Orthopedics focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. For individuals experiencing joint pain, orthopedic support offers various treatments to manage discomfort, enhance mobility, and improve quality of life. Here is some information on knee therapies, shoulder treatments, hand and wrist solutions, and joint preservation methods:
Knee Treatments
Knee pain can result from acute injuries, such as ligament tears, or chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. The primary goal of knee treatments in orthopedics is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients regain an active lifestyle. Some beneficial methods for knee pain include:
- Acute Pain Management: Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications are key to managing immediate pain caused by injuries.
- Chronic Pain Therapies: Physical therapy and injections help to manage longer-term conditions.
- Surgical Interventions: Procedures like partial or total knee replacement address advanced joint issues to improve functionality.
Shoulder Treatments
Shoulder pain can result from wear-and-tear injuries, overuse, or trauma, often stemming from conditions like shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or dislocations. This pain can limit daily activities, reduce strength, and impair overall function, affecting a person’s ability to perform tasks like lifting or reaching. Diagnostic evaluations by an orthopedic provider, including imaging tests, can identify specific causes like humeral fractures or clavicle injuries.
Non-Surgical Methods
Depending on the level of injury and its location, a doctor will recommend either non-surgical or surgical treatment options. Some non-surgical methods for shoulder pain treatment may include:
- Orthobiologics
- Physical Therapy
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
- Steroid Injections
Surgical Methods
Surgical methods for treating shoulder pain are typically recommended only after non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective in managing the pain effectively. When non-surgical interventions do not provide relief, surgical options, like a shoulder arthroscopy, may be used to repair damaged tissues. Surgeries can help repair and reattach tears or torn tendons, like a rotator cuff repair.
When dealing with chronic pain, tendons can become inflamed. Surgical interventions may be used to help secure tendons and alleviate pain. Long-term shoulder damage may require a joint replacement surgery to restore mobility and replace damaged tissues.
Hand and Wrist Treatments
Pain in these areas can arise from injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, or nerves. Individuals often experience difficulty gripping objects, swelling, or persistent discomfort with daily tasks. Fractures, sprains, and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome are common triggers. Orthopedic treatments for hand and wrist pain range from bracing and physical therapy to surgical interventions, depending on the severity and type of injury.
Joint Preservation Treatments
Joint preservation aims to maintain healthy tissues and slow the progression of joint degeneration. It focuses on therapies that protect and heal existing structures while improving joint function. There are both non-surgical and surgical options for joint preservation procedures, providing pain management solutions for individuals experiencing acute or chronic symptoms.
Nonsurgical therapies, like orthobiologics, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory treatments, are customized to a person’s health and activity levels. Surgical approaches are used when injuries or damage necessitate intervention to restore joint integrity and function. Joint preservation plans are uniquely tailored to reflect age, stage of injury, and lifestyle needs of each patient.
Find Out More Ways Orthopedics Can Help You
Orthopedic treatments offer a wide variety of options to address joint pain, from non-surgical therapies to minimally invasive and advanced surgical procedures. Whether you’re dealing with shoulder pain, hand discomfort, or knee issues, consulting an orthopedic expert can provide you with a clear path toward relief and recovery. For tailored solutions and guidance, consult your orthopedic provider to explore treatments that align with your health goals.