The musculoskeletal system is a crucial part of our day-to-day lives as this houses the boines, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, which helps us with mobility. Due to its constant use, it is not unusual for any of the parts of the musculoskeletal system to encounter an injury or get worn out. When this happens, you can always turn to an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore to seek help.
Defining Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors that specialise in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating of the various conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. These medical professionals have undergone extensive training in the field of orthopaedics. They go on to complete a residency program, which typically lasts for five years, that is particularly designed for disorders related to the musculoskeletal system after accomplishing their medical degree.
In addition to the residency program, orthopaedic surgeons may continue their education through fellowship programs to gain additional knowledge and skills for more specialised areas like joint replacement, pediatric orthopaedics, spine surgery, or sports medicine.
Conditions Treated by Orthopaedic Surgeons
There are a broad spectrum of conditions and disorders concerning the musculoskeletal system that can be treated by orthopaedic surgeons, such as:
- Arthritis – Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints causing stiffness, pain, and mobility issues. Orthopaedic surgeons have the right skill set to provide treatment for this condition, which is common to all people across the globe. There are different ways to treat arthritis. Medication, physical therapy, and surgery are some examples.
- Disorders affecting the ankle and foot – Orthopaedic surgeons are the best doctors to consult with when you have problems concerning your foot or ankle, such as Achilles tendon injuries, bunions, and fractures. These conditions can be managed by using surgical intervention or other special methods to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
- Disorders affecting the spine – Herniated discs and scoliosis are two of the well-known conditions among many that can develop in the spinal region. There are different approaches that can be done by orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore to treat these disorders. Treatments include invasive and non-invasive procedures that can be customised according to a patient’s particular condition and needs.
- Fractures and trauma – When it comes to bone injuries like fractures, orthopaedic surgeons are the first doctors that would come into the picture for treatment. They are trained to manage and treat fractures and trauma effectively, whether they are simple or complicated by nature. Imaging equipment like X-rays and MRIs are often used by orthopaedic surgeons to examine these types of injuries in order to create a proper treatment plan.
- Injuries from overuse – Individuals that are always physically affective commonly develop injuries resulting from the overuse of certain body parts. Overuse injuries often lead to chronic pain, which can have negative implications in an individual’s quality of life. To improve these injuries, orthopaedic surgeons come up with comprehensive treatment plans that combine a range of procedures, such as medication, physical therapy, and minimally invasive treatments.
- Joint replacement – Severe arthritis or damage usually warrants joint replacement to improve movements and ease chronic pain. This invasive surgical procedure is performed by orthopaedic surgeons commonly on the knee or hip.
- Pediatric conditions – Early diagnosis of certain pediatric conditions influencing the musculoskeletal system can help in improving the lives of children as they grow. Orthopaedic surgeons specialising in the conditions affecting children can treat congenital deformities, growth palate injuries, and scoliosis.
- Sports injuries – Orthopaedic surgeons that have undergone further training in sports injuries management can efficiently treat conditions and injuries that arise among athletes and sports enthusiasts. Treatments include rehabilitation programs as well as surgical and non-surgical options.
When to See an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Singapore
It can be difficult to judge when a condition or an injury needs the immediate care of an orthopaedic surgeon since the gravity of these problems affecting the musculoskeletal system can differ. However, if you feel the following symptoms, it may be time to consult with one:
- Chronic pain
Experiencing pain that never goes away in any part of your musculoskeletal system like your bones or joints should be assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon, especially if they no longer respond to medications, physical therapy, or rest.
- Failure to improve with first aid and traditional treatments
Conservative treatments, such as medications, lifestyle changes, or physical therapy, are usually applied to minor symptoms of musculoskeletal conditions. Sometimes these treatments work, but in the event that they no longer improve the condition of the target area, consulting with an orthopaedic surgeon is your next step.
- Mobility limitations
An injury that results in having difficulty in joint or limb movement generally signals a more serious damage. Book your appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon soonest when you experience limitations in your ability to move and perform regular activities.
- Noticeable deformity
A swelling joint or a misaligned limb needs an orthopaedic surgeon’s immediate attention to avoid the injury from getting worse. Such deformities can be signs of dislocations or fractures that should be treated with urgency.
- Post-injury assessments
Severe injuries, especially those that are caused by an accident, a fall or sports injury, should be brought to an orthopaedic surgeon for thorough evaluation. Their assessments are crucial to determine whether other injuries are present that are without any symptoms.
- Signs of nerve compression
Nerve compression happens when a nerve is squeezed or pressed by the tissues around is, such as the bones, muscles, ligaments, or tendons. The pressure on the
nerves can affect its function leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in certain parts of your body. This needs the intervention of an orthopaedic surgeon to avoid more complications.
Conclusion
Orthopaedic surgeons are important in ensuring that our musculoskeletal system is healthy and allow us to perform day-to-day activities without any limitations. They can diagnose, manage and treat conditions to help suffering individuals improve their body’s function and mobility, which improves their quality of life. It is imperative to have a proper understanding of when to seek the help of an orthopaedic surgeon as this can make a great difference in your body’s ability to recover from an injury.
Do not hesitate to reach out to an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore whenever you have pressing concerns about the health of your musculoskeletal system.
Dr Puah Ken Lee MBBS (Singapore) MRCSED, MMED (Ortho Surg), FRCSED (Orth), FAMS
Artisan Sports & Orthopaedic Clinic
290 Orchard Road
Paragon Medical Centre #07-12
Singapore 238859
Phone (65) 8909 8877
