An orthopedist, also known as an orthopedic surgeon, provides care for disorders, diseases, and injuries related to your muscles, bones, joints, and connective tissues. This board-certified physician and his team possess the experience and the knowledge to facilitate freer movement, manage pain and maintain musculoskeletal form. Here are four reasons why it helps to see an orthopedist.
1. They Focus on Musculoskeletal Health
A visit with an orthopedic surgeon does not necessarily mean you need complex surgery. In fact, many patients who see an orthopedic surgeon are surprised to learn that this specially-trained physician uses many treatment modalities. They can help correct deformities, halt the progress of degenerative conditions, heal injuries, and improve your overall wellness and quality of life.
Your initial consultation will include a physical examination and a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and desired treatment outcomes. If you wish to reduce pain and inflammation, have better balance and coordination, or learn to live well with a deficit such as a shortened limb, then an orthopedic consult would be helpful for you.
2. They Can Help Prevent Injury and Disease Progression
Orthopedic surgeons have years of education and residency training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems. Additionally, they can subspecialize to become experts in sports medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, joint replacement surgery, and more. They develop an outstanding understanding of the hows and the whys of disease and injury, including the impact of lifestyle choices, such as diet, stress, and smoking.
Orthopedists help to educate their patients on how to stay healthy, avoid injury and maintain the strength and endurance they need for home life, job, sports, and aging well. For example, an orthopedist can show an athlete alternative ways to train more efficiently for better safety and overall performance. Or, they can educate a person with arthritis on how to prevent falls and ease joint pain and swelling with less medicine.
3. They Do More Than Perform Surgery
As important as today’s state-of-the-art joint replacement and arthroscopic surgeries are, an orthopedic surgeon knows and uses many non-operative ways to treat sprains, fractures, arthritis, recurring back pain, and more. They use today’s best imaging modalities like MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays to reveal injury, bone degradation, soft tissue tears, and more. So, when you consult an orthopedist, you can expect precise diagnoses and custom-made treatment plans which are effective and as minimally invasive as possible.
4. TheyWork with Other Providers
With diagnostic findings in hand, your orthopedic specialist can coordinate your care with other providers such as your primary care physician (PCP), cardiologist, chiropractor, and physical therapist. They will ensure your treatment plan fits with your overall health needs, treatment plans, outcomes, and your recovery and rehabilitation.
Orthopedics in Fort Drum, New York
Expect the finest in orthopedic care from your friends at North Country Orthopaedic Group. Our four board-certified orthopedic surgeons and their experienced team deliver the targeted musculoskeletal solutions people need to live well.
To find out more about how we can help you, call us today at (315) 782-1650 or request your visit online using our convenient request an appointment form.
