What is Orthopedic Doctor? Common Orthopedic Conditions, Symptoms, Treatments, Risk Factors

Joint and muscle pains are common experiences that almost everyone goes through at some point in life. In many cases, relief from such pains is only possible with the correct advice from the right doctor.

And this is where orthopedicians come into the picture. These doctors perform unique tests to find the root cause of the pain, and then use their years of training and specialised skills to provide relief.

In this article, you will get an in-depth look into what orthopedic doctors do, which conditions they treat and how.

What is an Orthopedic Doctor?

An orthopedic doctor or ortho specialist is a doctor who has expertise in treating issues in the muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons. Issues in these parts of the body may stem from overuse, ageing and physical activity, among other things.

Orthopaedicians or orthologists are the correct doctors to consult when pain, swelling or stiffness in any part of the body begins to interfere with daily life.

These specialists use a variety of treatments to help patients regain their range of motion. They are also known as the doctors of bones since they treat fractured bones. Additionally, they treat muscle injuries and tendon ruptures. The best orthopaedists help their patients avoid further injury and pain.

Symptoms of Orthopedic Problems

In general, orthopedic problems can cause weakness, pain, swelling, stiffness, instability and visible deformities. However, the symptoms of orthopedic problems vary widely, since there are hundreds of orthopedic conditions that can affect an individual.

Some orthopedic conditions can cause symptoms like scraping sounds when moving the joints, sweating and fever. The symptoms should not be ignored, as most orthopedic conditions become more severe when left untreated.

Causes & Risk Factors

In most cases, orthopedic conditions develop due to increased stress on the bone, muscle or joint. Such stress may be a result of wear and tear, repetitive motion or bearing excess force frequently.

Traumatic injuries are also a common cause of orthopedic problems such as dislocations, ligament tears and fractures. These injuries may occur due to accidents, falls and even due to incorrect exercise techniques. Such problems can rarely be treated without the help of a doctor of bones.

Weight is another significant risk factor, since obesity increases the risk of arthritis. Individuals who are underweight are at a higher risk of osteoporosis.

A sedentary lifestyle is also a risk factor, since the body becomes weaker the lesser it is used. The risk of arthritis increases in people who lead a sedentary life. Not to mention, many such individuals also have a poor posture, which puts strain on the joints and muscles.

Finally, factors like age, genetics and certain medical conditions increase the risk of orthopedic injuries. If you are at risk or believe you have any orthopedic problems, Skedoc can help you find the best orthopedic hospital in Hyderabad in a matter of seconds.

12 Most Common Orthopedic Conditions

Here are some of the most common musculoskeletal injuries and conditions that can cause you pain and discomfort:

#1 Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition in which the joints (the points in the body where two bones meet) become damaged. It can develop due to a variety of reasons, such as age, genetics, infections and auto-immune response. This common condition can affect any part of the body and cause pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness. It is usually treated with medications, injections and physical therapy. Surgery can provide relief in some cases.

#2 Ligament Injuries
Ligaments are tissues that make the joints stable by holding the bones together. However, overstretching these tissues can cause them to tear partially or completely. Such tears are called ligament injuries and they cause pain, swelling and inability to bear weight using the joint. The joint may feel loose and make popping sounds and the area may bruise. In many cases, orthopedic surgeons advice rest, ice, compression and elevation. However, a surgery may be required to repair a completely torn ligament.

#3 Torn Meniscus
The meniscus is the cartilage tissue that is present between the two bones in the knee joint. Putting full weight on the knee and then twisting or rotating the knee can cause this cartilage to tear. Torn meniscus is one of the most common knee injuries and it causes symptoms like swelling, stiffness and pain. It can heal with rest, therapy or surgery.

#4 Shoulder Arthroscopy
The shoulder arthroscopy procedure involves the insertion of a tiny camera into the shoulder via a small cut. It helps diagnose conditions and also enables doctors to treat them. Doctors use this procedure to treat conditions like shoulder impingement, osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears and other conditions. It usually takes a few weeks for the pain and swelling to subside after the procedure. However, most patients make a full recovery a few months after the procedure.

#5 Bow Legs
If one or both of a child’s legs curve outward at the knees, the condition is called bow legs. It is a common condition and is rarely a serious problem. There are several reasons why a baby can develop this condition, but most children grow out of this condition by their 18th month. If the condition does not resolve itself by age 2, then a doctor may treat it with special shoes, casts, braces or surgery.

#6 Ankle Sprain
When the ligaments in the ankle that hold the bones together are forced beyond the normal range of motion, it can cause pain and swelling. This condition is called an ankle sprain and usually occurs when the ankle is twisted, rolled or turned in an awkward way. Doctors identify points of tenderness in the feet and legs and may order scans to diagnose a sprained ankle. It is treated with medications and therapy.

#7 Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thinner, weaker and less denser than they should be. The condition tends to remain undiagnosed until the individual breaks a bone. However, reduction in height, changes in posture, lower back pain and shortness of breath can indicate osteoporosis. It is diagnosed with a bone density test and treatments include exercise, medications and supplements.

#8 Tennis Elbow
Pain and burning sensations in the elbow are symptoms of a condition called tennis elbow. It usually develops when the ECRB muscle in the forearm becomes damaged or is overused. It is common in carpenters, painters, chefs and athletes. Tennis elbow is diagnosed with a physical exam and usually treated with non-surgical treatments. However, a doctor may recommend surgery if non-surgical treatments do not provide relief in six to twelve months.

#9 Kyphosis
Better known as hunchback, kyphosis refers to the forward rounding of the spine. It may cause symptoms such as back pain and stiffness. In severe cases, it may lead to disfiguration. The condition can be treated with therapy and medications. If the condition has caused disfiguration, the doctor may recommend spinal surgery to provide relief.

#10 Foot Pain and Problems
The foot has 26 bones and a number of muscles, ligaments and tendons. The feet can be affected by a variety of stresses which can lead to foot pain and problems. Some of the common conditions that affect the feet include heel spurs, corns, bunions, sprains and fractures, among others. Recovery from most foot problems requires proper ortho care.

#11 Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes body pain and fatigue. It can also cause headaches, digestive problems, memory problems, depression and anxiety, among other symptoms. This condition is challenging to diagnose and there are many treatments for it, but no cure. Doctors may recommend sleep therapy, exercises, stress management therapy and other therapies. Medicine can provide temporary relief from the pain.

#12 Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways. It typically develops during adoloscence, but it can affect people of all ages. Though most cases are mild, the curvature can increase over time. It causes symptoms like uneven shoulders and uneven waist. If left untreated, it can cause breathing problems and disfiguration. Scoliosis is treated with braces and surgery.

Treatments for Orthopedic Problems

The goal of orthopedic treatment is to increase mobility and function while reducing pain and preventing further damage. Ortho care takes many forms, and in most cases, an orthologist can treat a condition in more than one way.

Orthopedicians usually recommend non-surgical treatments such as medicines, physical therapy, braces or splints. Of course, these treatments are customised according to the needs of the patient.

In many cases, an orthopaedician advises resting, applying ice on the affected area, applying a bandage and elevating the area above the heart to reduce the pain and swelling. An ortho specialist may also administer a corticosteroid injection to provide quick relief from inflammation.

Orthopedic surgeon may only consider surgery if non-surgical treatments are not providing relief. In some cases, the tissues, bones or joints are damaged to such a degree that surgery is the only way to repair them. Orthopaedic surgery is unavoidable in such cases.

Some of the most common orthopaedic surgeries include:

• ACL Repair: The ACL is a ligament in that plays a crucial role in keeping the knee joint stable. It is also the ligament in the knee that is the most vulnerable to damage. ACL repair surgery usually involves removing the torn ACL and replacing it with a graft made from tendons.
• Hip Replacement: Also known as the hip arthroplasty procedure, it involves surgically extracting the damaged cartilage and bones from the hip. The damaged parts are replaced with prosthetics to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Knee Arthroscopy: The knee arthroscopy procedure involves using a tiny camera and small instruments to repair knee damage without making large cuts. It is used to treat fractures, inflammation and soft tissue injuries.
• Knee Replacement: Total knee replacement surgeries are typically recommended when the entire knee is damaged and without any scope for repair. They are usually performed on arthritis patients.

Prevention Methods for Orthopedic Problems

Making some simple changes in the lifestyle can make a big impact on overall health and also help prevent orthopedic problems. Light exercise every day for at least 30 minutes goes a long way in making the body stronger. It’s also important to stretch every day to decrease stress on the bones and make the muscles more flexible.

Using protective gear when exercising, learning the right techniques of exercise and cross-training can help you maintain a healthy weight while avoiding orthopedic issues.

But the most important preventative measure is to visit an orthopaedist regularly, especially when you feel pain anywhere in your body for a few days in a row. You can find the right best orthopedic doctor in Hyderabad in just a few clicks on Skedoc.