Orthopedics Care Near You in New Jersey
The musculoskeletal system is the supportive foundation on which the rest of your body is built. It protects vital organs, provides stability, and facilitates movement for all kinds of everyday activities. When your bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are affected by an injury or chronic condition, you may find yourself less able to participate in the activities you love.
Specialized care may be needed to provide lasting relief. At Bergen Medical Associates, patients benefit from a musculoskeletal team that includes Paul Kovatis, MD, an orthopedic specialist with decades of experience. Dr. Kovatis is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of bone, joint, and muscle conditions. Patients throughout northern New Jersey trusts him to help restore mobility and improve quality of life. Learn more about the advanced care available at Bergen Medical Associates.
What Is Orthopedics?
Orthopedics is the field of medicine focused on the musculoskeletal system. This term refers to the combination of the muscular and skeletal systems, which work closely together to provide the body with structure and motion. They feature a tightly interwoven network of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Orthopedics focuses on diagnosing, treating, rehabilitating, and preventing injuries and diseases that affect these structures, helping patients stay functional and mobile in their daily lives.
Common Orthopedic Conditions
Orthopedic conditions affect patients of all ages. They include everything from sports injuries to age-related degeneration, and from acute trauma to chronic complaints. They also affect every part of the musculoskeletal system. Common areas of orthopedic care include:
- Knee, hip, and shoulder pain
- Neck injuries
- Back pain
- Bone fractures
- Arthritis
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
A definitive diagnosis is typically needed to determine what is causing the patient’s symptoms and how to best treat them.
What Can Orthopedic Surgeons Treat?
Orthopedic surgeons are experienced in treating a wide array of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including both acute and chronic issues. Common concerns Bergen Medical Associates can address include:
- Arthritis: Arthritis refers to inflammation in one or more joints. The most common types are osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by an autoimmune disorder. Both types cause pain and stiffness that worsens with age.
- Sprains: Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to one another, keeping joints anchored firmly in place. Sprains occur when a ligament becomes stretched or torn. The joint bones are no longer attached securely, leading to looseness or instability.
- Strains: Tendons are tough tissues that attach muscles to bones, facilitating movement. A strain occurs when a joint takes a large amount of stress. The tendon stretches, tears through, or pulls away from the bone, making joint movement difficult and very painful.
- Rotator cuff tears: The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, keeping it in place. Injuries to this area are common in athletes and older adults, causing pain, arm weakness, and reduced mobility in the shoulder.
- Meniscus tears: The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that provides cushioning and reduces friction between the thigh and shin bones. Sports injuries and degeneration may cause it to rip. Meniscus tears cause pain, stiffness, and a locking sensation in the knee.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: The carpal tunnel is a narrow space where the median nerve passes between wrist bones. Injury or overuse causes the tissues surrounding this space to become inflamed, compressing the median nerve and causing pain or numbness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Fractures: Fractures refer to broken bones. Most are the result of acute trauma or falls, though some fractures may arise due to repetitive strain injury. Symptoms of a bone fracture include pain, swelling, tenderness, and an inability to move the affected body part.
Treatments for these orthopedic conditions can be both surgical and non-surgical. Options can include activity modifications, physical therapy, medication, injections, assistive devices, and surgical procedures like joint replacements.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?
Some mild muscle pain and injuries will get better by themselves. If you experience persistent symptoms, a reduced range of motion, or symptoms that interfere with your quality of life, however, then it may be time to speak with a doctor. Signs of an orthopedic condition include:
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Joint stiffness, swelling, or warmth
- Joint injuries
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic joint pain
- Clicking or grinding sensations in a joint
- Numbness or weakness in limbs
- Difficulty performing daily activities due to pain
If in doubt, it is often better to seek medical attention than not. Your orthopedic specialist will help you determine whether your pain is serious and recommend a treatment plan. Even minor issues can be treated to help you find relief sooner, letting you get back to the activities you love.
Our Cutting-Edge Orthopedic Surgeon at Bergen Medical Associates
Orthopedic care at Bergen Medical Associates is provided by Dr. Kovatis and our musculoskeletal team. He has over 25 years of experience treating patients for a wide variety of complaints, helping them relieve pain and return to active lifestyles. He has worked with prestigious athletes, ballet dancers, and Broadway performers, and has been recognized as a New Jersey Top Doctor for several years. His emphasis on patient-centered care and advanced surgical techniques helps him attain the best outcomes with every case.
Treatments for orthopedic conditions can include both non-surgical and surgical interventions. Our team performs careful evaluations to correctly diagnose a patient’s condition and determine what treatment approaches will be most effective. We help patients understand the benefits and downsides of each option, guiding them in making an informed decision about their care.
Bergen Medical Associates includes a team of over 40 board-certified medical professionals with a wide range of specialties. We take a whole-patient approach to care. By building long-term relationships, the Bergen Medical Associates team establishes the foundations for trust and a higher level of care.
Find Comprehensive Orthopedics Care Near You in New Jersey
If you are experiencing muscle or joint pain, you have options. Trust in the comprehensive care provided by Bergen Medical Associates, which can help relieve your pain. Our orthopedic surgeon works with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, personalized care for patients at locations near you across northern New Jersey. Whether you need physical therapy for a sprain or a joint replacement for arthritis, you can trust our experienced physicians. To learn more about orthopedic conditions and treatments or to schedule an appointment, contact Bergen Medical Associates today. We have locations in Emerson, Montvale, Northvale, Paramus, and Ridgewood, NJ, making it easy to find treatment near you.
