You have probably heard some crazy theories regarding orthopedic health. Orthopedic health encompasses the well-being of our bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. However, several myths and misconceptions surrounding this field can lead to misunderstandings and potentially harmful beliefs. Sometimes people do their own research when it comes to subjects like advanced orthopedics and musculoskeletal issues. People turn to friends, family members, and perhaps most of all, the internet.
We are here to dispel those myths at Ventura Orthopedics so you can continue toward healthy orthopedics without worry. Let’s explore some common myths and misconceptions about orthopedic health.
What Is Orthopedics?
Orthopedics is the broad based medical and surgical specialty dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. This branch of medicine addresses a wide range of conditions, diseases and injuries that impact the musculoskeletal system. The body’s musculoskeletal system is made up of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and connective tissues.
Your body’s bones make up the skeleton, a framework for how your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues all fit together. Your musculoskeletal system helps support your body’s weight, holds your body upright, and helps you move around throughout your day. Orthopedics is the study of how certain health conditions can impact the form, stability and movement of the body. Injuries, health conditions and diseases can all impact the healthy functioning of your musculoskeletal system, and orthopedic doctors go through extensive training and education to diagnose and treat these issues.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Orthopedic care is a field that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, which affect the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. However, despite the high demand for this type of care, several myths and misconceptions about orthopedic care continue to persist. These myths can discourage patients from seeking proper treatment and may lead to unnecessary pain and discomfort.
Myth #1 – Cracking Your Knuckles Will Cause Arthritis
Most of us heard this one at some point. Cracking your knuckles is a bad habit, but the claim that it causes arthritis is pure myth. You can hear the sound because nitrogen bubbles burst inside fluid which helps you to lubricate your joints. Apart from that, the movement of ligaments can cause a popping sound. You can hear the sound while bending or stretching the fingers backward and creating negative pressure. But keep in mind that cracking knuckles may weaken the grip strength.
Myth #2 – If You Can Move A Joint or Limb, You Do Not Have a Fracture
Many of us have been told that if you become injured but are able to move the area, you do not have a fracture. Unfortunately, this is fiction. You can suffer a fracture or other bone injury and still be able to move the affected area.
The most common types of fractures are from a trauma, such as a fall, overuse, where repetitive motions can result in stress fractures, and from osteoporosis, which can weaken bones and make them more likely to break. Symptoms of fractures can include pain, swelling and tenderness, bruising, and in severe cases, a limb may be bent at an usual angle.
If you become injured and have any type of persistent pain, it is important you see an orthopedic expert.
Myth 3: Orthopedic Conditions Are Inevitable with Aging
Aging is often associated with orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis. However, it is one of the common myths that these conditions are inevitable and nothing can be done to prevent or manage them. While age-related changes in our musculoskeletal system are natural, adopting a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive strain on joints can help prevent or delay the onset of orthopedic conditions.
Additionally, early intervention, proper treatment, and lifestyle modifications can effectively manage orthopedic conditions and improve quality of life.
Myth #4 – Orthopedic Care Is Only for the Elderly
Another myth about orthopedic care is that it is only necessary for older adults and individuals with age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis. While it is true that orthopedic care is an important component of geriatric care, it is not exclusive to this age group. Children, adolescents, and adults of all ages can benefit from orthopedic care to treat acute injuries and chronic conditions.
Myth #5 – Orthopedic Medicine Is for Athletes
It is a fact that most athletes have to contact orthopedic doctors for back pain for various reasons. But that does not mean only they can take orthopedic medicine. With the modern active lifestyle, many people are suffering from joint and bone problems due to different reasons. Therefore, you have to take these medicines if your doctor recommends them.
Athletes tend to develop a variety of musculoskeletal issues because they are engaged in an activity that puts the body under duress, and that may cause an injury. Orthopedic specialists who are trained in the field of advanced orthopedics are the ideal healthcare choice for athletes.
Myth #6 – Orthopedic Surgeons Prefer Surgery Over Non-Invasive Options
Some musculoskeletal pain and injuries may require surgery to give you the best chance to improve function and eliminate pain. And it is important to add that there is nothing wrong with having hand, wrist, finger, or elbow surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon is well-versed in surgery when it’s necessary. But typically, doctors don’t recommend you have surgery unless they believe surgery is the best option.
Plenty of conditions can benefit from non-invasive, conservative treatments like physical therapy, splinting, medication, injections, and old-fashioned rest. In most cases, your orthopedic surgeon will advise trying some of these conservative methods first to see if your condition improves.
Myth #7 – Rest Is the Best Treatment for Orthopedic Injuries
Rest is an essential component of the recovery process for orthopedic injuries; however, it is not always the sole or even the best treatment option. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, a comprehensive treatment plan may include physical therapy, exercises, bracing, medications, or even surgery. Rest alone may lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and delayed healing. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each injury.
Myth #8 – Exercise Aggravates Orthopedic Conditions
Some people mistakenly believe exercise can worsen orthopedic conditions or lead to further damage. In fact, appropriate exercise and physical activity are often prescribed as part of the treatment plan for orthopedic conditions. Exercise helps strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, promote joint stability, and improve overall function. However, it is crucial that you follow the guidance of a healthcare professional or physical therapist to ensure proper form and technique.
Myth #9 – Orthopedic Care Is Only Effective for Short-Term Relief
Some people believe that orthopedic care is only effective for short-term relief of pain and discomfort. However, this is far from the truth. Orthopedic care can help patients achieve long-term relief and improve their quality of life. Orthopedic specialists often develop personalized treatment plans that include ongoing education, rehabilitation, and follow-up care to ensure that patients recover fully and minimize the risk of future complications.
Myth #10 – Over-the-Counter Medications Do Not Work
The right medication, at the right dose and frequency, and for an appropriate duration can do wonders. Over-the-counter doses taken intermittently are often not effective in adequately treating an acute or even chronic problem. Medical guidance on what to take, how much, and for how long is necessary to optimize the management of symptoms. Many patients do not realize they are under dosing themselves (or sometimes overdosing) and thus believe the OTC medicine “does not work.”
Myth #11 – Injections Will Not Help My Joint Pain
Depending on the severity of your pain, injections can be another option for easing your joint pain and get you moving again. Injections are a safe and effective conservative therapy when used appropriately. The diagnosis, location of injection, and frequency of injections all factor into the safety and effectiveness of corticosteroid injections. Injections can reduce local inflammation, help lubricate joints and improve people’s pain to get them back to doing the things that they love. How quickly someone may notice a difference from an injection depends on what the underlying problem is, and what intervention or injection was performed.
Myth #12 – It Hurts to Move So Physical Therapy Is Not Possible
Physical therapists customize a program to address areas of tightness, weakness, and correct faulty movement patterns. In addition, they do manual techniques (hands-on approach) that patients are not able to do on their own. Our bodies are finely tuned instruments, so when they are out of tune, they will not work correctly. Even the slightest adjustments can make a big improvement for reducing pain and improving function.
An additional misconception is that physical therapy is a bunch of random exercises and is a waste of time and money. In reality, physical therapists create patient-specific rehabilitation plans that fit within the ordering physician’s protocol, targeting problem areas leading to pain and dysfunction.
How Can I Get Started?
Orthopedic injuries are some of the more difficult and painful injuries you can sustain and they almost always require one to get proper medical treatment. If you have suffered from a break or fracture, dislocation, knee or rotator cuff injury, seek medical treatment right away.
You will likely be in a lot of pain depending on the complexity of your injury, but even if your pain is moderate, only a proper diagnosis by a professional will be able to determine what exactly has occurred and what needs to be done to remedy things.
The experienced and dedicated orthopedic surgeons at Ventura Orthopedics are here for you. If you need spinal or back surgery, it may be time to consult a medical professional. The experienced and dedicated orthopedic surgeons at Ventura Orthopedics are here for you. We are committed to helping you through any procedure until optimum health, strength and mobility are restored.
Call us today at 800-698-1280 to schedule an appointment.
