I have only been to the orthopedic department once so far.
I'll share a story about a time when I was healthy and injury-free all over my limbs, and then unexpectedly got injured.
Once, I didn't realize there was a low step at the end of the last stair while going down the stairs, and I stepped on the ground, got caught on the step, and fell.
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It was the chin visible in the picture, but it was actually lower in height than that.
I didn't realize I had a chin because it was so low.
I immediately sprained my ankle and sat down right there, holding my ankle and tears welled up in my eyes. It was really very painfulใ
I thought I just fell down the stairs since I could still walk, but by the next day, my ankle was throbbing and swollen, so I went to Meditech Orthopedic Clinic.
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The hospital is located near Dongdaemun Station, on the 5th floor of the building next to JW Marriott Hotel.
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There is Heunginjimun Park across the street, so the hospital has a nice view.
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I went after work because I was seeing patients quite late.
The hospital is not old, so the facilities are clean.
The space is also large, so it feels open and spacious.
The location is in an area densely packed with offices, so it seemed that more self-employed workers and office workers nearby, rather than residents, were the ones going there. I was also among them.
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I remember there was only one director, and he kindly provided treatment. Since I went in the evening, I received treatment immediately without any waiting.
The desk nursing assistants were all very kind.
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Medical examination results
The X-ray shows no fractures or issues with the bones, and it is said to be an ankle sprain caused by stretched ligaments.
An ankle sprain refers to a condition where the ligaments supporting the ankle are abnormally damaged, causing pain and instability in the ankle.
All terms that refer to ankle sprains, such as twisting, spraining, or twisting the ankle.
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In my case, I had a second-degree ankle sprain; it wasn't a severe sprain, but the ligament was stretched.
Fortunately, it wasn't a fracture, but they said that if you overdo it, it could get worse, so it's better to wear an ankle brace and receive physical therapy for a while.
I don't remember the exact period since I didn't go recently, but I think I wore the brace and received physical therapy for about 2 or 3 weeks.
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It was winter at that time, and as I write this now, I realize it was really fortunate that I didn't wear a brace during the hot summer.
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The physical therapy felt like a tingling sensation, similar to an electric shock, and I also received hot packs and massage, which were extremely refreshing.
Orthopedics really values this kind of secondary treatment, and I was very satisfied with the physical therapy.
The therapists were also kind.
So even though I was injured, I remember feeling comfortable receiving physical therapy and massages in bed, so I didn't dislike going to the hospital.
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And among some orthopedic clinics, there are those that secretly over-treat and also force shockwave or manual therapy.
Since this was my first time visiting this hospital, I was a little worried, but fortunately I received only the necessary treatment without any unnecessary procedures, so I was really pleased.
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Especially, you explained the correct way to do the hot compress.
Immediately after injury, cold compresses are recommended! Afterwards, warm compresses are advised.
I recovered completely after a few weeks and didn't need to return for a follow-up.
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Overall, I was satisfied, but to point out a downside, the hospital's location isn't very good, so I thought it would be difficult for people with leg injuries to commute there.
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And here's a small tip for you,
I bought that ankle brace at the hospital, but these days I hear that Daiso sells sprain braces.
Protective gear is not covered by insurance and is quite expensive.
If you have sprained your ankle and need to wear a brace, you probably don't need to buy one from the hospital. Otherwise, it's better not to throw it away and to keep it just in case.
Finally, everyone... be careful on the stairs ๐ฅฒ