The word “surgeon” may seem a little scary to some patients, prior to making an appointment. When it comes to seeing an orthopaedic surgeon, the term shouldn’t be scary at all. In fact, an orthopaedic surgeon is a physician fully qualified to diagnose, treat, and help you prevent all of the disorders and conditions of the musculoskeletal system. These physicians are also qualified surgeons, meaning that if your orthopaedic care does travel that route, you are in the best of care with a qualified orthopaedist. If you’ve been putting off making an appointment for a consultation, there are a few telltale signs that should urge you to see an orthopaedist right away.
What Does An Orthopaedist Treat?
A qualified orthopaedist and orthopaedic surgeon treats a number of different illnesses and conditions. These conditions are also not limited to the elderly—many young persons have problems with their joints or bones, or injuries related to athletics or sports. Some conditions and problems that an orthopaedist targets include:
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Many different types of arthritis (this includes rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis)
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Abnormalities of the extremities or growth abnormalities
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Tendon, cartilage, and muscle injury
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Back problems, such as sciatica, scoliosis, and ruptured discs
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Broken bones, fractures, and dislocations
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Foot problems, such as claw toe, club foot, and bunions
Not only do orthopaedists treat and/or prevent these issues, they are also qualified to perform related surgeries as well, such as internal fixation, osteotomy, soft tissue repair, and joint replacement.
When You Should Book the Appointment
If orthopaedic-related problems have been bothering you for a short (or long) period of time, it’s perhaps just the right time to make that initial appointment. There are a few things you should not ignore when it comes to orthopaedics and your body. For instance, if you’re struggling to perform your daily tasks, it may be indicative of a bone or joint problem. These would include everyday tasks you used to enjoy performing before, or at the very least could perform without pain, such as washing the dishes, walking up a flight of stairs, taking the dog for a walk, or even getting out of bed in the morning.
Everyone suffers from aches and pains now and again, but if the pain is chronic and starting to climb the pain scale, this chronic pain should prompt you to visit your orthopaedist. If you’ve just been uncomfortable for a few days, it’s acceptable to wait it out, but if pain has been bothering you for three months or more, it’s time to call a specialist. If you’ve experienced an event like a soft tissue injury and it is still painful after 48 hours have passed, it’s a good time to call and orthopaedist. A soft tissue injury includes things like:
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Sprained wrist
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Sprained ankle
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Twisted knee
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Twisted ankle
Sometimes you can experience problems without experiencing pain. For instance, if you notice that your range of motion is much more limited than it used to be, or you feel unstable while you’re walking and standing and need to hold something for support, these both may be signs of a joint issue, or signs of beginning arthritis. To be sure, it’s best to have a professional take a look, so that they may offer you peace of mind or the proper treatment.
If you have been suffering from chronic pain for some time, or are experiencing other issues, such as decreased range of motion or instability, it’s a good time to have a consult with a qualified orthopaedist. Make an appointment with Capital Ortho today. You’ll be glad you did.