Orthopedics

Bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints in our body constitute the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedics is a branch of medical science that involves diagnosis, treatment and care of the parts of our musculoskeletal system. Orthopedists are highly trained in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the bones, muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments.

Orthopedists prescribe medication for minor disorders and they can also perform surgical procedures that are aimed at treating severe forms of musculoskeletal disorders. They can treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including sports injuries, accidental injuries, joint pain, back pain, bone fractures, sprains/strains, etc. They can even perform a dual role as physicians, surgeons, occupational and physical therapists and sports trainers.

To know more, search for an orthopedic doctor near you or visit an orthopedic hospital near you.

What are the types of orthopedic disorders/diseases?

Orthopedists can treat different types of orthopedic diseases, including minor, acute and chronic ones. Some of the common orthopedic disorders are:

Arthritis (and its subtypes)
Soft tissue injuries (muscles, ligaments, tendons)
Joint pain
Back pain
Fractures
Slipped disc (hernia)
Slipped shoulder
Bone spurs
Trauma
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Ligament tear
Sports injuries
Joint overuse injuries/wear and tear
Tendinitis
Ankylosis
Spine diseases
Epicondylitis

What are the symptoms of orthopedic disorders?

Some of the common symptoms of orthopedic disorders are:

Joint pain
Numbness
Tingling
Loss of function
Difficulty moving limbs
Pain caused by repetitive motion
Swelling
Redness
Pain while walking/lifting/moving or other actions
Fatigue or weakness
Stiffness
Muscle spasms

If you experience any of the above symptoms on a chronic, acute or severe level, you should consult an orthopedist. An experienced orthopedist can diagnose and treat your disorder effectively. Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi. Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the causes of orthopedic disorders?

The root causes of orthopedic disorders may vary, depending on the type of the disorder, age, lifestyle, occupation and many other individual factors. Some of the common causes of orthopedic disorders are:

Age
Gender
Sports
Injuries/trauma/accidents
Occupational hazards
Physical wear and tear from repeated motions
Calcium deficiency
Obesity
Smoking
Improper techniques used for lifting/exercise
Genetic factors
Biomechanical factors
Psychosocial factors

When do you need to see a doctor?

If you experience any of the symptoms of an orthopedic disorder, you should see a doctor. Aged people must regularly undergo health checkups conducted by orthopedists to detect a bone disorder in the early stages. People who have physically intense occupations must also consult an orthopedist.

If you have recently suffered an accidental injury,

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How are orthopedic disorders treated?

Depending on the condition, severity and other influencing factors, orthopedists deploy the following treatment methodologies:

Pain medication
NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
Physiotherapy
Exercise/yoga (for minor issues)
Replacement surgeries (knee/hip)
Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive surgeries (MIS)
Open surgeries
Arthroplasty
Bone grafting
Laminectomy
Osseointegration

Conclusion

Thus, orthopedics is a significant and particularly relevant section of medicine, which has been a lifesaver for patients suffering from chronic musculoskeletal disorders/injuries. It has also improved the quality of life for many other people who have experienced pain from orthopedic diseases. Due to the advancements in modern orthopedics, millions of people can seek diagnosis and effectively treat their musculoskeletal issues.

What are some of the orthopedic subspecialties?

Arthroplasty, pediatric orthopedics, foot and ankle surgery, spine surgery, orthopedic oncologist, surgical sports medicine, orthopedic trauma, osseointegration, etc. are some of the common orthopedic subspecialties.

How are orthopedic disorders diagnosed?

After a physical examination, various types of diagnostic tests can be performed to detect orthopedic disorders. Some of the common testing methodologies are X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, etc.

What are the treatments for herniated disc (slipped disc)?

Rest, medication, physical therapy, exercises, massage, ultrasound, injections, surgery, discectomy, lumbar laminotomy, spinal fusion and artificial disc surgery are used for the treatment of herniated discs.