Treatment Options for Orthopedic Conditons
By Jonathan Cluett, M.D., About.com Guide
Braces & Supports
Braces and supports can help compensate for injured joint and can help support weak muscles. There are many types of braces and supports that can be purchased and it is important to understand the appropriate treatment in order to best help your condition.
Casts
Casts are used for treatment of many types of fractures as well as for post-surgical immobilization. Caring for a cast is an important part of treatment.
Rehabilitation & Therapy
Rehabilitation is used in some situations as the primary treatment, and in others it is used as an adjunct to another treatment such as surgery. While physical therapy is the best known type of rehabilitation, there can be many different types of rehabilitation.
- Physical Therapy
- Stretching Techniques
- Exercises for Your Knee
- Exercises for Your Shoulder
- Back Stretches & Exercises
Medications
Common medications used to treat orthopedic conditions include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Celebrex), Glucosamine, and others.
- What are anti-inflammatory medications?
- What is the best anti-inflammatory medication?
- Pain Medication Options
- Narcotic Medication Addiction
Injections
Injections are a frequently used to administer medications for orthopedic conditions. The most commonly used injection is cortisone; a medication that is easily given with few side effects.
- How does cortisone work?
- How long does cortisone need to take effect?
- How many injections can I have?
- What are the side effects of cortisone?
- Epidural Cortisone Injections
Surgery
Surgery is used for treatment of many orthopedic problems. In some cases, surgery is recommended as an initial treatment, but most often surgery is used when other treatments fail to relieve symptoms.
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera inserted into a joint to perform surgical procedures. While not all surgery can be performed arthroscopically, this has become the standard treatment for many common joint problems.
