Orthopedic doctors are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent injuries and conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. A West Chester orthopedic surgeon can perform significant procedures such as reconstructive surgery. You will need an orthopedic doctor to treat tendon, ligament, muscle, and bone injury, and even chronic conditions like arthritis. If you are uncertain about visiting an orthopedic doctor, here are the benefits you can realize.
1. Recovering from injury
Injuries are a part of life, but they can significantly impact the quality of your life. For instance, when the bone breaks or cracks, it results in a fracture. Such injuries can impact your mobility and cause serious pain. The recovery process may also be overwhelming. Depending on the damage’s severity, an orthopedic doctor may recommend certain interventions and treatments to facilitate improved recovery.
2. Continuous knee pain
The knee is susceptible to injuries and can cause leg or foot pain. Arthritis, repetitive stress, playing sports, or other joint conditions can cause pain. ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or a torn meniscus (section of cartilage in the knee) is a common injury that can cause debilitating knee pain. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose the cause and provide treatment.
3. Low back and hip pain
Most people suffer from back pain due to health conditions, lifestyle, and work demands, like sitting for too long. Hip pain occurs around or within the hip joint, and these pains can be dull or sharp and may last for some days. Minor pains usually subside, but if it is constant for more than a week, it is good to visit an orthopedic doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
4. Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis, and it causes wear and tear to the knees, shoulders, hands, and other joints. Regardless of where it affects you, arthritis pain should be diagnosed sooner and a treatment plan developed and implemented, which is an area orthopedists excel. This will increase movement, ease the pain, and prevent it from becoming debilitating. An orthopedic doctor can help keep stiffness and pain away so you can maintain a better quality of life.
5. Shoulder Pain
Injury to muscles, rotator cuff joints, tendons, or diseases can cause pain around or in the shoulder. Dislocation, overuse injuries, bursitis, shoulder discoloration, and arthritis can cause a limited range of motion, swelling, and pain. If you have visible discoloration or swelling, or if the discomfort worsens for more than two weeks, visit an orthopedic doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
6. Strains and sprains
A sprain occurs when a ligament is torn partially, entirely, or pulled, and a strain happens when a tendon or muscle suffers similar damage. Ligaments connect bones. On the other hand, tendons connect bones to muscles. Strain injuries result from the overuse of a particular muscle group through repetitive movements and poor posture. Common signs of strains include tingling, tenderness, and swelling around the affected area. Strains usually affect the neck, hands, arms, and back. Effective diagnosis and treatment from an orthopedic doctor can help you reduce pain and facilitate recovery.
Your body needs to be healthy to undertake your daily activities effectively. Whenever you experience musculoskeletal problems, seeing an orthopedic doctor for diagnosis and effective treatment is recommended. Call or visit Beacon Orthopedics & Sports Medicine today to learn more about musculoskeletal injuries and how an orthopedic doctor can help.