The human body is an incredible machine capable of performing complex tasks effortlessly. An integral part of this machine is the musculoskeletal system, an intricate network of bones, muscles, and joints, that enables the movement of our body.
While every component of this system normally performs its unique tasks perfectly, old age and accidents may disrupt its functioning. Such problems arise when the musculoskeletal system of a body is compromised, causing pain, stiffness, and limiting our mobility.
The medical conditions related to this system are diagnosed and treated under a specialised branch of medicine called orthopaedics. Orthopaedic problems encompass an extensive range of disorders ranging from minor sprains that can be easily treated to complex fractures that necessarily require surgeries.
Let’s explore some common orthopaedic conditions and discuss the available treatments.
Arthritis: This is a serious orthopaedic condition concerned with inflammation or swelling in the joints, and may result in complete damage. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. The treatments include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and joint replacement surgery.
Fractures: An injury involving the cracking or breaking of a bone is called a fracture. It is caused by high-force impact or stress resulting from accidents, trauma, or stress. The orthopaedic treatment to fix fractured bones varies according to the type and magnitude of the damage.
Sprains and Strains: These are common soft tissue injuries resulting from overuse or overstretching of ligaments, muscles or tendons. The initial orthopaedic treatment in most cases involves the RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, with physical therapy as the next step for rehabilitation.
Back Pain: From a muscle strain to herniated discs, there can be numerous causes of back pain. If left untreated for a prolonged period, back pain can lead to disability. Non-surgical treatments such as medical and physical therapy are recommended as the first line of treatment but in some severe cases, surgery may become necessary.
Bursitis: Under this condition, the fluid-filled sacs cushioning joints get inflamed and affect the functioning of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow. Rest, ice application, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy are commonly prescribed treatments for strengthening surrounding muscles.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Under this painful condition, the median nerve in the wrist gets compressed due to repetitive hand and wrist movements. Some common symptoms include severe pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger. For treating this condition, the compressed nerve is released with the help of splinting, steroid injections, or surgery.
Different types of orthopaedic treatments are available to address various musculoskeletal issues and encompass a range of approaches to care. They are categorised into two types: surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For most orthopaedic problems, non-surgical treatments are often the first line of defence. They include:
Physical Therapy: A commonly prescribed non-surgical treatment for orthopaedic problems such as back pain and tendonitis, physical therapy helps restore mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Medications: To manage pain and control inflammation, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly prescribed.
Bracing and Splinting: Several injuries require support and stability to heal which is provided by braces and splints.
Activity Modification: Medical experts may advise patients to avoid engaging in strenuous activities and allow the body to heal naturally.
Surgical Treatments
In certain cases when a condition cannot be treated with non-surgical procedures, surgery becomes necessary. Below are some common surgical treatments for orthopaedic problems:
Arthroscopy: This surgical treatment is most commonly recommended to diagnose and treat knee and shoulder conditions and requires minimal invasion.
Spinal Surgery: When chronic back pain is caused by herniated discs and spinal stenosis, spinal surgery may be recommended to relieve the pressure on nerves.
Joint Replacement: This surgery involves replacing the joint damaged due to severe osteoarthritis with a prosthetic implant.
Fracture Fixation: This commonly performed surgery is recommended to fix fractures by stabilising broken bones using plates, screws, and rods.
Whether it is a simple sprain or a complex joint damage, orthopaedic problems can significantly impact your daily life and require careful attention. To maintain your orthopaedic health, it is vital to safeguard yourself against accidents and minimise the ill effects of ageing by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
At Six Sigma Clinics, you can find the best orthopaedic doctor in Gurgaon—highly reliable and backed by long years of experience to guide you through treatment and recovery. With proper care and expert medical support, you can manage orthopaedic conditions effectively and enjoy an active, eventful life.