If you suffer from musculoskeletal pain or an injury and have been recommended to an orthopedic doctor, here is what you can expect. Your orthopedic doctor will provide an accurate diagnosis of your condition or injury. They will order diagnostic tests to pinpoint the problem with your musculoskeletal system. Depending on your symptoms and diagnosis, your orthopedic will devise a treatment plan for you. The treatment plan can include surgical and non-surgical interventions.
While the last thing you want to do is go through orthopedic surgery, what if your orthopedic doctor recommends surgical intervention? Should you consider orthopedic surgery? What will happen if you delay surgery? These are a few questions that may arise in your mind.
If you’re unsure whether you should consider orthopedic surgery, we can help you decide. Here are four reasons explaining why you should consider orthopedic surgery.
1. Orthopedic Surgery Improves Your Quality of Life
While the thought of surgery can be scary, you probably don’t want to live your whole life in pain and discomfort. Having a musculoskeletal injury or condition can affect your ability to move freely and without pain. The continuous pain, discomfort, and decreased mobility can adversely impact your quality of life and leave you at the edge of anxiety. To improve your quality of life, you need to let go of procrastination, fear, and misconceptions about surgery. Considering orthopedic surgery will also help you live a more positive, healthy, and pain-free life.
2. Delaying Surgery Can Make Your Condition Worse
Like everyone, you can be guilty of waiting for the perfect moment. However, when it comes to your orthopedic surgery, there is no perfect time like the present. Putting off surgery can make your simple condition much worse and difficult to fix. It can also lead to long-term implications, including increased pain and disability.
In the case of a fractured bone, if you wait too long for the treatment, your bones can heal in the wrong position. In circumstances where it is necessary to postpone surgery, your surgeon can educate you about the effects of delayed surgery on your diagnosis and possible alternatives.
3. Your Diagnosis Won’t Change Over Time
While some surgeries can heal on their own or with the help of non-surgical treatments and therapies, it is not practical to wait for a miraculous recovery. This means no matter how long you wait, your diagnosis will remain the same. Your orthopedic surgeon will recommend a surgical intervention only when surgery is necessary to achieve a full recovery and restore your health.
4. Advanced Technology Has Improved Outcomes
With the advancement in technology and surgical techniques, there has probably never been a safer time for you to go for orthopedic surgery. The use of arthroscopy and other minimally invasive techniques results in outpatient procedures with less trauma, shorter healing time, and a faster, safer healing process. So, if you were recommended a knee or back surgery, you can probably go back home the same day of surgery.
Orthopedic Surgery in Little Rock, AR
If you were searching for an orthopedic surgeon near you, you’ve definitely landed on the right page. At Bowen Hefley Orthopedics, our board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Hefley is committed to providing you unparalleled care. Dr. William Hefley will focus on conservative treatments to solve your musculoskeletal problem if surgery is not necessary. Depending on your condition, Dr. Hefley can recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
Knowing that education is the best tool against fear, Dr. Hefley can answer all your queries regarding surgery, its benefits, and its risks.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hefley, call our staff at (800) 336-2412 or fill our online form. We also offer on-site physical therapy services as part of our commitment to providing our patients with comprehensive care.
We look forward to serving you!