Orthopedists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions of your body’s musculoskeletal system. That includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles that all contribute to your body’s ability to move and stay active. With so many parts of the body treated by orthopedic medicine, your orthopedist stays busy treating breaks, strains, sprains, and even certain degenerative diseases. If you are active or have suffered an orthopedic injury, chances are you or a loved one have a very close relationship with your orthopedist. And while your orthopedist is trained and ready to treat any number of musculoskeletal conditions, some are more common than others. Here five of the most common conditions treated by an orthopedist.
Osteoarthritis
Of the more than one hundred varieties of arthritis, osteoarthritis is by far the most common. Also known as the “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis usually presents as the body ages, during which time bones and the cartilage that protects them start to wear down. Once the protective cartilage starts to wear away, movement becomes more difficult and painful.
Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint of the body – from the fingers and toes to the major joints like the knee and hip. And while the effects of osteoarthritis can not be reversed, your orthopedist will help you manage your symptoms through pain management to include physical therapies and a regimen of anti-inflammatory medications, and by encouraging lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet and weight. Should symptoms worsen or the pain becomes too much, your orthopedist may recommend surgical procedures such as joint replacement.
ACL Injuries
When you attempt to pivot or rotate your knee but your foot stays stationary, there is a very good chance you will injure your ACL. The anterior cruciate ligament – commonly called the ACL – provides your knee with stability and ensures full range of motion. ACL injuries are extremely common in athletes, as well as anyone who collides with something or whose heel or foot slips forward unexpectedly.
ACL injuries can be extremely painful and are one of the most common conditions seen by an orthopedist. While many ACL injuries can be mild and treated with rest and therapy, a complete tear may require surgery to repair it.
Meniscus Tears
Located between the shinbone and thighbone, the meniscus is made up of two menisci, which are wedges with a rubbery consistency that helps your knee joint carry weight, glide, and turn in various directions. The meniscus also keeps your femur and tibia from grinding against each other. Like ACL injuries, meniscus tears are the result of sports or high-impact injuries. However, as with the case of osteoarthritis, meniscus tears can also occur with age.
When the meniscus is torn, the patient experiences what might be described as a popping sensation, followed by pain and swelling. With the inflammation comes stiffness and a build-up of fluid at the site. Conservative treatments include RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) – so long as the knee is stable. Your orthopedist may recommend arthroscopic surgery with larger tears, or if the meniscus fails to repair on its own,
Dislocated Shoulder
Because the shoulder is one of your body’s most mobile joints, there is a very high likelihood it could be become dislocated. In fact, shoulder dislocations are one of the most common conditions treated by your orthopedist. You may suffer a partial dislocation or a complete dislocation. A partial dislocation occurs when the humerus – the upper part of the arm – becomes partially dislocated from the socket; the complete dislocation means the humerus has become fully dislodged. Either way, expect to be treated by an orthopedist, who will start your treatment with anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, then will manually move the ball of the humerus back into the socket followed by rehabilitation and bracing for stability. If these treatments do not help, your orthopedist may recommend surgery to repair or tighten any ligaments that have become torn or stretched.
Elbow Bursitis
Elbow bursitis develops when the bursa – the fluid-filled sac that serves as a cushion between the skin and elbow bone – becomes inflamed. An extremely common orthopedic condition, elbow bursitis occurs when the elbow has sustained trauma or overuse. Other causes of elbow bursitis include bacterial infections, as well as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Aspirating an inflamed or infected bursa is a very common treatment; if the bursa is not caused by infection, expect your orthopedist to recommend RICE, as well as anti-inflammatory medications.
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our team of dedicated, board certified physicians have your best interest at heart and will address your orthopaedic concerns, no matter how common or complex. To learn more about what we provide, please call us at 210-692-7400 or schedule an appointment.
