Orthopedic doctors are experts of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue. So, when is the right time to see an orthopedic doctor? Before we get to that, let’s take a look at what an orthopedic doctor does.
What Does An Orthopedic Doctor Do?
Orthopedic doctors specialize in the health of the musculoskeletal system. Their primary roles include providing diagnoses, treatments, and prevention advise for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. They also assist in managing pain – both acute and chronic – and lifelong conditions affecting musculoskeletal health, like arthritis and osteoporosis.
Many orthopedic doctors specialize in specific parts of the body, such as:
- Foot and ankle
- Shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist
- Neck and spine
- Hips and knee
Reasons for Visiting an Orthopedic Doctor
There are many reasons a person may visit an orthopedic doctor. Here are some examples:
Pain Alleviation and Condition Diagnosis
Pain is a common reason for people to see an orthopedic doctor. Whether you feel little or a lot of distress, an orthopedic doctor can alleviate your pain by getting to the source of it.
You should consider seeking professional help if you’re experiencing pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks, which is regarded as chronic pain. Even if the symptoms are bearable or alleviated by taking pain medication, you still need to seek medical assistance. A lot of orthopedic conditions tend to get worse with time if they are not treated. Your symptoms may get worse later on.
Another sign that you need orthopedic care is if it’s challenging to perform simple tasks, such as climbing stairs or walking your dog. Also, if you’re feeling unbalanced or unstable when standing up, walking, or even sitting down, an orthopedic condition may be responsible.
Treatment and Prevention of Injuries
Your body will likely suffer a variety of injuries over a lifetime – from broken bones to pulled muscles. Orthopedic doctors or surgeons can improve function and eradicate pain from broken bones and injured muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The following are just a few examples of injuries an orthopedic doctor can provide treatment for:
- Fractures
- Tendon injuries
- Meniscus tear
- Rotator cuff tear
- Tennis elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Ankle sprain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Labral tear of the shoulder or the hip
Treatment for Musculoskeletal Conditions
Orthopedic diseases categorized as chronic can last a lifetime and often get worse over time, especially without proper treatment. Some orthopedic diseases like arthritis can occur in many parts of the body. As such, constant orthopedic care can recognize when a particular joint is having arthritic pain and how to slow down its progression. Here are some of the methods orthopedic physicians use to treat orthopedic conditions and injuries:
Non-surgical procedures:
- Lumbar sympathetic block
- Fluid drainage or aspiration
- Administer injections
- Joint manipulation
- Bracing or casting
- Viscosupplementation for arthritis
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)
Surgical procedures:
- Joint replacement surgery
- Joint revision surgery
- Arthroscopy
- Spinal surgery
- Debridement or extraction of damaged tissue or bone
- Excision or extraction of bone and soft tissue tumors
- Disc replacement surgery
- Spinal fusion surgery
- Soft tissue rehabilitation
- Bone fracture reconstruction
- Osteotomy for bone deformity correction
Orthopedic Services in Naples, Florida
Tolerating pain is not necessary when an orthopedic physician can help alleviate it. If you are experiencing orthopedic pain, visit an orthopedic physician to get treatment and relief.
The expert staff at the Joint Replacement Institute can give you much-needed care for your orthopedic issues, and will be by your side from diagnosis to recovery. You can call us at (239) 261-2663 or schedule an appointment through our online request form.
