobility.
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in joint replacement surgeries, such as hip replacement, knee replacement, and shoulder replacement. These advanced surgical procedures can significantly improve pain levels and restore joint function, allowing you to regain your independence.
Foot and Ankle Problems
Foot and ankle issues like bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendonitis can significantly impact mobility and daily activities. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose these conditions and recommend treatment options ranging from conservative measures like physical therapy and custom orthotics to surgery if deemed necessary.
Congenital Conditions
Some individuals are born with musculoskeletal abnormalities like clubfoot or hip dysplasia. An orthopedist can work closely with a pediatrician to diagnose and treat these conditions, often using a combination of bracing, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.
Musculoskeletal Tumors
While uncommon, musculoskeletal tumors can develop in bones, soft tissues, or cartilage. In such situations, an orthopedist collaborates with oncologists to diagnose and treat these tumors. Treatment options may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.
When Should You See a Charlotte Orthopedic Doctor?
If you experience any of the following, it is time to seek orthopedic care and possibly consider orthopedic surgery in Charlotte.
Limited Range of Motion
Joints are made to allow for movement in various parts of the body. So, if you are unable to raise your arm overhead, bend the elbow all the way, or even squat, you may need orthopedic help. A limited range of motion can make even the most basic tasks like dressing and bathing a hurdle. Your doctor will make a thorough assessment of your condition and develop a treatment plan to rectify the issue.
Instability When Standing or Walking
Do you feel wobbly when standing or walking? This could be a balance issue or an injury to your muscles, joints, or bones. An orthopedic can assess your stability and implement techniques to get you on your feet without balance issues.
Persistent Soft Tissue Injuries
Minor sprains and strains tend to get better with a little rest, ice, compression, and other simple remedies. However, if you have sustained injury and the pain or swelling has not improved after two days, it is time to visit an orthopedic doctor. Only these professionals can rule out any severe injuries and put you on the road to recovery.
Chronic Pain
Pain is a common experience, but there’s a difference between a sore muscle following a session at the gym and persistent pain. If you have been struggling with pain in any part of your musculoskeletal system for three months or more, you may want to seek orthopedic care. Usually, this is a sign of an underlying condition.
Types of Orthopedic Treatments
As doctors who specialize in orthopedic care, we have a huge arsenal of treatment options. Some of the most common treatments include the following.
Medications
Your doctor can recommend various medications to manage pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with musculoskeletal conditions. Common examples are:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are ideal for managing pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injections: These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, providing targeted pain relief.
- Muscle relaxants: These medications are designed to help ease muscle spasms and stiffness.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications are used to slow the progression of certain autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial part in orthopedic care. A physical therapist is tasked with designing a personalized exercise program to improve your strength, flexibility, range of motion, and balance. They can also employ manual therapy techniques like massage and joint mobilization to alleviate pain and stiffness.
Physical therapy is crucial for rehabilitation after injuries, managing chronic conditions like arthritis, and preventing future musculoskeletal complications.
Bracing and Splinting
These are supportive devices used to immobilize or stabilize an injured joint, bone, or muscle. This alleviates pain, promotes healing, and prevents further injury. A cast, for example, might be used for a fractured bone, while a brace might offer support for a sprained ankle.
Injections
Other than corticosteroid injections, other types of injections might be used in orthopedic care. These include:
- Hyaluronic acid injections: These are used to lubricate joints affected by osteoarthritis, providing temporary pain relief and improved joint function.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: PRP injections utilize a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to promote healing in soft tissue injuries.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic doctors are also highly skilled in performing a wide array of surgical procedures on the musculoskeletal system, from innovative cervical disc replacement to fracture repair.
Types of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery helps treat injuries and conditions that affect your bones, joints, and muscles. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we offer a wide range of surgical treatments to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you get back to your everyday activities. Below are some of the most common types of orthopedic surgeries we perform.
Bone Surgery
Bone surgery is used to repair fractures, remove bone tumors, or correct bone deformities. In many cases, surgeons use metal plates, screws, or rods to hold the bone in place while it heals. Whether it’s a broken arm, a complex leg fracture, or another bone issue, our team uses advanced techniques to support proper healing and long-term function.
Spine Surgery
Spine surgery can help relieve chronic back or neck pain caused by conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Common procedures include spinal fusion, discectomy, and laminectomy. Our goal is to stabilize the spine, reduce nerve pressure, and restore your ability to move without pain.
Joint Surgery
Joint surgery focuses on repairing or replacing damaged joints, such as the knees, hips, or shoulders. This can include arthroscopy (a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera) or total joint replacement. These surgeries help reduce joint pain, improve range of motion, and make daily tasks easier.
Elbow Surgery
Elbow surgery is often needed for conditions like tennis elbow, fractures, or arthritis. Depending on your situation, surgery might involve removing damaged tissue, repairing ligaments, or replacing the joint. Our specialists aim to restore strength and flexibility so you can return to your normal routines without discomfort.
Hip Surgery
Hip surgery is commonly performed for arthritis, hip fractures, or joint wear and tear over time. Procedures may include hip replacement, hip resurfacing, or arthroscopic surgery to repair soft tissue. These treatments can greatly reduce pain and improve your ability to walk, sit, and move comfortably.
Knee Surgery
Knee surgery is often recommended for injuries like torn ligaments (such as the ACL), meniscus tears, or severe arthritis. Treatments range from arthroscopic repairs to full knee replacements. Our surgeons use precise techniques to help relieve pain and restore stability and strength to your knee.
Shoulder Surgery
Shoulder surgery can treat problems like rotator cuff tears, dislocations, and arthritis. Depending on your needs, we may perform minimally invasive arthroscopy or a full shoulder replacement. These procedures can ease pain, improve motion, and help you lift, reach, and carry things more easily again.
Common Orthopedic Operations
Orthopedic surgery includes a wide range of procedures designed to treat injuries, relieve pain, and restore movement. At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we specialize in some of the most common and effective orthopedic operations available today.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. During this surgery, the orthopedic surgeon inserts a small camera into the joint through a tiny incision. Special tools are then used to repair damaged cartilage, remove loose pieces of bone or tissue, or treat inflammation. Arthroscopy is commonly performed on the knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle. It usually involves less pain and a quicker recovery than open surgery.
Joint Replacements
Joint replacement surgery is used when a joint is severely damaged by arthritis, injury, or wear and tear. The damaged parts of the joint are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Common joint replacement surgeries include hip, knee, and shoulder replacements. These procedures can significantly reduce chronic pain and improve mobility, helping patients return to daily activities with greater comfort and ease.
Fracture Repair Surgery
Fracture repair surgery is performed when a broken bone is too complex to heal properly on its own. The surgeon may use metal plates, rods, pins, or screws to stabilize the bone and ensure it heals in the correct position. This type of surgery is common for severe fractures of the arms, legs, hips, and spine. Proper fracture repair helps reduce the risk of long-term complications and supports a full recovery.
Patient Education Resources: Read Our Blog
Check out these articles about ortho care and orthopedic surgery.
Benefits of Seeing an Orthopedic Specialist
Orthopedic specialists diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Ortho care can help with conditions ranging from arthritis to sports injuries. Learn more about the benefits of seeing an orthopedic specialist.
How Hand Therapy Treats Your Injuries
Hand therapy is a form of rehabilitation focused on treating injuries and conditions affecting the hands, wrists, and upper extremities. Whether you are recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic injury, hand therapy offers targeted techniques to restore functionality, reduce pain, and improve overall quality of life.
The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery
In recent years, advances in medical technology have revolutionized the field of orthopedic surgery, making it possible for many patients to benefit from minimally invasive techniques. Minimally invasive orthopedic surgery offers patients less pain, shorter recovery times, and reduced scarring compared to traditional open surgeries.
Bone Healing Timeline and Process
The fracture healing process involves several stages. Knowledge of the bone healing timeline helps patients understand how long each stage might take and what they can do to support their body’s natural healing process.
Common Orthopedic Injuries From Car Accidents
Car accidents can lead to a wide range of orthopedic injuries, from minor soft tissue damage to severe fractures and spinal injuries. These injuries can have lasting effects on your mobility, pain levels, and overall quality of life. Recognizing and addressing orthopedic injuries after a car accident is crucial for effective recovery.
When to See a Spine Specialist for Chronic Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people worldwide. Back pain that persists for several weeks or longer can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Find out more about when to see a spine specialist for chronic back pain.
Choose Apex for Orthopedic Surgery in Charlotte!
The musculoskeletal system is the foundation that allows us to move, work, and enjoy an active life. Orthopedic care plays a vital role in maintaining the health and function of this complex system. By understanding the conditions treated by orthopedic doctors and the various treatment options available, you can take a proactive approach to your musculoskeletal health.
Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, or a congenital condition, our Charlotte orthopedic doctors are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. The team at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology is readily available to help you regain independence and quality of life.
We offer physical therapy, pain management, and orthopedic surgery in Charlotte. Call us at 704-412-3045 to schedule an appointment.
