Our bodies are amazing machines, allowing us to move in countless ways. We rely on our musculoskeletal system, a web of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons, for these movements. Like any machine, our body parts can wear out or get injured, leading to discomfort or restricted mobility. Orthopedic care is crucial when these issues arise. Specialists in this field diagnose, treat, and help prevent problems within the musculoskeletal system.
If you’re facing persistent pain or movement restrictions, seeking professional orthopedic care in High Point is essential. The doctors at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology in High Point can evaluate your condition and suggest the most effective treatments to help you regain your active lifestyle. Call us today at 704-412-3045 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Orthopedic Care?
Orthopedic care is a medical specialty focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. This intricate system includes your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Orthopedic doctors, or orthopedists, specialize in this complex system. They possess the skills and knowledge to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, from sports injuries and arthritis to fractures, joint replacements, and specific tumors.
Common Reasons for Orthopedic Treatment
Given the complexity and constant use of the musculoskeletal system, various conditions can arise that necessitate orthopedic intervention. Here are common reasons why one might need orthopedic care.
Injuries
Accidents falls, and sports activities can lead to various musculoskeletal injuries, such as fractures, sprains, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries like muscle tears or tendonitis. Orthopedic doctors can accurately diagnose the severity of these injuries and develop a treatment plan to ensure optimal healing and recovery.
Back and Neck Pain
Back and neck pain are widespread concerns. Poor posture, repetitive strain, and injuries often cause it. Orthopedic doctors can identify the root cause of your pain and suggest treatments such as physical therapy, pain management, or spinal injections. In severe cases, such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis, surgery may be required.
Arthritis
Arthritis involves inflammation and degeneration of joints. It comes in various forms, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being most common. Orthopedic doctors manage arthritis with medications, injections, physical therapy, and sometimes joint replacement surgery to restore mobility and reduce pain.
Sports Injuries
Athletes are susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries due to overuse or sudden impact. Orthopedic doctors focusing on sports medicine can diagnose and treat these injuries, including strains, sprains, tendonitis, ligament tears, and fractures. They also help athletes prevent future injuries by optimizing training techniques and suggesting suitable exercises.
Bone Fractures
Fractures, or broken bones, can result from accidents, falls, or certain medical conditions. Orthopedic doctors can diagnose fractures, determine their severity, and recommend treatments such as casting, splinting, or surgery to ensure proper healing and alignment.
Joint Replacements
Severe arthritis, injuries, or other conditions can irreparably damage your joints, causing significant pain and limiting mobility. Orthopedic surgeons excel in joint replacement surgeries, such as hip, knee, and shoulder replacements. These surgeries can significantly reduce pain and restore joint function, allowing you to regain independence.
Foot and Ankle Problems
Issues with the foot and ankle, like bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, and Achilles tendonitis, can impact mobility and daily activities. Orthopedic doctors can diagnose these problems and advise treatments, from physical therapy and custom orthotics to surgery if required.
Congenital Conditions
Some individuals are born with musculoskeletal abnormalities such as clubfoot or hip dysplasia. Orthopedic specialists can diagnose and treat these conditions in collaboration with pediatricians, often using bracing, physical therapy, and occasionally surgical interventions.
Musculoskeletal Tumors
Though rare, musculoskeletal tumors can develop in bones, soft tissues, or cartilage. Orthopedic specialists collaborate with oncologists to diagnose and treat these tumors using surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of methods.
When Should You See a High Point Orthopedic Doctor?
If you experience any of the following issues, it’s time to seek orthopedic care at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology in High Point:
Limited Range of Motion
Joints enable movement in various body parts. If you can’t raise your arm, bend your elbow fully, or squat, you might need orthopedic assistance. A limited range of motion can make everyday tasks challenging. Your doctor will thoroughly assess your condition and develop a treatment plan to address the issue.
Instability When Standing or Walking
Feeling unsteady while standing or walking could indicate a balance issue or an injury to your muscles, joints, or bones. An orthopedic doctor can evaluate your stability and recommend techniques to help you stand and walk without balance issues.
Persistent Soft Tissue Injuries
Minor sprains and strains usually improve with rest, ice, compression, and other simple remedies. However, if pain or swelling from an injury persists after two days, consulting an orthopedic doctor is essential. Only they can rule out severe injuries and guide you toward recovery.
Chronic Pain
Persistent pain lasting three months or more in any part of your musculoskeletal system necessitates orthopedic care. This often signals an underlying condition that requires professional attention.
Types of Orthopedic Treatment
Orthopedic doctors have a vast array of treatment options at their disposal. Some of the most common treatments include:
Medications
Orthopedic doctors can prescribe various medications to manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions:
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can manage pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections: These provide targeted pain relief by delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area.
Muscle relaxants: These medications help alleviate muscle spasms and stiffness.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These slow the progression of certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is crucial in orthopedic care. A physical therapist designs a personalized exercise program to improve strength, flexibility, range of motion, and balance. They may use manual therapy techniques like massage and joint mobilization to alleviate pain and stiffness. Physical therapy is vital for rehabilitation after injuries, managing chronic conditions like arthritis, and preventing future musculoskeletal issues.
Bracing and Splinting
Supportive devices like braces and splints can immobilize or stabilize an injured joint, bone, or muscle, reducing pain, promoting healing, and preventing further injury. For instance, a cast might be used for a fractured bone, while a brace might support a sprained ankle.
Injections
Besides corticosteroid injections, other types of injections might be employed in orthopedic care:
Hyaluronic acid injections: Used to lubricate joints affected by osteoarthritis, these injections provide temporary pain relief and improved joint function.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: PRP injections use a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to promote healing in soft tissue injuries.
Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic doctors are skilled in performing various surgical procedures on the musculoskeletal system. Common types of orthopedic surgery include:
Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive procedure, arthroscopy employs a tiny camera to diagnose and treat joint problems like torn ligaments or cartilage damage.
Fracture Repair Surgery
Fracture repair involves setting and stabilizing broken bones using techniques like plates, screws, or rods.
Joint Replacement Surgery
Severe arthritis or joint damage might necessitate replacing the joint with a prosthetic implant, such as in hip replacement, knee replacement, or shoulder replacement surgeries.
Spinal Surgery
Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spinal deformities might require spinal surgery.
Choose Apex for Orthopedic Surgery in High Point!
Our musculoskeletal system is essential for movement, work, and an active life. Orthopedic care is vital in maintaining the health and function of this complex system. Understanding the conditions treated by orthopedic doctors and the available treatment options allows you to take a proactive approach to your musculoskeletal health.
Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury, chronic pain, or a congenital condition, our High Point orthopedic doctors can diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. The team at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology is committed to helping you regain your independence and quality of life. We offer physical therapy, pain management, and orthopedic surgery services in High Point. Call us at 704-412-3045 to schedule an appointment.
