Orthopedic medicine takes on the treatment and care of the body’s entire musculoskeletal system, involving the skeleton and muscles. While covering this much of the body, there are often myths and assumptions that come with it. Myths about orthopedic medicine often cause unnecessary confusion in patients. Confronting the myths head-on can give people peace of mind.
Debunking Myths About Orthopedic Medicine
When myths about orthopedic medicine become common, it can be challenging to distinguish what to listen to. At Paris Orthopedics, we are here to give you the accurate information to debunk these myths. You can take control of your health and feel confident in the knowledge you possess.
Myth 1: Cracking your knuckles causes arthritis.
We’ve all heard the story that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis over time. While it seems to keep people from doing it rarely, the act is not a cause of the condition. Harvard Health discusses that several studies have compared the rates of hand arthritis among frequent knuckle-crackers and those who do not crack their knuckles.
While arthritis is not one of them, there are reasons to let go of the habit. Habitual knuckle cracking can lead to a decrease in grip strength over time. It can also cause injuries if people try to crack them incorrectly.
Myth 2: Orthopedic Medicine Is Just For Athletes.
There are a lot of orthopedic requirements that go into the lives of athletes; however, they are not our only patients. Anyone can require treatment and care in the realm of orthopedic medicine.
As it contains the entire skeleton and muscular system, the day-to-day can lead to issues that require an orthopedic surgeon. This could be as simple as a misstep on a walk or a pulled muscle while picking up a heavy object.
Myth 3: If You Can Move Your Joint Or Bone, It Is Fine.
Just because you can move your bone or joint does not mean you did not injure it. According to Jefferson Health, there are times when the fracture is minor, so the movement remains. They use the example of a baseball player jamming their finger. The finger is often broken, but it can still move because the part that has been broken is not large enough to cause enough pain that it becomes impossible to move.
Myth 4: Using Your Computer Causes Carpal Tunnel.
Even the media often displays content that would lead you to believe that your computer causes carpal tunnel syndrome. People often question the effects that computers can have on the joints in their hands. Instead of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are often cases of tendonitis, also known as inflammation of the tendons, caused by computer use.
Myth 5: Young People Won’t Need Total Joint Replacement.
Total joint replacement is not dependent on age. It is all about recognizing the body’s needs. When the severity of the pain and level of disability reaches a certain point, a total replacement could be the best answer to get a young person back to their previous level of movement. Even at a young age, waiting too long could cause further problems for the procedure and the recovery.
It is important to find the reality behind myths about orthopedic medicine. Once you understand what is factual, it can help you determine the correct steps to take and if something is wrong in your own body. Orthopedic surgeons are one of the best resources to ensure you are getting accurate information. Do you have questions about one of these myths or others you have heard before? Paris Orthopedics is here to confront those concerns and give you the answers you are looking for. Check out our website or give us a call at (903) 737-0000.
