Athroscopy

What Conditions Can an Arthroscopy Help Diagnose?

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AthroscopyTaking care of your joints is an essential part of your health. Your joints are one of many types of connective tissue that enable your body to move and function properly. However, many conditions, injuries, and diseases can inhibit proper joint function. Because joints are inside the body, it can be difficult to properly diagnose these conditions. Thankfully, an arthroscopy can get an internal view of your joints and help catch issues early. Let’s take a look at what an arthroscopy is and what conditions it can help diagnose.

What Is an Arthroscopy?

An arthroscopy is a surgical procedure where an arthroscope is used to view the joints. The procedure is minimally invasive and uses a pencil-sized tube with a camera on the end so your doctor can see inside the body. This flexible tube’s camera is connected to a nearby monitor where your doctor can view your joint in real-time. This lets your doctor check for injuries, damage, or abnormalities. This is how your doctor can diagnose hidden issues without the need to open the body with surgical instruments.

Diagnosable Conditions

An arthroscopy is not a corrective or rehabilitative treatment. Instead, it is used to diagnose and help a doctor get a better idea of what’s happening in your joints. Let’s go over some common conditions where this is useful.

Bone Spurs

Bone spurs are small boney projections that often form where bones meet each other at the joint. Bone spurs are most commonly found in the hip, knee, and spine. Most bone spurs are asymptomatic and cause no pain. However, they can sometimes cause pain and swelling and limit the range of motion.

Cartilage Tears

Tears in the cartilage can happen from an injury or medical condition. This can cause pain, catching, limited range of motion, and stiffness. This can An arthroscopy can commonly help diagnose a tear in the hip joint cartilage.

Ligament Tears

Ligaments are essential connective tissue that can become torn from strenuous activities or injuries. This is common in the knee with ACL or MCL tears. An arthroscopy is often used to properly determine the severity of the tear.

Seeking Treatment

An arthroscopy is an essential part of the diagnostic process for major joint issues. That’s why Dr. John Moore includes arthroscopies as part of his diagnostic toolkit. Dr. Moore is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon who brings decades of experience to every procedure. If you’re in need of orthopaedic assistance or require an arthroscopy, contact Dr. Moore’s office at 910-295-0224 today.

Bone and Joint Health: How to Keep Your Bones and Joints Healthy Into Old Age

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As we age, our bones and joints can deteriorate, making everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and even getting out of a chair more difficult. But with a little effort, we can take steps to keep our bones and joints healthy into old age.

Diet and Nutrition

A healthy diet is essential for maintaining strong bones and joints. Calcium and vitamin D are vital for bone health and can be found in foods such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, can also help to reduce inflammation in the joints.

Exercise

Exercise is also crucial for maintaining bone and joint health. Weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, and weightlifting can help to build and maintain bone density. Flexibility exercises such as yoga and stretching can also help to improve joint mobility and reduce the risk of injury.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight is also vital for bone and joint health. Excess weight puts extra stress on the joints, leading to arthritis and other degenerative conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.

Seek Medical Help

It’s essential to seek medical help for persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and early diagnosis and treatment can help slow these conditions’ progression.

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, managing weight, and seeking medical help when necessary can all help to keep our bones and joints healthy into old age. By taking care of our bodies now, we can ensure that we can continue to enjoy all of the activities we love as we age.

Schedule A Consultation 

Want to keep your bones and joints healthy into old age? Start contacting Dr. John Moore and his staff of orthopaedic specialists in Pinehurst.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Moore and his orthopaedic team to learn more about this procedure and to determine whether it is right for you. You can reach us by phone at 910-295-0224.