The musculoskeletal system is comprised of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support and move your body. When an injury or illness affects these parts of your body, a specialist known as an orthopedic doctor can treat them and help you get back to your normal life activities. Orthopedics have specialized training and experience in treating all types of bone and joint injuries and conditions, both surgical and non-surgical.
Often times, orthopedics may recommend that you first try nonsurgical treatments. This can include pain medications, splints or braces, physical therapy and other forms of noninvasive care. If these methods are unsuccessful in addressing your symptoms or improving the condition, an orthopedist may then suggest surgery.
In addition to treatment, orthopedic doctors can also advise you on preventive measures. This is because some health conditions and injuries, such as osteoarthritis, are preventable if you take the right steps to maintain proper bone and joint function, strength, and flexibility. This can include regular exercise, weight control, and keeping a healthy lifestyle.
As specialists in the treatment of bones and joints, orthopedic doctors can address a wide range of symptoms and conditions that impact the upper extremities, lower extremities, hands, feet, and spine. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger are common conditions that can be treated by orthopedics who specialize in the hand and wrist. Knee pain and ankle injuries are typically treated by orthopedists who have a subspecialty in the knee and foot.하남정형외과
When you see an orthopedic doctor, it’s important to bring any reports or imaging such as X-rays and MRIs that have been done regarding your symptoms or condition. This will help your practitioner more efficiently determine the best course of treatment for you.
Most people who seek the care of an orthopedic doctor do so on referral from their primary care physician, although you can make an appointment without a referral at many medical clinics. 잠실정형외과 During your initial consultation, your orthopedic doctor will review your symptoms and determine if further testing or diagnostic procedures are needed. After determining the best course of treatment for you, your orthopedic surgeon will develop an individualized plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. You should also ask your orthopedic surgeon about his or her training and education, including any accredited fellowships in a particular sub-specialty. This information can usually be found on a physician’s official online profile. You should also check to see if your doctor is board-certified. You can do this by searching the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ Find a Doctor tool. The tool allows you to search for physicians who are both board-certified and have completed an accredited fellowship in a particular sub-specialty of orthopedics. If you do not find a physician that meets your criteria, you can always contact the AAOS to be connected with another orthopedic specialist. The AAOS’s service is free of charge.