An orthopedic surgeon is one who specializes in bone, joint, and connective tissue problems. All three are integral to your daily functioning and mobility, and over time or due to an accident, they could suffer a stretching, breaking, or tearing. Some orthopedic conditions are also degenerative, such as arthritis, which is caused by age-related changes to the cartilage protecting the bones.
With so many orthopedic conditions that one could experience in a lifetime, orthopedic services are very important to overall health. Below, we will give you some of the major benefits of seeing an orthopedic surgeon.
#1 Medication Therapy
An orthopedic surgeon can prescribe medication to control pain and inflammation associated with musculoskeletal conditions. Commonly used medications in orthopedic care include painkillers, anti-inflammatory medicine, and corticosteroids or cortisone injections.
Corticosteroid injections contain an anesthetic and synthetic cortisone (naturally produced by the body) to lower inflammation in the affected area. They have proven to be very effective in providing longer-lasting relief to patients with arthritis and sports injuries, particularly tendon injuries.
#2 Physical Therapy
Part of a comprehensive orthopedic treatment is the use of exercise, stretching, and other physical interventions to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Physical therapy is a commonly used treatment for musculoskeletal pain and injuries, and also as a form of prevention against future issues.
Physical therapy is not just physical exercises but also the use of other modalities to relieve pain and promote healing, and this includes ultrasound therapy, massage therapy, ice and heat therapy, and more.
#3 Surgical Repair
An orthopedic surgeon can use minimally invasive procedures and surgery to repair damaged tissue, remove diseased tissue, and replace joints. In order to do this, orthopedic surgeons use specialized tools and highly advanced techniques to minimize disturbance to healthy tissue.
Orthopedic surgery can be performed by a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon using an arthroscope, which is a tool with a light and camera attached at the end to see clearly inside the body. Arthroscopic repair can be done on connective tissues, to remove bone spurs, and replace damaged parts of joints with artificial prostheses. A most advanced technique uses robotic assistance, which improves the precision and accuracy of the placement of a prosthesis.
Minimally invasive techniques provide even more benefits to patients, as there is less pain, reduced bleeding, a lower complication risk, and a more comfortable recovery.
#4 Treat All Musculoskeletal Issues
Orthopedic surgeons can treat all types of musculoskeletal issues, such as sports injuries, trauma from other types of injuries, age-related issues, and naturally occurring and congenital orthopedic problems. Whether your issue is in your hands, shoulders, spine, hips, knees, feet, or ankles, a highly trained and skilled orthopedic doctor will know how to treat it effectively.
Board-Certified and Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon in Naples, FL
The highly skilled team of orthopedic surgeons, advanced practitioners, and physical therapists at the Joint Replacement Institute regularly treats patients who are in pain and have limited mobility due to orthopedic conditions and injuries. We offer care individualized to the patient and are highly experienced in the areas of sports medicine, joint replacement, pain management, and podiatry. Let us help you find relief and return to the life you want to live – free of pain and limitations.
To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (239) 261-2663 or use our online request form. At the Joint Replacement Institute, you are in expert hands. We look forward to serving you.
