Debunking Common Misconceptions and When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Sometimes people do their own research when it comes to subjects like advanced orthopedics and musculoskeletal issues. People turn to friends, family members, and perhaps most of all, the internet.
This can go one of two ways. You’ll either find a reputable source and get reliable information or you’ll get bad information from an unreliable source. The internet happens to be both highly reliable and highly unreliable. A person on a Reddit thread replying to a question about arthroscopic surgery can claim they’re an orthopedic specialist without actually being one. Scenarios like that are exactly how myths and rumors get started in the healthcare field.
We see a lot of different patients here at Mid-America Orthopedics, which means we do an extensive amount of education when it comes to correcting the misinformation a person may have read online or heard from a friend. The following are the top four myths about orthopedic treatments.
Myth #1 – Cracking Your Knuckles Will Cause Arthritis
Most of us heard this one from our parents or grandparents. Cracking your knuckles is a bad habit for sure, but the claim that it causes arthritis is pure myth. Numerous studies have been done about this particular issue, and they’ve discovered nothing that ties arthritis with knuckle cracking.
However, should you experience pain when cracking your knuckles, that is a cause for concern. Don’t try to diagnose yourself using the internet. Reach out to an orthopedic specialist or orthopedic doctor near you to get it checked out.
Myth #2 – Only Athletes Should See Orthopedic Doctors
Athletes tend to develop a variety of musculoskeletal issues because they are engaged in an activity that puts the body under duress, and that may cause an injury. Orthopedic specialists who are trained in the field of advanced orthopedics are the ideal healthcare choice for athletes.
However, the myth that non-athletes can’t see an orthopedic doctor is simply untrue. Although we work with a variety of recreational and professional athletes here at Mid-America Orthopedics, our patient base spans all ages and activity levels.
Myth #3 – Arthroscopic Surgery is Highly Invasive and Requires a Long Hospital Stay
There’s a huge difference between how arthroscopic surgery was performed ten years ago compared to today. It’s true, patients who got arthroscopic surgery years ago may have undergone an invasive procedure that required a long hospital stay.
However, arthroscopic surgery has advanced by leaps and bounds since its early iterations. In most cases, arthroscopic surgery patients are discharged the same day they undergo surgery. They also recover on a much quicker timeline. The people who say that arthroscopic surgery is highly invasive or takes a long time to recover from are likely basing that on old information.
Myth #4 – All Orthopedic Specialists Can Treat Any Area of the Body
Although orthopedic specialists have an intimate knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, most of them do not treat the entire body. In fact, most orthopedic specialists and orthopedic doctors focus on one area of the body.
For instance, most practices will have an orthopedic doctor who is purely focused on patients with spinal injuries and conditions. Other orthopedic doctors will focus on areas such as the wrist and hands, feet and ankles, shoulders and elbows, hips and knees, and so forth. When you reach out to an orthopedic specialist to make an appointment, be sure to tell them which area of the body is giving you trouble. This ensures they get the right orthopedic doctor in place who specializes in that area of the body.
How to Find an Orthopedic Specialist or Orthopedic Surgeon Near You
Now that you’re more educated on some of the common myths, you should now know the best method of getting your information about advanced orthopedics. Only trust information from reliable sources on the internet and never try to diagnose yourself.
If you have a musculoskeletal or orthopedic issue, your best course of action is to reach out to an orthopedic doctor directly so that you can get examined in person by a professional. If you’re looking for an orthopedic specialist or orthopedic surgeon near you in the Wichita area, please reach out to Mid-America Orthopedics. We have a large team of doctors, surgeons, and specialists with a diverse skill set, which ensures we can treat virtually any orthopedic issue.
Set up an appointment with the experienced team at Mid-America Orthopedics Wichita today. You can email us directly using the contact form on our website or call us at (316) 630-9300.