Orthopedic Surgeon
Whenever there is damage to your musculoskeletal system, you want to ensure you’re getting the proper care you need. Whether you were injured in a car accident or as part of a workplace injury, seeing an experienced orthopedic surgeon is important for getting back on your feet and restoring your health.
Orthopedics covers a whole array of injuries and illnesses. Understanding what kind of care they can provide can help you get the treatment you need quickly and efficiently.
Let’s take a look at the various areas an orthopedic surgeon can help you with.
What is Orthopedics?
Orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses entirely on injuries or illnesses in the musculoskeletal system. This includes everything from the bones, joints, tendons, muscles, nerves, and ligaments. This means that orthopedics may be necessary for a variety of reasons under various circumstances.
An orthopedic surgeon is frequently needed whenever someone injures a joint or muscle. If you’ve been in a car accident, were injured at work or you’ve had a slip and fall accident, this may include you.
What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do?
An orthopedic surgeon will walk you through the entire process of restoring the health of your musculoskeletal system. This typically begins with the diagnosis.
During the diagnosis stage, an orthopedic surgeon will work with you to determine the injury or disorder you’re suffering from. In some cases, this is a simple process. Other conditions may take a bit more to find the right diagnosis.
After you’ve received the correct diagnosis, the treatment process can begin. Depending on the seriousness of your injury, you may need surgery to help repair the damage. In other situations, medication and physical therapy is enough.
The next step in the treatment process will be rehabilitation. After your injury has healed, you will need to continue exercises and physical therapy to restore the function of the injured area.
Finally, you will move into the prevention phase. Your orthopedic surgeon will help you identify behaviors or actions that can prevent the injury from happening again. If you suffer from a musculoskeletal disease, they can also help you slow the progression.
What Kinds of Treatment Might I Need?
An orthopedic surgeon will either request nonsurgical treatment or surgical treatment, depending on the severity of your injury or disease. Nonsurgical treatment typically involves medication and/or physical therapy.
Surgical treatment might include things like joint replacement, soft tissue repair, or internal fixation. However, your orthopedic surgeon will help you identify the right treatment for your unique needs and condition.
If you have an injury to your musculoskeletal system, it’s important for you to get in contact with an orthopedic surgeon as soon as possible. Regardless of the cause of your injury, an orthopedic surgeon can help you get the treatment and care you need to restore your health and get back to work.