Orthopedic surgeons are doctors specializing in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, disorders, and diseases. They have the training and experience necessary to treat common and complex orthopedic issues using an individualized approach that may include a combination of nonsurgical and surgical treatment methods.
Sports and work-related injuries and joint diseases are all within the area of expertise of an orthopedic surgeon.
Sports-Related Injuries
An orthopedic surgeon can specialize in sports medicine, which is the field of medicine that focuses on the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries related to sports and exercise.
Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, jumper’s knee, fractures, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears, and meniscus tears are a few examples of sports-related injuries commonly treated by orthopedic surgeons. Many sports-related injuries can be treated using nonsurgical methods, but some long-term chronic injuries may require surgery. Orthopedic surgeons are also skilled in performing arthroscopy, which is a minimally-invasive surgery used to diagnose and make some repairs to damaged tissue.
Work-Related Injuries
Injuries sustained at work, such as rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and wrist sprains may be treated successfully by an orthopedic surgeon. Usually, a combination of the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), injection therapy, and physical therapy can help relieve symptoms and restore normal function for such conditions.
When conservative treatments fail, orthopedic surgeons can perform surgery for such conditions, as well. For example, should a rotator cuff tendon not respond to conservative methods of treatment, an orthopedic surgeon can perform tendon repair to reattach the tendon to bone or a tendon transfer, in which a tendon near the shoulder is taken to replace the damaged tendon. Similarly, an orthopedic surgeon can perform carpal tunnel open release surgery to remove pressure on the median nerve by creating more space in the carpal tunnel.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a progressive joint disease that is characterized by the breaking down of protective cartilage that prevents bones in joints from rubbing against each other. As the cartilage becomes thinner, bones rub against each other and cause inflammation. Treatment for arthritis is not necessarily a cure, but pain management. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve the symptoms, and improve joint function. An orthopedic surgeon can use viscosupplementation for patients with arthritis of the knee, in which lubricating hyaluronic acid is injected into the knee. A physical therapy program can also help strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint, which can improve joint function. Moreover, physical therapy exercises can also improve circulation and relieve pain. For arthritis that no longer responds to conservative methods, an orthopedic surgeon can perform joint replacement surgery to replace the damaged parts of the joint with artificial parts.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Austin, Texas
The team of orthopedic experts at All-Star Orthopedics can fulfill all your orthopedic needs, from sports-related and work-related injuries to arthritis. We have an excellent track record for helping patients recover from injuries and are renowned for providing top-notch arthritis care.
We are ready to see you in our comprehensive care center for orthopedic conditions. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (512) 346-4933 or request an appointment online now.
