Orthopedia
What does an orthopedic doctor specialize in?
An orthopedic doctor deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. That means problems with muscles, joints and bones. These can be congenital or acquired diseases, as well as injuries.
Orthopedics is often associated with traumatology, which specializes in musculoskeletal system, muscles and soft tissues injuries. But the tasks of an orthopedist are broader than those of a traumatologist:
- A traumatologist provides emergency treatment when something has already happened.
- An orthopedist can identify an orthopedic disease during a planned examination or when the first unpleasant symptoms occur.
An orthopedic doctor treats problems such as:
- issues with the spine, for example, osteochondrosis, scoliosis, radiculitis,
- bone diseases, such as osteoporosis,
- foot deformities, such as flat feet, hallux valgus,
- inflammation and destruction of joints, for example, arthritis, arthrosis,
- sports injuries, such as torn meniscus, anterior cruciate ligament injury,
- dislocations and broken bones,
- wounds and abrasions of varying severity,
- sprain.
Also, regular consultations with an orthopedic surgeon can identify diseases of the musculoskeletal system before painful symptoms or obvious deformities appear.
What are the main diagnostic methods in orthopedics?
When you come for a consultation with an orthopedic doctor, he will definitely find out what you are complaining about and what the history of the disease is. After this, a specialist will examine you to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment:
- will check the area you are complaining about for pain, swelling, injury,
- will examine the limb and the spine as a whole system,
- will perform tests for mobility, crunching and other symptoms.
If this is not enough, the doctor will prescribe additional examinations that are necessary to make a correct diagnosis and select an individual treatment plan, for example:
- X-ray: visualizes bones,
- Ultrasound: reveals superficial lesions in the structure of the limbs,
- MRI or CT scan: shows problems in soft tissues, ligaments, muscles and joints,
- laboratory tests: identify inflammatory and chronic processes in the body.
When should you go to an orthopedic doctor?
Consultation with an orthopedic doctor is necessary if:
- joints crack when bending or during sudden movements,
- pain occurs during or after physical activity,
- there are restrictions in the movement of joints, for example, when rotating or lifting up and down,
- numbness of the limbs or constant body aches occurs,
- deformation of bones or joints is visible,
- there is constant pain in muscles or joints,
- there is constant swelling in the legs.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is better to consult a specialist immediately so that the disease does not progress and complicate your life. An advanced disease of the musculoskeletal system is difficult to treat, and sometimes impossible to cure completely.
Regular examination by an orthopedic doctor is also necessary for chronic diseases, such as:
- arthrosis and arthritis,
- history of spinal or joint injuries,
- rheumatism,
- osteochondrosis,
- scoliosis or radiculitis.
Annual preventative examinations with an orthopedic doctor will help to identify some diseases at an early stage, which means treating them without consequences or keeping them under control and preventing them from progressing.
How does a consultation with an orthopedic doctor looks like at N1 Clinic?
An appointment with an orthopedist in our clinic begins with a detailed conversation, during which the doctor:
- finds out what is bothering you, what the symptoms are, how it happened,
- asks about the history of injury or illness, as well as related problems,
- clarifies the features of your lifestyle.
If you bring previous examinations or conclusions to your orthopedist consultation, the doctor will carefully study them. If necessary, he will refer you for additional tests. Some of them can be done immediately in the clinic: radiography, ultrasound diagnostics and laboratory tests.
After this, the orthopedic doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment that is right for you.
What does an orthopedic doctor do for injuries and fractures at N1 Clinic?
If you have an injury, do not delay its treatment and consult a doctor immediately.
At N1 Clinic, an orthopedic doctor:
- examines the wound and determines the severity of the damage,
- performs initial treatment of the wound to prevent infection,
- conducts additional examinations, for example, x-rays or ultrasound,
- applies a plaster cast or elastic bandage if necessary,
- prescribes further treatment and rehabilitation.
What treatment does the orthopedic doctor use at N1 Clinic?
The doctor selects treatment only on an individual basis, taking into account the problems and stage of the disease.
Conservative treatment begins with the use of:
- medications: medications to reduce pain, swelling or inflammation,
- physical therapy or rehabilitation: different devices for non-invasive treatment techniques, exercises and massages to improve strength and flexibility, as well as restore range of motion,
- injections: medications to be injected into a joint, such as hyaluronic acid, to increase joint mobility and reduce inflammation and pain.
The best results in treatment are achieved with a combined approach.
If conservative treatment does not help or is not applicable in a particular case, the orthopedic doctor prescribes surgical treatment: a surgery to restore or replace damaged joints, as well as correct deformities.
After the operation, the orthopedic doctor will definitely select a course of rehabilitation in order to return you to an active life in the nearest future.
How to get a consultation with an orthopedic doctor at N1 Clinic
If you feel discomfort in your joints, muscles and bones or they are injured, consult a specialist. The doctor will tell you what to do next and how to solve the problem you are facing.
You can receive a complete and high-quality examination with the preparation of an individual treatment plan at the N1 Clinic orthopedics center.
