In every joint in the body, the two bones are connected by a thick tissue called a ligament. Ligaments are very similar to tendons, which connect a muscle to a bone.
Ligaments enable you to move, perform daily tasks, and participate in physical activities. They serve the purpose of stabilizing your joint, yet they are semi-flexible.
If you have injured one of your joints while playing golf, tennis, or just performing chores around the house, you may have partially or fully torn a ligament. If you have chronic joint pain, it is in your best interest to see a ligament repair specialist who has years of successful experience. Let’s talk about what a ligament repair doctor can do for you, and where you can find a medical expert who specializes in joint repair here in Palm Beach County.
Determine the Cause of Joint Pain
During your appointment, your orthopedic physician will evaluate the injured or painful area. The doctor will look for swelling and painful spots on your joint. The physician will also ask you about how you injured the area, and the doctor will ask you to move the body part to assess your range of motion.
In many cases, that’s enough to determine the problem. However, further testing may be necessary to rule out other possible issues. Your doctor may order an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound scan to look for any underlying issues.
Offer Nonsurgical Treatment
If you have a minor ligament injury, your orthopedist can provide conservative treatment options to help you manage the pain and to help the injury heal naturally. Exercise therapy, for example, can encourage blood flow to the area to promote healing. The doctor may also recommend and administer pain-relief injections directly into the joint to quell the pain.
Perform Surgery When Necessary
In some cases, your only treatment option is surgery. This is especially true if the ligament was fully torn and is not healing properly. Your doctor will use imaging tests to determine the type of repair that is ideal for you based on the severity and location of the tear.
Explain Injury-Prevention Methods
Part of your treatment may include advice about how to prevent an injury from occurring again in the future. If you participate in sports, your physician may recommend physical therapy to keep the ligament limber, which makes it less vulnerable to damage.
Ligament Repair Specialist in Delray Beach, FL
Our own Steve Meadows, MD, here at South Palm Orthopedics, has specialized training in upper-extremity ligament repairs. Dr. Meadows may suggest and perform either nonsurgical or surgical treatments based on your specific injury. His goal is to ensure that you regain function in that area while developing a strong doctor-patient relationship with you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Meadows at South Palm Orthopedics, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at 561-496-6622 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you get back to the active lifestyle you enjoy!
