An orthopedic physician can diagnose and treat any problems that affect the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. They are also adept at handling sports injuries such as concussions.
To gain the most value from your visit, here are 10 questions you should consider asking the orthopedic doctor during your appointment:
#1: What is causing my symptoms?
After a comprehensive evaluation, possibly including tests and scans, the orthopedist should be able to make a diagnosis and tell you what’s causing your symptoms.
#2: Does my medical history contribute to the condition?
Your medical history – such as your past and/or current health conditions, injuries, treatments, and surgeries – will be useful information to share with your orthopedic doctor. The physician should be able to explain whether or not a previous or current illness, injury, or treatment may have contributed to your susceptibility or vulnerability to the issue at hand.
#3: How do I prevent this from happening again?
If your diagnosis is a type of injury, the orthopedic doctor can recommend certain preventive measures to help ensure that it doesn’t reoccur. If it’s a disease or disorder, the physician can help you to reduce or completely eliminate your symptoms.
#4: What outcome should I expect from the treatment?
While the orthopedic doctor is expected to prescribe treatment to help you achieve optimum results, you should be on the same page regarding expectations. The orthopedist should be clear regarding whether the recommended treatment actually eliminates the problem or just mitigates the symptoms, and what you can reasonably expect over the long term.
#5: What is your experience with the recommended treatment?
Your orthopedic doctor will be able to tell you what other patients’ experiences have been with the given treatment, and why it should, therefore, work for you, too.
#6: What are the other treatment alternatives?
The orthopedist can tell you about the various types of non-surgical and surgical treatments for your particular condition. Ultimately, the decision is yours.
#7: Is there anything I need to avoid during treatment?
A good orthopedic doctor should provide a list of what not to do during treatment. There may be activities (certain movements or exercises), habits (smoking and drinking), foods, or medications that may interfere with the success of the treatment.
#8: What happens during the treatment?
If you’ve been recommended surgery, ask what to expect during and after the operation. For nonsurgical treatment methods, you should be aware of any indicators of a bad reaction, an infection, or that the treatment is not working.
#9: Are there any risks associated with the treatment?
Both nonsurgical and surgical treatment methods will come with risks, albeit they may be minimal. Find out what the possible risks or side effects might be so you can make an informed decision.
#10: How long will recovery take?
If there is any type of in-office treatment or surgery involved, ask how long it will take for your body to fully recover.
Top Orthopedic Surgeons in San Antonio, Texas
Our highly experienced and top-rated orthopedic surgeons here at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine have the skills needed to provide comprehensive medical care to our patients. We provide efficient treatment to help you get back to your life as quickly as possible.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors, call the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine today at (210) 692-7400 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to serving you at our San Antonio facility.
