Potential Consequences Of Delaying Orthopaedic Treatment
Potential Consequences Of Delaying Orthopaedic Treatment
Orthopaedic care includes the treatment of muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. An orthopaedist typically uses both surgical and non-surgical approaches to treat a whole host of musculoskeletal ailments. Treatments that are prescribed by an orthopaedist may include:
Physical therapy
Anti-inflammatory or pain medications
Exercise regimens
Surgical intervention
Reasons Not To Delay Orthopaedic Treatments
While you might be inclined to delay some treatments, it is important to remember that seeking medical care for an orthopaedic condition sooner may help to prevent long-lasting problems. Certain conditions such as fractures require immediate medical intervention to ensure optimal healing and recovery. Seeking medical help early also ensures that your quality of life is not affected by chronic pain or diminished mobility.
Orthopaedic Conditions That Require Immediate Care
To ensure adequate healing and to avoid future complications, in the event that you experience any of the following ailments, it is important to go to an emergency room immediately.
Joint Dislocation:
Shoulder dislocation - This may occur as a result of trauma sustained during physical activities such as sports or in the event of an accident. If you have any reason to believe that you may have dislocated your shoulder joint (or any joint), it is important to have it medically evaluated to avoid further injury to the muscles, ligaments, and bones in the region.
Kneecap dislocation - This may occur as a result of a sudden movement or injury sustained during sports or in an accident. While the kneecap may eventually return to its normal position on its own, it is important to have this injury accessed by a physician to ensure further joint damage has not occurred. An evaluation by a physician is also important to avoid the possibility of inadequate healing which may later result in a recurrent dislocation or chronic pain (if the kneecap has not naturally returned to its correct position).
Bone Fractures
It is important to get all bone fractures accessed and treated by a physician. This will help prevent future complications, deformities or chronic pain, if the bone does not adequately heal.
In the event of injury or sudden unexplained pain, it is important that you consult with your physician immediately.