Orthopedics

Orthopedics is the study of the musculoskeletal system including the spine, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. An orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon is a doctor that specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment including surgery of the musculoskeletal system. An orthopedic surgeon must undergo about 14 years education and training. Many other doctors treat musculoskeletal issues as well, such as chiropractors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, and podiatrists.

A popular specialty in the field of orthopedics is sports medicine. Although injuries during sports are inevitable, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine have stressed the importance of preventing sports injuries to prolong the career of athletes.

The first recommendation in preventing injury is warming up before performing any exercise or sports, as cold muscles are more vulnerable to injury. Training for proper physical fitness techniques including stretching is crucial to prevent injury. As stress can lead to tense muscles, which are more prone to injury, mental fitness through meditation and yoga techniques are helpful. Overexertion is a common cause of sports injury, therefore knowing one’s constraints and heeding the body’s signals of fatigue and tiredness are important. Sportsperson’s should make full use of any available protective gear (i.e. helmets, pads, guards) to prevent injury. Increasing the intensity, time, or type of activity too quickly can often lead to injury. The ten percent rule is a guideline recommending that you should not increase his/her activity by more then ten percent per week. The intensity and length of workout should be increased gradually to avoid injury.