If you have complex problems with your household plumbing, you seek professional help from a licensed, experienced plumber. A general handyperson may need more expertise or experience to understand and fix the problem properly. The same principle applies to your health. If you have a musculoskeletal problem, you can benefit greatly by seeing an orthopedic doctor.
Let’s explore the advantages of consulting bone and joint specialists in San Antonio, TX.
Advanced Education, Training,and Experience
Orthopedic doctors have many years of residency training beyond medical school. They focus on injuries and congenital and degenerative conditions involving the muscles, joints, nerves, and connective tissues, which support and move you as you walk, work, play sports, and accomplish your everyday routines.
Most orthopedic physicians subspecialize–or have fellowship training–in one or more areas, such as:
- Sports medicine
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Geriatric orthopedics
- Hand surgery
- Joint replacement (arthroplasty)
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Arthritis, osteoporosis, and other degenerative diseases
- Trauma, including limb amputations and complicated fractures and dislocations
This specialization gives patients confidence that they are getting the right kind of evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care necessary to recover their best bone and joint health, function, and freedom from debilitating pain. Orthopedic specialists perform almost countless bone and joint treatments–both surgical and non-operative–each and every year. In short, orthopedic specialists accurately and knowledgeably plan and direct care with detailed knowledge of patient needs, possible therapeutic outcomes, and personal goals for health and wellness.
The Diagnostic and Treatment Tools to Address the Problem
An orthopedic surgeon has a long list of diagnostic and treatment options for patients of all ages. Today’s imaging tests are highly sophisticated, enabling the doctor to visualize details inside joints, understand how well nerves and blood vessels work, and even direct injections and surgical instruments more precisely for improved treatment outcomes, quicker recovery, and more.
Education on Current and Potential Conditions
An orthopedic doctor helps patients understand the reasons for their injury or chronic condition. Patient education helps the individual have real input in decisions related to ongoing care or interventions such as surgery, pain medications, or injection therapy.
Also, an orthopedist focuses on preventing potential musculoskeletal problems, particularly if genetics or lifestyle factors, such as poor nutrition or smoking, seem to be impacting health. Together with other professionals, such as physical and occupational therapists, an orthopedic surgeon can help the individual maintain a higher level of comfort, function, and independence.
The Best Orthopedic Doctors in San Antonio, TX
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, we have three board-certified orthopedic surgeons who are known throughout South Texas for their leadership, kindness, and skill in taking care of patients of all ages and walks of life.
If you and our primary care physician believe you should have an in-office evaluation of your bone and joint issue, please call our office at (210) 692-7400 to book an appointment. Or, request a visit by filling out our online form.
We know you will benefit greatly from the individualized attention our providers deliver.