Orthopedic doctors treat a wide range of conditions, such as:

• Bone fractures
• Joint dislocations
• Arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Tendon and ligament injuries (e.g., ACL tears, rotator cuff tears)
• Back and neck pain (e.g., herniated discs, sciatica)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Osteoporosis
• Sports injuries (e.g., sprains, strains, and overuse injuries)

You should consider seeing an orthopedic doctor if you experience:

• Persistent pain in your bones, joints, or muscles
• Difficulty or pain while moving or walking
• A noticeable joint deformity or swelling
• Recent injury that causes significant pain or limited function
• Chronic conditions like arthritis that worsen over time

Common orthopedic surgeries include:

• Joint replacement surgery (e.g., hip, knee, shoulder replacement)
• Arthroscopy (minimally invasive surgery to treat joint problems)
• Spinal surgery (e.g., spinal fusion, laminectomy)
• Fracture repair (e.g., pins, plates, screws for broken bones)
• Tendon and ligament repair (e.g., ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair)

Many orthopedic conditions can be managed without surgery. Non-surgical treatments include:

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises
• Pain management (e.g., medications, injections)
• Bracing or orthotics for support
• Lifestyle changes (e.g., weight management, exercise modifications)
• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for injuries

Orthopedic specialists are doctors who focus on treating specific areas of the musculoskeletal system, such as:

• Sports medicine specialists: Treat sports-related injuries.
• Joint replacement surgeons: Focus on replacing damaged joints.
• Pediatric orthopedic specialists: Treat musculoskeletal conditions in children.
• Spine specialists: Treat back and neck problems.
• Trauma orthopedic surgeons: Address complex fractures and acute injuries.

Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints, which can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Orthopedic doctors treat arthritis through:

• Medication (e.g., anti-inflammatories, pain relievers)
• Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility
• Joint injections (e.g., corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid)
• Surgery (e.g., joint replacement or joint fusion) for advanced cases

While not all orthopedic conditions can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight to minimize stress on joints.
• Engage in regular exercise to strengthen muscles and bones.
• Use proper technique during physical activities to avoid injuries.
• Wear protective gear during sports and high-risk activities.
• Stretch and warm up before exercising to improve flexibility.

Orthopedic doctors use various diagnostic tools, including:

• Physical examinations to assess range of motion, strength, and pain.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to visualize bones, joints, and soft tissues.
• Bone scans or ultrasound to evaluate specific conditions like fractures or tendon damage.
• Blood tests to diagnose conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or infections.

Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s overall health. It typically involves:

• A period of rest and limited activity to allow healing.
• Physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and function.
• Pain management through medications or other therapies.
• Follow-up visits with the orthopedic surgeon to monitor progress. Recovery times can range from a few weeks for minor procedures to several months for more extensive surgeries.