Orthopedics
Edward A. Kelly Jr., MD
Your body is made up of complicated bone structures. Orthopedics relates to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of bone deformities and disorders.
Dr. Edward A. Kelly Jr. at Downingtown Family Practice offers specialty orthopedic care to men and women living in the Downingtown, Pennsylvania area, as well as professional treatments for and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise.
Find the right solutions to and preventions of bone disorders by scheduling an appointment with Downingtown Family Practice by phone or online.
Orthopedics Q & A
What is orthopedics?
Orthopedics focuses on the treatment of conditions related to the muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Orthopedists provide crucial solutions to arthritis-related pain, osteoporosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, along with sports-related injuries.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis occurs when one or more of your joints are inflamed. This can cause mild to severe pain and stiffness, and typically worsens with age.
What are common sports-related injuries treated by orthopedists?
Orthopedists most commonly treat some of the following sports-related injuries:
- Knee injuries
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Dislocations
- Fractures and sprains
What is an orthopedic treatment?
An orthopedic treatment involves four stages of care:
- Diagnosis
- Medical treatment, exercise, surgery or other options.
- Rehabilitation
- Prevention
Orthopedists will first opt for nonsurgical treatment, which involves exercises and alternative therapies.
However, this doesn’t always have the best results. In this case, Downingtown Family Practice might refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to consider your surgical options.
What is the difference between an orthopedic doctor and an orthopedic surgeon?
Orthopedic doctors won’t perform surgery on any affected area. They can provide treatment options, prescribe medicine, and expedite referral to an orthopedic surgeon near you.
Approximately 90% of sports injuries are nonsurgical, though other bone or joint issues might require the intervention of a trained orthopedic surgeon.
Treatments may include soft tissue repair, joint replacement, cartilage repair, or internal fixation, which holds the broken pieces of bone in place by implanting metal plates, pins, rods, wires, or screws into the affected area.
When should you consult with an orthopedist?
You should book an appointment with an orthopedist at Downingtown Family Practice if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty performing daily tasks due to bone and joint pain
- Chronic pain
- Limited range of motion
- Instability while walking or standing
Joint tightness and bone pain are typically the main reasons why patients seek out orthopedic assistance. These symptoms may be signs of arthritis, tendonitis, or bone erosion.
If you’re looking for top-quality orthopedic care or are simply curious about whether this kind of care is right for you, call Downingtown Family Practice today or book an appointment online to speak to a specialist.
* Individual results may vary