Orthopedic issues such as arthritis, sports injuries, and other orthopedic conditions can be quite debilitating and painful, affecting your quality of life.
When it comes to treating orthopedic conditions, there are two main types of treatment: surgical and non-surgical. Choosing between these two options can be overwhelming, as each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s discuss both surgical and non-surgical treatments for orthopedic issues and explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Non-surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatment is often the first approach to treating orthopedic conditions and injuries. These treatments range from physical therapy and medication to alternative therapies such as chiropractic or acupuncture. Minimally invasive non-surgical treatments like injections are also often recommended to treat orthopedic issues.
Your orthopedist can also recommend orthotics, assistive devices, and lifestyle changes to manage several orthopedic conditions and injuries. Most mild to moderate orthopedic injuries and conditions respond well to non-surgical treatments.
Pros and Cons of Non-surgical Orthopedic Treatments
Non-surgical treatments are often preferred because they don’t require general anesthesia and incisions and are usually less complicated. This means that patients can recover more quickly, and there’s less chance of complications. Most of the time, there’s little or no downtime, allowing patients to continue with their day-to-day lives.
However, it’s important to remember that non-surgical treatments don’t always work. Some patients may need multiple visits, as well as long-term therapy or medication, before they see any improvement. These treatments can be costly and take a lot of time, but they’re often worth it if you don’t want to go through surgery.
Orthopedic Surgery
When non-surgical treatments fail to treat orthopedic conditions, orthopedic surgery may be the only option. It aims to restore the function of the affected part of the musculoskeletal system and alleviate the pain.
It’s worth noting that non-surgical treatments like physical therapy and medication may still be required after orthopedic surgery, but the goal is to limit their long-term use and prevent future issues.
Orthopedic surgeries can either be minimally invasive or open, depending on the type and severity of the condition. Joint replacement, spinal fusion, and ACL reconstruction are some of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries.
Pros and Cons of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgery has been used for many years to address structural problems in the musculoskeletal system. The goal of orthopedic surgery is to provide long-term relief from pain and discomfort, as opposed to conservative treatments that only mask the symptoms.
Surgery can also provide immediate relief to patients who are suffering from severe pain. In many cases, surgery may correct the underlying issue permanently, eliminating the need to continue non-surgical treatment.
All orthopedic surgeries come with some risks and complications, such as infection, blood clotting, anesthesia issues, and possibly unsuccessful outcomes. Furthermore, the recovery time after orthopedic surgery can be long, and patients may need to rest, exercise, and make lifestyle changes to ensure a successful recovery.
Additionally, the cost of surgery can be a major factor, especially for those who do not have insurance. Despite these drawbacks, the advantages of surgery have made it a viable option for millions of people around the world.
Orthopedist Near Me in San Antonio, Texas
When considering orthopedic surgery vs. non-surgical treatments, it is essential to weigh your options carefully. Patients should consider the type and severity of their orthopedic condition, the risks and benefits of each treatment, and the potential for complications.
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our dedicated orthopedist performs a thorough evaluation to determine the right type of treatment for you. We offer non-surgical, and minimally invasive treatments to provide lasting relief to patients dealing with musculoskeletal system injuries or degenerative conditions.
For information about our services or to arrange your visit with our board-certified and fellowship-trained providers, call us today at (210) 692-7400 or fill out our online appointment request form.
