Readers ask: Dr. Who Orthopedics?

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 an Orthopaedic doctor called?

Orthopedic doctors (sometimes also called orthopaedic doctors or orthopaedic surgeons) are doctors who focus on caring for your bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and tendons (the tissue that connects bones and joints). These parts of your body are also referred to as your “musculoskeletal system.”

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 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.

Should I see orthopedist or rheumatologist?

If symptoms continue to persist, the rheumatologist will often refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to see if you are a candidate for surgery, usually as a last resort, if no other treatments could alleviate the problem. Visit an orthopedist if you have experienced: Joint or musculoskeletal pain following an injury.

What is the best doctor to see for arthritis?

You might need to see a specialist. Rheumatologists are specialists in arthritis and diseases that involve bones, muscles and joints. They are trained to make difficult diagnoses and to treat all types of arthritis, especially those requiring complex treatment.

Do surgeons only do surgery?

Surgeons can be general surgeons and perform all types of surgery, or they can be specialized, such as heart surgeons, brain surgeons, dentists, or veterinarians.

What is a back doctor called?

Orthopedists. An orthopedic doctor is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in problems—from head to toe—of the musculoskeletal system. This includes, of course, the spine. An orthopedist might address conditions such as ruptured discs, scoliosis or other types of neck or low back pain.

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 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.

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 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.

Why would I see an orthopedic surgeon?

Orthopedic doctors can treat injuries and may be able to help prevent injuries. Broken bones, compression fractures, stress fractures, dislocations, muscle injury, and tendon tears or ruptures are common reasons people visit orthopedic doctors.

Why is it called orthopedics?

Word Origins Both “ orthopaedics ” and “ orthopedics ” are derived from orthopédie, a French term coined by 17th -century physician Nicholas Andry de Bois-Regard. The term used by Andry itself is derived from the Greek words ὀρθός (orthos), which means “correct” or “straight”, and παιδίον (paidion), which means “child”.