Orthopedics is the medical specialty that deals with a wide range of disorders of the bones, joints and spine. These problems may be acute, meaning they are sudden and cause severe distress, or they may be chronic, with lingering pain that affects daily life. Here are a few of the most common orthopedic problems these specialist tackle with a variety of techniques to relieve pain and improve function.
Arthritis Pain
Arthritis is a category that includes over 100 disorders, each of which can affect the bones of the human body. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disorder of the joints that affects people over the age of 50. The cartilage that acts as a cushion to the ends of the bones wears away, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and poor flexibility. It can be a disabling condition. Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can affect people of any age. This condition also affects joint function and can lead to progressive disability. Orthopedic medicine can help to restore normal joint function, allowing individuals to engage in their normal activities without discomfort.
ACL Tears
The anterior cruciate ligament is a structure within the knee joint that helps to stabilize the knee joint during movement. It is a thick band of tissue that can be subject to tears during athletic activities that require rapid changes in direction and sudden stops. An ACL tear can also occur from a direct blow to the knee, such as during a car accident. Symptoms of an ACL tear include sudden pain, a giving out of the knee, swelling and a “popping” sound at the time of the injury. Individuals with an ACL tear are generally unable to continue their usual activities. Rest, icing and bracing the knee can help to restore function to the knee in those individuals who are only moderately active. However, athletes may require acl repair and surgery to fully stabilize the knee for their usual activities. Physical therapy is generally also required to return the knee joint to full strength. You can visit website here to know more about physical therapy.
Back Pain
Health experts note that 80% of the population will experience low back pain at some time in their lives. In some cases, the discomfort is caused by injury or strain, but in other cases, degenerative conditions may be the culprit. Low back pain can take you away from work tasks and other activities in your life. Treatments for low back pain can range from the very conservative, such as medication and physical therapy, to complex surgical procedures. If you are troubled by chronic, debilitating back pain, your orthopedic specialist can help with a variety of treatments that help to reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Complex Fractures
Sometimes, a broken bone is not just a simple fracture, and it may require a complex orthopedic procedure to rebuild it strongly for normal function. Orthopedic surgery has advanced to a highly technical degree to treat these issues. Your orthopedic doctor and Orthopedic Anesthesiologist will carefully analyze the problem and determine the best technique for optimum strength and functionality. This may require the insertion of pins, bars or other medical devices to ensure a successful outcome.
The research on treating the bones, joints and spine of the human body continues to advance, to help individuals with illness or injury return to an active lifestyle. Today’s orthopedic techniques can help relieve pain and improve physical function for individuals of all ages. If you are struggling with one of these common problems in your daily life, consult with an orthopedic specialist to learn about the strategies and procedures like a Spine Deformity Surgery that can help you live more comfortably and more effectively.