Helping You Understand Common Orthopedic Injuries

Sooner or later, everyone experiences some kind of musculoskeletal pain. It may be a sore knee or an aching shoulder due to a sports injury, a painful neck that is the result of sleeping in an awkward position, or back pain that comes with age-related disc degeneration.

Whatever the location of your discomfort and whether it is mild, moderate, or severe – you need to understand the nature of your orthopedic injury with the help of a qualified orthopedic doctor. This will allow you to obtain proper treatment that relieves the pain and restores your mobility.

Board-certified orthopedic doctor Dr. Brett J. Gilbert and his dedicated team at our EmergeOrtho offices in Raleigh, Apex, Durham, and Brier Creek, in the Triangle region of North Carolina can guide you through recovery.

Understanding The Difference Between Acute and Chronic Pain

Acute pain is sudden and short-lived, typically caused by an injury, such as a muscle strain, dislocation, or fracture. The pain usually subsides as the injury heals, and treatment is typically successful in reducing the pain.

Common chronic orthopedic conditions include:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Chronic low back pain
• Chronic joint pain
• Nerve damage
• Osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)
• Previous injury

On the other hand, chronic pain is long-term and persistent, usually lasting for more than three months. It can affect bones, joints, and muscles and can have a negative impact on daily function. Chronic pain can be age-related, genetic, or caused by overuse of certain joints, bones, or muscles.

Common acute orthopedic conditions include:

• Meniscus tears
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Hernias
• Impingements (pressure on a tendon, nerve, etc., by an adjacent structure)
• Muscle sprains and strains

Treatment Options for Common Orthopedic Injuries

The most common treatment options for orthopedic injuries include:

• Physical therapy: A physical therapist can assist with injury rehabilitation to alleviate pain or discomfort.
• Bracing: Using a brace can stabilize the joint or sprain and promote proper healing.
• Compression: Applying pressure to the injury can reduce swelling and aid in recovery.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to reduce swelling and pain.
• Surgery: For severe joint or ligament injuries, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage.

When Should I See An Orthopedic Specialist?

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort that is affecting your daily function or quality of life, it may be time to see an orthopedic specialist. Some signs that you may need to see a specialist include:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Inability to move a joint through a full range of motion
• Numbness or tingling in the affected area
• Instability or weakness in the affected area
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks
• Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications

Orthopedic Doctor in Raleigh, Apex, and Brier Creek, North Carolina

In addition to being a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Brett J. Gilbert has advanced fellowship training in hip and knee replacement surgery. If you are experiencing acute or chronic pain in your hip or knee joint, Dr. Gilbert can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options for your specific condition. Also, if you feel the need for more than one expert assessment on your condition and alternatives, Dr. Gilbert can also provide you with a second opinion.

Our team of orthopedic doctors in Raleigh, Apex, and Brier Creek, North Carolina, is experienced in treating a wide range of common orthopedic injuries, including:

• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Stress fractures
• Sprains and strains
• Tennis elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Wrist fractures
• Shoulder dislocation
• Rotator cuff tears
• ACL tears
• Plantar fasciitis
• Meniscus tears

We also provide care for more complex injuries, such as fractures and dislocations. Our orthopedic specialists are equipped with the latest technologies and techniques to provide you with the best possible care.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Gilbert, call (919) 788-8797 or, if you prefer, use our convenient, online Request an Appointment form.