Orthopedic surgeon near me

Many of our patients face challenges when it comes to aching body parts. Getting injured is painful and stressful, and it’s tough to know who to trust to get you back on your feet.

At Western Missouri Medical Center, our board-certified team of orthopedic surgeons offer innovative techniques to diagnose and treat many orthopedic conditions. Our highly trained staff ensures you are comfortable and that your experience is as worry free as possible. When looking for the best orthopedic surgeons near you, look no further than WMMC. 

Read on to learn more about orthopedics and how WMMC specializes in getting you back to normal activities as quickly, and safely, as possible. 

What is orthopedics?

Orthopedics is a medical branch focusing on care of the musculoskeletal system. Your musculoskeletal system is made up of bones and muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

When a part of that system fails, you need to see an orthopedist to determine the cause of the injury and develop a plan for treatment. Common types of musculoskeletal issues include:

  • Bone pain 
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Tendon and ligament pain
  • And more

Dealing with these types of musculoskeletal issues is a headache, and putting off orthopedic treatment can lead to worse symptoms later on. 

How do musculoskeletal issues occur?

There are many ways a body can develop musculoskeletal pain. Common causes for pain in your muscles, bones, or joints include:

  • Bone fractures or breaks
  • Joint dislocation
  • Direct blows to muscles, bones, or joints
  • Overuse of body parts
  • Sprains
  • Poor posture

Any of those causes can leave your body feeling stiff or achy, and at worst they can cause constant pain and limit your mobility. 

How do I alleviate musculoskeletal issues?

We can solve some musculoskeletal problems with rest or with certain over-the-counter or at-home remedies. Others may require surgery that range from minimally invasive procedures to longer-recovery procedures like total hip and knee replacements.

The best way to plan treatment for musculoskeletal issues is to ask your doctor for a referral or contact a trusted orthopedic surgeon near you, like the board-certified staff of orthopedic surgeons at Western Missouri Medical Center. 

Diagnosis, treatment and recovery

When you come to WMMC for orthopedic care, our highly trained staff is with you through every step of the journey. 

Initial appointment

During your first visit with our experienced and friendly orthopedic staff, we will go over any aches or pains you have been experiencing and determine a plan of action from there. Some of the issues our orthopedic surgeons can help you with are:

  • Total hip, knee, and shoulder replacement
  • Partial knee replacement
  • Ligament reconstruction of the knee including ACL reconstruction
  • Meniscus repair and meniscectomy (removal of damaged knee cartilage)
  • Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle (scopes)
  • Fractures
  • Arthritis
  • Sports related injuries
  • Rotator cuff and shoulder instability
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Joint, ligament, tendon, and cartilage injury
  • Nerve and tendon problems
  • Masses and growths
  • And more!

Learn more about joint replacement from Cindy’s Story

After listening to your individual concerns, our doctors will design a personalized treatment plan, depending on your unique circumstances.

Things to bring to your first appointment

In your first appointment with Western Missouri Bone and Joint, we recommend bringing any reports or imaging you have of the afflicted area or any old records related to the surgery or injury area.  

Surgery or no surgery?

With the title “orthopedic surgeon”, many patients believe the only recourse for orthopedic problems is going under the knife. The truth is, there are many non-surgical orthopedic treatments, such as:

  • Fluid drainage 
  • Steroid injections
  • Ultrasound-guided injections
  • Joint manipulation
  • Joint distension
  • Bracing, booting, and casting
  • Physical therapy
  • And many others.

The best way to determine the correct treatment for your unique condition is to see a trusted orthopedic surgeon near you, like the board-certified staff of orthopedic surgeons at Western Missouri Medical Center. 

Total joint replacement

One of our orthopedic specialties at WMMC is total joint replacement. We are certified by The Joint Commission for both total knee replacement and total hip replacement with the Gold Seal of Approval. 

For further education on our total joint replacement, watch our Total Joint Replacement seminar, and for a more specific walkthrough watch our Total Shoulder Replacement seminar. Both of these seminars go over the entire process, from preoperative planning to postoperative care. 

Procedure day

After your initial appointment, you’ll be scheduled for a surgery if your doctor deems it necessary. Surgeries range from minimally invasive procedures, like arthroscopic surgeries (scopes), to more invasive procedures like total joint replacement or tendon repair. 

Before the day of your procedure, make sure you stay healthy and nourish your body with healthy foods and water. Foods like lean meats, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals that all aid in the recovery process. 

When getting ready for the day of your procedure, make sure you go through this checklist of important items to bring with you:

  • A list of medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbs, and vitamins that you take
  • Your insurance card and driver’s license
  • Copies of any legal documents
  • The name and phone number of your primary contact while you are in surgery, or the name and phone number of the person picking you up for same-day release surgeries
  • Your cell phone and a charging cable
  • Reading glasses, hearing aids, or dental accessories

Leave valuables, such as jewelry, at home. WMMC will provide everything else you might need during your stay with us. 

Recovery process

Once you’ve gone through treatment, whether surgical or non-surgical, it’s time for your body to heal up. That doesn’t mean our work is done, however.

Orthopedic procedures done by our expert orthopedic surgeons at WMMC have a variety of recovery times, depending on the procedure received. For smaller, minimally-invasive procedures like arthroscopic surgeries (scopes) on joints or other body parts, patients can be back to normal activities in as little as two weeks*.

For more invasive surgeries, like total knee or hip replacements, recovery will require multiple rounds of physical therapy and can take multiple months. And reconstruction of vital parts like rotator cuffs in your shoulder or ACLs in your knees can have up to a 9 month recovery period*. 

Many factors can lengthen, or reduce, your recovery period after orthopedic procedures. That’s why it’s important to have a trusted orthopedic surgeon near you for follow-up appointments and other maintenance that can get you back to the activities you love, sooner. 

Tips for a quicker recovery

Whether you received a minimally-invasive procedure or you had a major surgery, it’s our goal to get you back to normal activities as soon as possible. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your recovery from Dr. Aaron Rupp, D.O., one of our incredible board-certified orthopedic surgeons at WMMC.

  • Follow your surgeon’s and physical therapist’s recommendations and restrictions
  • Adapt a healthy anti-inflammatory diet and exercise program
  • Weight loss, which has a remarkably positive effect on joint pain and overall pain relief

Find out more about Dr. Rupp and orthopedic care at WMMC in this Q&A

If you do happen to aggravate your injury again or suffer from another injury, you can trust our expert team at WMMC to alleviate your issues and help you bounce back as quickly as possible. 

Physical Therapy

After your orthopedic procedure, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help get you back to the activities you love doing. The highly-trained physical therapists at WMMC specialize in one-on-one care, tailoring treatment plans to each individual we serve. 

Physical therapy at WMMC helps patients live life to the fullest by helping them move past limitations and disabilities. Our team of physical therapists will evaluate your strength level, motor skills, muscle tone, range of motion, and overall mobility in determining your treatment plan. Our top priority is to get you back to your daily activities with as little pain or discomfort as possible. 

WMMC is here for all your orthopedic care needs

No matter your medical needs, WMMC has you covered with the best doctors in the Warrensburg area. We are a fully accredited acute care facility right in your backyard. 

As a not-for-profit county medical center, we offer comprehensive health care services to residents of Johnson County and west central Missouri. We strive to improve the health of our greater community by providing quality healthcare services, exceeding our patient’s expectations. 

Make us your preferred regional healthcare provider. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and see how WMMC goes above and beyond for all of our patients in Warrensburg and west central Missouri.  

*Recovery period will vary from patient to patient. Ask your doctor about your recovery timeline.