When should you see an orthopedic doctor?

It is normal to experience minor pain in our limbs, back, and knees in our daily lives. Sometimes we experience these injuries and pains when we fall, play sports, or lift heavy objects. But sometimes, if this pain increases day by day, to the point where we cannot even do our daily tasks, it is not good to simply ignore it. It is at times like these that we need the help of an orthopedic doctor. Let us talk about this today.

Who is this doctor who specializes in bone and joint diseases?

Simply put, this is a doctor who specializes in the diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system of our body, which includes bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons . Some people also call these specialists ``Orthopedics.`` Imagine that our body is like a house, and these bones and joints are like the frame and the nails that hold it together. If there is a problem with this system, we will not be able to do even simple tasks like walking, running, lifting an arm, or bending over properly. So, the role of these doctors is to keep this system healthy and help us live our lives easily. They are people who have received years of special training in this field after their general medical degree.

What exactly do these doctors do?

Their main job is to listen to your symptoms, perform the necessary tests, and diagnose your condition. Then, they create the best treatment plan for you. For example, they may first recommend things like:

• Painkillers .
• Rest .
• Physical therapy .
• Splints or braces worn on the arm, leg, or back.
• Exercise.
• Maybe injections into the joints.

Only if none of these things work and it is absolutely necessary do they consider surgery.

What are the common conditions they treat?

There are many conditions that orthopedic surgeons treat. Let's take a look at a few of them.

When should you see a bone and joint doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consider seeing a doctor.

• Persistent pain: If you have pain in the same area of ​​your body for several weeks (more than 12 weeks).
• Limited movement: If you have difficulty doing things like raising an arm, bending a knee, or bending over, it means that your joints have reduced range of motion.
• Difficulty walking: If you are unable to walk normally without pain or discomfort.
• Interference with daily activities: If the pain interferes with your daily activities, such as getting dressed, bathing, or doing household chores.
• Difficulty standing: If the pain in the knee or hip area increases while standing.
• Serious accident: If you have severe pain, swelling, or a suspected broken bone after a fall or accident, you should go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately . They will refer you to an orthopedic specialist if necessary.

Generally, if you are not sure what kind of problem you have, it is best to see your family doctor (GP) for advice. If necessary, he or she will refer you to a specialist.

What should you expect when you go to see the doctor?

When you go to see the doctor, he will first ask you a few questions.

• Where is the pain?
• How long has this pain been there?
• What is the pain like? (Aching, burning, stabbing)
• At what times does the pain increase? (in the morning, at night, when walking)
• They will also ask about other medications you take and other illnesses.

Then, the doctor will examine you. He or she may feel the area of ​​pain and may bend and stretch your joints. After this, they may order some more tests to confirm the exact nature of your condition.

Medical Investigations

• X-ray: This helps to check for conditions such as bone fractures, breaks, or arthritis.
• CT Scan: A clearer, three-dimensional (3D) picture of the bones and surrounding tissues can be obtained.
• MRI Scan: This can clearly see damage to soft tissues, especially muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
• Ultrasound Scan: This is also a painless test used to diagnose soft tissue problems.

Once the reports from these tests are received, the doctor will decide what treatment is best for you and explain it to you. Bone and Joint Diseases, Orthopedic Doctor, Back Pain, Knee Pain, Arthritis, Bone Doctor, Joint Pain