A great orthopaedic surgeon can do a lot to relieve your aching joints — and not all of them involve surgery. Maybe you were playing basketball when you heard your knee pop. It could be that your elbow is locking when you try to move it a certain way. Maybe years of repetitive movement have resulted in painful swelling and tendonitis in your wrist, or a fall has left you with a broken bone. When issues like these arise, you may need an orthopaedic specialist to help you heal.
Diagnostics
A dedicated orthopaedic surgeon in Arlington Heights will not always recommend surgery. Proper diagnosis must be performed before a treatment plan can be outlined. Using X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic tools, a well-trained, knowledgeable surgeon can determine which treatment will work best to provide the optimal outcome for patients suffering from joint damage. Dr. Michael Gitelis has over 40 years of experience. He learns about cutting-edge techniques in sports medicine to provide up-to-date care for his patients.
Nonsurgical Options
For some people, nonsurgical options can relieve pain and help to manage symptoms. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder, for example, may be treated with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and nutritional supplements. Osteochondritis Dissecans of the elbow can cause difficulty in the ability to flex and extend your arm. Nonoperative treatments for this may include cryotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or modified activity. A knowledgeable orthopaedic surgeon in Arlington Heights will know whether a nonoperative treatment is likely to work for your specific issue.
Operative Options
Sometimes, surgery is the only option. Removal of inflamed tissue, tendon repairs, bone marrow stimulation, and osteochondral allografts (replacing damaged bone and cartilage) are some of the options a surgeon may use to help your damaged or diseased joint to heal.
