Your bones are strong and durable, but they can still get injured or develop a disease. When you break a bone or suspect you may have a bone condition, it’s vital to see a doctor who specializes in treating such issues – a bone doctor.
Here’s what a bone doctor does and how they can help you.
What Is A Bone Doctor?
A bone doctor is an orthopedist who specializes in diagnosing and treating bone problems. They have the education and training to treat acute and chronic conditions, as well as injuries impacting bones.
They perform the following duties:
Diagnosis
The first step in treatment is diagnosis. The bone doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They’ll conduct a physical examination to look for swelling and tenderness and test your range of motion.
To get a closer look at the problem, they may recommend tests like:
- X-ray – to see the bone in question using low-dose radiation
- CT scan – to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the bone
- MRI – to produce comprehensive photos of the bone
Once the doctor makes a diagnosis, they’ll develop a treatment plan.
Treatment
Once they have a diagnosis, your bone doctor will develop a treatment plan. This may involve medication, casting, physical therapy, or surgery. In some cases, your bone doctor may combine treatment methods for the best results.
Your bone doctor can perform many conservative or nonsurgical treatments right in their office. These include:
- Casts and splints – to immobilize the bone, so it can heal properly
- Braces – to support and stabilize the bone while it heals
- Injections – involves injecting medication directly into the area to relieve pain or promote healing
In some cases, surgery is the best option. This is particularly true for fractures where the bone shatters into multiple pieces or when a fracture occurs that pierces the skin. A bone doctor may need to repair a fracture or replace a joint in such situations. They may also need to remove bone spurs or tumors.
Your bone doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment. They’ll also help you understand what to expect during recovery.
Bone doctors commonly treat the following conditions:
- Arthritis – causes inflammation and pain in joints
- Osteoporosis – causes the bones to become fragile
- Fracture – when a bone breaks or cracks
- Dislocation – when a joint pops out of place
- Bone spur – bony growths that can form on the bones
- Tumor – growths that can be benign or cancerous
Recovery
After treatment, you must follow your bone doctor’s instructions for recovery. That may include taking medication, using assistive devices, and attending physical therapy, depending on your diagnosis.
Your bone doctor will help you understand what to do to recover well. They’ll also provide you with support and resources along the way.
Injury Prevention
In addition to treatment, bone doctors also focus on injury prevention. They can provide you with information on how to avoid injuries, such as sports collisions. They may also recommend exercises or activities to help keep your bones healthy.
A bone doctor can help protect your bones from injury and disease, so you live a healthy lifestyle. They can even recommend nutritional changes or vitamins to improve your bone health.
When To See A Bone Doctor
A bone doctor can help get back on your feet after an injury. They can also help manage chronic conditions to let you live a pain-free life. See a bone doctor as soon as possible if you sustain a bone injury, especially if it’s severe. You should also seek help if you have a chronic condition causing pain or mobility problems. You should also see a bone doctor if you suspect your height is getting shorter, if you have arthritis and it’s progressively getting worse, or if you have a family history of osteoporosis.
Best Bone Doctor Near You In San Antonio, TX
Bone doctors can help you recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions related to bone health. They offer a wide range of services, from diagnosis to surgery. If you’re dealing with a bone problem, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
Are you looking for the best bone doctor near you? You can trust the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Our orthopedic providers are highly trained, experienced, and excited to give you the best care you deserve. You may call our friendly staff today at (210) 692-7400 to learn about our comprehensive services. You may also use our convenient appointment request form to book a consultation.
We look forward to serving you!
