ORTHOPAEDICS

Orthopaedics is a speciality, solely focused on the diagnosis and treatment of conditions, disorders, injuries and diseases to the muscles, tendons, joints, bones and nerves.

When a group of 100 or more rheumatic diseases and other conditions cause stiffness, pain and swelling of the joint are called Arthritis. It is also referred to as joint inflammation.

Joint replacement is a surgical procedure performed to replace a damaged or arthritic joint. The alternative is a new, artificial joint, known as a prosthesis. From an orthopaedic point of view, joint replacement surgery could be performed on any joint in the body, but commonly performed to replace knee, hip, shoulder, and elbows.

When a doubt like this arises, consult your physician, who would determine the actual damage using an X-ray.

A hairline fracture is a minor bruising on the bone, which if exerted further could cause more damage. An actual fracture where the bone is broken, which is not the case with a hairline fracture.

Absolutely! An orthopaedic doctor specialises in the diagnosis and treating patients who might not need a surgical procedure to solve their problem. An orthopaedic surgeon, however, is responsible for managing or curing the problem using a surgical method.

Heat and ice have different effects on an injury. The use of Ice is the thumb rule to any injury, as it helps subside the swelling. Heat, on the other hand, supports in promoting pain relief and subside the swelling as well. This is due to the increased blood flow that heat causes on the body.

An injury and subsequent surgery could render the joints or affected area immovable. Physiotherapy helps patients in getting back the rhythm of their arms, legs or joints back in motion with regular exercises, specifically designed for the affected area.

A physiotherapist is a licensed specialist in musculoskeletal injuries or disorders, sports injuries, massage therapy and post-operative rehabilitation. A physiotherapist’s role is very much different from that of an orthopaedic doctor, whose job is to treat the injuries to bone, joints and any fracture.