Baltimore Orthopedics: Treating Bone, Muscle, and Joint Conditions

Our bones, muscles, and joints help us move. When these parts of your body hurt or do not work well, it can make everyday activities difficult. Simple things like walking, playing sports, or even writing can become painful or impossible. Knowing orthopedic care can help you stay active, healthy, and free from pain.

What is Orthopedics?

Orthopedics focuses on the health of your bones, joints, and muscles. Doctors who specialize in this area are called orthopedic doctors.

They help people with many problems. Common examples are broken bones, sprains, strains, and arthritis.

To help their patients feel better and move more easily, orthopedic doctors use different treatments. This includes:

Discover the prevalent conditions addressed by orthopedic physicians:

1. Fractures

Fractures are broken bones that could happen from accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Some fractures are small cracks, known as hairline fractures, while others can break the bone into pieces.

Orthopedic doctors have different ways to fix broken bones. They might use casts to keep the bone still so it can heal. They might also need to perform surgery to put the bone back together using metal screws or plates.

Healing a fracture takes time. Patients frequently require physical therapy to restore their strength and mobility.

2. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis causes bones to weaken and be more prone to breaking. It often affects older adults, especially women, after menopause. People with osteoporosis are at higher risk for fractures, even from minor falls or bumps.

Eat meals rich in calcium and vitamin D. Milk and leafy greens are also good choices to lower your risk of developing osteoporosis. Regular exercise is also crucial. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or lifting weights, can help keep bones strong.

There are also some cases where your doctor may prescribe medications that aim to build bone strength.

3. Strains

A strain happens when a muscle is stretched too far or torn. This can occur during activities that require sudden movements or heavy lifting. A strained muscle can be very painful and may swell or bruise.

Treatment usually involves the following:

  • resting the muscle
  • applying ice to reduce swelling
  • taking over-the-counter pain relievers

In some cases, physical therapy can help. A therapist will teach exercises that strengthen the muscles and prevent future injuries.

4. Tendonitis

Tendonitis happens when your tendon is irritated or inflamed. This tendon is the thick cord that attaches muscle to bone.

Tendonitis can be caused by:

  • repetitive actions, such as typing
  • playing a musical instrument
  • sports activities like tennis

Symptoms include pain, tenderness, and mild swelling at the site of the tendon. Rest is crucial in helping the tendon heal. Your physical therapist can go over some exercises that target strength and flexibility.

Sometimes, doctors recommend anti-inflammatory medications. Corticosteroid injections have the additional benefit of alleviating inflammation and pain.

5. Arthritis

Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Among multiple kinds of arthritis, two stand out as the most common type.

Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear over time. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis happens when your immune system mistakes your joints for something to attack.

Treatment for arthritis often includes:

  • medications to reduce pain and inflammation
  • physical therapy to keep joints flexible
  • sometimes, surgery

6. Dislocations

A dislocation happens when a bone moves out of its joint. This can lead to intense pain, swelling, and restricted mobility in the joint. Dislocations are often caused by falls, accidents, or sports injuries.

If you experience dislocation, you need medical care right away so the bone can be put back in its place. This procedure is called a reduction. Afterward, the joint is usually immobilized with a splint or sling to allow it to heal.

Physical therapy will likely be recommended to promote flexibility and strength. Making your joints stronger and more flexible will also help you prevent dislocations in the future.

How Orthopedic Care Helps

Orthopedic care helps people stay active and live without pain. Treatments can include:

  • medication to manage pain and inflammation
  • physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
  • surgery to repair or replace damaged parts of the musculoskeletal system

Orthopedic doctors work closely with each patient. They make a personalized treatment plan that addresses their patient’s specific needs and goals.

This comprehensive approach helps patients recover faster and return to their normal activities.

Top-Notch Orthopedics in Baltimore, MD

Knowing about orthopedics can help you take better care of your bones, muscles, and joints. If you experience pain or have trouble moving, an orthopedic doctor can help. They can provide the right treatment to help you feel better. Taking care of your body now can lead to a healthier, more active life in the future. Remember, a little knowledge about orthopedics can make a big difference in your overall well-being.

Do you need top-notch orthopedics in Baltimore, MD? The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics Associates of Central Maryland Division is here for you. We offer convenient online scheduling for consultations with our highly qualified orthopedic team. Our Baltimore-based practice is committed to providing comprehensive orthopedic care tailored to your individual needs.

For inquiries, call us at (410) 644-1880. To schedule a physical therapy appointment, please contact our Baltimore office at (443) 478-4449.

Let us be your trusted partner for orthopedics in Baltimore. We look forward to serving you!