Orthopedic injuries and disorders – which can affect the bones, muscles, joints, and ancillary tissues and structures – can occur in people of any age and at any time in their life. The issue may be a result of an injury from playing sports, a wear-and-tear injury from overuse, or from an underlying medical condition. If you are affected by musculoskeletal pain or reduced function, it could be time to seek the expertise of an orthopedic surgeon.
Although orthopedic surgeons are skilled in performing surgery, their expertise extends to the latest nonsurgical treatments to effectively treat a variety of conditions and injuries. These nonsurgical treatments include ultrasound-guided pain-relief injections, stem cell and PRP therapy, and viscosupplementation.
How Do I Know When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Although some minor injuries – such as a mildly sprained ankle or wrist – may only be short-term and will go away naturally by resting the area, other orthopedic injuries require a medical diagnosis and prompt treatment in order to heal successfully. Depending on the type of injury or condition, beginning treatment as quickly as possible can be critical to making a full recovery.
If you have a musculoskeletal problem, visit an orthopedic surgeon for a consultation if:
- You have ongoing pain or discomfort
- Your symptoms are getting worse
- You have a reduced range of motion or function
- Normal daily activities, like walking up stairs or lifting, are becoming increasingly difficult or painful
What Does an Orthopedist Treat?
Orthopedic doctors not only diagnose and treat injuries, but they can also help control chronic conditions that could otherwise get worse over time, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. They also provide preventive care and pain management for overuse or reoccurring injuries.
Orthopedic surgeons treat many conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, and some of the most common issues they treat include:
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Bone dislocations
- Fractures
- Cartilage tears (e.g., torn meniscus)
- Ligament tears/sprains (e.g., torn ACL)
- Tendon injuries
- Joint impingement
- Joint instability
- Torn hamstrings
- Bursitis
- Inflammatory conditions
- Osteoporosis
Orthopedic surgeons usually consider nonsurgical options first. This can include physical therapy, medication, pain-relief injections, rest, and lifestyle changes. However, they often see patients who have chronic conditions or serious injuries which require surgery in order to achieve a full recovery and to regain capability, or to drastically reduce or eliminate the pain.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas
If you have an orthopedic injury or disorder, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bill Hefley can help. Dr. Hefley leads the medical team here at Bowen Hefley Orthopedics, and our multispecialty orthopedic practice is supported by a dedicated staff who work together to successfully treat and improve the quality of life for our patients.
Dr. Hefley treats a broad range of conditions affecting the shoulder, hip, and knee, and he specializes in minimally invasive surgeries utilizing arthroscopic and joint replacement procedures. He also treats orthopedic injuries non-operatively using an array of modalities including stem cell and PRP therapy, and he subspecializes in sports medicine.
If you would like more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hefley, contact our friendly staff today by calling (800) 336-2412. You can also fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you get past the pain and back to enjoying life!
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