Common Reasons People See an Orthopedic Doctor

 What is an Orthopedic Doctor? An orthopedic doctor specializes in treating disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system specifically those that affect the bones and joints. This may include arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, fractures, spinal injuries, injury, and bad posture.

The orthopedic doctor diagnoses and treats injuries to the musculoskeletal system that results in pain and inflammation. Orthopedic physicians also treat disorders of the soft tissue, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Common disorders of the muscles and tendons include tennis elbow, strained muscles, strained tendons, bursitis, tendonitis, muscle sprains, and microtrauma. The orthopedic doctor may also prescribe therapy for conditions that affect the tendons or ligaments.

How Do Orthopedic Doctors Treat Pain and Disorders? Orthopedic doctors perform physical examinations and laboratory tests to diagnose and treat a patient with orthopedic conditions. They will ask about the patient's medical history, perform a physical examination, order x-rays and scans, and order diagnostic tests to rule out diseases and disorders. If necessary, orthopedic surgeons will refer their patients to physical specialists for further testing and treatment. Once the doctor diagnoses a problem, he or she will recommend treatment options depending on the severity of the condition.

How Can Orthopedic Doctors Treat Disorders and Pain? The orthopedic doctor can treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system by applying medications. These may be in the form of anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections, or joint immobilizers. Other forms of treatment may include therapeutic exercise and manual therapies such as traction, ultrasound, laser, heat, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy.

Can Orthopedic Doctors perform everyday tasks? Yes, orthopedic doctors are qualified to perform everyday tasks like taking casts of your limbs, writing a prescription, taking photographs of your limb, suturing stitches, preparing your anesthesia or performing minor surgery. They can also perform outpatient procedures such as eye examinations, laboratory tests, managing pain and treating swelling. However, because of limitations in their skills, orthopedic doctors should only perform these tasks under the supervision of another doctor.

Can orthopedic doctors perform surgical treatments? Yes, they can perform some forms of surgery such as joint replacement, hip surgery, shoulder surgery, corrective eye surgery, surgical implants, ear surgery, and other forms of cosmetic surgery. However, orthopedic surgeons are usually not allowed to perform invasive surgeries. For example, a doctor is not allowed to perform open-heart surgery on their patients if they do not have the appropriate training for that type of procedure. Similarly, orthopedic surgeons are also not allowed to perform surgeries that involve removing certain structures of the body such as the vocal chords in order for them to correct vocal chord deficiencies.

What about medications? In general, the most common reason people see their doctor is for chronic pain. Pain is experienced by everyone at some point in time. Sometimes, it is due to a physical injury while other times it is due to psychological stress. If you are seeing your doctor for persistent pain, you might have to learn to adapt your lifestyle to help reduce your symptoms. For example, if you can walk more and add light exercises to your daily activities, you will be able to reduce your pain levels as well as learn how to manage your symptoms so you don't have to deal with chronic pain on a daily basis.

If you are experiencing any type of pain or stiffness in your neck, shoulders, hips, or legs, you should talk to an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible. An experienced doctor will not only diagnose the problem, but he or she will also be able to offer you effective treatment options that are tailored just for you. Some orthopedic specialists may even recommend alternative treatments, such as chiropractic therapy and physical activity to help you get back into shape. In order for you to become healthy again, you need to take a proactive approach when it comes to your health and wellness.