Medical treatment for musculoskeletal issues is an essential part of any healthcare system. Orthopaedic doctors play a vital role in managing these conditions. They diagnose and treat diseases affecting the body’s bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, tendons, and muscles.
This article will discuss seven things an orthopaedic doctor does to help their patients. Let’s dive into what these experts do.
Who is an Orthopaedic Doctor?
An orthopaedic doctor specialises in diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal issues. Orthopaedic doctors are experts in the field of bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves and use a variety of treatments to help people with a wide range of orthopaedic conditions.
Orthopaedics involves diagnosing and treating problems with the body’s musculoskeletal system. It includes injuries from sports or accidents, diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis, disorders like scoliosis, and other degenerative joint diseases. They also treat physical deformities caused by birth defects or trauma. In some cases, an orthopaedic physician may provide surgical treatment to help repair damaged bones and joints.
If you are struggling with any such problem, you can search for an orthopedic near me.
Seven Things an Orthopaedic Doctor Does
1. Diagnose Musculoskeletal Injuries and Disorders
An orthopaedic doctor is trained to diagnose and treat all musculoskeletal issues, ranging from sports injuries to spinal disorders. They use various tools, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound tests, and physical examinations, to accurately assess the area of concern.
2. Treat Fractures
Orthopaedic doctors can help patients with their broken bones. They provide the necessary support and treatment to ensure that fractures heal properly. This includes setting the bone, applying casts or braces, or performing surgery in extreme cases.
3. Diagnose Arthritis
Orthopaedic doctors detect underlying issues related to joint pain caused by arthritis. They use medical imaging devices like X-rays and MRIs to diagnose the condition and recommend anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgeries.
4. Perform Joint Injections or Nerve Blocks
Orthopaedic doctors may use joint injections or nerve blocks to relieve pain or inflammation caused by various conditions. Joint injections involve anti-inflammatory medication, such as cortisone, into the affected area. Nerve blocks involve injecting numbing agents around the nerves that are causing pain in a certain area.
Both methods can help reduce swelling and discomfort, allowing people to return to daily activities more quickly. Orthopaedic doctors usually perform these treatments on an outpatient basis, meaning they don’t require any overnight stays in the hospital.
5. Perform Surgeries
An orthopaedic doctor performs surgeries to correct problems in the musculoskeletal system. This includes trauma-related injuries, joint replacements, spinal surgery, and corrective procedures such as arthroscopy and ligament repair. Some orthopaedists specialise in specific body areas, such as bones, joints, sports medicine, or hand surgery.
They are trained to diagnose and treat with both non-surgical and surgical treatments. Orthopaedic surgeons use a range of specialised instruments for surgeries that can involve delicate precision when repairing or reconstructing damaged tissue.
6. Treats Spinal Deformities
Orthopaedic doctors treat spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, which is an abnormal spine curvature. They may use a variety of treatments to help alleviate pain and improve mobility for patients with these conditions. Treatment options can include bracing, physical therapy, surgery, or medications. Additionally, orthopaedic doctors will work with their patients to develop strategies to manage the condition and reduce its impact on their daily lives.
This may involve lifestyle changes like exercise routines or posture modifications. Regular check-ups are essential for monitoring the patient’s condition and determining whether further treatment is necessary.
7. Act as an adviser for sports teams or athletes
Orthopaedic doctors may act as team physicians for professional or amateur sports teams, performing physical exams and diagnosing injuries. They may also provide advice on nutrition, exercise, and other aspects of care related to the athlete’s health.
Orthopaedic doctors are trained specialists specialising in musculoskeletal medicine and surgery, treating conditions affecting the bones, joints, and muscles. With expertise in diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, orthopaedic doctors handle various musculoskeletal issues.
The Bottom Line
An orthopaedic doctor is dedicated to providing the best care through treatments, physical therapy, lifestyle advice, and surgical procedures. Considering the fast-paced lifestyle of the modern world, these experts play an important role in maintaining a good quality of life.
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