Our orthopedic doctor in Hollywood can help to improve your quality of life.
The term “musculoskeletal system” refers to the bones, joints, and soft tissues that allow your body to function as expected when you walk, run, bend, stretch, kick, and stand. Experiencing pain that affects any of the parts of your musculoskeletal system can be disruptive to not just your daily routine, but also your overall quality of life.
If things like applying ice, using a heating pad, resting for a few days, and taking over-the-counter medications to ease pain and swelling aren’t helping, you may benefit from a visit to an orthopedic doctor in Hollywood.
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Urgent Care for Injuries
Whether it’s a severe fracture from a hard fall or lingering pain from whiplash after a car accident, sudden injuries can happen anywhere at any time. An orthopedic doctor in Hollywood can provide a thorough assessment based on a detailed description of your symptoms and the circumstances of the injury. Blood tests and image tests are typically performed as well to ensure that the right source of pain is being treated and to identify any secondary issues, such as damage to nearby tissues or nerves.
It’s an approach to diagnosis and treatment that may relieve your pain sooner after you’ve experienced a sudden injury and prevent such injuries from contributing to more serious problems. The correct treatment soon after an injury occurs often promotes healing by treating the actual source of the discomfort, not just the symptoms. Sudden injuries that may require attention from an orthopedic specialist include:
- Strains and sprains
- Severe cuts affecting soft tissues
- Changes in musculoskeletal shape or form due to trauma
- Joint pain or swelling
- Dislocations
Management of Chronic Conditions
Degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis attack cartilage and affect joints, often contributing to chronic pain that persists four to six months after onset. If you’re among the 100 million or so Americans living with chronic pain, it can be frustrating if your discomfort isn’t responding well to any current treatments you may be relying on for relief. In some cases, treatments that are initially effective may no longer provide sufficient relief if the nature of your chronic pain changes or underlying issues develop.
An orthopedic doctor in Hollywood can evaluate the progression of your condition and offer a treatment plan based on an understanding of the source of your pain. This process sometimes involves specialized tests such as bone scans and nerve conduction studies to rule out or confirm issues that may be contributing to your discomfort. Even if it’s not possible to eliminate your pain altogether, an orthopedic doctor may make it easier to manage your chronic condition and get back to what’s most important to you with:
- Gentle rehabilitative exercises
- Injections directly into the affected area
- Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures
- Lifestyle recommendations involving adjustments to eating, exercise, and sleep habits
Exploration of Surgical Options
Most orthopedic doctors want to see patients experience meaningful relief without surgery. This is why initial efforts are typically focused on achieving an accurate diagnosis. It’s not unusual for patients who haven’t had success with various forms of physical therapy to see better results once the correct source of pain is being addressed. But for some patients, there are times when conservative treatments based on an accurate diagnosis still aren’t providing the desired level of relief or pain management.
With some orthopedic conditions, especially anything involving the spine, pain may become debilitating or potentially life-threatening. Even if this isn’t the case, athletes may wish to consider procedures that could fully restore their pre-injury capabilities. If surgery becomes a possibility for you, an orthopedic doctor will clearly explain your options so you can make a well-informed decision about what’s best for your needs and goals. Common orthopedic procedures that may be recommended include:
- Joint replacement or revision joint surgery
- Soft tissue repair
- Arthroscopic surgery to “clean out” joints and remove pieces of cartilage or bone
- Spinal fusion
- Fracture repair
An orthopedic doctor in Hollywood can also provide the information and education you’ll need to minimize injury or re-injury risks in the future. If you’re an athlete, for instance, this may include tips on how to safely workout with back pain or properly warm-up before a game or run. If you’re an older adult or a patient living with a chronic condition that limits your mobility, you might be directed towards gentler forms of exercise, such as water aerobics or stationary biking, that can work core muscle groups without excessive stress on joints. The ultimate goal for an orthopedic doctor in Hollywood is to do everything possible to keep your musculoskeletal system functioning smoothly by providing comprehensive, patient-centered care.