Get Help from the Best Orthopedic Sports Medicine Doctors in Wichita
One of the major advantages of seeing an orthopedic doctor is that they can treat an extremely broad range of musculoskeletal issues, injuries, and diseases that affect bones and soft tissue. Although orthopedics is a specialty area of medicine, the doctors who practice it are able to treat virtually any healthcare condition that causes acute or chronic pain in the body, as well as conditions that limit mobility.
Additionally, orthopedic doctors tend to work with other specialists who treat certain demographics of patients or who treat patients at a certain step in their recovery. For instance, Mid-America Orthopedics is staffed with orthopedic sports medicine doctors, physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, and athletic trainers. This ensures that we have the right resources in place for any situation. Having all these resources under one roof also cuts down on the need to refer patients to another physician or specialist.
Keeping that in mind, orthopedics is not unlike other branches of medicine in that some scenarios occur far more often than others. As a practice that’s mindful of the data, Mid-America Orthopedics is always prepared to treat the healthcare issues that are statistically most likely to occur. The following breaks down the top three most common orthopedic issues and how they’re treated.
#1 – Arthritis
According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one out of every four adults in the United States has some form of arthritis. It also happens to be one of the leading causes of work disability claims.
There are more than 100 varieties of arthritis; however, the most common two that orthopedic doctors see the most are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that typically affects the spine, hips, or knees by narrowing the joint space and destroying the coating on bones that facilitates function. By comparison, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the joint linings.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment varies from person to person; however, the commonality is that your orthopedic doctor will administer treatments intended to minimize symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Orthopedic doctors may prescribe medication, recommend physical therapy, and provide a list of behavior modifications to follow, such as diet or exercise. In the event that non-invasive measures fail, your orthopedic doctor may recommend arthroscopic or joint replacement surgery.
#2 – Joint Pain
A recent poll conducted by the University of Michigan revealed that 70 percent of people who are over the age of 50 report some form of joint pain. It’s also worth noting that 60 percent of respondents reported some form of arthritis. However, joint pain can be triggered by a variety of causes beyond arthritis.
Some of the most common causes of joint pain include:
- Viral infections and illness
- Trauma
- Tendinitis
- Overuse injuries (for example, tennis elbow or carpal tunnel)
- Tendon or ligament injuries
Considering the broad range of issues that can cause joint pain, it’s all the more important that those who are suffering from it get examined by an orthopedic doctor. The sooner you do, the sooner you will find out the root cause of the issue and can proceed with treatment options.
The advantage of seeing an orthopedic doctor is that they are specifically trained in examining and evaluating joints, which means they are usually much quicker than other physicians in identifying the root cause of joint pain. Athletes who are experiencing joint pain are encouraged to reach out to an orthopedic sports medicine doctor. They specialize in helping athletes overcome sports-related injuries, such as overuse injuries and joint inflammation.
#3 – Injuries
No matter how careful a person may be, there’s always a risk of getting hurt or injured. One misstep while jogging can lead to a sprained ankle. A fall can result in a fractured wrist. For athletes, a particularly hard hit on the football field or a bad landing after a jump shot on the basketball court can end in injury.
According to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, over three million non-fatal injuries occur every year. They happen in high-risk situations such as contact sports, driving in inclement weather, and working in dangerous conditions. However, injuries can also occur in the safety of one’s home.
As a team of orthopedic doctors and surgeons with decades of combined experience, we know that anyone can sustain an injury from time to time. No one plans on it, and it can cause a major disruption in a person’s life if their injury limits their mobility or their ability to perform common tasks such as walking, driving, and getting ready in the morning. The best thing to do if you’ve suffered an injury that affects your ability to function is to contact us. Injuries that go untreated can lead to an increase in severity and a further reduction in your quality of life.
Looking for an Orthopedic Doctor in the Wichita Area? Contact Mid-America Orthopedics Today!
If you have incurred an injury or are currently suffering from joint pain, Mid-America Orthopedics can get you on the road to recovery in no time. The first step is reaching out to us to make an appointment. In addition to having a fully staffed team of experienced orthopedic doctors and surgeons, we are one of the few practices that offers sports medicine near you in the Wichita area.
For the convenience of our patients, Mid-America Orthopedics is generally able to schedule same-day or next-day appointments. Use the contact form on our website, or call us at (316) 630-9300 to speak with our friendly schedulers.