The body’s musculoskeletal system is made up of complex groupings of bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, all working together to keep us upright and mobile. When healthy and functioning well, our musculoskeletal system gives our bodies the strength and structure to succeed in feats like marathon running, pole jumping and pitching. It also allows us to perform everyday tasks that we often take for granted like walking, climbing stairs and lifting objects. Injury to the musculoskeletal system can result in mild annoyance, to pain, to life altering changes in mobility. Orthopaedic specialists have devoted their careers to learning the complex musculoskeletal system of the body and mastering treatment techniques in order to get their patients back on their feet.

If you’ve been experiencing orthopaedic pain or have sustained an orthopaedic injury the idea of surgery may seem daunting. Fortunately, surgery is not always necessary and there are other options to heal. While many orthopaedic specialists are experts in surgeries such as hip arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair and spine surgery, they have also mastered less invasive, non-surgical treatment techniques.

Below is a list of common non-surgical orthopaedic treatments you can implement at home and that your orthopaedic specialist may recommend if you’ve experienced orthopaedic pain or injury:

1. NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as the name suggests, are non steroid based drugs that reduce inflammation and pain. Ibuprofen and Aspirin fall under this category. Orthopaedics specialists often recommend NSAIDs to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis and tendonitis. If you’ve experienced an orthopaedic injury or arthritis pain you can start treating the condition at home by taking an over-the-counter NSAIDs. If pain and swelling persist, it’s time to see an orthopaedic specialist for further treatment.
2. PRICE Method: The PRICE method (protect, rest, ice, compress, elevate) can be used at home to treat orthopaedic pain or injury.
3. Physical Therapy: In addition to at home treatment methods, your orthopaedic specialist may recommend physical therapy. Many orthopaedic injuries, particularly in sports, are caused by overuse, poor technique or weakness in the muscles surrounding joints. A trained orthopaedic physical therapist, like those at MidAmerica Orthopaedics, will guide you in training and conditioning the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the musculoskeletal system in order to get you back to maximal functional independence.

4. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroid injections allow targeted treatment to problem areas and work by reducing pain causing inflammation. Your orthopaedic specialist may recommend injections in tandem with physical therapy appointments.
5. PRP Therapy: Another form of targeted, minimally invasive treatment is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy. This therapy works by using your body's own platelets and plasma to aid in healing.

Next Steps at MidAmerica Orthopaedics

Gary A. Kronen, MD is a Hand and Upper Extremity Surgeon with MidAmerica Orthopaedics’ Hand to Shoulder Clinic. While an expert in reconstructive surgery, Dr. Kronen also specializes in non-surgical treatment of conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chris Chapman, DO is a Pediatric Sports Medicine Specialist at MidAmerica Orthopaedics’ Pediatric Clinic. Dr. Chapman’s specialties seeks to treat his young patients in the least invasive way possible, by emphasizing alternatives to surgery such as therapy and rehabilitation.

Svetlana Zats, DPM is a Foot and Ankle Specialist at MidAmerica Orthopaedics’ Foot and Ankle Clinic. Dr. Zats has over a decade of experience with expertise in non-surgical treatments like PRP therapy.

To learn more about MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our Immediate Care and Sports Medicine Clinic, and the different treatment options available to you, visit our website, or give us a call at (708) 237-7200. You can also request an appointment online. MidAmerica Orthopaedics serves various areas such as Chicago, Tinley Park, Palos Hills, Mokena, Evergreen Park, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Orland Park and more.