If you have been stopped from performing normal life activities by conditions affecting the musculoskeletal organs, it is prudent to see an orthopedic surgeon. An orthopedic surgeon will help you deal with issues such as diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases that affect the bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments as well as other tissues. Upper Extremity Specialists are devoted to general musculoskeletal issues with specialists in areas such as hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, the hand, as well as the spine.
Conditions Treated By Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons do not work on their own, and they consult with other teams of doctors and subspecialists to treat various musculoskeletal issues. They are likely to opt for non-surgical treatments first, and surgery is the last resort when all other forms of treatment do not work. They will examine your condition and provide evaluation and treatment of different diseases affecting the musculoskeletal tissues and bones. Some of the conditions treated by an orthopedic expert include;
· Accessory navicular bone
· Achondroplasia
· Joint arthritis
· Benign bone tumor
· Biceps tear
· Bone fractures
· Spinal deformities
· Club foot, bow legs, and hip dysplasia
What to Expect When You Visit an Orthopedic Surgeon
When you decide to have a surgery that corrects musculoskeletal disorders, your surgeon starts by evaluating your condition to determine the appropriate forms of treatment that will work for your condition.
· Medical history exam
Your doctor will require a specific description of your pain with details on where you feel the pain, the intensity of the pain, and how often the pain comes and goes. You should also indicate whether the pain is preventing you from performing your daily activities, or if it is mild and does not prevent you from your daily activities. It is better to give all the past injuries that might have contributed to the current pain. Let your surgeon know of other chronic pain that you experience with a clear medical history which includes a report of other underlying medical conditions.
· Physical tests
Your orthopedic surgeons will conduct a physical exam that helps them get an idea of your condition. The tests will check your flexibility, reflexes, and range of motion, and this helps in the examination of swollen parts which might indicate visible disease symptoms. Examples of physical symptoms for different musculoskeletal disorders include visible lumps, bulges in the spinal cord, asymmetrical swelling, and bruised skin.
· Imaging test
Before surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will conduct an in-depth analysis of the area, and this could include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray exams. The details provide the surgeon with the extent of the injury, and this helps in determining whether you need the surgery or not.
· Treatment options
After conducting all the tests, your surgeon will discuss the option that is available for you which could include medical treatments, surgery, and physical therapy.
The Bottom Line
An orthopedic surgeon helps you deal with different musculoskeletal issues. When you feel pain in the joints, ligaments, and other tissues, it is better to seek medical help. Do not wait until the point where you can no longer move before visiting an orthopedic expert. At a doctor’s office, you will undergo a medical exam, and the doctor will recommend further treatments for your condition which could include physical therapy and surgery
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