When was the last time you heard the word orthopaedic? Perhaps when you broke your arms after tumbling on the ground while playing tag with your friends. Or maybe when you tripped and fell while wearing your four-inch stiletto boots at the party.

Generally, we visit an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore when we have fractures or injuries concerning the bone. But do you know that an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore deals more than a fractured arm and sprained ankle?

An orthopaedic doctor deals with the entire musculoskeletal system. They can be an ankle specialist in Singapore if you ever injure your feet and ankle from wearing heels or be an orthopaedist when you break your bones. Continue reading this article to learn more about orthopaedic doctors and the musculoskeletal system.

The Musculoskeletal System and Orthopaedics

Before we tackle the importance of orthopaedics and the conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, we must first understand what the musculoskeletal system is.

What is orthopaedics?

Orthopaedics is a branch of medicine or a medical speciality that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. An orthopaedic clinic in Singapore aims to prevent, diagnose, correct, and treat musculoskeletal conditions.

What is the musculoskeletal system?

The musculoskeletal system, also known as the locomotor system, is a human body system made up of bones, muscles, cartilage, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues.

The prime function of the musculoskeletal system is to provide the body stability, support, shape, protection, and movement.

The musculoskeletal system can be divided into two systems: skeletal and muscular.

The skeletal system deals with bones, cartilage, ligaments and bursae.

The muscular system deals with skeletal muscles, joints, and tendons.

What is an orthopaedist?

An orthopaedist or orthopaedic doctor in Singapore is a medical professional that specialises in orthopaedics. An orthopaedic doctor uses medical and physical methods and techniques, such as therapy and Singapore orthopaedic surgery, to treat, rehabilitate, and improve diseases, injuries, and abnormalities affecting the musculoskeletal system.

An orthopaedist manages and handles conditions concerning the neck, hands and wrists, shoulders and elbows, back, hips, knees, and feet and ankles.

The scope of work of an orthopaedist is wide. That is why some of them take specialities. You can encounter an orthopaedic doctor who is also an ankle specialist in Singapore.

Basically, people cannot move without the musculoskeletal system. It plays a major role in our mobility, and it is reasonable to give it extra care. However, there are situations where injuries and conditions affect the musculoskeletal system. Some of them are preventable, while others are not. Continue reading to learn more about the common musculoskeletal conditions you should consult with an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore.

Common Orthopaedic Conditions in Children, Adults, and Seniors

Children

Pediatric orthopaedics specialises in diagnosing, preventing, correcting, treating, and rehabilitating musculoskeletal conditions among newborn babies, children, and teenagers.

Clubfoot

Clubfoot or Congenital Talipes Equinovarus is a condition where the lower legs, ankles, and feet are twisted inwardly. It can affect both or one of the feet. This condition develops in the early stages of pregnancy.

Ponseti methodor gentle manipulation are used to correct clubfoot among children.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is the sideways curvature of the spine, usually taking a C or S shape curvature.

Idiopathic scoliosis mostly appears in adolescents. On the other hand, congenital scoliosis appears after birth.

For mild cases of pediatric and adolescent scoliosis, a custom brace is used to correct the curvature.

Severe cases of scoliosis may require Singapore orthopaedic surgery.

Stress Fractures

Fractures are cracks in the bone. Children often obtain fractures when engaging in physical activities such as sports and play. A stress fracture can affect any part of the body but is most common in the lower limbs.

Rest and using of cast and crutch help improve stress fractures. Visit an ankle specialist in Singapore if your child is suffering from a stress fracture.

Adults

Bunions

A bunion is the formation of a bony bump or bone spur at the base of the big toe. A severe bunion causes pain and foot structure deformity. Shoe inserts, paddings, and pain medication halt the development of bunions.

People also undergo bunion surgery in Singapore to completely remove the bone spur.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is caused by muscle strain. Pregnant women and people who do heavy lifting frequently suffer from lower back pain. Special conditions affecting the spine and the ligaments and muscles surrounding also cause lower back pain.

People who are experiencing lower back pain should visit an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore for an accurate diagnosis.

Neck Pain

Adults often experience neck pain due to long hours of poor posture or hunching over the computer and office desk. Neck pain is also caused by injuries, such as whiplash, mostly obtained from vehicular accidents.

Rehabilitation and physical therapies are the treatment for neck pain.

Consult your orthopaedic doctor in Singapore for an accurate diagnosis of neck pain.

Seniors

The musculoskeletal and neurological systems weaken as people age. That is why the elderly are more prone to musculoskeletal injuries.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that naturally occurs as people age. This degenerative disease affects the cartilage joints found in the hands, knees, and spine.

There are no treatments that can reverse the effects of osteoarthritis; however, medication, injection, and heat treatment can manage or minimise the pain and symptoms.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is the weakening and the decrease of the density of the bones. Similar to osteoarthritis, this degenerative disease is irreversible. People aged 50 and above experience osteoporosis.

People with osteoporosis will have changes in posture and are at higher risk of obtaining fractures.

Visit an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore to help monitor the conditions of our bones.

Fractures

A fracture is a break in the bone. Adults and children can obtain bone fractures from accidents and injuries; however, due to osteoporosis or weakening of the bones, seniors are more prone to it.

Older people obtain fractures in the wrists, arms, shoulders, and hips due to slips and accidents.

Conclusion

The musculoskeletal system is important simply because it supports our body, acts as armour and protection to our organs, and allows us to move around.

Neglecting the health of our musculoskeletal system is restraining our mobility and even putting our lives in danger. That is why regular checkup with an orthopaedic doctor in Singapore is essential.

Specialist Orthopaedic Centre

Take care of your body with the Specialist Orthopaedic Centre. Book an appointment with the Specialist Orthopaedic Centre today,