Orthopedics Specialist
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West Family Medicine
Family Practice located in Pocatello, ID
Your joints are the unsung heroes of the body, enabling you to move throughout each day to attend to responsibilities at home, work, and play. The team at West Family Medicine in Pocatello, Idaho, offers orthopedic care among its wide range of family medicine services to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy. If you find yourself in need of joint health services, schedule an appointment online or over the phone today.
Orthopedics Q & A
What is orthopedics?
Orthopedics is an area of medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing joint health problems. Your body has joints from head to toe, and these areas where two bones meet allow you to walk, talk, bend, stretch, and perform literally thousands of tasks each day. Your joints are comprised of a network of:
- Bones
- Muscles
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Nerves
- Skin
- Blood vessels
- Other soft tissues
A problem with any of these components can cause serious joint health problems.
What are some common orthopedic concerns?
Virtually everyone encounters a joint health need at one point or another. You can find yourself in need of orthopedic care at any age, although your risk of joint problems increases as you grow older.
Some of the more common joint health issues include:
- Sprains and strains
- Muscle tears
- Arthritis
- Back and neck pain
- Osteoporosis
- Fractures
- Dislocation
- Infection
- Bursitis
Repetitive use injury is also a common joint problem. You can damage your joints with any action that requires the same exact motions time and again.
When should I see a doctor for joint pain?
Many minor joint health concerns resolve on their own with a few days of self-care. Resting the affected area, elevating a painful or swollen joint, periodic icing, and light compression can help your body heal from minor joint damage.
If your pain is severe or does not improve within a couple of days it’s time to schedule a visit at West Family Medicine. You should also come in if you are unable to put weight on an affected joint, if your joint problems are the result of a traumatic injury, or if you notice excessive swelling, fever, or visible distortion of the joint.
What can be done to treat orthopedic issues?
Your doctor performs a thorough diagnostic exam before creating a customized treatment plan. You play an active role in that process, sharing details about your symptoms and following the guidance provided by your doctor.
Medications can help treat certain joint issues like arthritis, bursitis, and osteoporosis. A course of physical therapy can also be effective. In some cases, surgery may be the best available option.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an orthopedic concern, call or schedule an appointment online today.
