Muscle pain can impact the way you go about your daily life. It can result from factors such as an active lifestyle or wear and tear due to age. When these occur, you may need to go to an orthopedic surgeon for treatment.
Before going to your appointment with these specialists, knowing what they do and how they can help you is good. Let’s learn more about orthopedic surgeons, how they can help you relieve your pain, and where you can go for comprehensive orthopedic care in Connecticut And Massachusetts.
They Study and Train for More Many Years
Orthopedics is the branch of medicine that deals with treating and preventing problems in the musculoskeletal system. To become an orthopedic surgeon, one must get a bachelor’s degree before going through medical school.
Afterward, they must complete a residency program. If doctors choose to, they may specialize in orthopedic surgery by entering a fellowship program.
They Are Board-Certified
After their education, orthopedic surgeons must undergo the United State Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Passing this exam awards them a board certification. It shows that they are experts in their field and are committed to providing high-quality care.
You can visit an orthopedic surgeon’s online page to check if they are board-certified. You may also look at the online databases of:
- the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), and
- the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Bones, Muscles, and Soft Tissues Are Their Main Concern
Orthopedics deals with problems with your musculoskeletal system, which includes your muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Your skeleton provides your body with its shape and structure. Your muscles and other tissues connect and support them. Together, they allow you to sit, stand, and move.
Because of their function, these body parts are prone to wear and tear. If you are old or physically active, your body may be more vulnerable to several orthopedic problems.
These issues can include:
- Arthritis
- Bone deformities
- Bone infections
- Bone tumors
- Cartilage damage
- Fractures
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling or inflammation
They Are Knowledgeable in Many Treatments
Due to the variety of problems your bones and muscles can suffer, orthopedic surgeons are well-versed in several treatment options. They are experts in treating your body to relieve you of pain and other symptoms. Despite being called surgeons, they perform nonsurgical procedures.
One example of conservative treatment is immobilizing the affected part of your body. It protects the healing process from being interrupted by movement.
Orthopedic surgeons can also prescribe medication to limit pain and swelling. Additionally, they are capable of overseeing your physical therapy after surgery or treating symptoms of an orthopedic disorder. They can provide tips and recommendations for your lifestyle to help you prevent further injuries.
Lastly, orthopedic surgeons can do operations. These surgeries can be minimally invasive, where they only use small incisions to limit damage to the body.
They Can Subspecialize Further
As mentioned, orthopedic surgeons can specialize in a subspecialty after completing their residency program. This additional training gives them the necessary skills and knowledge on more specific orthopedic problems and treatments.
You should check if an orthopedic surgeon has a specific specialization to get the best treatment. Areas of focus include:
- Joint replacement surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Orthopedic oncology
- Spine surgery
- Sports medicine
They Work with Other Health Experts
An orthopedic surgeon will work with other healthcare experts to provide the best treatment for your problems. These experts will take part in treating you from the tests done before surgery to the end of your recovery.
Primary care doctors are often who you first go to regarding your health. If they believe your health can improve with the help of an orthopedic surgeon, they will connect you to one.
Additionally, suppose you need to undergo surgery. Nurses and pain specialists will help your orthopedic surgeon during the operation. After the surgery, they will also work with physical therapists to guide you through your recovery.
Orthopedic Surgeons in Connecticut And Massachusetts
Are you experiencing weakness or pain in your muscles, bones, or joints? An orthopedic surgeon near you can help you get to the bottom of it. At Advanced Orthopedics New England, our surgeons are board-certified and committed to providing top-of-the-line personalized care.
We offer a range of treatment options for our patients in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Rocky Hill, Connecticut. We also provide urgent care services in Vernon and Enfield. If you want to learn more, call our friendly staff at (860) 728-6740.
We look forward to serving you!
