There are many people living all over the world who suffer from muscle, bone or joint pain. Pain in any of these areas can stop everyday activities and leave you on the couch instead of doing what you enjoy. Musculoskeletal conditions are common and affect people from every walk of life, from children, to working men and women, to those who are retired.
All types of people experience musculoskeletal pains and all types of people are able to benefit from services provided by an Orthopedic Surgeon. Whether it is a child with scoliosis or a person undergoing life-saving surgery, Orthopedic Surgeons bring a healing hand to restore function and motion.
What is the Role of an Orthopedic Surgeon?
An orthopedic surgeon works to provide prevention, diagnosis and treatment to those with musculoskeletal conditions. This includes treating the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Orthopedic surgeons may practice generally and cover all areas of the body. These types of surgeons are able to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions or may refer to more specialized surgeons.
Other orthopedic surgeons specialize in a specific part of the body, such as foot and ankles specialists, shoulder and elbow specialists, hand specialists, spine specialists, or hip and knee specialists. These types of orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat only the area in which they specialize.
Who Needs an Orthopedic Surgeon
Orthopedic surgeons treat musculoskeletal conditions in people of all ages. Whether an infant, teen, adult, or elderly person, orthopedic surgeons work with all ages to restore health and wellness.
Orthopedic surgeons frequently treat sports-related injuries, joint replacements, spinal deformities and injuries such as fractures. Anyone who experiences musculoskeletal pain or damage can benefit from an orthopedic surgeon, no matter their age.
Conditions That an Orthopedic Surgeon Treats
Orthopedic surgeons attempt to treat health conditions using non-surgical methods first before considering surgery as a last resort. They may prescribe pain medication or refer a patient for rehabilitation, such as physical therapy, prior to attempting surgical correction. However, when non-surgical procedures are not enough, orthopedic surgeons are also able to complete surgery to repair injuries or correct conditions.
Orthopedic surgeons are able to treat a wide variety of conditions that may include the following:
- Arthritis
- Limb Lengthening
- Carpal Tunnel
- Hand Injuries
- Sports-related injuries
- Back Pain or Hand Pain
- Ruptured Disks
- Spinal Stenosis
- Orthopedic Trauma
- Osteoporosis
- Bone Tumors
- Club Foot
- Bunions
There are a number of other conditions that an orthopedic surgeon may diagnose or treat.
Why Should You See an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Orthopedic surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Orthopedic surgeons are able to treat a wide variety of conditions, including those that do not require surgical correction. They not only have the appropriate training, but they are able to consider surgical and non-surgical treatments to provide top care for a musculoskeletal disease.
Commitment to High-Quality Care
Orthopedic surgeons are committed to high-quality care. This includes not only the correction of musculoskeletal injuries, but also the prevention of them. By providing recommendations for rehabilitation and care, orthopedic surgeons are able to save patients time and money to prevent injury or keep an existing condition from getting worse. As part of their commitment to high-quality care, orthopedic surgeons also believe in exploring non-surgical options prior to considering surgical ones.
What Training Do Orthopedic Surgeons Receive?
Orthopedic Surgeons go through rigorous and extensive schooling and training to maintain certification. In order to become fully certified, they must complete 14 years of education. At the end of their medical schooling and residency, they are fully-fledged medical doctors committed to high-quality care and prevention.
Orthopedic surgeons also have the option to become board certified, which requires maintenance with rigorous life-long learning and regular examinations.
Conclusion
Orthopedic surgeons are doctors who are committed to the high-quality care of those with musculoskeletal conditions. They treat a variety of conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and sports-related injuries.
Orthopedic surgeons consider non-surgical intervention such as medications or rehabilitation prior to opting for surgery. When surgery is necessary, some orthopedic surgeons provide general practices while others specialize in a certain area of the body.
Those who need to visit an orthopedic surgeon can expect high-quality care from a doctor with extensive education and training to ensure the best care possible.
