Everybody now knows that, in order to live a healthy lifestyle, we must eat a balanced, nutritious diet, and engage in regular exercise. This message is hitting home, with increasing numbers of both young and old people becoming more active. However, the result of this is that elderly people, and particularly the baby boomers, are more likely to have injuries or overuse symptoms to the muscles, joints, and bones. Now these allegations do not mean people should stop being active. Rather, according to James DeVellis MD, it means that people need to be more aware of their body and not engage in misconduct in the gym.
James DeVellis MD on Orthopedics
Dr. DeVellis completed a local study on the extent of physical problems people in his area have. He found, through the voluntary study, that degenerative joint disease lies at the heart of most problems he comes across. Additionally, he broke the news that people have developed arthritis and osteoarthritis. These are all studied and treated by specialists in orthopedics.
It is perhaps no surprise, therefore, that orthopedics is now one of the most in demand fields of medical science. People want to grow up being an old fox, with vitality and inner and outer beauty. They live longer and live healthy lives, and they want to continue to do so. Hence, there is now an increased demand for medical professionals with orthopedic specializations.
On orthopedist studies the musculoskeletal system (nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and bones). They diagnose and treat problems to this system. To become an orthopedic, an undergraduate degree is required, followed by medical school and a residency, work in their sub-specialization, and a piece of research. Often, orthopedists further specialize in an area that interests them, such as:
- Shoulder and elbow surgery.
- Hand surgery.
- Pediatric orthopedics.
- Arthroplasty (total joint reconstruction).
- Spine surgery.
- Foot and ankle surgery.
- Surgical sports medicine.
- Musculoskeletal oncology.
- Orthopedic trauma.
What Does an Orthopedist Do?
An orthopedist can generally choose how to treat conditions. Some focus on surgical options, whereas others aim to avoid surgery. Those who focus on the latter can be become kinesiologists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, and physiotherapists. Those who do use surgery or other forms of medicine become orthopedic surgeons. However, both have the same am, which is to improve conditions to the overall musculoskeletal system. They make focus on the spine, the hands, the feet, or the joints, and many also specialized in prosthetics and joint replacements.
In fact, the most common form of orthopedic surgery is that of joint replacement (shoulders, knees, hips). This is seen the world over. If patients find their pain interferes with their quality of life, their physician may refer them to an orthopedist to determine what it going on, and how it is best treated. Usually, surgery is a last resort option, not in the least because replacement joints don’t last forever either. Hence, medication is usually tried first and only once that is no longer effective will the joint be replaced.