FAQ: Why Go To An Orthopedist?

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 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 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 should I tell my orthopedic doctor?

In order to assist the orthopaedic surgeon in making a diagnosis, it may be helpful to write down your answers to the following questions before the appointment:

• Where and when do I have pain?
• How long have I had this pain?
• Do I have any redness or swelling around my joints?
• What daily tasks are hard to do now?

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 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.

How do you treat orthopedics?

Arthroscopic Surgery – Since there are so many diseases and injuries that may damage ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscles, bones, and muscles, for which surgeons may use this type of 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.

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.

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.

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 should I expect at an orthopedic appointment?

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.

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.

What does an orthopedic surgeon do on a daily basis?

Orthopedic doctors treat patients of all ages on a daily basis – infants, children, athletes, working men and women, and seniors. Working both in hospitals and special practices, they treat anything from infections and sport injuries to arthritis, osteoporosis, and bone tumors – to name just the common conditions.