If you’re living with pain, limited range of motion or stiffness that affects how you move and what you can do, it may be time to see a specialist. A doctor who specializes in orthopedics can diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan that can help you get back to your daily activities.
Orthopedics is the branch of medicine focused on bones, muscles and joints. It includes sub-specialties like sports medicine, foot and ankle surgery, joint replacement and pediatric orthopedics. It’s important to find an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in your particular condition. This will ensure you receive the most appropriate care and best chances of a quick, full recovery.
Your primary care doctor or an emergency room physician can refer you to an orthopedic specialist, or you can choose one on your own. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has an online search tool that can help you locate a board-certified orthopedic doctor in your area. You can also ask a friend or family member for a recommendation. Many doctors who specialize in orthopedics work at hospitals or private practices, so you’ll have a lot of choices.
During an initial consultation and evaluation, the orthopedic surgeon will review your medical history, perform a physical exam and request imaging tests such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) to gather more information about your condition. Then they’ll discuss your treatment options, risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision about your care.하남정형외과
A common reason for seeing an orthopedic specialist is to treat a sports injury or work-related trauma. But you can also visit an orthopedist for a chronic condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving around. Your orthopedic specialist can prescribe treatments such as medication, splints or braces to ease your symptoms and help you manage your pain.송파정형외과
Other conditions treated by orthopedic specialists include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and tendinitis. Your orthopedist may recommend treatments such as ice, over-the-counter pain medicines or steroid injections. If your symptoms don’t improve, they might suggest carpal tunnel release surgery, which involves cutting a ligament in your wrist to relieve pressure on a nerve and help you move more freely.
All three Mayo Clinic campuses are engaged in research on musculoskeletal diseases, offering you the most current options for diagnosis and treatment. Researchers at the Rochester, Minnesota; Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona; and Jacksonville, Florida, divisions of orthopedics focus on topics like grafting bone to repair injuries, new methods for fixing cartilage damage and ways to prevent hip replacements from wearing out prematurely.