If you’ve been diagnosed with an orthopedic condition, it’s important to understand your options for treatment and care. In some cases, your primary care doctor (PCP) will refer you to an orthopedic specialist. But in other situations, it’s okay to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor without a PCP referral—particularly if your injury or pain isn’t acute.
The musculoskeletal system supports posture and stability, permits movement, protects vital organs, and circulates blood throughout the body. With 206 bones, 650 muscles and countless ligaments, tendons and other connective tissue, it isn’t uncommon to experience issues with this system. While some conditions and injuries may develop over time, it’s also common for them to occur due to daily activities or athletic endeavors. When this happens, it’s best to consult with an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible.
Orthopedic doctors have a wide range of diagnostic and treatment tools at their disposal, thanks to recent advancements in medicine. For example, specialized imaging tests allow orthopedic specialists to visualize details inside joints and see how well nerves and blood vessels are functioning. This allows for improved diagnosis, faster healing times and more personalized care for patients of all ages.
During an initial visit, an orthopedic doctor will interview you and perform a physical exam. They will ask questions about your pain, symptoms and any relevant history. Your orthopedic doctor will then order diagnostic testing based on your symptoms. These tests can include X-rays, CT scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Once your orthopedic doctor has determined the cause of your injury or pain, they’ll create a treatment plan. This may involve medication, surgery or other invasive procedures, physical therapy or noninvasive treatments, like injections. The goal of treatment is to help you return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
An orthopedic doctor can prescribe medications to control your pain and inflammation, including prescription strength painkillers, anti-inflammatories and corticosteroid injections. They can also recommend physical therapies, such as massages and heat/cold therapy, to promote circulation and flexibility.
Many people are under the misconception that orthopedic surgeons only deal with broken bones or other severe injuries. While orthopedic surgeons are able to handle these types of cases, they’re actually responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of all injuries or conditions involving the musculoskeletal system. This includes everything from sprains and muscle strains to arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.송파정형외과
If you’re not sure whether it’s time to consult an orthopedic specialist, a good rule of thumb is to go if your injury or pain isn’t improving after 48 hours. You should also see your PCP if you have any concerns about the severity of your injury or symptoms.강동역정형외과
All three Mayo Clinic campuses offer orthopedics, with the Rochester and Phoenix/Scottsdale locations ranked among the top 10 orthopedic hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to treating patients, Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeons are involved in research and innovation across a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions.