Orthopedics focuses on the care of the musculoskeletal system. This system is made up of muscles and bones, as well as joints, ligaments, and tendons. Orthopedists take both surgical and nonsurgical approaches into action to treat many forms of musculoskeletal issues, like sports injuries, joint pain, and back problems.
What is orthopedics?
Orthopedics refers to the branch of medicine revolving around care of the skeletal system including bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Usually, orthopedists are part of a larger treatment team including physician assistants, nurse practitioners, occupational and physical therapists, and athletic trainers.
What do orthopedists treat?
Orthopedists tend to many conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, which may have been there since birth or may have occurred as a result of injury or other causes. Some of the most common conditions an orthopedist may treat are:
Joint pain from arthritis
Bone fractures
Soft tissue (muscle, tendon, and ligament) injuries
Back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis
Overuse and sports injuries, including tendinitis, meniscus tears, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
Congenital conditions, such as clubfoot and scoliosis
What does an orthopedic physician do?
An orthopedic physician will diagnose and treat injuries caused by sports or physical activity, overuse, aging, and more. Their main aim is to:
Manage Pain
Many musculoskeletal conditions can cause discomfort and pain, and an orthopedic physician can help reduce or eliminate pain from such injuries. Your doctor can treat pain in these body parts:
Ankles
Back
Elbows
Feet
Hands
Hips
Neck
Shoulders
Wrists
Improve range of motion
In case of pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints you may have difficulty of motion. Which can make daily tasks such as showering, cleaning and even bending over very difficult. An orthopedic physician will help you through physical therapy or other treatments, sometimes even surgery.
Treat and prevent injuries
Broken bones, compression fractures, stress fractures, dislocations, muscle injuries, and tendon tears or ruptures are conditions that orthopedic doctors commonly treat. Orthopedic doctors can also make a treatment and prevention plan to help you avoid future injuries.
How do orthopedists make their diagnosis?
In order to help diagnose a person’s condition, the orthopedist will:
Ask about your symptoms
Review your medical record to gather more information about your overall health
Carry out a physical examination
Review any X-rays conducted before the appointment
The orthopedist may also order additional diagnostic tests. These may include:
An MRI scan
A CT scan
A bone scan
An ultrasound
Nerve conduction studies
Blood tests
Reasons to see an orthopedic physician
In case you’re experiencing constant pain, you should see an orthopedic. If your persistent pain lasts more than 3 months and home treatment seems to have no effect on it, you should make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. You may consider seeing an orthopedic physician if you:
Experiencing a noticeable decrease in your range of motion
Can’t walk without pain or discomfort
Have moderate or advanced arthritis of the knee or hip
Have progressive hip or knee pain that worsens upon standing
Daily life is affected by your pain and discomfort
Have chronic pain (lasting more than 12 weeks)
Have a soft tissue injury that has not improved after several days
If there is a possibility that you have a traumatic or repetitive motion injury to a bone, joint, tendon, or nerve, you should see an orthopedic physician as soon as possible.
What are orthopedic treatment options?
In case you’re experiencing chronic musculoskeletal disorders, your orthopedist may recommend this treatment:
Anti-inflammatory medications
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Home exercise programs
Injections
Acupuncture
Mobility aids
Surgery, though this is a last resort
Conclusion
Orthopedics is a medical specialty dedicated to the comprehensive care of the musculoskeletal system, encompassing bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. Orthopedic doctors, also known as orthopedic surgeons, are trained to diagnose and treat a wide array of conditions that can affect these structures, from acute injuries like fractures and sprains to chronic issues such as arthritis and back pain. They employ a variety of treatments, both surgical and non-surgical, to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for their patients. With a focus on rehabilitation, orthopedists also guide patients through recovery to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion, ensuring they can return to their daily activities. Whether it's through minimally invasive procedures, complex surgeries, or preventive care, orthopedic doctors play a pivotal role in helping individuals maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.