It is not every day that you’re referred to an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore unless you’re an athlete or if you live an active lifestyle. Now, you’re most likely to be referred to an orthopaedic clinic if you’re experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, or mobility issues.
It could be all you need to find relief and resume normal activities. Now, just so you know, orthopaedic specialists diagnose, treat, and manage musculoskeletal conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Thanks to their expertise, patients can receive targeted care tailored to their specific condition. See more: https://www.artisanorthopaedics.sg/blog/acl-tear-injury-common-causes-symptoms-treatment-in-singapore.
We created this guide to answer the frequently asked question: Why would you be referred to orthopedics? So, at the end of this read, you should know the common problems that orthopaedics deal with and the treatment options available, among other basics. Keep reading!
Common Conditions Treated at an Orthopaedic Clinic Singapore
Orthopaedic specialists handle a wide range of conditions that can impact daily life and overall mobility. You may be referred to orthopedics if you have been diagnosed with or suspected to have conditions like; osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, a rotator cuff injury, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear, herniated disc or even fractures and dislocations among other issues. Here is a roundup of how your orthopaedic clinic in Singapore can help with each of these issues;
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage between bones to wear down over time. This wearing down of the cartilage may cause not just pain, but also stiffness, and swelling.
This condition commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. If you’re visiting a good orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, they will most likely begin with non-surgical treatments which may involve lifestyle modifications, weight management, physical therapy, pain medication, and injections such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.
Surgery is usually the last resort if these options don’t help. If surgery is needed, you may get a joint replacement surgery (e.g., knee or hip replacement). These procedures are usually reserved for severe cases.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack the joints. This attack, too may cause inflammation and pain.
If not treated, it may eventually cause joint damage. Non-surgical treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic agents, pain management, and physical therapy.
If these don’t help, surgery may be recommended. For surgery, you may benefit from joint fusion or joint replacement in advanced cases.
Rotator Cuff Injuries
The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. Injuries, often caused by repetitive overhead movements or trauma, can lead to pain, weakness, and reduced mobility.
Again, non-surgical treatments are usually the first approach. They typically involve; rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and steroid injections. If you’ve suffered a severe tear, you may be recommended arthroscopic repair or open surgery.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears
ACL injuries are common among athletes. They’re also common among people who are involved in high-impact sports.
A torn ACL can cause knee instability and difficulty in movement. Treatment options include bracing, physical therapy, and activity modification.
Those treatment options work for minor injuries. If you’ve suffered a complete ACL tear, you will need ACL reconstruction surgery.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is a condition that occurs when the soft inner gel of your spinal disc pushes through its outer layer. Because of this pushing, it may compress nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
If you’re visiting a good orthopaedic clinic in Singapore for herniated disc treatment, they will begin by administering pain medications. They may also perform physiotherapy and even administer epidural steroid injections.
If these don’t help, surgery may be recommended. For this, you may undergo microdiscectomy or spinal fusion to fix the issue. Again, such procedures are reserved for severe cases.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm through the wrist into your hand, is compressed or irritated as it passes through the carpal tunnel. This compression can cause pain.
Other symptoms you may experience include numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers. Non-surgical treatment approaches for carpal tunnel syndrome include wrist splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, and corticosteroid injections. If surgery is needed, you may undergo carpal tunnel release surgery to relieve nerve compression.
Fractures and Dislocations
Orthopaedic clinics also handle broken bones and joint dislocations. These are the conditions which orthopaedic clinics are most known for.
Broken bones and joint dislocations can occur due to accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Treatment options include casting, splinting, or bracing for minor fractures.
For complex fractures, you may be recommended specialized surgical procedures. Options include internal fixation using plates, screws, or rods.
When Should You Visit an Orthopaedic Clinic in Singapore?
We experience injuries all the time and, in most cases, they’re minor, which is why it may not be easy to tell outright if you should visit an orthopaedic clinic or simply grab an OTC pain medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to visit an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore:
- Persistent joint or muscle pain that does not improve with rest.
- Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain or stiffness.
- Limited range of motion in any joint.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around a joint.
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling in the limbs.
- A recent injury affecting bones, joints, or muscles.
Timely treatment can prevent conditions from worsening and improve your overall recovery outcomes. When you get to the facility, the specialists will thoroughly review your medical history and symptoms.
They will then proceed with a physical examination to assess joint function and mobility. If needed, they may perform X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans to identify the cause of your symptoms.
Blood tests may also be done if an autoimmune condition is suspected. After the assessment, a customized plan based on your diagnosis will be developed.
This plan may include physical therapy, medication, or surgery. Lifestyle recommendations to support recovery and prevent future issues may also be recommended.
The Bottom Line
As you have seen, an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore provides specialized care for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. You will need to seek timely treatment if you’re keen on improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing your overall quality of life.
At Artisan Sports & Orthopaedics Surgery, we’re wholly dedicated to delivering high-quality care tailored to your needs. It doesn’t matter if you require a consultation, diagnostic assessment, or advanced treatment options. We are fully equipped to help. For expert orthopaedic care, call or visit us at:
Artisan Sports & Orthopaedics Surgery
290 Orchard Road,
Paragon Medical Centre #07-12,
Singapore 238859
https://www.artisanorthopaedics.sg/
+65 8909 8877
