Orthopedic doctors specialize in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. They specifically treat injuries of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. Atlanta orthopedic doctors take care to precisely diagnose and accurately treat a variety of injuries to the body.
If you are suffering from pain or injury, an orthopedic doctor can help you not just cope with the pain, but also find answers and treatment to address and alleviate the source of pain.
Here are the most common injuries orthopedic doctors treat.
Head Injury Treatment
Orthopedic specialists have the skillset to treat head or brain injuries and trauma. Injuries such as concussions can occur from sports accidents, car accidents, slip and fall accidents, or any other significant blow to the head.
This type of injury can cause mental clarity issues, from loss of memory to problems paying attention, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, head pain in the form of headaches or head or neck pain, or even a change in behavior.
Recovery from such an injury can take time. An orthopedic doctor will take a closer look at providing appropriate and effective treatment options. They can also help speed up healing time.
Whiplash and Other Neck Injuries
One of the most common injuries of the neck is whiplash. This can occur any time the neck is forced forward and slammed backward. But the majority of whiplash cases are a direct result of a car accident.
Whiplash can lead to neck pain, decreased range of motion of the neck and head, or other symptoms such as headaches or blurred vision. Pinched nerve pain can also cause neck pain that an orthopedic doctor can treat.
For whiplash treatment, an orthopedic doctor will examine your neck, possibly using high tech imaging such as an MRI to locate the exact source of pain, to make an accurate diagnosis and move forward with treating your specific neck pain.
Injuries of the Back and Spinal Cord
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among Americans today. Chronic back pain can be caused by any number of issues such as a car accident, poor posture, or a pinched nerve. Some back pain is specifically tied to the spinal cord, such as a herniated or ruptured disc.
The spinal cord is a vital and sensitive part of the body that can affect every part of our movement and life. Therefore, it should be treated carefully and accurately by an orthopedic doctor to ensure healing and relief from pain.
Wrist and Hand Injuries
The wrist joint lies between the five main bones of the hand. Wrist injuries can include tendonitis or inflammation of this joint because of trauma, the carpal tunnel from overuse and repetitive movement, or a sprain or tear because of damage to the joint and surrounding ligaments.
Sometimes the wrist joint can experience a fracture or become dislocated or popped out of place, leading to injury and pain. Deterioration of the wrist joint can cause arthritis of the joint, making it hard to use the wrist for simple, everyday tasks.
The hand can also suffer from injury. Broken, dislocated, hyperextended, and jammed fingers occur because of trauma to the side. As with wrists, ligaments in hand can be strained or torn, limiting movement and causing pain.
A broken hand or finger can make even small tasks such as writing or eating difficult. Sometimes, the pain can be minor, leading many to think these injuries will heal on their own. But often, especially if they treat incorrectly, it can lead to the chronic wrist or hand pain.
Orthopedic doctors can ensure these injuries receive proper care to fully heal and restore range of motion and use to these important parts of the body.
Knee Pain and Injury
Knee pain can be caused by any number of accidents or issues, which is why diagnosis and treatment are best left up the expert orthopedic doctors.
Knee pain could be a direct result of “dashboard knee” or hitting the knee against the dashboard during a car accident. Overuse as patients get older can also lead to arthritis of the knee. Knee dislocations are rare but painful. More common are sprains or strains of the knee ligaments or torn cartilage that must be treated for a full recovery.
Orthopedic doctors at AICA Orthopedics don’t take knee pain lightly and make it a point to provide high-quality care to address the specific knee pain and injury of each patient.
Ankle and Foot Injuries
Much like the wrist and the hand, an ankle or foot injury can affect every part of life. The ankle is a joint, that, just like the wrist, is susceptible to strain, sprain, ligament tears, dislocation, or fracture if injured in a car accident or any other type of accident.
The foot is an intricate part of the body made up of about thirty small bones. The joints and bones in afoot, just like an ankle, can be significantly injured and require precise treatment to regain function once again. Toe, foot, or heel fractures, ligament damage, joint dislocation or broken toe bones are just a few of the most common foot injuries that require treatment from an orthopedic doctor.
Orthopedic doctors will recommend rest and cold therapy treatment for less severe injuries. While orthopedic doctors first try to move forward with less invasive treatment options, more extensive injuries may require surgery.
Whatever injury your body has sustained, rest assured our expert orthopedic doctors at AICA Orthopedics can help. Call today or find a location near you to schedule a consultation and move forward with the very best in care.
