When you sustain an orthopedic injury, you may wonder what type of doctor to go to or what type of specialist you may eventually need to see. For instance, if you’re a South Florida resident and you’ve torn your ACL, sprained your ankle, or dislocated your shoulder, you may be in need of a ligament repair specialist in Delray Beach. You’re in luck because the orthopedic surgeon in South Florida you’re looking for is Steve Meadows, MD.
As an orthopedic specialist, Dr. Meadows sees certain musculoskeletal issues more than others, including:
Bone Fractures
>Bone fractures occur when you have a complete or partial break in a bone. It could stem from a fall or overuse, which can sometimes cause what is known as a stress fracture.
If you have a condition like osteoporosis, which weakens your bones, you could be more at risk for a fracture.
An orthopedist may apply a cast or prescribe an air cast, but in some cases, surgical repair of the fracture will be necessary. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to ensure you maintain as much function as possible in the injured area.
Ligament Tears
Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect one bone to another. Its job is to support your joints. Ligaments are located throughout your body, including in joints like your shoulders and elbows.
When you overexert or overstretch these joints, it’s possible to damage them. As a result, you lose stability and experience limited mobility in that joint. You may even hear a popping noise at the moment of injury. Although ligament tears can cause pain, these injuries don’t always cause pain.
Ligament tears can heal on their own with exercise and self-care. However, in severe cases, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
There is a passage at your wrist, on the palm side of your hand, surrounded by ligaments and bones. Inside that passageway is a nerve known as the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this nerve is compressed. As a result, you may experience tingling, weakness, or numbness in your arm and hand.
Performing repeated motions with your hands can contribute to this condition, but it’s not always known what causes it.
Your orthopedist may recommend corticosteroid injections to relieve any inflammation and pain. Your doctor could also recommend splinting. In more serious cases, you may need carpal tunnel surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve.
Muscle or Tendon Tears
Muscles and tendons may tear due to sudden exertion or with wear and tear or repetitive activities over time. Muscle or tendon tears can cause a dull ache in the area. It might interfere with your sleep. You might also struggle to be able to use the injured area.
A rotator cuff tear, for example, is common among those who frequently reach overhead, such as painters, swimmers, or pitchers.
In most cases, the first course of action is physical therapy. With this treatment, you perform certain exercises to strengthen the area and promote healing. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary for severely torn muscles or tendons.
Arthritis
When you have chronic joint pain that disrupts your ability to move and perform your usual daily activities, you may want to visit an orthopedist. This medical specialist can determine if it’s in fact arthritis and provide you with the appropriate treatment, depending on your needs.
Why Choose Our Orthopedist in South Florida
If you’re looking for an orthopedic surgeon in South Florida who specializes in hand and shoulder treatments, Steve Meadows, MD, can help with a variety of orthopedic injuries, including arthritis. As a ligament repair specialist in Delray Beach, he can help with all types of soft tissue issues. Additionally, he prides himself on helping his orthopedic patients recover quickly and restoring the use of their hands, shoulders, wrists, and elbows.
Contact South Palm Orthopedics, serving Delray Beach and the nearby Florida region, if you have any of the aforementioned problems or any other similar problems by calling 561-496-6622 . You may also use our online appointment request form.
