What Types Of Medical Treatments Are Available For People With Orthopedic Issues?
Orthopedic doctors work with people who deal with a wide range of issues, including broken bones, sports injuries, birth defects, arthritis, and more. If you are going to be meeting with an orthopedic doctor to find out more about your treatment options, you could be wondering what types of treatments might be available. Of course, this depends on the type of condition that you're dealing with, the severity of your condition and the treatment options that you and your doctor are interested in. These are a few examples of different types of orthopedic medical treatments that are available.
Lifestyle Changes
In some cases, orthopedic doctors recommend lifestyle changes to those who have orthopedic issues. For example, someone who suffers from knee pain but who is overweight might be advised to lose weight. Someone who has a knee or ankle problem might be told to change up the way that they exercise so that they can reduce their pain. Your doctor can talk to you about how your lifestyle might impact your orthopedic issues and may be able to talk to you about some lifestyle changes that might work well for you.
Physical Therapy
In some cases, meeting with a physical therapist is recommended as an orthopedic treatment. This might be recommended when you are recovering from surgery or if you are recovering from a sports injury, for example. Some orthopedic doctors offer physical therapy services in their offices. In many cases, though, patients go to a different facility or meet with a physical therapist in their own home.
Use of Mobility Aids
Because of some orthopedic issues, some people find that they have difficulty getting around. Whether for temporary or long-term use, your orthopedist might recommend the use of mobility aids. These range from crutches, which are typically used for a temporary period of time for those who have leg injuries, to a walker or a wheelchair.
Use of Braces or Wraps
In some cases, using a brace or wrap on an ankle, wrist, knee, or other affected body part is seen as being an effective orthopedic treatment. Braces and wraps can be used to restrict movement to promote healing, provide support, and more.
Medication
Your doctor might recommend medication of some sort. There are prescription topical treatments that you can use for pain relief or for help with swelling, and there are pain medications and more that can be taken orally. There are even injections that are sometimes used to provide pain relief or other benefits.
Surgery
Lastly, there is the possibility that your doctor will recommend orthopedic surgery, particularly if you haven't been responding well to other treatments or if your issue is severe. This may range from a simple outpatient procedure to a more serious surgery.