If the events of COVID-19 and everything that followed have shown us anything, it is that we cannot take our health for granted. While now might not be the time you are thinking much about your orthopedic health, it is not something to neglect at any time.

Whether you are experiencing issues or not, there are some significant reasons why you should not neglect your orthopedic care and keep track of appointments.

Here are five reasons why you should keep not delay your orthopedic care, no matter what is happening in the world:

• Guaranteed Safety Measures

The global pandemic has changed a lot of aspects of our everyday lives, and these changes are going to continue even as we come towards the ending of the main restrictions.

Receiving medical care has been on hold for a long time, and this can mean that even after the pandemic has passed, many people will still feel apprehensive about getting the medical treatment they need.

While it is natural to feel nervous about receiving medical treatment following everything we have been through, or even just due to personal fears, we can reassure you that no matter what kind of orthopedic care you require, you will be safe in treatment centers.

To ensure the safety of patients and staff, all treatment centers are implementing the following mandatory protocols:

• Temperature screenings for all before entering the facility
• Masks required when appropriate for patients, including additional face shields for medical staff
• Restricted visitor policy for all
• Increased and regular cleaning, sanitization, and sterilization of all equipment, surfaces, and areas
• Physically distanced waiting rooms and patients spaces
• Reduced number of appointments, and therefore patients throughout the day using scheduling

These are all performed in medical facilities to ensure the safety of all patients and staff at all times.

• Delaying Can Make Things Worse

Delaying even the simplest of surgeries can put you at the risk of worsening your orthopedic health, which in turn will make it more difficult to fix.

When the issue has gotten worse, the recovery time following treatment will be longer, and it can be more expensive to get the new treatment you need as it is likely going to be more extensive when you finally get to an appointment.

In the case of fractures and injuries, delaying treatment can result in permanent damage to your body. When left without treatment and the right medical care, bones can start to heal in the wrong position, which can cause life-long issues.

Even the simplest of injuries can cause long-term issues if left unattended, which is why you should not delay any orthopedic care you need.

• Surgery Can Be Faster and Recovery Easier Nowadays

Technology has improved various areas of our lives, and the same can be said for orthopedic care. All aspects of medical treatment are made to be safer, more effective, and faster in terms of recovery time thanks to the technology that is now available in every facility.

There has probably never been a safer time to get orthopedic treatment because of the technology we now have access to.

The use of tissue-sparing techniques such as arthroscopy and endoscopy has made outpatient procedures faster and more effective. This means that there are now shorter operating times and less trauma to patients, which can speed up recovery times, allowing you to go home faster than ever before following your medical care.

A lot of surgeries that used to require overnight care are now so effective and safe that they can be done on an outpatient basis.

• Improved Quality of Life

Surgery and other forms of medical treatment can seem scary to a lot of people at any time, which is why many delay their orthopedic care.

However, the time that it takes for a surgery to be completed and recovery times for patients can be shorter than you would expect. It is likely to be shorter than the pain you are experiencing every day.

When you are living with pain every day, it can be hard to remember what life was like before your health took a turn for the worse. This is why a lot of people delay orthopedic care because they feel used to the pain they are experiencing.

Yet, going for the medical treatment you need when you need it can drastically improve your quality of life – and it can be done faster than you might expect.

Try to remember what life was like before you experienced these orthopedic issues and use this as motivation to get the care you require on time.

• Your Doctor Knows When It’s the Right Time

There is a common misconception among patients that surgeons only care about surgery.  It takes a long time to become educated and train to work in orthopedic care, and the thing that keeps medical practitioners going is being able to improve people’s lives.

With this in mind, when a doctor recommends treatment or surgery to a patient, they are not doing this for the benefit of any but the patient. The doctor knows better than anyone how an issue can escalate, the symptoms it causes, and how vital treatment is, which is why they will recommend orthopedic care to those who need it.

When an appointment has been made for orthopedic care, it is done for a vital reason, and delaying your care can make things a lot worse than they need to be.

Speak with an Orthopedic Specialist Today

Are you suffering from a recent injury? Make an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists today to start your healing journey. OrthoArizona has nearly two dozen offices throughout the Valley, each focused on quality care, compassion, and excellent customer service. Since 1994, OrthoArizona has been dedicated to compassionate care of the highest quality.

The advice and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational, medical material.