Orthopedic Injury Treatment

Our orthopedic doctors and specialists diagnose and treat a variety of orthopedic injuries and conditions.  Listed below are some of the more common orthopedic conditions and injuries we treat during walk-in hours:

• Broken Bone (Fracture) Treatment: Fractures of the arm, elbow, hand, wrist, leg, foot or ankle. (For open fractures, where bone is protruding from the skin, go directly to the ER.)
• Sprain or Strain Treatment
• Torn Ligament Treatment
• Injured Tendon Treatment
• Shoulder rotator cuff tears and instability.
• Knee Injury Treatment: ACL & meniscus tears, patellar dislocations, etc.
• Elbow Injury Treatment
• Hip Injuries
• Foot and Ankle Injuries
• Hand and Wrist Injuries
• Neck and Spine Injuries
• Pain or weakness radiating down arm or leg.

Chronic Orthopedic Conditions

Orthopedics Today walk-in clinic is not appropriate for chronic back pain or chronic orthopedic conditions. If you suffer from a chronic orthopedic condition please contact the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute (OSMI). At the OSMI, they offer a face-to-face consultation with an orthopedic specialist who will provide higly-personalized care in a comfortable clinical setting. Degenerative or congenital orthopedic disorders are best treated during a scheduled appointment where the orthopedic specialist can do more extensive testing and evaluation.

When to call 911

Individuals with these orthopedic injuries should call 911 and go directly to an emergency room:

• Life-threatening trauma injuries
• Open fractures (bone penetrating skin)
• Hip fractures
• Dislocated shoulder or hip
• If you need emergency transport, chances are you should go directly to an emergency room
• If you have been in a motor vehicle accident, you should go to an emergency room
• Young children should go directly to a children’s hospital emergency room where the services of an anesthesiologist are readily accessible

 

Types of Orthopedic Injury Treatment

Our orthopedic doctors and specialists at Orthopedics Today treat a variety of orthopedic injuries and conditions. Some of the more common orthopedic conditions and injuries that we treat include broken bones (fractures), sprains, strains, torn ligaments and injured or torn tendons.

Broken Bone (Fracture) Treatment

Broken bones, or fractures, are one of the most common orthopedic conditions treated by physicians, with over 7 million being seen at medical facilities each year. Fractures happen when enough outside force is applied to the bone to exceed its breaking point. The severity of a break will depend on:

1. The energy or force placed on the bone
2. The strength of the bone

Types of Fractures

A bone may become completely or partially fractured or, in extreme cases, shattered. The most common fractures include:

1. Stable or simple fracture: The two broken ends of the bone are barely out of place and remain aligned
2. Transverse fracture: Break is horizontal to the bone’s axis
3. Oblique fracture: Break has an angled or curved pattern
4. Stress fracture: A hairline crack, usually caused by overuse
5. Open, compound fracture: The broken bone breaks through the skin or the skin is pierced by the force of the injury causing the fracture. Infection is a concern anytime the skin is broken.
6. Comminuted fracture: The bone breaks into 3 or more pieces

Common causes of fractures include:

• Trauma: Falls, car accidents, and sports injuries can result in fractures
• Overuse: Repetitive motion can result in overtired muscles and place more stress on the bone
• Osteoporosis: Medical condition which causes bones to become weak and brittle

Symptoms of a fractured bone can include:

• Pain or tenderness around the injury
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Limb appears deformed or misshapen

Broken Bone (Fracture) Treatment

If you experience an injury and are having these symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. In order to diagnose a fracture, your doctor will utilize an x-ray to get an image of the bone. If a fracture has occurred, the bone will need to be put back into place (reduction) and immobilized while the bone heals. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may involve:

1. Immobilization with a plaster or fiberglass cast (most common)
2. Use of a functional brace or cast: Allows a limited amount of movement in nearby joints
3. Traction: Uses a gentle pulling action to align the bone
4. Surgery (external or internal fixation): Bones may need to be stabilized with special screws, pins, metal plates, or rods attached to or placed into the bone.  Orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Michael Boothby and Dr. Bret Beavers, use the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available to determine the best course of action for every patient. Read more about current diagnosis and treatment in orthopedics.

Fractures typically take a few weeks or months to heal depending on what type of fracture occurs.

Sprains and Strains (Ligament and Tendon Injuries)

Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries that can occur during exercise, sports, or everyday routine activities. Sprains and strains have similar symptoms but affect different areas of the body.

A sprain occurs when a ligament, the fibrous tissue that connects your bones at the joints, is stretched or torn. Common areas especially vulnerable to a sprain are:

• Ankles
• Wrists
• Knees
• Thumbs
• Shoulders
• Elbows

Symptoms of a sprained ligament may include:

• Swelling/inflammation
• Pain
• Bruising
• Limited mobility of the joint
• Popping noise or feeling at time of injury

Sprains can be classified by the severity of the ligament overextension:

1. Grade 1: Mild sprain in which the ligament is stretched slightly with some damage to the ligament fibrils
2. Grade 2: Moderate sprain involving a partial tear in the ligament with abnormal looseness present when the joint is manipulated
3. Grade 3: Severe sprain with a completely torn ligament making a joint unable to function

Treatment for Ligament Injuries

Treatment for ligament injuries will depend on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains can typically treated at home with the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method and over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. More severe sprains may require:

• Wearing a brace or splint
• Physical therapy
• Surgery:  Dr. Michael Boothby, and Dr. Bret Beavers, board certified orthopedic surgeons, and their staff, use the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available to determine the best course of action for every patient. Read more about current diagnosis and treatment in orthopedics.

Torn Knee Ligaments

Ligament damage is common in the knee joint, especially for athletes due to twisting or turning while the foot stays planted in one place. The four major ligaments of the knee which commonly need repair due to injury are:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): Located at the front, center of the knee and often injured during a rapid, twisting motion
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): Located at the back, center of the knee and commonly injured by a sudden, direct impact
• Lateral collateral ligament (LCL): Located on the outer side of the knee and can be damaged by a forceful blow to the same side
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL): Located on the inner side of the knee, but is often injured by a blow to the outer side of the knee

Treatment for knee ligament injuries may include:

• R.I.C.E.: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
• Pain relievers
• Strengthening exercises
• Limiting activity
• Use of a protective brace
• Surgery:  Knee ligament repair surgery is an effective treatment for a completely torn ligament

Diagnosing severe ligament injuries often involves an MRI or arthroscopy (minimally invasive orthopedic joint surgery) to identify the damage. Once ligament damage has been assessed, a treatment plan can be implemented to restore strength and mobility to the affected joint.

Strains (Injured Muscles and Tendons)

Strains occur when muscles or tendons, the tissue that connects the muscles to the bones, are stretched or torn. Similar to a sprain, a strain can range from mild to severe and can happen suddenly (acute) or be a result of repetitive movement (chronic). Strained muscles and tendons are common in contact sports, sports that involve the use of repetitive motion, such as tennis or golf, and common strenuous everyday activities.

Areas which are most vulnerable to strains are:

• Elbows
• Hands
• Feet
• Legs (especially the hamstrings)
• Backs

Symptoms of a strain can include:

• Pain
• Swelling/inflammation
• Muscle spasms or weakness
• Cramps
• Limited mobility in affected area

Treatment for muscle and tendon strains can vary depending on the severity of the strain. Using the R.I.C.E. approach is usually an effective first step. Other treatments include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Range of motion exercises/stretching
• Physical therapy with our OSMI team
• Surgery: Orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Michael Boothby and Dr. Bret Beavers, use the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available to determine the best course of action for every patient. Read more about current diagnosis and treatment in orthopedics.

Tendon Injuries (Tendinopathy)

A tendon injury is often a result of tiny tears which happen over time, although it may seem to occur suddenly. Tendinosis is the term used to describe these micro-tears, while tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon. Sudden injuries often happen due to a tendon becoming weakened over time. Tendinopathy symptoms (pain, swelling and stiffness) usually worsen with activity.

Tendinopathy treatments include:

• Rest
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Flexibility exercises
• Steroid injections
• Splinting
• Surgery (if significant damage is present): The OSMI Orthopedic surgeons use the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available to determine the best course of action for every patient. Read more about current diagnosis and treatment in orthopedics.

Tendons can also become damaged in conjunction with a deep cut or gash. Recovering from a tendon injury can take several weeks or months depending on the severity of the damage. You may need to change your activities during the healing process or even long-term. Following your OSMI doctor’s recommendations will assist in your speedy recovery.

WALK IN, CALL NOW 817-423-2329, or complete an ONLINE APPOINTMENT REQUEST