General Orthopedics

The experience of our patients and their loved ones—not simply their ailments—demands our full attention. Your dedicated care team will be there to discuss your condition, answer questions, assess treatment options and develop a treatment strategy that is best for you.

While common, musculoskeletal injuries and ailments can be the cause of pain and discomfort. At Montefiore Einstein, we recognize that our patients are unique individuals with unique values, concerns and expectations. Identifying the best treatment plan requires understanding a patient’s particular condition. We strive to provide our patients with a comprehensive understanding of their problem and the treatment options available to them. By keeping our patients informed, our physicians allow for effective, shared decision-making.

Our status as an academic health system puts us at the forefront of our field. Together with our Albert Einstein College of Medicine, one of the highest NIH-funded institutions in the country, we are continually conducting research with the goal of discovering better treatment options for our patients. We routinely present our research findings and publish our study results in peer-reviewed publications.

Injections are effective in a number of clinical scenarios, including arthritis and bursitis. This treatment strategy can help temporarily relieve and, in some instances, settle inflammation, swelling and pain. While a variety of injections exist, the most commonly employed is a steroid injection. This usually combines a local anesthetic, like Marcaine, with a steroid medication, such as Depo-Medrol. While these injections can be repeated, they are generally spaced out over time. Injections can be performed quickly in the office and are typically well tolerated. They are often combined with other conservative treatment recommendations, such as physical therapy.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are the most commonly used medication for treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. These medications are sometimes prescribed in higher doses than their over-the-counter alternatives. Other nonnarcotic medications, such as acetaminophen, can also be advised or prescribed. In some instances, combining NSAIDs with acetaminophen can achieve safe and substantial pain relief, avoiding the side effects associated with narcotic medication. 

In some select instances, steroids are a recommended treatment option. These are generally administered for a short period of time and in decreasing doses. In cases that follow surgery or an acute injury, more potent medication, such as narcotics, may be appropriate. These are intended to be used for short periods of time and with the understanding that they help alleviate some, though not all, injury- or surgery-related pain.

The majority of musculoskeletal conditions can be treated without surgery. You may be referred for a more formal course of physical or occupational therapy, requiring further evaluation, guidance and encouragement. In some cases, referral to a medical rehabilitation specialist may be appropriate. Over time, physical therapy can offer substantial improvement for many musculoskeletal conditions.

Many musculoskeletal injuries and ailments improve with rest. This can entail refraining from excessive activity and may also require limiting or preventing joint motion, which can be accomplished by bracing, splinting or casting. While mild symptoms often respond to bracing, more severe conditions that have failed to improve may require more robust immobilization that employs splinting or casting. These treatment types generally span weeks to months and may be combined with weight-bearing restrictions, NSAIDs, elevation, ice and other treatment modalities.