At least one of your friends or family members has probably seen an orthopedic doctor before. However, if you’ve never had to visit one of these specialists yourself, you may be uncertain about what they do or what kinds of conditions they treat. If you’ve been referred to an orthopedic surgeon or doctor, discover what these professionals do with the helpful guide below.

An Introduction to Orthopedic Doctors

What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?

The field of orthopedics is a branch of medicine specializing in the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedists diagnose, prevent, and treat issues within the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and any other musculoskeletal component. These specialists may use medical and rehabilitative practices to treat issues, as well as surgical interventions when needed. In addition to diagnosing musculoskeletal issues, they develop personalized treatment plans which may encompass medications, specific exercises to restore function and range of motion, and prevention tactics to minimize the risk of future injuries or disease progression. 

Why Would You Need to See One?

Orthopedic doctors can treat a wide breadth of conditions for patients of all ages. Their services can benefit individuals with many different concerns, from infants with spinal deformities to elderly individuals with arthritis. Some of the more common reasons an individual might see an orthopedist include sports injuries, persistent joint pain, or nagging muscle or tendon pain.

In general, any musculoskeletal issue is best treated by an orthopedist. These specialists can intervene with targeted treatments to address the joint, ligament, tendon, or other musculoskeletal problem itself, instead of masking symptoms. Overuse injuries, arthritis, and other issues may develop slowly over time, but you should see a specialist any time the pain interferes with your quality of life and fails to improve over time.

In other cases, some doctors refer patients to orthopedists immediately after acute conditions arise (such as sports injuries) to ensure the issue is treated with expertise as early as possible, thereby enhancing the odds of a full and timely recovery.

If you’re experiencing any musculoskeletal problems and need the assistance of a trusted orthopedic doctor, turn to Orthopaedic Associates of Rochester in New York. These medical experts offer two x-ray suites on site to make the diagnostic process quick and convenient. They specialize in bone and joint trauma, dislocations, and other types of sports injuries, as well as many non-emergency orthopedic conditions. Explore their full list of services and procedures online or call (585) 723-3000 to schedule an appointment.