Most people who develop a musculoskeletal issue tend to wait it out and just treat their injury at home. While this may be sufficient for very mild injuries, most do warrant the assessment of an orthopedic specialist to ensure that the injury heals properly and that complications are prevented.
For chronic or progressive musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, an orthopedic surgeon will first recommend the least-invasive method possible to treat your condition. An experienced orthopedist will know whether the issue should be treated with physical therapy, medication, or pain-relief injections, or whether surgery is necessary to restore your normal functionality and your quality of life.
Let’s talk about a few main instances of when you would be well-served by seeing an orthopedic surgeon, and who you can talk to about treatment for your condition.
Orthopedic Treatment for Chronic Injury
A chronic injury usually results from overuse of a certain part of your body over the course of time. It may be due to playing a sport, your occupation, or a favorite hobby.
Examples of overuse injuries are tendonitis, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, shin splints, and jumper’s knee. An orthopedic surgeon is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating overuse injuries and can provide advice on ergonomics, proper training, and conditioning in order to help prevent continued injury.
Persistent Pain in Bones or Muscles
Chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness are classic symptoms of osteoarthritis. Usually called just “arthritis” because it is the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis develops due to the wearing-down of the protective cartilage that lines the joints. Depending on the stage and extent of the disease, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend minimally invasive surgery to repair the joint.
Persistent pain may also be indicative of an improperly healing injury or an infection. An orthopedic specialist will be able to efficiently assess, diagnose, and treat your condition for optimum results.
Pediatric Orthopedic Issues
Children heal from musculoskeletal injuries more quickly than adults do, but they still require proper treatment. Neglecting to have an injured child see a skilled physician may result in abnormal healing and incorrect growth of the injured area, possibly resulting in permanent disability.
Pediatric patients may also suffer from bone-related birth defects such as scoliosis, limb-length differences, and limping. These can be treated nonsurgically or surgically, depending on what your orthopedist recommends.
Treatment for Sports Injuries and Performance
Orthopedic surgeons are particularly adept at diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries. Those who are fellowship-trained in sports medicine have expertise in fitness, sports performance, and nutrition. Injury prevention is also a priority for athletes, both professional and amateur, which an orthopedic surgeon can also provide.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Watertown, New York
For expert medical treatment for everything from arthritis to carpal tunnel syndrome to a sprained ankle, look no further than North Country Orthopaedic Group. We are a multi-specialty medical team able to provide the highest-quality care to patients with acute or chronic orthopedic conditions. Should you require surgery, you will enjoy a seamless experience – no need to drive out of town.
Are you ready for world-class medical treatment in a reputable orthopedic facility? Schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic surgeons by calling us today at (315) 782-1650, or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner.
