Orthopedics is a medical specialty dedicated to preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. Because the musculoskeletal system is so large — containing the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles critical to movement and everyday life — the medical specialty itself can seem large and unwieldy.
Yet most people will experience pain in their muscles or joints at some point, which is why understanding orthopedics is an important foundation for knowing your options if (and when) you need orthopedic care.
What is an orthopedic doctor?
Orthopedic doctors, or orthopedists, receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. These include common conditions like arthritis, osteoporosis and tendonitis, and less common ones like osteogenesis imperfecta and fibrous dysplasia — two diseases that can cause bone deformities, frequent fractures and pain.
Orthopedic doctors may provide both surgical and non-surgical treatments to help people improve their range of motion, reduce or alleviate bone or joint pain, and prevent or treat injuries. They may also specialize in specific parts of the body, such as hip and knee or foot and ankle.
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in surgical procedures such as joint replacement and trauma surgery. Whereas, physiatrists are a type of orthopedic doctor who only provide nonsurgical treatments. Also referred to as physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, physiatrists evaluate and diagnose nerve, muscle, bone and joint conditions, and develop comprehensive treatment plans, such as exercise therapies, corticosteroid injections, orthotics and other nonoperative procedures to restore mobility and function.
When should I see an orthopedist?
There are a few reasons you may need to see an orthopedic doctor. One of the most common is pain. Most often, it’s pain related to a joint — like the knee or hip — or pain related to an area of the body like the back or neck. An orthopedic doctor can help by diagnosing the problem and prescribing treatments that may reduce swelling, strengthen the area and increase range of motion, so you can get back to performing everyday activities pain-free.
Another reason you may need to see an orthopedic doctor is for a sports or overuse injury. That could be a fracture, tear or sprain. Orthopedic doctors typically try nonsurgical treatments first, like a splint or brace, or physical therapy, before recommending a surgical procedure. However, if you have a serious fracture, you’ll likely need surgery — just as you’ll likely need a joint replacement if you have severe arthritis or sustain direct trauma to a joint.
You may also need to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor if you have:
- Pain or swelling in a bone, joint or muscle that doesn’t go away with at-home care.
- Persistent numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
- Reduced range of motion in a joint, like the knee or elbow.
How do orthopedic doctors treat patients?
Under the orthopedic umbrella, there are several orthopedic subspecialties, including:
- Foot and ankle
- Hand surgery
- Oncology
- Pediatrics
- Physiatry
- Spine
- Sports medicine
- Total joint and adult reconstructive surgery
- Trauma
The treatment your doctor prescribes — and the kind of orthopedic doctor you’ll see — will likely depend on your diagnosis.
For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome, which causes tingling and numbness in the hand and wrist, your doctor (an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery) may recommend you:
- Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles in your wrist and increase your flexibility.
- Take over-the-counter medications or prescription anti-inflammatory medications.
- Wear a splint.
- Change your work environment, if possible.
If none of the nonsurgical options work, your doctor may advise a surgical procedure to create more space inside your wrist and reduce tension on the median nerve.
Yet if you have a car accident that results in a serious injury, your doctor (an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in trauma surgery) will likely recommend surgery to realign bones, repair soft tissues and restore function after the accident.
Many surgical procedures orthopedic doctors perform are arthroscopic, meaning they’re robot-assisted and more minimally invasive than traditional surgery. Arthroscopic surgical treatments are typically accompanied by a reduced risk for complications, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker recovery.
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