For active Asheboro NC citizens, surgery is an option for an ACL tear

Residents in Asheboro NC may find comfort in the fact that an ACL tear does not necessarily need surgery. It is surely an option for a patient but it doesn’t mean it is the only way to fix our ACL.

The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four major ligaments of the knee. It stabilizes the knee and it also prevents excessive motion of the knee joint. However, it may be injured while executing pivoting and landing movements.

ACL tears usually occur in sports. This is naturally so since athletes subject their knees to huge amounts of pressure and stress while playing. They may hurt their ACL while running, jumping and pivoting. Other patients may not need a strong ACL but it is quite different for athletes. They often undergo ACL surgery so their motion fit for competition may be restored.

Professional doctors diagnose an ACL tear by letting patients get an MRI. It is the most common method to diagnose ACL injuries as well as other knee injuries.

ACL surgery

ACL injuries may not always require surgery. Often, patients feel better after applying the RICE method – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Mediation such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are usually recommended as well. However, for quite severe cases, instability of the knee joint, as a result of an ACLtear, poses problems and later on may prompt the need for surgery.

ACL reconstruction is the usual procedure to fix a torn ACL. In this procedure, the torn ligament is replaced with another tendon or ligament. One variation of this procedure is called anatomic ACL reconstruction. 

Anatomic ACL reconstruction places the substitute tendon precisely in the same position of the original ligament. This procedure addresses the difficulty of replicating the original ligament function. With this procedure, patients experience faster recovery.

Second chances are real with joint replacement in Asheboro NC

Recent developments in joint replacement and joint surgery have allowed orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC to perform countless surgeries on patients with damaged joints. Damaged joints are serious and should be managed properly and immediately. They will result in pain and restricted movement, making simple daily activities difficult to perform.

The joints in our body

In order to move and function properly, our bodies are made up of joints. These are two or more bones combined together to function properly. When these joints are damaged, we normally feel severe pain and have limited movement. Damages to joints are caused by arthritis and injuries. Joints damaged by arthritis cannot heal themselves and need surgery in order for it to be either healed or replaced. Joint replacements are becoming more common, with more than 700,000 Americans having knee or hip replacements each year.

Joint surgery

To relieve the pain, reduce the swelling and restore normal function, joint replacement surgery is sometimes required depending on the severity of the damage. The most common joints that go through surgery are the hips, knees, elbows, ankles and shoulders.

In this procedure, the damaged joint is replaced totally or just certain portions of it and replaced with a new one. Again, total or partial replacement is dependent on the condition of the patient. The new joint is often known as prosthesis, made up of metal, plastic or a combination of both. Surgeons will place the prosthesis in such a way that the bone will grow into it. The bone has to grow back into it so it will be kept in place. 

Alternatives to joint surgery

Damaged joints patients decide to go through surgery so their condition will be healed. Obviously, no one would want to live in pain and limited movement all throughout their lives. Recent advancements led to alternatives in joint replacement surgeries. 

When you are suffering from the symptoms of damaged joints, visit or consult immediately with qualified orthopedic doctors. Don’t allow joint pains to hinder you from enjoying life. Visiting an orthopedic doctor will surely help you determine if you need a joint replacement surgery or not.

Back pain treatment a priority for Asheboro, North Carolina orthopedic specialists

Orthopedic doctors know that back pain has a detrimental impact on a life of an individual as well as those who live with him or her. Common causes of back pain include:

 

1. Chronic back pain
2. Strenuous activity
3. Injury

Types of back pain

There are two types of back pain, acute and chronic. When the pain lasts for a few days to weeks, it is considered acute. Asheboro, North Carolina residents are prone to acute back pain because of too much strenuous activity or injury. Acute pain is classified as nociceptive, it means it’s coming from a clear source. Somatic pain is associated with the thighs and back. An orthopedic doctor is able to identify the source of the pain and can then isolate that part for treatment.

On the other hand, chronic back pain lasts for more than three months. For chronic back pain patients, the source may be nociceptive or neuropathic. Neurophatic pain does not have a clear source. Chronic back pain can lead to a disruption in sleeping and quality of life. Personality changes, such as depression and irritability may arise. Asheboro, North Carolina orthopedic specialists understand that pain is real and can patients manage their pain effectively.

Back pain treatment

There are many products that promise treatment to back pain. However, let us be wise not to trust in them entirely. It is wise to seek professional and competent consultation before purchasing and using any of these products.

Asheboro, NC orthopedic doctors recommend a variety of treatment programs for acute back pain. These include physical therapy, medications, exercises, injections and alternative therapies. They are committed to help you define a treatment program that is workable and comfortable for you. When they prescribed medication, they monitor its usage to ensure safety.

For chronic back pain patients, orthopedic doctors can develop a treatment program designed to minimize the pain and restore a healthy lifestyle. Don’t disregard chronic back pain or practice self-medication. Be wise and let orthopedic doctors help you. If you do so, you will give yourself the opportunity to heal properly and safely and avoid problems in the future.