Surgery can be expensive, and it isn’t always necessary when it comes to treating your injuries and getting you back to your favorite activities. At Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance, our first priority is always our patients’ physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Though surgery is sometimes necessary for severe injuries, our providers always explore and exhaust all conservative measures before recommending an invasive procedure. Read on to learn more about the non-surgical treatments in Kansas City available at KCOA!
Rest, Ice, & Elevation
Your injury may need time to heal and require you to limit your physical activity for a short period of time. Elevation reduces swelling and bruising to the area, as it prevents blood from reaching your injury. Additionally, icing a few times per day for 15-20 minutes will also help with swelling and bruising.
Orthotics
Particularly in the case of plantar fasciitis and other foot injuries, your provider may recommend a custom orthotic device and a specific pair of proper fitting shoes to help reduce stress at the injury site. We usually use orthotics in conjunction with some of the other conservative measures listed here to bring about complete relief and healing.
Physical Therapy
While rest can be effective for helping treat your affected area, joints and soft tissues can also benefit from movement. Physical therapy, as part of your orthopedic sports medicine program in Kansas City, often serves as a great complement to your treatment. Your provider may refer you to a physical or occupational therapist to help increase your body’s circulation, regain range of motion, decrease pain, and increase strength.
Immobilization
Another method sports medicine providers use for treatment is immobilization. This involves the use of casts, braces, walking boots, slings, and other measures to protect the affected area and allow it to heal. Immobilization particularly helps with the reduction of pain and swelling.
Medications
Some injuries can become extremely painful, which hinders movement and causes reduced function. One recommendation your provider can make is the use of over-the-counter NSAIDs. These are anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or Tylenol. In some cases, your provider may recommend prescription medications. We encourage patients to engage their pharmacist to ensure safe drug interactions before starting any prescription medication regimen.
Injections
In order to help with inflammation of the affected area, your provider can also recommend an injection at the site of your disruption. When combined with exercise and other conservative treatments, these therapeutic injections can be very effective.
Regenerative Medicines
Regenerative medicines involve using the body’s natural healing factors (stem cells or platelet rich plasma, for instance) by injecting these agents into the affected area. Essentially, they use your body’s own cells to help repair and rebuild worn and damaged tissue. This treatment method is especially effective for younger patients experiencing mild or moderate injuries.
Learn More About Non-Surgical Treatments in Kansas City – Contact Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance Today!
At Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance, we’re dedicated to creating a superior patient experience for all. Regardless of the location or severity of your injury, our team will work with you to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Scheduling an appointment with one of our providers allows us to find the best treatment option for your needs. Using the highest quality technology, we can pinpoint the exact underlying issue causing your joint pain or discomfort.
For a thorough evaluation, call us at (913) 319-7600 or use our symptom tracker tool.
