When you think of going to an orthopedist, you may imagine surgery with big equipment and long recovery time. But did you know that orthopedists have many treatments that do not require surgery?

Orthopedists are like detectives for your muscles, bones, and joints. They find the problem and decide on the best way to fix it without always having to operate. In this blog, we will discuss the role of orthopedists and learn about the best non-surgical treatment options for your orthopedic pain.

What is an Orthopedist?

Orthopedists are doctors who are experts in the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. These parts of our body help us move and do everyday things.

Becoming an orthopedist requires extensive education and training. Orthopedic doctors will need to complete a bachelor’s degree and then go to medical school. After that, they do a special program called a residency where they learn about orthopedic surgery.

Some orthopedists also subspecialize in specific areas like sports medicine, spine surgery, hand surgery, or pediatric orthopedics, among others.

Why Consider Non-Surgical Treatment Options?

Non-surgical treatments are often the better choice for several reasons:

• Lower risk: Non-surgical options have fewer risks than
• Faster recovery: You can get back to your usual activities sooner after a non-surgical
• More affordable: Non-surgical treatments usually cost less than surgical options, saving you money in the long run.

Non-Surgical Treatments Your Orthopedist May Recommend

Your orthopedist may suggest one or more of the following non-surgical treatments:

Physical Therapy

One of the first treatments recommended by an orthopedist is physical therapy.

A physical therapist will give you exercises to strengthen your muscles, make you more flexible, and improve how well you can move. Physical therapy is like a personal workout plan just for you, to help your body heal. It is similar to going to the gym, but everything is focused on helping you get better.

Medications

Your orthopedist can give you medications that do more than just lessen the pain. Some medications can also help reduce swelling, which is your body’s response to injury or illness.

Other medications can strengthen your bones or slow down damage to your joints. Their goal is to focus on the problem, not just the symptom.

Injections

Your orthopedist might suggest getting an injection right where the pain is. This is not just any shot—it is usually a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that can provide relief directly to the troubled area. There are different types of injections, including:

• Corticosteroid injections: These can provide significant relief from inflammation and
• Hyaluronic acid injections: Often used for knee osteoarthritis, these injections help lubricate the joint, reducing pain and improving movement.

While injections may not provide long-term solutions, they can offer temporary relief while you work on strengthening exercises or other treatments.

Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes, changing your daily routine can help you feel better. Your orthopedist can suggest ways to change your lifestyle that may help with your symptoms.

This could mean eating certain foods to help your bones and joints, starting an exercise plan to make you stronger and more flexible, or learning how to take care of your joints when you do everyday things. Even small changes can make a big impact on how you feel.

Braces and Orthotics

Another option to treat injuries without surgery is to use braces or orthotics. These are special devices that help support, protect, or fix the alignment of your bones and joints.

A knee brace can help keep your knee stable after an injury, while adding custom orthotics to your shoes can relieve foot pain by making sure your feet are in the right position when you walk.

When to Consider Surgery

There are plenty of non-surgical orthopedic treatment options that can help you feel better. But sometimes, surgery might be the best option.

If you have tried other treatments and they did not work, or if your condition is very serious, your doctor may suggest having surgery. It is important to talk with your orthopedist about how you are feeling and what you want from treatment so they can help you make the best decision for your health.

Orthopedist in San Antonio, Texas

Do you have joint pain, muscle strains, or sports injuries? At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we understand that surgery is a big decision to consider. That is why our team of highly trained orthopedists are experts in finding and providing helpful treatments that do not require surgery.

We offer many orthopedic services to help you recover, including advanced rehab programs and minimally invasive techniques. Whether you have arthritis, a sports injury, or conditions like biceps tendonitis or meniscal tears, our goal is to get you moving again without needing surgery.

For more information, contact us today (210) 692-7400 or request an appointment using our convenient online form. We look forward to serving you!