While you can visit your primary care physician for general health concerns, you may need to consult with a specialist for specific medical issues. In particular, sports injuries and bone and joint conditions require the attention of an orthopedic doctor.
Orthopedic clinics focus on keeping your musculoskeletal system strong and healthy. Read on to learn more about orthopedic clinics, the conditions they treat, as well as the services they offer.
Specializations
Orthopedic doctors care for the musculoskeletal system, but some specialize in specific parts of the body. The common areas of focus include:
Shoulder
Your shoulders consist of tendons, joints, and muscles. It can perform various movements since it is the most movable joint. Since it is the most mobile, it is also prone to instability. Orthopedic clinics treat the following shoulder conditions:
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Shoulder Dislocation
- Frozen Shoulder
- Impingement Syndrome
- Labral (SLAP) Tear of the Shoulder
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Shoulder Instability
- Biceps Tendon Tear
- Shoulder Arthritis
Hip
Your hips are meant to withstand repetitive motions. However, while your hip joints are strong, they are not exempt from overuse, injury, and wear-and-tear. If you struggle with the following hip conditions, an orthopedic clinic can help you get diagnosed and treated:
- Hip Arthritis
- Hip Dislocation
- Hip Labral Tear
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
- Hamstring Injuries
- Trochanteric (Hip) Bursitis
- Inflammatory Hip Conditions
- Osteonecrosis
- Osteoporosis
- Pelvic Fracture
Knee
We rely on our knees for much of our movement. As such, knee problems can severely affect your mobility. It is best to get knee issues treated early to prevent further complications. Here are some knee conditions that require attention from an orthopedic doctor:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tear
- Collateral Ligament Sprains (LCL and MCL)
- Meniscus Tear
- Articular Cartilage Disorders
- Knee Arthritis
- Patellofemoral Syndrome (Kneecap Problems)
- Patellar Tendon Tear
- Knee Tendon Bursitis
- Osgood-Schlatter Disease
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of your orthopedic problem, your doctor may order diagnostic imaging tests such as an MRI. This particular scan uses magnetic fields to produce highly detailed images of your internal body parts. In the field of orthopedics, MRI is primarily used to get a clear view of your tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Treatment
Depending on the results of your diagnostic tests, your doctor will craft a personalized treatment plan. They will review your diagnosis to determine which is best for your needs. Here are the possible options that your doctor may recommend:
Injection Therapy
While you can take medicine to relieve pain, your doctor may recommend injection therapy to deliver medication in a more targeted manner. For instance, they can suggest injection therapy using cortisone and viscosupplementation.
This type of treatment option helps relieve patients’ joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament pain. Your orthopedic doctor may perform the treatment with ultrasound guidance to ensure greater precision.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy uses massage and exercise to relieve pain and improve mobility, strength, and flexibility.
During physical therapy, your provider will walk you through a progressive exercise plan. They will design this to restore mobility and increase the strength of your injured body part. They may also work to improve your balance, coordination, and flexibility. These exercises are designed to help you move better and live a more active lifestyle.
Regenerative Medicine
Your orthopedic doctor may also recommend non-surgical treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy. PRP therapy is a form of injection therapy that harnesses the healing capabilities of your blood cells. In this procedure, your blood is drawn and processed before being injected into the injured site.
Doctors typically recommend stem cell therapy for more severe orthopedic problems. It uses mesenchymal stem cells, a type of adult stem cells, to repair damaged tissue. The injections focus on the site of injury, providing faster healing by generating new and healthy tissues.
Orthopedic Clinic in Little Rock, AR
Orthopedic clinics treat a variety of conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, in addition to the ones mentioned above. Some clinics also specialize in orthopedic surgery. The key is finding the orthopedic clinic that offers the treatments you need.
If you’re looking for an orthopedic clinic that’s focused on conservative treatments, visit Bowen Hefley Orthopedics. Dr. William Hefley is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. He specializes in knee, hip, and shoulder issues.
Depending on your condition, Dr. Hefley can recommend surgical procedures and non-surgical treatments to relieve your pain and get you back in shape. He can also perform stem cell and PRP therapy.
To schedule an appointment with the best orthopedic surgeon in Little Rock, call us today at (800) 336-2412. You may also get in touch by filling out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!