Learn About Orthopedicians: Diseases they Treat and When to see one?
What is an Orthopedic Doctor?
An orthopedic doctor is a medical professional who has the education and skill to treat patients who are suffering from problems affecting the orthopedic system – bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. They can diagnose health problems, repair broken bones, and help treat pain and mobility disorders caused by health problems or illnesses.
How does a Doctor become an Orthopedician?
To become an orthopedic doctor, a person must first graduate from an accredited undergraduate program. The next step is to attend medical school for at least four years. They also attend a fellowship or residency, where they practice orthopedic medicine under the careful watch of an experienced orthopedic professional. It can take eight to ten years to complete the education needed to become an orthopedic doctor.
What types of illnesses Do Orthopedician treat?
Orthopedic doctors treat a variety of illnesses. They focus on bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They can repair and mend them if needed. Some of the common illnesses and health problems that orthopedic doctors treat include:
- Fractures
- Broken Bones
- Arthritis
- Sprains
- Tendonitis
- Torn Ligaments
- Tennis Elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Knee Injuries
- Scoliosis
- Back Problems
- Neck Pain
- Osteoporosis
What are the diagnostic tests and procedures ordered by an Orthopedic doctor?
Orthopedic doctors use different tests and procedures to diagnose orthopedic problems in patients. They may conduct the tests themselves, or they may order them from other health professionals. Some of the most common diagnostic tests include:
- Arthrography
- Blood Test
- Bone Scan
- CT Scan
- Discography
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- EMG
- Flexibility Test
- MRI
- Muscle Test
- Nerve Conduction Study
- Bone Density Test
- Physical Exam
- Range of Motion Test
- Stress Test
What are the different types of Orthopedic doctors?
There are two different types of orthopedic doctors. Each one performs different tasks, tests, and treatments. The two types include:
- Orthopedic Physician: Orthopedic physicians see patients regularly, diagnose their problems or disorders, and treat them without surgery. They can repair fractures and breaks, prescribe pain medication, and refer patients for physical therapy treatments.
- Orthopedic Surgeon: Orthopedic surgeons treat patients with surgery. They may set broken bones, remove bone spurs, conduct spinal surgery, and complete other types of bone repairs.
How do Orthopedic Doctors treat Injuries and Health Problems?
Because orthopedic doctors treat so many different issues, they have a variety of treatments that they use. The treatment depends on the disease or injury and the severity of it. Some common types of treatments used by orthopedic doctors include;
When to See an Orthopedic Doctor?
It can sometimes be hard to know when to see an orthopedic doctor. Most people are referred to them by their general physicians. Still, it is important to know when you should see an orthopedic doctor. The most common reasons include;
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Bone Spurs
- Tendon Dysfunction
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Bunions
- Claw Toe
- Hammer Toe
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hip Bursitis
- Osteoporosis
- Arthritis
- Runner’s Knee
- Tendinitis
- Tendonitis
- Tennis Elbow
- Spine and Neck Problems
- Spinal Stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Sciatica
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Lyme Disease
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