An orthopedic doctor, also known as an orthopedist or orthopedic surgeon, specializes in diagnosing, treating, preventing, and rehabilitating conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves
What Orthopedic Doctors Do
- Diagnose and treat injuries and conditions: They manage injuries from sports or physical activity, overuse injuries, degenerative diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis, fractures, tendon tears, and musculoskeletal trauma
- Pain management and improving mobility: Orthopedists help relieve pain and restore range of motion in affected joints or muscles through various treatments including physical therapy, medications, braces, and sometimes surgery
- Surgical interventions: Many orthopedic doctors perform surgeries such as joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder), fracture repairs, arthroscopy, bone grafting, meniscus repair, and other procedures to correct deformities or repair injuries
- Injury prevention and rehabilitation: They create plans to prevent future injuries and guide rehabilitation through exercises and physiotherapy
- Specialized care: Some orthopedists focus on subspecialties like orthopedic oncology (bone and soft tissue cancers), pediatric orthopedics, spine surgery, sports medicine, and trauma
Common Conditions Treated
- Arthritis and degenerative joint diseases
- Fractures and dislocations
- Sports injuries such as ACL tears and rotator cuff injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Herniated discs and spinal conditions
- Bone tumors and infections
- Congenital musculoskeletal disorders
Orthopedic doctors typically start with nonsurgical treatments and progress to surgery if necessary. They work closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes
. In summary, orthopedic doctors play a critical role in maintaining and restoring the function of the musculoskeletal system through a combination of medical and surgical care tailored to individual patient needs
