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If you have a problem or accident that affects your bones, ligaments, tendons, or muscles, your primary care physician may not be able to give full therapy. This is when orthopedists (or orthopedic physicians) come in. They specialize in this form of medicine, therefore, there are times when their experience is required. But when and why should you visit an orthopedic doctor?
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Medicine (AAOM), orthopedic specialists are educated to prevent, diagnose, and treat disorders involving bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Many orthopedic doctors can give general treatment, but some have advanced training in specialized parts of the body. Some areas of specialization include:
- Hands;
- Hips and knees;
- Spine, shoulder and elbow;
- Foot and ankle.
What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?
Best orthopedic doctor near me can treat a wide range of disorders, both common and unusual. Many orthopedic offices have multiple doctors on staff who specialize in various areas. An orthopedist can treat patients of any age.
Patients are commonly referred to orthopedic physicians for the following conditions:
- Arthritis;
- Osteoporosis;
- Fractures;
- Orthopedic trauma;
- Sports injuries;
- Back ache;
- Hand injuries;
- Carpal tunnel;
- Foot and ankle injuries;
- Achilles tendon injury;
- Hip dysplasia.
Possible conditions also include bowlegs, clubfoot, and bone cancers.
Signs You Should See an Orthopedic Doctor
Because orthopedic specialists may treat a wide range of problems, there are several reasons you may need to see one. If your primary care doctor suspects that you have an orthopedic issue or injury, they should send you to a specialist. There are seven symptoms that you should consult with an orthopedic doctor.
- You have persistent pain
If you have constant discomfort for weeks or months, you should consult a doctor. The word chronic is typically used when pain persists for more than 12 weeks, but this does not mean you need to wait that long to get treatment;
- Your range of motion is limited
If pain and stiffness prevent you from moving freely, orthopedic doctors can assist. Limited mobility is a common sign of injury, arthritis, and other joint conditions. When you realize that you are losing range of motion, seek therapy right once to avoid the issue worsening and necessitating more harsh treatment;
- After 48 hours, a soft tissue damage has not improved
Many people sustain soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and twists. Rest and stability are frequently used to treat these diseases, and they usually recover on their own without much medical intervention. However, if the swelling or pain persists beyond 48 hours, you should consult a doctor. Orthopedists can diagnose and treat injuries to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones. They can also act to avoid additional and more serious injuries;
- You are having trouble walking or standing
Orthopedic disorders can make it difficult to walk or stand. If you experience instability or shakiness while walking, sitting, standing, or keeping standing, an orthopedist can assist identify the condition and develop a treatment plan;
- You have difficulties completing everyday tasks
If you are having difficulty with day-to-day activities owing to discomfort or limited range of motion, you should consult an orthopedist. These activities could include getting out of bed in the morning, ascending stairs, getting up and down from a sitting posture, or walking. Many elderly individuals face similar problems, but orthopedic physicians can assist. They can assess you and prescribe physical therapy or surgery to help you improve your quality of life and regain your ability to do daily tasks;
- You have a fracture
Some broken bones may be repaired by immobilizing the region with a cast or splint, while others, such as stress fractures or compression fractures, are more complicated. The location of the fracture may necessitate more intensive therapy to allow the bone to recover. Hip, vertebral, wrist, and kneecap fractures are more difficult to cure than basic arm fractures. With these sorts of fractures, your doctor may recommend you to an orthopedist. An orthopedic specialist can use surgery or other procedures to treat these fractures;
- You experience orthopedic trauma
If you are involved in an accident, fall, or incur a sports injury, you may exhibit signs or symptoms associated with a traumatic injury. You should see an orthopedic expert very away to confirm that your bones, joints, or muscles have not been irreversibly damaged.
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