Musculoskeletal problems – such as sports injuries, repetitive motion injuries, and diseases affecting the bones, joints, or muscles – are best treated by physicians who are specialists in the field, which are orthopedists. These medical specialists possess an intense knowledge of orthopedic conditions and how to efficiently diagnose and treat them.
A primary care physician (PCP) will likely refer you to an orthopedic specialist if you have a musculoskeletal condition that is causing chronic or severe symptoms, such as arthritis or a sports injury. However, feel free to go straight to an orthopedic clinic without further delay.
Why Should I Go to an Orthopedic Clinic?
Patients will want to see an orthopedist to seek help for any of the following health issues:
An Injury that Has Not Improved
If you lead an active lifestyle or you play sports regularly, it is in your best interest to ensure that your injury is healing properly and without complications that could cause long-term consequences. If after two days your injury has not begun to improve despite applying the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured area), see an orthopedic doctor.
The goal of an orthopedic surgeon is to get you back to normal as soon as possible. After all, these physicians are trained in sports medicine, in which the focus is to get the athlete healed and back in the game.
Chronic Pain Management
Pain is a symptom that something is amiss – and if it is chronic pain, your body is trying to tell you something. Chronic musculoskeletal pain can mean many things, from an injury to osteoarthritis.
Orthopedic surgeons must remain up-to-date on the latest pain-management therapies, such as ultrasound-guided pain-relief injections and viscosupplementation. Patients who suffer from symptoms of arthritis can benefit greatly from comprehensive pain management as provided by an orthopedist. If surgery is necessary to provide pain relief, it can now be performed on an outpatient basis – and your orthopedist can explain what can be done for you.
Minimally Invasive Joint Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons can perform total joint reconstruction surgery using minimally invasive techniques. This involves tiny incisions and therefore less bleeding during surgery, less chance of infection, smaller scars, and a much shorter recovery period than with traditional open surgery.
Whether you have a severe sports injury or advanced arthritis, this type of operation may be the ideal solution for you. Joint replacement surgery can provide pain relief, restore joint function, and improve flexibility and range of motion.
Rehabilitation
Some orthopedic clinics also have a rehabilitation center, where patients who are healing from sports injuries or recovering from surgery can participate in physical therapy programs. Depending on the patient’s needs, rehabilitation may include gentle exercise therapy, stretching, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation.
Orthopedic Clinic in Little Rock, Arkansas
At Bowen Hefley Orthopedics, our medical team can rapidly diagnose and treat your acute or chronic orthopedic condition so that you can go back to living your life. Our team is headed by Dr. William F. Hefley, Jr., a leading orthopedic surgeon in Arkansas. We welcome athletes, active retirees, weekend warriors, and professionals with physically demanding occupations.
To request an appointment, call Bowen Hefley Orthopedics today at (800) 336-2412 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you.
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