When to see Someone in Orthopedics

by | Dec 3, 2012 | Healthcare

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If you have an issue with your musculoskeletal system, you might want to see someone that specializes in orthopedics.  An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor with a wide range of experience that covers the entire body.  These surgeons can diagnoses and treat problems in the joints, spine, ligaments, muscles and many other areas.  They often deal with sprains, dislocations, fractures, tears and many other issues.

Those who go into orthopedics often quickly recognize that the field is very large.  Many of them go on to specialize in something within the field so that they can concentrate on feet and ankles, spines, hips, or knees.  Some even treat specifically sports-related injuries while others treat only children.

If you have an injury you think might fit into the orthopedics field, you might wonder if you should see an orthopedic surgeon.  If you have quite a bit of pain and your functions are diminished, you are likely seeing interference to your daily life.  This is a great reason to see someone in orthopedics.  Another common reason to search out someone in the field is arthritis.  The treatments that the orthopedics department will administer to you will depend greatly on the part of your body that is affected, how much pain you are in, the advancement stage of the disease and many other items.

Before anyone in orthopedics decides to do surgery on your problem, there are a number of other treatments they might apply.  Here are just a few treatments you might encounter for your problem:

-Prescriptions
If your condition is not completely debilitating, it might be able to be managed with medication.  Your orthopedist might suggest over the counter painkillers or prescription anti-inflammatory.  These items are not something that you should take long-term.  If your problem persists, you will have to go back to the drawing board alongside your doctor.

-Cortisone
You can get cortisone injections into the joint that is causing you pain.  Cortisone can also help some people who deal with arthritis.  This therapy also has a limited lifespan and injections that come too frequently can cause even more damage to the joint.

-Physical therapy
Sometimes, all the area needs is time to heal and physical activity can help decrease the stiffness and pain while the area heals.  Patients might have to do daily functions in a new way or they might have certain exercises they need to do in order to find relief.

If these things do not work, the orthopedics department might then resort to surgery.  Surgeons have a large amount of techniques they can use for a variety of problems.  After the surgery, patients will likely have to undergo rehabilitation and have prescriptions in order to fully recover.

Round Rock Orthopedics  – If you think you might need an orthopedic surgeon, look into the specialists at the Round Rock website Txortho.com to get a consultation and help.

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