Are you experiencing persistent joint pain, mobility issues, or discomfort in your musculoskeletal system? What does an orthopedic doctor take care of? thebootdoctor.net clarifies that orthopedic doctors, or orthopedists, are medical specialists dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries and conditions affecting your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Orthopedic physicians treat patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, using both surgical and non-surgical methods to help them lead active, pain-free lives so keep reading for foot and ankle care, sports medicine solutions, and joint replacement options.
1. What Conditions Do Orthopedic Doctors Commonly Treat?
Orthopedic physicians address a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions, utilizing both surgical and non-surgical approaches.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of conditions frequently managed by these specialists:
1.1 Joint Pain and Arthritis
Joint pain, especially from arthritis, is a common reason people visit orthopedic doctors. Arthritis involves joint inflammation, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. According to the Arthritis Foundation, millions of Americans have arthritis, making it a leading cause of disability.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones within your joints gradually deteriorates. This breakdown causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. OA typically develops over time due to wear and tear on the joints. However, it can also result from joint injuries, obesity, genetics, and other underlying conditions.
Symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary depending on the affected joint and the severity of the condition. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain: Joint pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
- Stiffness: Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Tenderness: Tenderness to the touch around the joint.
- Loss of Flexibility: Decreased range of motion in the joint.
- Grating Sensation: A grating sensation or clicking sound when using the joint.
- Bone Spurs: Formation of bone spurs (extra bits of bone) around the joint.
- Swelling: Swelling around the joint due to inflammation.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly occurs in the:
- Hands
- Hips
- Knees
- Spine
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing osteoarthritis. These include:
- Age: The risk of OA increases with age.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts more stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees.
- Joint Injuries: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can increase the risk of OA later in life.
- Genetics: A family history of OA can increase your risk of developing the condition.
- Repetitive Stress: Repetitive movements or activities can put stress on certain joints and increase the risk of OA.
- Other Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout, can increase the risk of OA.
