Orthopaedic Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: Orthopaedic Treatments Always Involve Surgery

Orthopaedic care is tailored to individual needs, with surgery being one option within a broader spectrum of treatments. In suitable cases, orthopaedic conditions can also be managed with non-surgical interventions such as physiotherapy, medication, lifestyle modifications, and rehabilitation activities.

Read more about minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery

Myth 2: Recovery from Orthopaedic Surgery is Always Lengthy and Painful

With minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery (which is more common nowadays), it uses smaller cuts and more precise techniques, allowing patients to recover more quickly. They also tend to experience less pain, smaller scars, and return to normal activities sooner.

Myth 3: Arthritis is Only a Senior's Disease

Arthritis is not exclusive to seniors; it can affect people of all ages. There are various types of arthritis which can impact individuals across different age groups, such as:

• Juvenile arthritis: affects kids and teens below 16 years old
• Psoriatic arthritis: affects people who have psoriasis
• Ankylosing spondylitis: affects joints near your lower back
• Gout: causes sharp uric acid crystals to form in your joints

Myth 4: Exercise Worsens Joint Pain

When done properly, exercise has multiple advantages and is essential in the management of orthopaedic disorders. Personalised exercise plans can help an individual's joints become more flexible and strengthen the muscles; thereby relieving pain and stiffness.

Myth 5: Children Don't Experience Orthopaedic Issues

Despite the misconception that orthopaedic problems only affect adults, some diseases may affect children. It is important to recognize paediatric orthopaedics as a specialised field dedicated to addressing musculoskeletal issues in children. Common paediatric orthopaedic conditions in children are fractures, scoliosis, limb length discrepancy, flat feet, clubfoot etc.

Myth 6: Orthopaedic Surgeons Only Treat Bone Issues

Beyond addressing bone problems, orthopaedic surgeons provide treatment for a wide range of issues. Although their area of specialisation is the musculoskeletal system, they also diagnose and treat a wide range of disorders affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.

Myth 7: Orthopaedic Conditions Are Inevitable with Aging

While older age may increase the risk of developing certain musculoskeletal problems, there are ways to reduce that risk. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting early check-ups with an orthopaedic doctor when you notice symptoms
• Getting regular exercise
• Adopting good ergonomic practices such as proper posture and footwear

It is advisable to consult orthopaedic specialists if you notice any abnormal symptoms so as to obtain accurate diagnosis and effective treatment promptly.