FAQ: When Do You See An Orthopedist?

Why would you be referred to an orthopedic?

Broken bones, compression fractures, stress fractures, dislocations, muscle injury, and tendon tears or ruptures are common reasons people visit orthopedic doctors. Athletes will often work with orthopedists to help prevent future injury and optimize performance.

What does an orthopedic doctor treat?

Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who specialize in the musculoskeletal system – the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that are so essential to movement and everyday life. With more than 200 bones in the human body, it’s an in-demand specialty. Dislocated joints. Hip or back pain.

What happens at your first orthopedic visit?

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.

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.

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.

How do I get referred to Orthopaedic?

How can I be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon? You’ll be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon by your rheumatologist if other treatments aren’t providing enough pain relief. You may also be referred by your GP or by a physiotherapist directly through physiotherapy assessment services provided by the NHS.

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.

What should I wear to an orthopedic appointment?

If you are attending for a knee, hip or spine problem, please wear or bring shorts to your appointment. If you are having shoulder or elbow problems, please wear a singlet or a top that has few buttons.

What is the best doctor to see for osteoarthritis?

You might start by seeing your primary care doctor, who might refer you to a doctor who specializes in joint disorders (rheumatologist) or orthopedic surgery.

What can I expect at an orthopedic exam?

The doctor will observe your general ability to move around while walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, bending forward and backward, and performing other basic movements. These tests help the orthopaedic surgeon rule out or confirm possible diagnoses.

What happens at an orthopedic consultation?

Your first orthopedic appointment will most likely include a comprehensive medical history evaluation, diagnostic imaging (X-rays and/or MRI), and physical tests. The following checklist will help you and your orthopedic doctor discuss the important issues for getting the most out of your first orthopedic appointment.

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.

Is it better to see a podiatrist or orthopedist?

As a general guideline, if you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting your foot or ankle health, it’s best to see a podiatrist. If you have an injury, condition, or symptoms affecting any other part of your musculoskeletal system, it’s best to see an orthopedic physician.

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 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.