Many people do not understand exactly what orthopedic surgeons do. This is likely due to the fact that their name does not give any clues as to which part of the body they treat. These medical professionals specialize in conditions that deal with bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This means that if you are experiencing pain when your body is in motion, you may need to see an orthopedic surgeon. If one orthopedist was responsible for extensive knowledge of how to treat all of the bones, muscles, ties in the body, it would be incredibly difficult to get treated. Thankfully, there are many orthopedic surgeons in the world who specialize in specific body parts. These include but are not limited to:
Knee
Many individuals suffer from knee pain every year. Knees can experience many problems since there are several ligaments that work together to keep the knee working properly. The cartilage in the knee can also become compressed and worn after years of use. Have you ever noticed creaking or grinding when you walk? This could be due to a lack of cartilage in your knee. Many older adults get their knees replaced in order to fix this condition.
Hip
The hip joint is another critical point in the body where problems can happen. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where cartilage is used as a shock absorber. If that cartilage becomes damaged each step could cause considerable pain. Orthopedic surgeons frequently replace hips for this reason. Should someone fracture a hip due to osteoporosis they would see an orthopedic surgeon to correct the issue.
Sports Medicine
While it may sound like orthopedic surgeons generally treat older people, many young people also get surgery due to injuries in sports. Many a soccer player has had their ACL or MCL replaced by an orthopedic doctor. Sports medicine is one of the largest specialties in orthopedics since a lot of people are injured every year while playing sports. Contact sports like football, hockey, martial arts, and rugby are some of the sports that cause the most damage.
In conclusion, there are many instances in which you may need the treatment of an orthopedic surgeon. Talk to your primary care physician for a referral to a specialist. It is also crucial to remember that if you have suffered an injury you should get help sooner rather than later. Bones and muscles can heal incorrectly, which may cause further problems. Time is of the essence.
To learn more, contact an orthopedic surgeon in your area.
