An orthopedic doctor is a specialist with advanced training in the care for joints, muscles and bones. A primary care physician can help you with minor aches and pains, although some more serious symptoms require the expertise of Brooklyn orthopedics. There are several reasons for you to visit an orthopedic specialist.
Hip Pain
Hip pain may be felt in the hip joint, on the outside of your hip, in your buttock or in your thigh. If the pain is minor, you may be able to heal with rest, pain relievers and ice or heat packs on the affected area. However, if the hip pain persists, you should seek professional treatment, especially if the pain is due to arthritis or an injury. If you experience sudden and intense hip pain or you can’t stand on your own, you should seek emergency treatment immediately.
Hip Replacement
If you experience hip pain during every day activities and other treatments haven’t worked for you, then you may need hip replacement surgery. An orthopedic surgeon can do a hip replacement if it is severely damaged or diseased by inserting an artificial joint. The main thing is to try to stay as active as possible before the surgery to have a better outcome. Most people that have hip replacements find that their pain is reduced and they can move about more easily for a better quality of life.
Knee Pain
Knee pain is quite common in athletes due to injuries or overextension of the knee joint. You may also get knee pain from a blow to the knee. It is normal for knees to develop damages over time due to normal wear and tear. If you have problems with your hips or feet, they can in turn harm your knee. Treatments range from physical therapy to strengthen the join to medications for pain relief.
Knee Replacement
If pain medications and physical therapy do not make your knee pain subside, or they become less effective, you may need a knee replacement. This procedure is done by an orthopedic surgeon to replace your knee joint with an artificial joint. A total knee replacement is a resurfacing of the knee where the damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with artificial parts. For a partial knee replacement, only part of the joint is replaced.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a lower back pain that aches through the leg and into the foot. This is often caused by a slipped disc when the disc material in between two vertebrae in the spine bulges out farther than it should. This in turn aggravates the sciatic nerve and causes serious pain. In most cases, this pain will subside on its own in time. If you have sciatica pain for more than six weeks, you should see Brooklyn orthopedics to discuss your treatment options.
Lower Back Pain
Many adults have lower back pain at some point in their life. It may be a dull ache or a sharp pain. This can be caused by lifting something heavy, age related spinal changes or a sedentary lifestyle. Most of the time lower back pain will only last a few days to a few weeks. If you have lower back pain for more than two weeks, you should see professional help.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strains can be caused by poor posture or repetitive and forceful motions to injure certain muscles in the body. These types of injuries are most common in the arms, hands back and neck. An example of a repetitive strain is carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the nerves and muscles of your hands. The common symptoms include stiffness, tingling or tenderness in the affected area. An early diagnosis and treatment can relieve these types of respective strains.
Shoulder Pain
Pain either in your shoulder or around your shoulder can be caused by arthritis or injury to your tendons, rotator cuff or muscles. A dislocation, arthritis and overuse of the joint can cause limited range of motion, pain and swelling in a shoulder. If your shoulder pain lasts more than 2 to 4 weeks, you should seek help or if the pain involves swelling and discoloration.
Frozen Shoulder
A frozen shoulder stiffens to make movement painful and difficult. Usually the pain starts as mild and then grows worse over the course of months. It can make it hard to raise your arm or move it behind you and it can grow so stiff that you can barely move it. Treatments from an orthopedic include gentle exercise, the addition of heat and medications.
If you experience any pain or symptoms that affect your muscles, joints or bones, you can visit an orthopedic specialist to give you an accurate diagnosis and treatment.