FAQ: What An Orthopedist Specializes In?

When should I see an orthopedist?

When should you see an orthopedic doctor?

• You have pain, stiffness, or discomfort that are making it difficult to perform everyday activities.
• You are experiencing chronic pain (pain lasting longer than 12 weeks)
• You’re noticing decreases in your range of motion.
• You feel unstable while walking or standing.

What can orthopedic doctors diagnose?

Orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat many types of pain all over the body, including:

• knee pain.
• hip pain.
• shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand pain.
• ankle or foot pain.
• back or neck pain.

What is difference between orthopedic and orthopedist?

An orthopedic surgeon treats conditions impacting the musculoskeletal system and may specialize on a specific body part. Orthopedists do perform surgery, and also use various other treatments to alleviate pain. Doctors usually want patients to avoid surgery, and turn to it as a last resort.

What happens at an orthopedic consultation?

Physical examinations are important for the surgeon to assess your range of motion, swelling, reflexes, and skin condition. Your doctor will be observing your general capacity to move around in certain positions such as walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, bending forward and backward, etc.

Should I see an orthopedist or physical therapist?

Through physical therapy, you can treat many of the same issues that would make you seek an orthopedist. Your therapist can help with back pain, hip mobility, shoulder pain and diagnose knee osteoporosis. If you do need orthopedic surgery, there are many orthopedic surgeons in Bethesda who can help you.

Why would you be referred to an orthopedic?

Even if you ‘re free of any deformities and are in fairly good health, your primary care doctor may refer you to an orthopedist if you experience persistent pain in any of your joints, bones, or muscles as a result of exercise-related overuse injuries or accidents.

Should I go straight to a specialist?

But is it a good idea to go straight to specialty care first? Generally not. Your primary care provider is usually the best person to see when there’s a new health issue. A primary care doctor, or general practitioner, is the person you should see for most preventive care and health concerns as they arise.

DO orthopedic doctors treat nerve pain?

If you believe you may be suffering from a pinched nerve, you should always visit an orthopedic surgeon near you to ensure that is the problem and rule out any more serious spinal issues. These doctor visits can also help determine if a more chronic ailment, like spinal arthritis, is to blame.

What will an orthopedic doctor do for back pain?

Options include trigger point injections to relieve painful muscles, anti-inflammatory joint injections, epidural injections for spinal nerves, or nerve blocks. In more serious cases, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Do all orthopedics do surgery?

An orthopedist can provide braces, splints, casts and can reset bones when necessary. They can provide pre- surgery consultation and help with follow-up and recovery after a surgery, recommending patients seek occupational or physical therapy, but an orthopedist does not perform surgery.

Does an orthopedic doctor have to be a surgeon?

However, while all orthopedic surgeons are orthopedic specialists, not all orthopedic specialists are orthopedic surgeons. Any orthopedic specialist – surgical and otherwise – is qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat your orthopedic ailment using non-invasive treatments.

What are orthopedic conditions?

Orthopedic conditions are injuries and diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. This body system includes the muscles, bones, nerves, joints, ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues. Damage to any of these tissues or structures can come from chronic orthopedic diseases or from an injury.

Can a orthopedic write prescriptions?

Orthopedic surgeons are among the physicians most likely to prescribe narcotics. In light of the current opioid epidemic, it is crucial that all physicians be mindful of their prescribing patterns and minimize narcotic use for different patient cohorts.

How do I prepare for an orthopedic appointment?

Preparing for Your Orthopedic Appointment

1. Arrive Prepared. Like with any other initial appointment with a medical professional, you will need to bring a photo ID, your medical insurance card and referral if you were referred by another physician.
2. Bring Medical Documentation.
3. Bring a List of your Meds.
4. Bring a Buddy.
5. Physical Therapy Reports.

What is an orthopedic test?

An orthopedic evaluation is an exam that gives your surgeon the information they need to recommend the best pain-relieving procedures for you. Orthopedic surgeons perform thorough orthopedic evaluations when determining the most appropriate form of treatment for your musculoskeletal condition or injury.