Approximately one in seven Americans have some sort of orthopedic impairments. Whether your impairment requires emergency medical care or not, it’s important to consult with an experienced orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.

Before you speak with your orthopedic doctor, however, you should do a little research so you know exactly what type of orthopedic impairment you actually have. Here are a few common complaints that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects the body’s motor conditions. It often comes with additional medical conditions and can lead to severe impairments related to bodily movements and muscle tone coordination. This condition needs to be addressed immediately because it can, in addition to causing severe pain, lead to mental problems. Cerebral palsy is typically caused by brain damage sustained while the baby is still in the womb, but it can also be caused by major injuries to the brain later in life as well.

Angular bone deformity
An angular bone deformity occurs when the bones above the knee are bent and is usually a result of variations in normal growth patterns. The deformity will usually lead to bow legs or knees knocking and can worsen with age. If this is not treated, serious and unavoidable joint damage will likely occur.

Osteomyelitis
This chronic condition affects a patient’s joints and bones. It is usually triggered by bacteria slowly destroying the body’s bone matter. A foul smelling pus discharge is common with osteomyelitis, and reconstructive orthopedic surgery may be necessary.

Cleft lip
Cleft lip is a very common type of orthopedic impairment. When the body is first developing, the infant’s face and mouth tissues are supposed to fuse together in the second and third months of pregnancy. For children with cleft lips, this fusion either never occurs or only partially occurs. While this condition can cause social embarrassment and health problems, a simple surgery is usually all that is required to lead a normal life.

Spinal tuberculosis
Commonly known as TB, Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease than can be fatal. It can cause severe disintegration of the spinal column and negatively affect various areas of a patient’s life. Individuals should visit an orthopedic surgery center and speak with an orthopedic specialist right away if they believe they have TB.

If you just want to chat with a trusted orthopedic doctor or want to learn more about treatment options, contact an orthopedic surgeon near you.