Alternatives to Surgery: 6 Non-Surgical Solutions for Orthopedic Conditions – Guide 2024

The news of requiring surgical treatment for common orthopedic conditions may reflect a serious and life-changing factor. With a host of side effects, permanent and temporary consequences, and costs, surgical options may not be viable and practical for your condition. Orthopedic issues range from sports injuries (like Achilles tendonitis) to age-related problems (knee arthritis). Fortunately, surgery is not the only option to resort to.

With technological advancements in the orthopedic industry, there are a host of non-surgical options you can choose from. Certain solutions, like physical therapy, can be used as a part of ongoing postsurgical treatment or as a solo treatment for acute issues.

If you are looking for alternatives to orthopedic surgery, you have come to the right place! In this article, you will take a look at the variety of options available at your disposal that can replace surgical procedures:

The Best Alternative: Seek Professional Help

Approaching a reliable orthopedic service can provide you with a multitude of surgery alternatives in LA by utilizing technological advancements to treat intense pain and inflammation concerned with sports injuries and musculoskeletal issues.

They can provide regenerative medicine and diagnosis with ultrasound imaging, fluoroscopy, and other non-surgical treatment options for osteoarthritis, spine pain, joint injuries, and common sports injuries.

A reputable orthopedic service can help you access experienced and skilled physicians and doctors to improve mobility and function while contributing to the quality of life. Given below are three advantages you can get from partnering with them:

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  • Natural Healing Support

One of the main principles against using surgical procedures is to promote natural healing mechanisms rather than invasions and surgical interventions.

By providing you the state-of-the-art technology for diagnosis and treatment, they can aptly describe your condition and inject platelet cells to support natural healing. It speeds up the healing process naturally and can permanently evade you from relying on surgical options.

  • Professional Expertise And Training

Another major advantage is that you can trust your medical condition and orthopedic treatment to the most trusted, skilled, professional, and experienced physicians who have undergone rigorous and advanced training in imagery guidance.

As such, these physicians can give you nothing less than perfect execution and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries with their comprehensive evaluation. As reputed services choose their physicians with rigorous tests, evaluation, and further training in the field, you can rely on them for a smooth treatment process.

  • Detailed Evaluations And Diagnostics

Sometimes injuries may not be what they seem. A correct diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation is the most critical aspect of treatment, for the wrong method can waste time and effort- two of the most essential factors to healing.

Fortunately, expert physicians conduct an in-depth evaluation of the injury and develop tailored treatments that tackle the condition and provide long-term solutions to treat the causes.

Non-Surgical Orthopedic Treatments

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Non-surgical treatments are often confused with supplementary treatments that follow up postsurgical activity. However, certain non-surgical procedures can be used independently to provide natural healing benefits. It is important to note that non-surgical options depend on the nature, type, and degree of seriousness of the injury and, thus, must require expert consultation.

Fluid Drainage

Fluid drainage is a medical technique typically used for inflammation and cysts in the musculoskeletal system responsible for pain and symptoms. In this method, a needle is penetrated towards the joint area where the fluids are drained, also known as a needle aspiration.

For accuracy, it is often performed with ultrasound guidance. A fluid sample is taken from the fluid pockets to test and drain the inflection. It is used for conditions like Baker’s Cyst.

Steroid Injections

Corticosteroids and shots work excellently to eradicate pain and inflammation. However, it is important to note that they are not permanent, and long-term usage has heavy consequences. These injections are often taken with an anesthetic to enhance mobility and treat conditions like bursitis.

Depending on the condition, certain treatments also include OTC medications like NSAIDs and CBDs. They are simple and cost-effective and can also provide instant relief. Doctors mostly prohibit regular use.

Certain steroids are provided with ultrasound guidance to improve accuracy for area-specific conditions like knee arthritis. The knee is initially numbed with an anesthetic. The ultrasound guides the needles and probes the position to the target pressure point. This will reduce pain and inflammation for the time being.

Immobilisation, Manipulation, And Distension

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When treating orthopedic conditions, it is a common misconception that all muscle- and joint-related problems can be solved through effective movement rehabilitation. However, the truth is that it depends on the specific condition.

There are orthopedic problems that require temporary immobilization for treatment. This is done through bracing, booting, and casting, and it is usually done before other non-surgical treatments or surgeries as prescribed.

For instance, Achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains are best healed with immobilization. Other orthopedic conditionals require you to move the joint actively or passively to loosen the tight muscle fibers and promote rapid healing. Joint distention is also used by injecting water into the capsule socket, enabling easier stretching and mobility.

Arthritis Viscosupplementation

Viscosupplementation is a treatment where hyaluronic acid is injected into the pressure joint in the knee or shoulder. It is used to treat osteoarthritis and people with low levels of hyaluronic acids in the joints. This acid is a natural substance in the body, and this synovial fluid functions as a lubricating agent to increase flexibility, shock absorption and improve mobility.

In case of inflammation, the doctor extracts fluids from the joint before injecting the acid.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

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Another alternative to surgery is the ESWT treatment that utilizes low-level sound waves to reduce pain and increase cell regeneration. This method is similar to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) but replaces electrical shocks to sound waves. This method transmits ultrasonic sound waves to the target areas to relieve pain.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment

One of the most advanced treatments that effectively treat orthopedic issues, the platelet-rich plasma treatment is used for a range of conditions, from acute knee sprains to chronic ligament injuries. It is used extensively to treat Achilles tendonitis, jumper knee, acute ligament and tendon tears, hamstring injuries, fractures, and other problems that may resort to surgeries.

Platelets are that part of the blood component that is responsible for blood clots and providing healing proteins. PRP is responsible for rapid healing and is the base component used for this treatment.

For instance, Achilles tendonitis is a common orthopedic issue that causes heel cords to inflame and swell. PRP and anesthetics are injected into these areas, which boosts the repairing process and heals the inflamed tissue. This is usually compounded with stitches and other minor surgeries for more effectiveness.

The Orthopedic Benefits of Staying Physically Active

Being physically active is a cornerstone of maintaining good health and preventing a myriad of health issues, including orthopedic conditions. Engaging in regular exercise can offer protection against the wear and tear of joints, muscles, and bones, and can even serve as a non-surgical solution for certain orthopedic problems.

Key Benefits of Physical Activity

  • Strengthening Muscles and Joints: Regular exercise helps in strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints. This can reduce the strain on the joints and decrease the risk of injuries. Stronger muscles can also aid in better posture, reducing the chances of back and neck problems.
  • Increasing Bone Density: Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, running, or lifting weights, can increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
  • Enhancing Flexibility and Range of Motion: Activities that involve stretching, like yoga or pilates, can improve flexibility and the range of motion of joints. This can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from conditions like arthritis.

CrossFit as A Solution

CrossFit, as a high-intensity functional training program, encapsulates various forms of exercises ranging from weightlifting to cardiovascular workouts. Here’s how it can be influential:

  • Variety Ensures Overall Fitness: CrossFit routines are diverse, targeting different muscle groups and ensuring a holistic approach to fitness. This can be particularly beneficial for orthopedic health as it ensures that no particular muscle group is overstrained.
  • Functional Movements Aid Daily Activities: The exercises that crossfit Scripps Ranch provides, as an example, mimic everyday actions, like lifting, pulling, or pushing. This not only builds strength but also ensures that our bodies are conditioned for daily tasks, reducing the risk of orthopedic injuries in day-to-day activities.
  • Community Support: One of the unique aspects of CrossFit is its community-driven approach. Training in groups can be motivating and can ensure that exercises are done correctly, reducing the risk of injuries.
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Conclusion

And that marks the end of the alternatives to orthopedic surgery and how the right orthopedic service can help you speed up the healing process and provide effective treatments with technologically advanced solutions. Apart from the techniques mentioned above, one can also adjust lifestyle to make healing easy.

Postural adjustments can lessen the exacerbation to the back and neck regions. Ensure you also take a protein-rich and nutritious diet to enhance healing. Unhealthy foods are responsible for slowing down recovery and triggering inflammation.