Movement is an essential function of the human body. We rely on our ability to move freely to carry out daily tasks, including walking, running, jumping, and bending.
Unfortunately, injuries and medical conditions can impact our mobility and affect the quality of our lives. Orthopedic doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect our bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. They use specialized techniques and equipment to restore movement and improve the quality of life for their patients.
Let’s explore how these specialists work and how they help people regain their mobility.
Orthopedic Doctors: What They Do?
Orthopedic doctors specialize in a diverse range of musculoskeletal conditions, from common complaints like lower back pain and arthritis to more complex issues such as spinal deformities and traumatic injuries. They can treat patients of all ages, from newborns with clubfeet to elderly individuals suffering from osteoporosis.
Their primary goal is to help patients regain function, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life.
Restoring Movement and Improving Lives
By acting as the ‘healing hands’ in the healthcare industry, orthopedic doctors play a significant role in restoring movement and improving lives. They can achieve this by:
Diagnosing Problems That Affect Movements
When it comes to restoring an individual’s ability to move, the right diagnosis is crucial. Orthopedic doctors use a comprehensive approach to diagnose movement-related issues, starting with a detailed medical history and physical examination.
The medical history includes inquiries about symptoms, their duration, previous injuries or illnesses, lifestyle habits, physical activities, and family history of musculoskeletal disorders.
The physical examination involves checking for signs of inflammation like swelling, redness, or warmth and assessing the patient’s range of motion, strength, and flexibility. The orthopedic doctor may also ask the patient to perform certain movements to understand better which ones cause pain or difficulty.
If these initial steps suggest a musculoskeletal issue, further diagnostic tools are employed. These include imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds to examine bones and soft tissues.
Blood tests may be used to diagnose conditions like arthritis or infections by providing information about inflammation levels, the presence of infection, or disease-specific markers.
In rare cases, a biopsy may be necessary for diagnosing cancers or infections of the bone or joint. Another diagnostic tool is arthroscopy, a procedure where a small camera is inserted into a joint for visualization. Through these methods, orthopedic doctors can accurately diagnose a wide range of conditions that affect movement, from simple sprains and strains to complex degenerative diseases and cancers.
Utilizing Innovative Treatment Techniques
Orthopedic doctors employ a vast array of treatment techniques to achieve these goals. These include:
Non-Surgical Treatments
Many musculoskeletal conditions can be managed without surgery. These non-surgical treatments include physical therapy, pain management through medication, and other therapies such as platelet-rich plasma therapy and stem cell therapy.
Orthopedic doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or exercise, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Surgical Treatments
When non-surgical treatments are insufficient, orthopedic doctors step in with surgical interventions. These range from minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures, which involve small incisions and a camera to view the joint, to complex surgeries like joint replacements and spinal fusions.
Helping with Rehabilitation and Recovery
Orthopedic doctors play an essential role in the rehabilitation and recovery process following an injury or surgical intervention. They work closely with patients to design a personalized recovery plan aimed at restoring mobility, strength, and functionality.
In addition, orthopedic doctors monitor the patient’s progress throughout the rehabilitation phase, adjusting the plan as necessary based on the patient’s improvement or any challenges encountered. They also manage the patient’s pain during recovery using various methods, from medication to non-drug therapies like heat/cold treatments or massage.
By providing expert care and guidance, orthopedic doctors support patients on their journey toward full recovery and a return to their normal activities.
Orthopedic Doctors in Little Rock, AR
If you are experiencing limited mobility due to some musculoskeletal system problem, don’t hesitate to contact our highly qualified and experienced orthopedic doctor, Dr. William Hefley. Our board-certified and exceptionally skilled orthopedic doctor will work with you to develop an effective treatment plan that will help you go back to the activities you love in no time.
Dr. Hefley and his team at Bowen Hefley Orthopedics are committed to providing personalized, comprehensive care. From your initial consultation to post-surgery rehabilitation, you can expect a seamless patient experience centered around your unique needs.
To know more about us or to set up a consultation with one of our providers, call us today at (800) 336-2412 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
Read our Blog
Patient Education