Orthopaedics is a medical field that focuses on diagnosing and treating problems with the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. A doctor in this field is called an orthopaedic surgeon (orthopedic surgeon).
Arthritis means "joint inflammation." It refers to a group of over 100 diseases that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints. Rheumatoid arthritis damages the lining of the joints and can destroy bones and tissues over time. Osteoarthritis is a condition that gradually wears down cartilage around bones, often affecting the hip, knee, or spine. These diseases can also limit range of motion and daily activities.
Learn more about Rhuematoid Arthritis
Bursitis is the swelling of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac near a joint. It can make it hard to move the affected joint. Bursitis often occurs in the heel, hip, knee, shoulder, or thumb.
Cartilage is a soft, rubbery covering on the ends of bones, which protects joints and helps them move smoothly.
A ligament is a flexible band of tissue that connects bones and helps stabilize joints.
A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscles to bones.
Tendonitis is the swelling of a tendon. It can occur due to repetitive movements or acute injuries, leading to pain and stiffness. It usually affects the elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, thumb, or wrist.
Use ice for the first 24-48 hours after an injury to reduce swelling. Ice helps to minimize blood flow to the hurt area. Apply ice indirectly for 20 minutes, take a break for 20 minutes, and then repeat if needed.
After swelling goes down, you can use heat to increase blood flow and relieve pain, especially before exercise or physical therapy. Over-the-counter pain creams, sometimes described as counter pain products, may provide temporary relief when used as directed.
An orthopaedic doctor, or orthopaedist, is a medical doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
To become a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, a person must complete at least 13 years of education:
Some orthopaedic surgeons also finish an extra year of fellowship training.
This title means that after completing residency, a surgeon has passed exams to prove their knowledge and skills in orthopaedics.
Arthroscopic surgery is a surgical procedure used to look inside joints. Doctors use a small camera called an arthroscope to see the joint and determine issues or make repairs.
This surgery replaces a damaged joint with an artificial joint, known as a prosthesis. It's commonly done on knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows when pain can't be managed with other treatments.
A physical therapist is a professional who helps people recover from musculoskeletal injuries and improve their physical abilities, including restoring range of motion.
Cortisone injections reduce swelling in soft tissues and joints. They are often used to treat conditions like bursitis, tendonitis, and arthritis.
For coordinated musculoskeletal care, clinics like Tidewater Orthopaedics can guide you through diagnosis, physical therapy, and surgery when necessary to restore movement and function.