What Can You Expect When Visiting an Orthopedic Surgeon?

If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort in your bones, joints, or muscles, a visit to an orthopedic surgeon can help. These specialists focus on the musculoskeletal system, which comprises bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles, and understanding what this visit entails helps prepare you for the consultation. Here is more information on orthopedic surgery:

What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon?

An orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Their expertise covers a wide range of conditions affecting the body’s framework and movement, and they offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments, enabling a comprehensive approach to care. Their goal is to restore function and improve the quality of life for patients dealing with acute injuries or chronic conditions.

What Services Do They Offer?

Orthopedic surgeons provide a variety of treatments tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Non-surgical options are often tried first to alleviate pain and immobility. Physical therapy helps strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, while medications can manage inflammation and pain.

Advanced non-surgical therapies are also available for specific cases. Stem cell therapy promotes tissue repair using the body’s own cells, and MLS laser therapy reduces pain and inflammation through light energy. Epidural steroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the area around the spinal cord. When conservative measures fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may be recommended.

What Conditions Do They Treat?

Orthopedic surgeons address a broad spectrum of musculoskeletal issues. Bursitis involves inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints, and arthritis is a degenerative condition causing pain and stiffness. These conditions can significantly impact daily activities if left untreated.

Spinal conditions are a major focus for orthopedic specialists. A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc protrudes through a crack in its outer casing. This can lead to sciatica, and this condition is characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs down one or both legs.

Structural abnormalities also fall under their purview. Bone spurs are bony projections that develop along bone edges, often in joints, while scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that most often occurs during the growth spurt just before puberty. Early diagnosis and management of these conditions can prevent further complications.

What Does a Visit Involve?

Your first visit will start with a discussion about your medical history and the specific symptoms you are experiencing. The surgeon will ask questions to understand the onset, duration, and severity of your pain. Bringing relevant medical records and a list of current medications can facilitate this process. A physical examination follows the discussion, and the doctor may examine the affected area for swelling, tenderness, and visible deformities.

Diagnostic imaging is a valuable part of the evaluation. X-rays are commonly used to assess bone structure, while MRIs provide detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments and tendons. Based on these findings, the surgeon will discuss potential diagnoses and outline a treatment strategy.

Know What To Expect

Visiting an orthopedic surgeon helps patients manage their musculoskeletal health. From the initial consultation to the development of a personalized treatment plan, knowing what to expect can make the process easier. These specialists offer a range of services to relieve pain and improve daily functioning; schedule a consultation today.