Orthopedics (or orthopedists) treat injuries and diseases involving bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. They often work with patients to reduce pain, so they can get back to doing the things they love.
The best time to see an orthopedic specialist is when pain and discomfort are making it difficult for you to perform your daily tasks. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history.잠실정형외과
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal cord’s nerve channels within the spine get narrower and start to compress spinal nerves. This is usually a gradual process that begins in your teenage years, but can also result from herniated disks, spinal infections or other conditions.
X-rays can help determine whether your symptoms are caused by spinal stenosis. An MRI can create more detailed images of soft tissues such as muscles, disks and ligaments to help diagnose this condition.강동역정형외과
Mild cases of this condition can often be treated with nonsurgical approaches, including lifestyle changes, exercise, hot and cold treatments and oral medication. When these methods fail to control pain, our doctors will discuss surgical options, including minimally invasive decompression procedures, to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. This involves removing part of the vertebral bone that’s compressing the spinal cord or nerves as they exit the spine. We use cutting-edge techniques to perform this procedure. Our doctors can also fuse two vertebrae together if this is needed to restore spinal stability.
Tendinitis
Tendonitis is a term for pain and inflammation of tendons (thick rope-like tissue that attaches muscle to bone). Symptoms include swelling, tenderness and sometimes a creaking sound when you move the affected area. You may also notice red, warm skin.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose tendinitis with a physical examination of the affected area. They will gently move the affected tendon and listen for a creaking sound. In some cases, your doctor may order X-rays, an MRI or ultrasound to get a clearer picture of the tendon injury and rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
To prevent tendinitis, rest the affected area and avoid activities that overuse the tendon. A physical therapist can help you increase the flexibility of the affected area and teach you exercises that can improve your strength. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. You can reduce your risk of developing tendinitis by stretching before exercise, changing routines when possible and switching to low-impact workouts like swimming or casual walking.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones weak and fragile. It can increase your risk of breaking a bone, even from a minor injury such as a fall or sneeze. This disease most commonly affects the hips, spine and wrists. It can cause pain, and in severe cases it can lead to a hunched or stooped posture (known as dowager’s hump).
Your body needs the minerals calcium and phosphate to make healthy bones. Your body also reabsorbs old bones and creates new ones throughout your life. The balance between these activities determines whether your bones are strong or weak.알리기프트
People with osteoporosis lose more bone than they create. This can happen naturally with aging, but it can also be caused by certain medications and hormone changes such as those that occur during menopause. It is more common for women to get this condition, but it can affect men as well. A doctor can diagnose osteoporosis by performing a bone density test, which measures the thickness of your bones.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from your spinal cord into your lower back, buttocks and down the back of your leg. It causes numbness, weakness and tingling sensations in your leg. Symptoms often begin in only one leg. They may get worse when sitting for a long time, twisting your spine or coughing.
Your doctor will diagnose sciatica after reviewing your complete medical history and performing a physical exam. He or she will also ask you about your symptoms and what they feel like. You will likely need imaging tests and lab tests to determine the cause of your sciatica.
Treatment for sciatica varies depending on the underlying condition. Your orthopedic surgeon will help you decide on a treatment plan. Your doctor may recommend pain relief medication, steroid injections and/or physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery can be performed to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. This can include a discectomy or laminectomy, both of which involve removing part of your spinal bone to relieve the pressure on the nerve.