Orthopaedic FAQs
Welcome to our Orthopaedic FAQ page. Here, we answer common and advanced questions about bone, joint, and muscle health. Whether you are dealing with pain, injury, or chronic conditions, our Kingston, Jamaica orthopaedic specialists are here to help.
General Orthopaedics
Q: What does an orthopaedic doctor do?
A: An orthopaedic doctor diagnoses and treats conditions, diseases and disorders of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, including injuries and arthritis.
Q: When should I see an orthopaedic specialist in Kingston?
A: If you experience
- Limb or joint, pain and/or swelling
- Limited mobility
- Bony injuries (including broken bones)
- Joint injuries (including sprains)
- Limb deformities
- Neck or back pain,
- Persistent nerve pain in the limbs (Numbness, cramps, shocking, shooting, burning, tingling, pins and needle types of sensations)
Consult your orthopaedic specialist promptly.
Q: Do orthopaedic doctors perform surgery?
A: Yes. Orthopaedic doctors in Kingston perform both minimally invasive procedures and major surgeries such as joint replacements, fixation of fractures, repair or reconstruction of ligaments.
Bone and Fracture Questions
Q: How can I tell if I have a broken bone?
A: Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and/or inability to move the affected area. Your doctor will do X-rays and possibly other tests to confirm fractures (Broken bones).
Q: How long does it take for a broken bone to heal?
A: Healing depends on the bone and patient age. Most fractures usually heal in 4–6 weeks; however, it may sometimes take several months.
Q: What is osteoporosis, and can it be prevented?
A: Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones are weak and fragile and prone to breaking with simple trauma such as falls. Prevention includes getting enough calcium and vitamin D in the diet, regular exercise, getting some sunlight, as well as avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol.
Foot, Ankle, and Hand Questions
Joint Health FAQs
Q: What is arthritis of the hip, knee, or shoulder?
A: Arthritis is joint inflammation or degeneration, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can result from aging, injury, or autoimmune conditions.
Q: When is joint replacement surgery necessary?
A: Joint Replacement Surgery is considered necessary when conservative treatments (Diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and medication) no longer relieve pain or restore mobility in patients with arthritis. (or post-injury joint damage to delete).
Q: Can arthritis be treated without surgery?
A: Yes, arthritis is initially treated with medications, physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
Sports and Exercise Injuries
Q: What is a torn ligament or tendon?
A: Ligaments connect the bones within a joint, while tendons connect muscles to bones. Tears can result from trauma or sports, often requiring orthopaedic management. These injuries should not be taken lightly and should be assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon.
Q: How long is recovery after ACL surgery?
A: Recovery typically ranges from 3-12 months, depending on injury severity and whether you plan to return to high demand activities/sports.
Q: How long is recovery after meniscus surgery?
A: Recovery typically ranges from 2 weeks to 6-9 months, depending on type of injury, type of surgery, and whether you plan to return to high demand activities/sports.
Q: How can I prevent sports injuries?
A: Warm-up, maintain strength and flexibility, wear proper footwear, play on proper turf, cool down and stretch post exercise. Avoid overtraining.
Spine and Back Care
Q: What causes lower back pain?
A: Causes include muscle strain, intervertebral disc injuries, arthritis, poor posture, or spinal deformities.
Q: When is back pain serious?
A: Seek urgent care if you have severe trauma, or persistent pain, or nerve symptoms such as numbness, weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control(, or severe trauma. To delete)
Q: How are spine problems treated?
A: Treatments include relative rest, medications, injections, physiotherapy and uncommonly, in certain cases, surgery.
Q: How can I prevent sports injuries?
A: Warm-up, maintain strength and flexibility, wear proper footwear, play on proper turf, cool down and stretch post exercise. Avoid overtraining.
Foot, Ankle, and Hand Questions
Q: What is plantar fasciitis and how is it treated?
A: Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissue on the sole of the foot.
Q: What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
A: When there is increased pressure on the median nerve in the wrist due to inflammation with sensations of numbness, tingling, burning, cramps to the hand and the first 3 fingers. Mild cases respond to splinting while chronic and severe cases may require surgery.
Q: When should bunions or hammer toes be corrected surgically?
A: Surgery is recommended if pain or deformity limits daily activities and shoewear.