Whether you have a broken bone, severe knee pain or an injured wrist, orthopedic doctors are trained to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Their services range from performing surgery on a fractured leg to making a plan to help you avoid future injuries.
The musculoskeletal system is what holds us upright, allows movement and protects our vital organs. It contains 206 bones and approximately 650 muscles. This complex system is prone to injury and dysfunction. If you suffer a traumatic injury or experience chronic pain from a joint, bone, muscle or tendon problem, your primary care doctor will likely refer you to an orthopedist.
Orthopedic doctors can provide nonsurgical treatment by prescribing pain medication, recommending exercises and splints or braces, and suggesting lifestyle changes to decrease the risk of further injury. However, they are also trained to perform a variety of surgical techniques that may include using cameras to examine a joint (arthroscopy), repairing or replacing a faulty joint with either a partial or full replacement and reattaching torn ligaments and muscles (soft tissue repair).
If you are being referred to an orthopedist by your primary care physician, it is important to keep notes about your symptoms. Write down your pain levels, when they started and how they are affecting your daily activities. Make sure to bring all your previous medical records and any tests and X-rays you have already had done. You should also wear loose clothing to allow the orthopedist to easily access the area of your body they are examining.
During the initial consultation and evaluation, an orthopedist reviews your medical history, performs a physical examination and may request imaging tests, like X-rays or MRI scans, to gather additional information about your condition. Once they have a clear picture of your issue, the orthopedist will explain their diagnosis and discuss available treatment options.
It is important to remember that most orthopedic surgeons only recommend surgery as a last resort for patients with serious, life-altering conditions. They will try all other methods of treating your symptoms before considering surgery.강동역정형외과
If they determine that surgery is the best option for you, they will recommend a procedure that fits your needs. For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome from using your laptop or tablet too much, an orthopedist will prescribe a wrist splint and over-the-counter pain medicine and may suggest steroid injections. If those don’t work, they may recommend carpal tunnel release surgery to cut a ligament in your wrist, which will relieve the pressure on the nerve and muscles in your hand.
Some people with limited incomes or resources rely on government-funded healthcare programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, to pay for their orthopedic treatments.송파정형외과 Before scheduling an appointment with a doctor, you should research their credentials and see if they accept your insurance. Also, check online reviews to find out if they are a good fit for you. It is a good idea to choose an orthopedist who works close to your home or workplace so you can go for appointments at your convenience.