The Best Orthopedic Doctors Treat Osteoporosis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Sports-Related Injuries
Medical issues can affect anyone, but certain orthopedic conditions are more prevalent or manifest differently in women than in men due to anatomical, hormonal, and biomechanical factors. Orthopedic doctors take a tailored approach to these conditions to provide effective treatment and improve outcomes for their female patients.
Keep reading for an overview of five common medical conditions that our Wichita orthopedic doctors often treat.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is characterized by weakened bones that are more susceptible to fractures and is particularly common in postmenopausal women due to a decrease in estrogen levels.
According to data shared by the National Library of Medicine, women are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis than their male counterparts.
Orthopedic doctors address osteoporosis using:
- Prevention: Physicians emphasize the importance of calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercises, cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption, and lifestyle changes that build and maintain bone density.
- Medication: Physicians may prescribe bisphosphonates or hormone replacement therapy when appropriate.
- Education: Orthopedic doctors provide patients with information about how to minimize the risk of falls and fractures within the home and during daily activities.
- Monitoring: Physicians track changes in bone density through regular scans and will adjust treatment as necessary based upon their findings.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome, a tendon disorder that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist, is more common in women due to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. However, carpal tunnel syndrome can also develop due to overuse or repetitive motions.
Treatment may include:
- Non-surgical treatments: Wrist splinting can help relieve pressure on the median nerve. Corticosteroid injections reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Orthopedic doctors will suggest ergonomic modifications to the workplace and home to reduce repetitive strain and pressure on the median nerve.
- Physical therapy: Your orthopedic doctor may recommend professional physical therapy, consisting of prescribed exercises that strengthen the wrist and improve flexibility.
- Surgery: In severe cases, orthopedic surgery may be required to relieve pressure on the median nerve and provide permanent relief. Learn more about how to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome to avoid needing surgery.
Plantar Fasciitis
This condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. It’s particularly common in women who wear high heels, have jobs that require them to be on their feet, like nursing, or who are overweight.
Orthopedic care includes:
- Footwear advice: Orthopedic doctors suggest wearing supportive shoes with proper cushioning and advise against high heels.
- Orthotic devices: Over-the-counter shoe inserts can provide support to the arch of the foot. For those with serious cases of plantar fasciitis, custom orthotics are highly recommended.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises: Prescribed exercises can help maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles of the feet and calves. Your orthopedic doctor may also recommend professional physical therapy.
- Surgery: Plantar fasciotomy may be required to detach the fascia from the heel bone and permanently relieve foot tension.
Sprained Ankles
Women, especially those active in sports, experience sprained ankles more than men due to biological and physical differences in foot shape and lower leg alignment.
Orthopedic treatment typically involves:
- RICE method: Patients can perform at-home treatment using a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Bracing or taping: Ankle braces and proper ankle taping can provide stability by compressing the joint.
- Rehabilitation: Prescribed exercises restore range of motion, strength, and balance to prevent future sprains.
- Education: Sports medicine and orthopedic doctors provide instruction to patients about proper warm-up techniques and ankle-strengthening exercises to prevent recurrence.
ACL Tears
Women athletes are at a higher risk for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries due to various biomechanical factors. According to data shared by Cedars Sinai, females in the 15-to-25 age demographic are approximately five times more likely to incur an ACL injury than males.
Orthopedic management tactics may include:
- Preventive training programs: Athletic training is an excellent way to teach proper techniques and strengthen the muscles around the knee, thus reducing the risk of ACL tears.
- Bracing: In some cases, a brace may be used during activities to provide additional support to the knee.
- Surgical repair: Those who are active and wish to return to high-level sports must undergo ACL repair surgery.
- Physical therapy: Post-surgery rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and preventing re-injury.
How to Make an Appointment With a Wichita Orthopedic Doctor Near You
Orthopedic doctors consider several factors when treating medical conditions and injuries in women, including hormonal influences, lifestyle, activity level, and biomechanical differences. By adopting a patient-centered approach that accounts for these factors, the orthopedic specialists at Mid-America Orthopedics can provide comprehensive care that addresses your symptoms and helps promote overall musculoskeletal health.
With decades of combined experience, our patients can feel confident they will receive treatment from the best orthopedic doctors in the state of Kansas.
Arrange a consultation today by calling (316) 630-9300 or by sending us an email using our contact form. We can typically schedule same-day or next-day appointments.