Orthopedics is the medical specialty that focuses on the bones, joints and muscles. A person might visit an orthopedic doctor for a bone fracture, dislocation, torn ligament or tendon, muscle strain, back pain, arthritis or sprain. Orthopedic doctors are referred by primary care physicians (PCPs), but patients can also seek them out themselves. To find an orthopedist, ask your PCP for a recommendation or search online and in neighborhood apps for physicians who specialize in your symptoms. Then read online reviews and check hospital quality scores to help you choose the right physician for your needs.
Depending on the nature of your symptoms, an orthopedist can address your issue through non-surgical treatments like exercise recommendations and lifestyle changes or surgical methods including arthroscopy, joint fusion and internal fixation, and osteotomy. These procedures are designed to treat problems such as pain, swelling and scar tissue within joints. They can also correct skeletal deformities, including torn ligaments and tendons, or replace damaged or deteriorated joints, such as knee or hip replacement.강동역정형외과
An experienced orthopedist is able to help reduce pain and restore the normal function of your bones, muscles and joints. They can also help manage your pain by recommending medications or physical therapy. If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness or limited range of motion in a certain body part, it’s important to see an orthopedist as soon as possible so that your condition doesn’t worsen.
The most common symptoms that indicate it’s time to see an orthopedist are if you experience a recurring pain, weakness or swelling in your joints or soft tissues. Other red flags include trouble walking or standing, a loss of balance, persistent sprains or strains, and if you’ve had a traumatic injury that hasn’t improved in 48 hours.송파정형외과
If you’re suffering from a severe bone or joint problem, your orthopedist may perform an ultrasound or MRI to diagnose your condition and decide on the best course of treatment. They might also aspirate or collect fluid from swollen joints to evaluate for inflammation, infection or other complications.
When you visit an orthopedic surgeon, wear comfortable, loose clothing so it’s easy for them to access the area that’s painful or swollen. Bring any medical records or test results that you have. It’s also a good idea to arrive early for your appointment so you can complete any necessary paperwork.
In addition to treating sports injuries, orthopedic specialists can also assist with chronic bone and joint conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger. They can also provide relief from neck and back pain due to spondylolisthesis, a condition that occurs when the spine curves in an abnormal way. Orthopedics are also often the go-to healthcare providers for people with sciatica, a condition that causes pain in your lower back and legs due to pressure on nerves. They can often treat sciatica with ice, heat, over-the-counter pain medication and stretching. However, in severe cases, they might prescribe steroid injections or surgery.