Ever wondered exactly what “orthopedic “means? Or what an orthopedist does? Modern orthopedics spans an array of treatments and services that treat issues affecting bones, joints, muscles—all the parts that move you.
Origin of the Word “Orthopedic”
In the 17th century, a physician named Nicholas Andry de Bois-Regard first used the term “orthopédie”. Combining the Greek word “orthos”, meaning correct, and “paidion” meaning “child”, Andry used the term to describe his practice of treating childhood spinal deformities. Ahead of his time, this early practitioner took a modern approach to treat his patients, and many of his principles are still in use today. For example, his method of club foot treatment for children called for early non-surgical options such as bandaging and special shoes.
Orthopedics, as a branch of modern medicine, of course, has expanded to include all age groups.
Orthopedic Specialists
The human body has a complex musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. It allows you to move, work, and be active.
There is a very high likelihood that treatment or consultation with an orthopedist will be needed by most individuals at some point in their lifetime. From childhood deformities to accidents or age-related wear-and-tear, there may come a time where you will benefit from the services of an orthopedist.
Many people already know that orthopedic surgeons treat broken bones or replace joints. Other common conditions that an orthopedist at OrthoArkansas would treat include:
- Sports injuries
- Back pain and ruptured disks
- Carpal tunnel and hand arthritis
- Club foot, bow legs, and hip dysplasia
- Achilles tendon injuries and bunions
- Foot, hand, and ankle injuries
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
Orthopedics Improve Lives
High-quality orthopedic care is invaluable in the ways it improves lives, and every day our clinics and specialists help people get back to doing the things they love. Our physicians have the training, advanced technology, and expertise needed to treat any orthopedic issue.
Our orthopedic specialists work hard to help patients lead more comfortable, yet active lives. We are also committed to providing each patient with all of the resources needed to make well-informed decisions regarding orthopedic health and treatment options.
