If you have any musculoskeletal problem due to an injury or a disease, seeing an orthopedic doctor can greatly impact you.
An orthopedist is experienced in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders and injuries of the muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. To become an orthopedic doctor, one study for four years in a medical school and get a Medical Doctor (MD) degree or Doctor of Osteopathic (DO) degree. Next, they complete five years of orthopedic residency, which is followed by one- or two-year fellowship training.With advanced expertise in bones, joints, and muscle disorders, an orthopedist can optimize your mobility and strength.
Let’s look into the impact of seeing an orthopedic doctor and where you can get the best musculoskeletal care in San Antonio, TX.
Patient’s Medical History Review
At your initial visit to an orthopedic clinic, your doctor will ask for and evaluate your detailed medical history. You need to describe any condition you have previously been diagnosed with or something running in your family history. An orthopedic doctor will ask about pain or any other symptoms of the musculoskeletal problems you are experiencing currently.
Having a detailed knowledge of your medical history, symptoms, severity, and frequency, your doctor will recommend an effective treatment plan.
Comprehensive Physical Examination
An orthopedic surgeon conducts a detailed physical examination to assess your mobility, reflexes, and any signs of inflammation. After reviewing your medical history, an orthopedist will perform a visual inspection to examine your main concern. Also, they will ask you for a hands-on evaluation of joint dislocation, swelling, or any other deformity.
These physical tests will help your doctor to reach a diagnosis and guide appropriate therapy.
Early and Accurate Diagnosis of Orthopedic Problems
In addition to a basic physical examination, your orthopedist may prescribe some diagnostic tests to confirm the condition. These tests may include lab tests and imaging tests like MRI, X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasound examinations. Moreover, your doctor may also order nerve conduction tests during your initial examination.
Patient’s Confidence in the Orthopedic Care Provider
Unlike general doctors, orthopedic physicians have many years of specialized training. Most orthopedic specialists have fellowship training in sports medicine, hand surgery, arthroscopic surgery, and pediatric or geriatric orthopedics. They mainly focus on degenerative conditions, birth defects, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
Visiting an orthopedic doctor can assure you are getting the right care.
Getting Rid of Pain and Discomfort
The goal of an orthopedic treatment is to help the patient regain optimal mobility while reducing pain.
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent reason for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Common osteoarthritis management options include physical therapy, bracing, viscosupplementation, and injection therapy. Your orthopedist can provide an appropriate strategy focusing on reducing inflammation and improving joint health.
Detailed Personalized Treatment Plan
Each patient may have unique treatment goals depending on their orthopedic issue. After the initial diagnosis and evaluation, your orthopedic doctor can direct an individualized therapy plan to address your problem. The detailed treatment plan is based on your unique needs, possible therapeutic outcomes, and personal goals for wellness.
Non-invasive Care
Orthopedic doctors mostly try multiple non-surgical treatments simultaneously for patient relief. Non-surgical therapies for orthopedic problems may include medications, orthotics, injections, braces, and physiotherapy.
Your orthopedic doctor may order certain measures other than surgery. Generally, non-surgical care plans may include the following effective strategies:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or others for pain relief.
- Steroid injections such as cortisone or others relieve joint pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy and special exercises can improve strength and mobilize stiff muscles and joints.
- Occupational therapy allows you to try and perform routine activities such as getting dressed, picking things up, or jumping obstacles.
- Splints, braces, or other such devices hold bones or joints in proper position and boost healing.
- Orthotics, externally designed devices like custom shoe inserts to support foot positioning or treating ankle disorders.
Appropriate Surgical Interventions
If non-surgical measures are insufficient to manage the orthopedic condition, surgical alternatives are available.
Common surgical interventions offered by an orthopedic doctor include replacement surgery, such as joint replacement, or repair surgery, such as ligament repair surgery. Furthermore, other treatment modalities may include arthroscopic surgery or other specialized procedures to fix complicated dislocations, fractures, or trauma.
Faster Recovery and Rehabilitation
Immediately after the surgery, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe medications and follow-up visits during recovery. Your doctor may provide specific guidelines to cope with post-surgical symptoms like swelling and pain. Following the instructions provided by your orthopedist can ensure you a speedy recovery.
Patient Education on Current Conditions
On your visit to an orthopedic doctor, you can get a proper insight into your potential orthopedic conditions and ways to manage them. Your orthopedist may help you understand the possible causes of your injury or other condition. They allow you to participate in decision-making related to your ongoing care, surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
Prevention of Future Complications
Consulting an orthopedic doctor is not confined to treating orthopedic disorders. You will get all the necessary instructions and measures to prevent future complications and injuries. An orthopedist will teach you about proper body movements for different activities like climbing, running, walking, and more. Also, they may prescribe proper footwear, protective gear, and other safety precautions to avoid serious injuries.
Improved Mobility and Joint Functionality
Seeing an orthopedic specialist is the ideal go-to option if your musculoskeletal condition involves pain or reduced mobility. Orthopedic specialists not only diagnose such issues but also recommend appropriate measures to enhance joint functionality.
Enhanced Quality of Life and Long-term Wellness
Your orthopedic doctor educates you on how to stay well and maintain your musculoskeletal health. They will show you different ways to keep your joints and muscles healthy. Possible options may include oral painkillers, injections, assistive devices, physical therapy, and dietary counseling.
Enhanced Sports Performance and Recovery
If you want to boost your sports performance, seeing a sports medicine specialist is ideal. He will make an individualized plan, including various strategies to improve your athletic performance. Following the provided plan will help minimize the long-term negative impact of physical activity on your body organs.
Alleviation of Chronic Conditions
If you have rheumatoid arthritis or any other chronic condition of bones or joints, seeing an orthopedic doctor can offer a long-term solution. Depending on your health status, he may guide you on specific measures, such as dietary interventions, physical therapy, and exercises to improve mobility and avoid joint stiffness.
Find the Best Orthopedic Doctor in San Antonio, TX
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we have board-certified orthopedic doctors known for their expertise. We offer advanced non-surgical and surgical therapies for different orthopedic patients. Also, we have orthopedic doctors specialized in sports medicine for handling sports or exercise-related injuries. Our orthopedic specialists are highly trained in fixing hand, hip, knee, and shoulder disorders. In addition to general medicine and sports medicine services, we also offer rehabilitation services and treatment for fractures and traumas.
To schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic doctors, call us at (210) 692-7400 or simply fill out our online appointment request form.
