What is the meaning of orthopedist? Orthopedists are doctors who specialize in disorders and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. If you are dealing with joint or muscular pain, an orthopedist may be able to help treat and alleviate your pain, so understanding what an orthopedist does can be key to your treatment. This knowledge can help you to navigate treatment options as well as ensure you receive the best possible care for your specific condition.
The Role of an Orthopedist
An orthopedist is a doctor specializing in treating musculoskeletal conditions. These can typically include injuries affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. A few common examples of issues an orthopedist helps treat are arthritis, fractures, sports injuries, and other general joint pain.
Orthopedists can help treat your condition or injury by performing surgeries to correct or alleviate issues. Joint replacement (such as hip or knee replacement), arthroscopy (a minimally invasive procedure to examine and diagnose joints), and spinal fusion (a surgery to stabilize the spine) are all surgeries an orthopedic doctor may perform.
However, not all orthopedic treatments involve surgery. An orthopedist may recommend non-surgical options like physical therapy, braces, splints, or other treatment options to manage pain and improve mobility.
It’s important to note however, that orthopedists are not general practitioners. While a primary care doctor can help with minor musculoskeletal issues, they will often refer patients with more severe conditions to an orthopedist. Since an orthopedic doctor has undergone specific training in their medical specialty, they are typically better suited to treat more severe musculoskeletal conditions, perform total joint replacements, or address other conditions.
Common Conditions An Orthopedist Can Help Treat
Orthopedists can treat a variety of joint or ligament injuries, ranging from fractures to tendon and cartilage damage. They can also help treat sports injuries, working with athletes to heal and prevent further damage.
A few common conditions treated by orthopedists are:
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Bunions
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fractures
- Osteoporosis
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Back pain or Sciatica
- Bone tumors
- Herniated or ruptured discs
- Scoliosis or kyphosis (incorrect curves in the spine)
- Trauma
Orthopedic Subspecialties
Orthopedic surgeons will commonly specialize in a specific area of the musculoskeletal system. A subspecialty is a specific area or group of joints a surgeon specializes in treating.
These subspecialties can include joint replacement (such as hip or knee replacement), sports medicine, spine surgery, hand surgery, or pediatric orthopedics. If you are looking for treatment for a specific condition, do you research to choose an orthopedic surgeon with expertise in the subspecialty that treats your condition.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Raleigh, North Carolina
In choosing the best orthopedic surgeon near you, consider Dr. Brett J. Gilbert. He is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip replacement and knee replacement surgeries, and the treatment of hip and knee arthritis. Utilizing advanced technology combined with his vast experience, Dr. Gilbert has helped alleviate pain and restore mobility to countless patients in the greater Raleigh, North Carolina area, enabling them to enjoy a more active and rewarding lifestyle.
If you are experiencing hip pain due to arthritis or an injury, Dr. Gilbert can assess your condition, offer a second opinion, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your hip replacement or knee replacement treatment and recovery. So, call our office today at (919) 788-8797 to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online. Dr. Gilbert and our friendly staff look forward to meeting you.
