Orthopedics isn’t about crushed bones as most people think, it does deal with the bones and injuries to them but an orthopedic surgeon treats all types of injuries and illnesses that affect the musculoskeletal system. This system is quite complex and consists of muscles, bones, tendons, nerves, and ligaments in one’s body. So any condition or injury involving the bones and muscles are treated by an orthopedic surgeon.
Most everyone has suffered from some type of injury that affected the musculoskeletal system, but have not required the services of this specialist. How do you know if you need an orthopedic surgeon? Since an orthopedic surgeon is a specialized physician, you most likely would need to be referred to this kind of doctor for you injury or ailment. Just because you are referred to this type of doctor doesn’t mean that your injury or ailment is life threatening in order to receive treatment. You can have a manageable condition that just requires the knowledge and specialized experience of this type of doctor to treat your condition effectively.
Since these specialist commonly see patients for broken, crushed, or dislocated bones, orthopedics have become associated with these types of injuries and is why most people believe that’s the only thing they treat. It’s funny too because not all broken bones are referred to an orthopedic surgeon, minor injuries can be cared for by a general practitioner, especially in adults.
There are various injuries that may require the attention of this specialist, these include sport and high risk activities. These injuries can include pulled or strained muscles, torn ligaments, knee injuries, and cuff injuries, as well as, similar injuries that fall under this categorization. Some other conditions that would require seeking the advise and care of this specialist would include:
• Arthritis
Arthritis is a disease that causes inflammation, stiffness, and a great deal of pain in the joint. Individuals who suffer from an arthritic condition usually has joint cartilage damage and more than one joint can be affected. The effects that arthritis has on an individual varies but can be severe enough that normal day to day activities are restricted due to pain, and other symptoms. Lifestyle changes are usually necessary as a proper treatment plan, as well as, the administering of medications, and even surgical procedures.
• Tumors
Tumors are becoming a treatment specialty for orthopedic surgeons. But the tumors these specialists deal with are the ones that either grown within the bone or on the bone. These types of tumors need to be surgically removed. These surgeons are specially trained to remove the tumor while still preserving as much mobility for the patient as possible.
• Certain Injuries
Some moderate injuries, as well as, severe injuries that may require the insertion of devices, such as pins, in order to stabilize bones would require seeing this specialist. When children experience even simple bone injuries they should always seek the attention of an orthopedic surgeon. A child’s bones are still in the process of developing, so to ensure the effects of their injuries won’t be long term, the touch of a specialist is required.