Orthopedic Surgery Center of Orange County
More than 50 million people in the United States are living with some type of arthritis, and back pain affects about 80 percent of the population at one time or another. These are just a few of the reasons why patients may seek treatment at our orthopedic surgery center of Orange County. Seeking relief from any sudden, progressive, or chronic aches and pains affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments within your body from a facility with access to multiple specialists often results in a more comprehensive approach to diagnosis, treatment, management,
Reasons to Visit
Arthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions due to the many ways it can affect soft tissues and nearby joints. There are more than 100 specific types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis being the forms that occur most. Osteoarthritis, in particular, causes cartilage to gradually break down to the point where movement in hands, knees, hips, or spine is affected. If rheumatoid arthritis isn't properly managed, issues with the immune system may develop.
Another common reason for a visit to our orthopedic surgery center of Orange County is spine-related pain. Low back pain (LBP) alone affects one out of every ten people. Traumas or injuries the spine or any of its supporting structures can be a source of persistent pain, as can conditions such as degenerative disc disease and problems with the spongy discs between vertebrae (disc herniation, spondylolisthesis). Because there are so many potential causes of LBP, having access to variety of testing techniques in one convenient location can make it easier to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Every bone, muscle, joint, tendon, and ligament in the human body has the potential to be a source of discomfort if something isn't functioning normally. After attempts at treatment are made by your primary care physician, you may be referred to our orthopedic surgery center of Orange County to receive more specialized attention for any of the following orthopedic issues:
- Fractures in bones or joints
- Tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other musculoskeletal disorders
- Neck (cervical spine) pain and related conditions such as whiplash
- Neuromuscular diseases and peripheral nerve disorders
- Sports-related injuries
Diagnosing Musculoskeletal Pain
A team approach to diagnosing orthopedic issues begins with an initial patient evaluation. In addition to a physical exam, your medical history will also be taken into consideration, as will any previous attempts made to manage your pain. Images tests can provide a detailed look within the body to determine what's going on with bones, joints, and tissues. X-rays identify noticeable abnormalities with bones and joints while MRI and CT scans provide clear images of soft tissues. More specific testing may include:
- Discographies to identify problems with spinal discs
- Bone scans to diagnose osteoporosis
- Doppler ultrasounds to look at blood vessels
- Arthroscopies for exploratory purposes
- Flexibility tests to evaluate range of motion
Treating Orthopedic Conditions
Many of the orthopedic treatments available today involve a combination of medication and physical therapy. With PT alone, techniques typically include immobilization in the form of bracing and traction, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and other forms of electrical stimulation, and massage therapy. Orthopedic physical therapy typically includes some type of exercise program or routine, which can be modified to fit patient needs. Other treatment options may include:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Partial or complete joint replacement
- Spinal fusion if non-surgical treatments aren't effective
- Soft tissue repair
Managing and Preventing Orthopedic Disorders
The treatment of problems with bones and soft tissues goes beyond diagnosis and treatment. Prevention is an equally important part of overall patient care. Recommendations will be based on your lifestyle and history with orthopedic conditions. Athletes, for instances, are often advised on how to properly warm up before a competition. Somebody living with chronic arthritis or back pain may be given tips on how to safely exercise to maintain bone and muscle strength.
The many structures that make up your musculoskeletal system don't always react in predictable ways to strain, stress, over-extension, overuse, or injury. When pain isn't responding well to home remedies like the application of heat and ice, taking a few days to rest, or the use of over-the-counter pain-relievers, you may benefit from the assortment of resources available at our orthopedic surgery center of Orange County. The ultimate goal of orthopedic surgeons treating any condition, regardless of what circumstances may be involved, is to help patients reach a point where quality of life is restored and pain is either eliminated entirely or minimized enough to become manageable.