The field of orthopedics handles health issues and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, joints, and their related connective tissues. When one of these parts is injured or in pain, it is best to see a doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system.
An orthopedist specializes in the way the various systems of the body work together, and there are several types of orthopedic injuries that are more common than others. They can affect everyone from professional athletes to retirees.
Most of these injuries listed below can be stabilized and treated quickly at an urgent care center:
Fractures
There are two types of fractures: open and closed. An open fracture is when the skin has been broken by the broken bone, and immediate medical treatment is necessary. A closed fracture is when the bone is broken but remains underneath the skin; this is more common than an open fracture, and it requires medical attention but is not as dangerous as an open fracture.
If a broken bone is left untreated, it can heal improperly and create a crooked bone. It can also create an internal infection that would otherwise have been detected and treated by a physician.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
These are injuries that can occur in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It can actually take longer to heal a soft-tissue injury than a simple fracture.
Ligaments are the thick, fibrous bands of tissue that connect bone to bone; tendons connect muscle to bone. These connective tissues hold the skeleton together and enable us to move, but they are vulnerable to injury.
Back Pain
Many people do not warm up properly before playing golf or running, and sudden exertion on the back muscles can cause back pain. Back pain can also develop from repetitive motions in a profession or hobby.
Lower back pain is the greatest cause of disability worldwide, so it is important to have chronic or severe back pain evaluated by a doctor.
Sprained Ankle
The ankle is the most commonly injured joint. This is because it bears the full weight of the body while having to rotate and lift, sometimes simultaneously.
It is easy to accidentally get a sprained ankle from something as simple as stepping off a curb or reacting suddenly and twisting the leg. As long as it is not a severe sprain (causing severe pain), it can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications and the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the ankle. (Be sure to wrap the ice pack with a towel before icing your ankle in order to protect your skin.)
Knee Problems
The knee can be injured due to overuse or even normal arthritis. The orthopedist will recommend the least-invasive solution possible that will work to repair your knee or relieve your knee pain.
Orthopedic Urgent Care Clinic in Fairless Hills, PA
These are some of the most common types of orthopedic injuries that result in visits to the doctor. If you are suffering from any kind of musculoskeletal injury or condition, all of these issues can be handled right away at the orthopedic urgent care center at Patient Care Now Urgent Care.
Call us today at (267) 202-6433 or walk right in. We look forward to taking care of you.
