Medicine 101

Photo by James Moore

Ozarks Healthcare’s speaker series demystifies common orthopedic issues with practical guidance from Dr. Caleb Piatt

It’s said that a little knowledge can be dangerous—but when it comes to healthcare, ignorance is far more harmful. That’s why Ozarks Healthcare makes it a priority to educate the public through ongoing community events and presentations focused on timely medical topics.

One recent event in the series featured orthopedic surgeon Dr. Caleb Piatt, who delivered a dinner presentation on some of the most common orthopedic issues seen in patients.

“The presentation was based on the most common orthopedic complaints that I see,” Dr. Piatt said. “We talked about hand numbness and tingling—specifically carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome. We also covered trigger finger, knee pain ranging from meniscus injuries to arthritis, and hip and shoulder pain related to arthritis and rotator cuff tears.”

For each condition, Dr. Piatt outlined a range of treatment options, from conservative care to surgical intervention. He also explained typical recovery timelines and what patients can expect during the healing process.

“It was good, basic information designed to give people an idea of what they might be experiencing, how we diagnose it, and what I would be looking for as a surgeon based on that diagnosis,” he said.

He also highlighted some of the misconceptions surrounding orthopedic conditions—particularly knee arthritis and meniscus tears.

“Knee arthritis and meniscus tears are terms people have heard, but many don’t understand they can coexist,” Piatt explained. “You can fix a meniscus tear, but if the patient still has arthritis, they may continue to experience knee pain. In those cases, a total knee replacement may ultimately be the only solution.”

Education is only part of the benefit, Piatt said—equipped with knowledge, patients can better advocate for themselves, seek care earlier, and approach treatment with more realistic expectations.

“Take carpal tunnel syndrome, for example,” he said. “It starts with tingling and may progress to numbness and even muscle atrophy if left untreated. Understanding the stages and the importance of early treatment can significantly impact outcomes.”

Piatt added that resources like Ozarks Healthcare’s speaker series help patients navigate information overload and make more informed healthcare decisions.

“There’s a ton of information out there, but Google doesn’t always give the best medical advice,” he said. “Talks like these empower people to be their own best health advocates.”