Orthopedics (sometimes spelled orthopaedics) is a medical profession branch that is specialized in problems affecting musculoskeletal systems, together with treatment options designed to improve such conditions. To put it simple, this includes almost anything related to bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and in some situations, nerves.
Confusion
The term “orthopedics” was initially used to describe studying and treating children that suffered from certain disabilities. The actual word is made out of 2 Greek words: “pedia” (children) and “ortho” (straight). Because of this, there is a confusion that sometimes appears as some people think about the profession as one dealing with children. As already mentioned, it is not the case.
The confusion is only stronger when referring to pediatric orthopedics. These are the professionals that mainly deal with orthopedic problems in children.
What Are Orthopedic Physicians?
The orthopedic physician is a specialist that is trained in order to become a surgeon. He/she is able to diagnose different health issues, manage them and treat them. Some of the really common ones that the doctor deals with on a constant basis are pain in legs, feet and back, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoporosis and sports injuries. Basically anything that affects the skeletal and muscles system will get you to visit such a professional. Treatment is offered through surgery, exercise, medication and rehabilitation.
Surgical Interventions
In the event that no treatment form improves patient health, the orthopedist needs to perform surgery. You can click here for an example of a clinic that is specialized in such procedures. Different surgery types are available and they have the goal of repairing discs, repairing nerves, replacing joints and much more. The doctors are also capable of treating people with sprains, broken bones and dislocated joints.
What To Do When You Have Muscle, Nerves Or Bone Pain
In such situations the common approach is visiting a primary care physician. This doctor will take a look at your symptoms and will then refer you to an orthopedist of choice so that a better assessment is done. Contrary to what many believe, the primary care physician cannot offer treatment solutions in this case.
The orthopedic surgeons can be specialized in specific medicine branches related to the field. Many work with a particular injury like nerve or muscle trauma and sports medicine is gaining a lot of popularity among the specialists. Other doctors will be specialist in particular body areas like feet, ankles, hips and knees.
There are many different surgical procedures that are done in this field. It is a guarantee that you already heard about people that went through joint replacement procedures. This is the most common situation you would be faced with. The damaged joint is removed, partially or totally, and replaced with suitable prosthesis.
In most situations there are elderly people that end up having to go through orthopedic surgeries but you cannot know if this is the case in the event that you suffer from bone or muscle pain. The orthopedic dentist is the only professional that can tell you what treatment option is the best in your case.