Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who diagnose and treat patients with problems with the bones, joints, muscles, and nervous system. These specialists use both surgical and nonsurgical methods to treat their patients.
An orthopedic surgeon will help diagnose your problem and develop a treatment plan. This may involve medication, physical therapy, and surgery. These experts are trained in the latest techniques and procedures to get you back to your daily activities as soon as possible.
In case you are injured in an accident or have a sports-related injury, you will be referred to an orthopedic surgeon by your primary care physician. These specialists also treat conditions present since birth, such as scoliosis.
Common problems that orthopedic surgeons treat include:
1) Arthritis
This condition is caused by the inflammation of joints. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. An orthopedic surgeon may prescribe medication or recommend surgery for such a condition.
2) Spinal problems
These can include herniated disks, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis. An orthopedic surgeon may order tests like X-rays and MRIs to diagnose the problem. They may also recommend nonsurgical methods, such as physical therapy or surgery.
3) Sports injuries
These can include torn ligaments, fractures, and dislocations. An orthopedic surgeon will often recommend surgery to repair the damage.
4) Traumatic injuries
These can include gunshot wounds and car accident injuries. An orthopedic surgeon may need to realign bones and repair tissue damage. They may also need to insert pins, plates, and screws to hold the bones in place while they heal.
5) Birth defects
These can include congenital dislocation of the hip and clubfoot. An orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery to correct the problem. Some of the defects include Sprengel’s deformity and Freeman-Sheldon syndrome.
6) Tumors
These can be benign or cancerous. An orthopedic surgeon may need to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue. They may also recommend chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
7) Infections
These can involve the bones, joints, or muscles. An orthopedic surgeon may need to drain the infected area and prescribe antibiotics.
There are numerous benefits of consulting such an expert regularly, including;
1. a) Relief from pain
The pain caused by the above conditions can be unbearable at times. However, with the help of an orthopedic surgeon, you can get relief from this pain and enjoy a better quality of life.
2. b) Improved mobility
If you are suffering from a condition that limits your mobility, an orthopedic surgeon can help improve it. This will allow you to live a more active and fulfilling life.
3. c) Avoidance of surgery
In some cases, surgery may be avoided altogether. It is possible if the condition is diagnosed early and treated with nonsurgical methods.
4. d) Reduced risk of complications
If you need surgery, an orthopedic surgeon will take every precaution to ensure that it is successful and complication-free.
With the help of an orthopedic surgeon, you can get back to your normal activities much sooner than if you were to try and treat the condition on your own. Orthopedic surgeons treat a wide variety of conditions. These include arthritis, spinal problems, sports injuries, traumatic injuries, congenital disabilities, and tumors. With such a wide range of conditions, it is important to consult with an orthopedic surgeon at AOA Orthopedic to determine the best course of treatment for your particular condition.