Whether you’re an athlete injured on the playing field, or just getting older and dealing with the effects of arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions and pain can stop us in our tracks. It’s no wonder that many of us rely on orthopedic doctors for help. These physicians specialize in treating bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. In fact, most primary care doctors refer patients to orthopedists when their pain or injury can’t be adequately treated by other means.
Some doctors may also specialize in a specific area of the body, like the knee, hip or spine. They may even narrow their focus further to evaluate and treat only certain types of injuries or conditions, or perform certain procedures. For example, one doctor may only work with children’s musculoskeletal problems, while another physician might focus on hand surgery.잠실정형외과
Regardless of their area of expertise, all board-certified orthopedic doctors have completed at least five years of residency. In addition, they have passed a comprehensive exam to receive their certification. However, some doctors choose to pursue a fellowship in a sub-specialty of their field to gain more experience and knowledge. Fellowships can be a year or more in length and are often focused on developing a particular area of orthopedics. You can look for information about a physician’s board-certification and fellowship on their website or in a professional database.
In general, doctors who specialize in orthopedics offer a wide range of treatment options to include medications, injections and physical therapy. But the most common and recognizable treatment is surgery. Orthopedic surgeons are trained to repair fractured bones, remove damaged cartilage and tendons, reattach limbs and joints, and replace missing bone and muscle tissue.하남정형외과
For many patients, finding the right doctor is all about a good fit. During an initial consultation, consider the doctor’s communication style and ask yourself if you feel comfortable discussing your concerns and answering questions openly. A face-to-face interview is the best way to assess compatibility and find out if you have a similar vision for your health.
Most orthopedic doctors try nonsurgical treatments before suggesting surgery. For example, persistent back pain might be helped by ice packs, over-the-counter medicines, heat and stretching. More serious pain, like sciatica, might need more intense and long-term treatment like acupuncture, physical therapy or medication.
Some musculoskeletal problems are life-long, while others improve or go away as we age. But for those that persist or get worse, it’s always a good idea to see an orthopedic specialist. Especially since many of these injuries and conditions are preventable. With the right orthopedic physician, you can stay healthy and active through your whole life. Just remember to make an appointment with a physician who accepts your insurance plan. To check coverage, contact your health insurance provider or use the free Physician Compare tool on Medicare’s website. For those on Medicaid, you can check your state’s website to learn more about which doctors accept your coverage.