Whether you are active in sports or perform strenuous work, chances are your bones and muscles will get hurt somehow. When this happens, you will have to take some time off to get it treated.
Orthopedics is the branch of medicine that deals with this sort of medical problem. Doctors trained in this field can diagnose and treat conditions affecting your musculoskeletal system, which is integral to your mobility.
Let’s talk about five essential facts you should know about this brand of medicine and where you can go in Hartford County, CT, for comprehensive orthopedic care.
1. It Can Treat Problems With Your Muscles and Skeleton
Orthopedics aims to treat problems in the musculoskeletal system. Since you use these parts daily, deterioration and injury may occur. Age and weight are also other factors that contribute to these problems.
With your doctor, you can get to the bottom of any pain in your hands, feet, joints, back, and neck. Medical conditions that orthopedic care can treat include the following:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fractures
- Herniated (slipped) disk
- Lower Back Pain
- Osteoporosis
- Rotator cuff tear
- Scoliosis
- Soft-Tissue Injuries
2. It Is a Team Effort
When it comes to treating the complexity that is the musculoskeletal system, your orthopedic doctor will not be working alone. They will often collaborate with others to provide a proper diagnosis and determine the right kind of treatment for you.
Primary care doctors may be the first person you approach with your problem. Trained in general medicine, they can provide treatment by themselves.
However, if your condition requires specialized treatment, they will communicate with an orthopedic doctor to help you.
Other healthcare experts will also help during your treatment and recovery. These people may include:
- Physical therapists
- Chiropractors
- Neurologists
- Nurse practitioners
- Pain specialists
- Psychiatrists
- Sports medicine specialists
3. It Has Many Subspecialties
Orthopedic doctors are experts in treating problems with your bones and muscles. However, they can specialize in a specific area of focus.
This additional knowledge gives them more insight into a particular musculoskeletal system part. This expertise will help them recommend a more specific treatment for some orthopedic problems. They can do that in a way that unspecialized doctors can’t.
The different subspecialties consist of groups of muscles and bones, like the hips and shoulders. Others depend on who the patients are, such as athletes or children. Subspecialties can include:
- Hand, wrist, and elbow care
- Joint replacement surgery
- Sports medicine
- Spine surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Orthopedic oncology
4. There Is a Wide Range of Treatment Options
Orthopedic doctors can recommend several treatment options for your condition. These can range from non-invasive kind of treatments to surgery.
Non-invasive treatments can include conservative methods like lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy. Your doctor will usually recommend them first when the problem is not that severe.
Other non-invasive options include acupuncture, biofeedback therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, and laser therapy.
Surgery includes procedures such as arthroscopy, which involves using a small camera to see the problem area before treatment. Another example is replacing a specific part of the skeletal system, like the hip or knee.
5. The Risks Depend on the Treatment
There are several risks involved in orthopedic care, but these would depend on the form of treatment.
Physical therapy has almost no risk, aside from the possibility of further injury when done incorrectly. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory drugs have several potential side effects, including allergic reactions, constipation, and dizziness.
Surgery also has its risks, like infections, bleeding, and swelling. Complications during joint replacement surgeries can lead to damage to the surrounding nerves. Breathing problems and reactions to the anesthesia can occur as well.
Top Orthopedic Doctors in Hartford County, CT
Problems with your bones and muscles increase in likelihood as you age or the more you work. At some point, you will eventually need the expertise of orthopedic doctors to get back to living your best life.
At Advanced Orthopedics New England, our experienced orthopedic surgeons are committed to providing tailor-made diagnoses and treatment for our patients. We provide non-invasive and surgical forms of treatment, such as joint replacement surgery and fracture care.
If you would like to book a consultation or ask any questions, you can visit one of our offices any time! You may also call our friendly staff at (860) 728-6740.
We look forward to serving you!
