From head to toe, our bones support the body and protect the internal organs. Although light, because they are hollow, the bones are strong enough to carry the full weight of the body. Most of our skeletal structure forms before birth, and its growth and strengthening take almost 20 years.

After some years, bone density reaches a maximum, and they begin to remodel. At any time, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, or the manifestation of some degenerative diseases, may occur. Orthopedics is the branch of medicine sets diagnosis, prevents and treats conditions, deformities, and injuries of the movement system.

For more about the history of this branch of medicine, click here.

With the help of modern equipment, knowledge, and skills, orthopedists can handle most injuries of the bones, joints, and muscles. Also, they can treat chronic degenerative and inflammatory changes in the bones and joints, and perform all kinds of interventions on them.

Inflammatory Conditions

Arthritis is a disease that is more and more common in young people. Orthopedics recognises and treats the two most common forms, namely osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although they sound similar, they are entirely different.

The wear of the joint surfaces causes osteoarthritis and mostly affects joint cartilage. It is a smooth surface that covers the ends of the bones and plays a role in amortizing joint movements. It develops for many years without showing symptoms. That is why treatment usually starts too late, but with orthopedic methods and procedures, the diagnosis for recovery is excellent.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is systemic inflammatory. Besides joints, it affects extra-articular structures, and sometimes, the entire body. That's why this type of arthritis has a worse prognosis and much more demanding treatment.

Both types of arthritis are incurable, but, in both cases, the disease can be controlled and slowed down. The use of appropriate corticosteroid medications and physical therapies can change the course of the disease. In osteoarthritis, experts suggest analgesics and supplements for improving joint elasticity.

Treating Sport Injuries

We don't have to mention how useful any physical activity is because it represents a benefit for the whole organism. Nevertheless, it should be adapted to our health condition and age. Sports injuries are primarily related to professional athletes but can occur to anyone physically active during exercise, training, or competition. On this link, learn how to protect your joints during the workout.

Sometimes people don't want to accept the fact that their body can no longer withstand the same intensive training as at a young age. They find themselves wondering how they twisted their ankles while jogging, or got their back stiff after the gym. To prevent such things, regular orthopedic examinations are required.

In the case of sports injuries of the locomotor system, prevention is always better than treating. Most often, it involves medication, therapies, and in some more difficult situations, surgery with a long recovery.

Consequences of Fractures

Bone rupture qualifies as a severe bodily injury. The most severe fractures can cause a high degree of disability, and in most fractures, we can expect some degree of functional impairment. Therefore, orthopedists should adequately treat every rupture.

According to libertyptnj.com, the primary goal of orthopedic healing of fracture is to allow the bone and surrounding soft tissue to heal as quickly as possible. Surgery is not required, except in severe conditions, when broken bone caused injuries of other organs and soft tissues.

The most common approach is to adjust the joints manually. This way, the bones connect as much as possible. In order to fix them and fasten the healing process, doctors will install plaster cast or other aids that need to immobilize the fractured part of the body.

Further orthopedic treatment requires rehabilitation, but only after complete healing. The physical therapy should aim to restore mobility of the injured body part, but also to recover its functionality. After a while, a patient should be capable of independent moving and living.

Today, orthopedics is essentially a surgical profession because of its active, operational approach to the treatment of many conditions. Each patient needs individual therapy; for maximum results, orthopedists work closely with experts in physical medicine, rheumatology, neurology, etc.

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