Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on treating injuries and diseases that affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. While primary care doctors can treat some of these conditions, an orthopedist has the advanced knowledge and training to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems more effectively. Some orthopedic doctors specialize further in certain areas of the body, such as the knee or shoulder.
The most common condition for which people visit an orthopedist is pain or injury from sports or physical activity. In some cases, a doctor may recommend an orthopedist for patients with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoporosis. Many orthopedic physicians are also experienced at developing treatment plans for medical conditions that don’t require surgery.강동역정형외과
In most cases, an orthopedist will try nonsurgical treatments before recommending surgery. This may include devices that hold bones or joints in place, such as braces, splints, and casts; joint injections with cortisone or another steroid; physical therapy to help strengthen the area and improve movement; and medications such as acetaminophen and other non-opioid pain relievers.
Orthopedic surgeons also have the skills to perform bone grafting, which involves adding new bone to a damaged area. They can use a patient’s own bone, a synthetic substitute, or biological factors to promote natural bone growth and repair damaged bone.송파정형외과
When should you see an Orthopedic Specialist?
Generally, you should see an orthopedist as soon as you have an injury or illness that affects the bones, joints, and muscles. Injuries from sports and other physical activities often happen suddenly, so they should be treated as soon as possible. Persistent or severe pain that doesn’t go away with home treatment should be evaluated by an orthopedist as well.
If you have an insurance plan, such as Medicare or Medicaid, it’s important to find out what types of services are covered. Many insurance companies have online tools to help you find a provider that accepts your specific plan. It’s also a good idea to bring any relevant paperwork or imaging, such as X-rays and MRIs, to your appointment.
There’s some confusion about whether the term orthopedics should be spelled with an “o” or with two letters. Most professional and academic organizations use the spelling “orthopaedics,” but some people choose to spell it simply as orthopedics. The word is derived from the Greek words for straight and child, and it originally referred to children’s orthopedics. However, the field has since expanded to address musculoskeletal conditions in adults as well.