Orthopedics is a medical specialty that centers around musculoskeletal health. Orthopedists, or orthopedic doctors, diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries, diseases, conditions, and deformities of the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, muscles, joints, nerves, and connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments. Orthopedic surgeons sometimes head teams composed of many medical disciplines, including physical therapy, and this multifaceted approach helps patients recover from and prevent debilitating movement problems.
Here’s more from your orthopedic experts in O’Fallon, MO.
What Areas of the Body Does an Orthopedist Treat?
Interestingly, orthopedics grew out of past interest in the treatment of children who had soft bones (rickets) due to nutritional deficiencies or growth problems related to the thyroid gland. Over the years, the medical specialty spread out to include other musculoskeletal problems, both in kids and adults of all ages.
Today’s orthopedic specialists help people suffering from the disease- and injury-related problems of the:
- Neck, mid back, and lower spine
- Shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands
- Hips and knees
- Legs, ankles, and feet
- Much more
These problems may involve congenital or acquired deformities, strains and sprains, fractures, nerve dysfunction and pain, and more. Some of these issues may be from a sports mishap or simply the rigors of training and participating in athletics. Orthopedic issues can also be from lifestyle issues, such as sleeping incorrectly, not wearing the right footwear, being overweight, or overstraining yourself at work, at home, or through hobbies. Finally, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic bone and joint conditions fall under the purview of orthopedics, as well.
What Methods Do Orthopedic Specialists Use To Diagnose Injuries and Conditions?
As with any medical doctor, orthopedic doctors use hands-on and visual examinations, along with reviews of patients’ medical histories, to garner information useful in diagnosis. Also, physicians may use diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and more, to see what’s happening inside the body. All of this information is used to diagnose patients with all types of orthopedic diseases and injuries.
What Are Some Treatment Methods Offered By Orthopedic Doctors?
Advanced Bone & Joint in O’Fallon, Wentzville, and St. Peters, MO, offers a wide array of state-of-the-art orthopedic services. These include:
- Pain management–both acute and chronic
- Osteoporosis imaging and treatment
- Treatment of fractures, joint dislocations, sprains, and strains
- Sports medicine, including treatment of acute and chronic conditions, rehabilitation, performance improvement, and prevention of injuries
- Physical therapy and other methods of rehabilitation to reduce pain and improve mobility, balance, coordination, flexibility, and range of motion
- Correction and support of abnormalities, such as clubfoot and scoliosis
- Joint replacement, joint fusion, and soft tissue surgeries
- Treatment and support for chronic conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and bone cancer
Advanced Bone & Joint also offers orthopedic urgent care for unexpected injuries that can happen anytime, anywhere to anyone. Just walk in – no appointment is needed.
Orthopedic Specialists Are Highly Qualified
Our orthopedic specialists have several years of training beyond medical school. They are board-certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and many of our highly qualified physicians delve into subspecialties, such as sports medicine or hand surgery.
So, when injury, chronic pain, or limited movement impact your daily function and well-being, it’s time to pursue treatment with an orthopedic specialist. You’ll find many strategies– surgical and non-surgical – to deal with your health problems and get you back to your best possible life.
Advanced Bone & Joint in St. Peters, O’Fallon, And Wentzville, MO
We invite you to take advantage of the skills, experience, and expertise available to you from our talented orthopedic team. Please contact us for a consultation at (636) 229-4222, or request one online. We look forward to serving you!