Orthopedic Injuries

Warning Signs & Symptoms

If you break, sprain or otherwise injure a bone, the symptoms may not always be clear. The area may be bruised or swollen, even if at first glance it is unclear whether there is a fracture. Patients can also experience numbing, tingling or even paralysis below the fracture. Sprains can occur in any joint, and even though the joint continues to function normally, there should be some swelling, pain and tenderness.

Treatment/Procedures

Patients can treat a broken bone, sprain or other injury with a variety of procedures:

• Joint Arthroscopy: Knee, Shoulder and Ankle
• Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)
• Rotator Cuff Repair
• ACL Reconstruction

To prevent injury to bones and joints, get the daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D, quit smoking and drinking in excess, exercise regularly, warm up properly, use proper lifting techniques, wear properly fitting shoes, tape or brace joints that get undue stress, always wear a seatbelt and get regular bone density tests if needed.

Rehabilitation

Depending on the type of injury, patients may need to rest the injured area, ice it, wear a bandage or device to compress the area and take appropriate medicines. Later treatment might include exercise and physical therapy.