Bone, joint, and muscle pain or musculoskeletal pain can be debilitating. To receive specialized care for your problem, you need to see an orthopedic doctor. If your search comes up with different types of orthopedic doctors, this is completely normal. There are many types of orthopedic doctors because they each specialize in slightly different things. It is important to decide on the type of orthopedic doctor that is best for your needs.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Also called orthopedists, these doctors treat simple and complex injuries and diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. Examples of conditions include fractures, dislocations, and arthritis. An orthopedic surgeon can treat musculoskeletal problems using conservative treatment methods, but if called for, can also perform surgery. Surgery is integral to the role of an orthopedist.
To become an orthopedic surgeon, one completes four years of medical school, at least five years of residency training in orthopedic surgery, and fellowship training to sub-specialize in specific surgeries or the treatment of specific body parts, such as the elbow, hip, knee, foot or ankle. An orthopedic surgeon can also specialize in pediatrics and sports medicine.
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Pediatric orthopedic doctors treat pediatric patients with spine conditions such as spina bifida or scoliosis, deformities like clubfoot, and also treat sports injuries such as sprains, fractures, and growth plate injuries. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon will have undergone at least a year of education and training in pediatric orthopedic conditions. Growth plate surgery is very delicate and requires specialized training. Examples of surgeries pediatric orthopedic surgeons perform are closed or open reduction surgery, open corrective surgery, epiphysiodesis, and bone lengthening and shortening surgeries.
Sports Medicine Doctor
An orthopedic surgeon who undergoes an extra year of training for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports injuries such as sprains, strains, hand and wrist injuries, knee, foot, and ankle injuries, and more. When you hear “sports medicine” you may assume it’s for athletes only, however, sports injuries are not exclusive to athletes or those who play sports. This term covers a wide range of injuries that you may incur at work, during exercise, or while doing chores. Sports medicine doctors are highly trained in the quick diagnosis of an injury and recommend treatment that can speed up the recovery of their patients, so they can get back to work or sports sooner.
Sports medicine doctors travel with professional sports teams specifically for their expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries. Whether you’re a professional or amateur athlete or a weekend warrior, a sports medicine doctor can treat your injury and help with maximizing long-term performance.
Orthopedic Doctor in San Antonio, Texas
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our orthopedic surgeons have over 100 years of combined experience in diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal problems. Dr. Geoffrey M. Millican is fellowship-trained in sports medicine at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, and can provide a swift diagnosis of your condition. Dr. Michael L. Jones specializes in hand surgery and had his fellowship training at the University of Iowa and can restore your hand and wrist function. Dr. Raymond E. Skunda specializes in joint replacement and arthroscopy for patients with advanced-stage arthritis.
To schedule an appointment with any of our orthopedic doctors, call (210) 692-7400 or use our convenient online form.
