Parts Of The Body Orthopedic Doctors Can Specialize In

Orthopedic injuries are the most common type of injury that doctors treat. “Orthopedic” refers to the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues. These injuries often cause pain and can limit your ability to move. Fortunately, orthopedic doctors can help treat these conditions and improve your quality of life.

Orthopedic doctors have the option to become experts in certain body parts. This specialization allows them to gain expert-level experience and keep up with the latest advancements in all the treatment options for that area of the body.

Here are some of the body parts orthopedic doctors can specialize in:

Spine

The spine is one of the most common areas orthopedic doctors treat. Bones, muscles, and ligaments make up your spinal column, all of which can be injured. Orthopedic doctors often treat back pain and conditions like:

• Herniated discs – occur when the gel-like center of a disc ruptures through a tear in the outer ring.
• Spinal stenosis – causes the narrowing of the spinal canal. It can apply pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain, numbness, and weakness.

Shoulders

The shoulder is a complex joint consisting of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These structures can get injured in various ways, including falls, car accidents, and sports injuries. Orthopedic doctors often treat shoulder conditions like:

• Rotator cuff tears – affects the four muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone.
• Shoulder impingement – occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become irritated and inflamed.
• Frozen shoulder – causes the shoulder joint to become stiff and painful, making it difficult to move the arm.

Hips

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that includes bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Hip injuries often result from falls, accidents, and injuries. Common hip conditions include:

• Hip fractures – a break in the hip bone, causing pain and difficulty walking.
• Hip dislocation – occurs when the hip joint ball pops out of the socket, resulting in pain, swelling, and bruising.
• Labral tears – occur with tearing of the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket.

Knees

The knee is a complex joint consisting of bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Falls, accidents, and injuries can also impact the knees. Orthopedic doctors often treat knee conditions like:

• ACL tears – affect the anterior cruciate ligament connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone.
• Meniscus tears – affect the C-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint.

Ankles

The ankle is a complex joint that is one of the most commonly injured parts of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic doctors often treat conditions like:

• Ankle fractures – a break in one or more bones that make up the ankle joint, causing pain and difficulty walking.
• Ankle sprains – occur when the ligaments that support the ankle joint are stretched or torn.
• Achilles tendinitis – inflammation of the Achilles tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone.

Hands

The hands are prone to many orthopedic issues because of how much you use them. Doctors usually treat conditions like:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome – occurs with the compression of the median nerve, causing pain, numbness, and tingling.
• Trigger finger – happens when the tendon that bends the finger can’t move smoothly, causing the finger to catch or lock in a bent position.
• Dupuytren’s contracture – occurs when the tissue under the skin of the palm thickens and tightens, resulting in the fingers bending inward.

Elbows

You can injure the elbow in accidents or through overuse. Orthopedic doctors often treat conditions like:

• Tennis elbow – occurs when you damage the tendons, causing cause pain and tenderness on the elbow’s outer side.
• Golfer’s elbow – happens when the tendons sustain damage, affecting the inside of the elbow.
• Elbow fracture – a break in one or more bones that make up the elbow joint, resulting in pain and difficulty moving the arm.

Orthopedic Doctor Near You In Little Rock, AR

Orthopedic conditions can be debilitating because they often cause pain and limit your ability to move. Orthopedic doctors specialize in treating these conditions, and they can help you improve your quality of life. They often treat the spine, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, hands, and elbows. If you experience pain or limited mobility in these body parts, you should consider seeing an orthopedic doctor.

Bowen Hefley Orthopedics is here for you if you’re looking for an orthopedic doctor in Little Rock. Dr. William Hefley, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, leads our team in giving patients the care they deserve. You may learn about our services by calling our friendly staff at (800) 336-2412. You may also fill out our convenient appointment request form to book a consultation.

We look forward to serving you!