6 Common Myths and Misconceptions About Orthopedic Health

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Article featured on South Shore Orthopedics

Have you 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.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: Only Athletes and Older Adults Need Orthopedic Care

One prevalent misconception is that orthopedic care is only necessary for athletes or older adults. While athletes and older individuals are more prone to orthopedic injuries and conditions, people of all ages and activity levels can experience orthopedic issues. Genetics, lifestyle, occupational hazards, and even accidents can contribute to orthopedic problems. Everyone needs to pay attention to their orthopedic health and seek appropriate care when needed.

Myth 2: 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 best treatment. 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 3: Orthopedic Surgery Should Be Avoided at All Costs

There is common myths that orthopedic surgery should be the last resort and avoided whenever possible. While surgery is not always necessary for orthopedic conditions, it can provide significant benefits in some instances. Advances in surgical techniques, minimally invasive procedures, and improved recovery protocols have made orthopedic surgery safer and more effective.

In some instances, surgery may be the most effective option to restore function, alleviate pain, and improve quality of life. Decisions regarding surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon based on individual circumstances and medical advice.

Myth 4: Exercise Aggravates Orthopedic Conditions

Some people mistakenly believe exercise can worsen orthopedic conditions or lead to further damage. 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 to engage in activities suitable for the specific condition and follow the guidance of a healthcare professional or physical therapist to ensure proper form and technique.

Myth 5: 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 6: Over-the-Counter Medications Are Always Sufficient for Orthopedic Pain

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage mild to moderate orthopedic pain. However, they may not always be sufficient for severe or chronic pain.

A healthcare professional should evaluate persistent pain or pain that interferes with daily activities to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options. Prescription medications, physical therapy, injections, or other interventions may be necessary for effective pain management.

 

The Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center of Oregon is an award-winning, board-certified orthopedic group located in downtown Portland Oregon. We utilize both surgical and nonsurgical means to treat musculoskeletal trauma, spine diseases, foot and ankle conditions, sports injuries, degenerative diseases, infections, tumors and congenital disorders.

Our mission is to return our patients back to pain-free mobility and full strength as quickly and painlessly as possible using both surgical and non-surgical orthopedic procedures.

Our expert physicians provide leading-edge, comprehensive care in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions, including total joint replacement and sports medicine. We apply the latest state-of-the-art techniques in order to return our patients to their active lifestyle.

If you’re looking for compassionate, expert orthopedic and podiatric surgeons in Portland Oregon, contact OSM today.

Phone:

503-224-8399

Address
1515 NW 18th Ave, 3rd Floor
Portland, OR 97209

Hours
Monday–Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm

Dr. Petit Presents at the Vail International Shoulder Summit

Dr. Petit Presents at the Vail International Shoulder Summit

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Dr. Petit gave lectures on complex shoulder replacement (arthroplasty) along with shoulder arthroscopy and biceps tenodesis to the international audience. Attendees included shoulder surgeons from around the world as well as physical therapists, athletic trainers, and primary care providers. Top shoulder surgeons from around the world making presentations during Summit at Sonnenalp Vail April 6th and 7th.

VAIL, Colo., April 6, 2018 – The latest and most up-to- date methods and technologies in shoulder surgery will be the primary topics of discussion at the Vail International Shoulder Summit on April 6th and 7th at the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail. The Summit is sponsored by Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI), with The Steadman Clinic’s own Peter Millett, MD, MSc serving as the primary host of the event.

The two-day session begins today, Friday, April 6th with SPRI clinical fellowship and International scholar alumni attending. The Summit continues Saturday the 7 th and is open to all orthopaedic surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists and professionals in orthopaedics and sports medicine.

Dr. Millett – who is a shoulder, knee and elbow specialist at The Steadman Clinic and has practiced sports medicine there since 2005 – looks forward to the variety of topics that will be discussed at the weekend’s Summit.

“The meeting is truly an international one with surgeons coming from all over the world to speak and present on their areas of expertise,” said Millett. “One of the benefits of the meeting is that, by design, there is ample time for discussion and one-on- one interaction between the presenters and the audience. It’s more like a think tank, incubator type of meeting than a convention, and that’s by intent.”

While Millett and SPRI have played host to numerous national and international conferences over the years that have focused on shoulder surgery and injuries related to the shoulder, this marks just the second time that they have included a day solely for returning alumni.

“Since so many of us know each other so well,” continued Millett, “it creates more openness and frank dialogue. This format allows us to be less reserved, more candid, and therefore more likely to get real advancements. It leads to some great discussion and helps us all learn more about the latest innovations in shoulder care.

“I think the venue in Vail really facilitates a lot of interaction, which no doubt creates a good cross-pollination of ideas,” added Millett. “Hopefully it not only serves as a forum where there is a lot of sharing of knowledge, but also spurs innovation.”

The Shoulder Summit begins Friday with presentations on the AC joint, bicep tendon, shoulder instability and rotator cuff tears. Saturday’s agenda includes segments on shoulder joint preservation and shoulder arthroplasty (total shoulder replacement surgery).

In addition to Millett, Burak Altintas, MD and Robert Boykin, MD will be serving as course directors for this year’s Shoulder Summit. Altintas, a German orthopaedic surgeon—originally from Turkey—is currently serving as an International scholar at SPRI, working closely with Millett and specializing in shoulder injuries and surgery. Boykin, who trained at Harvard, is a former sports medicine fellow at The Steadman Clinic and now practices as an orthopaedic surgeon in Asheville, N.C.

Other key presenters include The Steadman Clinic and SPRI’s own Matthew Provencher, MD and Johnny Huard, PhD. Provencher—a shoulder, knee and sports surgeon at The Steadman Clinic—will concentrate his talks on shoulder instability. Huard—Chief Scientific Officer and Director of the Center for Regenerative Sports Medicine at SPRI and recently named a recipient of the prestigious 2018 ORS (Orthopaedic Research Society) Kappa Delta Award—will talk about the use of biologics in the shoulder during Saturday morning’s discussion on shoulder preservation.