General Orthopaedics

Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on treating conditions that affect the body’s musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments). Whether they are caused by genetic factors or trauma, seeking prompt treatment for these conditions is vital when it comes to remaining mobile, reducing pain, and improving your overall quality of life.

Common Orthopaedic Conditions

Though there are a wide variety of orthopaedic conditions, some of the most common include:

Arthritis: Arthritis is a common medical condition that causes painful inflammation around a joint. Around 53 million people in the US alone deal with this condition.
Fractures: Fractures, often referred to as breaks, refer to a condition where a bone is completely or partially broken.
Tendonitis: Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that occurs when the tendons that attach muscles to bones are damaged.
Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a bone disease triggered by a change in bone mass or mineral disease. The affected bones are more likely to fracture.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Regardless of the specific condition you are dealing with, you’ll be pleased to hear that there is a wide range of non-surgical treatment options that you can pursue to help with pain management. At Summit Orthopaedics, we offer personalized guidance and may recommend one or more of the following approaches:

Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Physical therapy and rehabilitation can be used to treat a range of orthopaedic conditions by reducing pain and increasing your strength and mobility at a rate you are comfortable with.
Exercise: Specialist-curated exercise plans can also help you better manage orthopaedic conditions. They improve flexibility and mobility levels alongside bone and muscle strength.
Medications: Specific medications can also be used to treat orthopaedic conditions without surgical intervention. They are often prescribed to reduce inflammation, tenderness, and pain.
Injections: Similar to medication, some practitioners offer injection-based treatments to help with inflammation and pain management.
Nerve stimulation: Nerve stimulation is a treatment designed to reduce pain in those with orthopaedic conditions by using a mild electrical current to stimulate the nerves surrounding the affected area.
Braces and orthotics: Braces and orthotics, such as insoles and specialized footwear, can help prevent additional damage and reduce pain when dealing with arthritis, fractures, or other conditions.

Common Orthopaedic Surgeries

In some cases, surgical intervention is required to ensure your recovery is as smooth and speedy as possible. Some of the most common procedures include:

Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to better understand a joint condition by inserting a miniature camera through a small incision. Some procedures can be performed during an arthroscopy with ultra-thin instruments.
Fusion: As the name suggests, this surgical treatment is designed to ‘fuse’ or close the gap between bone pieces or fragments to repair a break or fracture.
Internal fixation: Internal fixation is similar to fusion and involves the use of specific tools, such as screws or plates, to rejoin bones that have been fractured or broken.
Joint replacement: During this procedure, damaged joints are replaced with replicas made from durable, artificial materials. In some cases, only part of the damaged joint is replaced.
Osteotomy: An osteotomy is a procedure that involves cutting or reshaping bones to improve their alignment.
Soft tissue repair: Soft tissue repair refers to surgical techniques like suturing and grafting to repair damage to soft tissues, such as ligaments or tendons.

When to Seek Orthopaedic Care

Generally speaking, you should seek orthopaedic care as soon as possible following the development of symptoms or after receiving a specific diagnosis. Doing so will ensure you receive the support and care you need right away.

Early intervention is key, as it allows you to explore a broader range of treatment options, reducing long-term pain and discomfort.

Orthopaedic Care in Idaho Falls

If you’re looking for an Orthopaedic specialist you can trust in Idaho Falls, you’ve come to the right place. Our expert physicians have 14+ years of formal education, a wealth of practical experience, and specializations across different musculoskeletal areas.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact our team today.