You may have heard of an orthopedist, but do you really know what they do? Orthopedic professionals are more than just physicians that deal with the muscles in the body – they also help patients with sports injuries, injuries from other physical activities, and with chronic illnesses.
However, it’s not uncommon that patients come to an orthopedist knowing only a small portion of the services they provide. Let’s discuss what an orthopedist is, what they can diagnose, and where you can find the best orthopedist in Pembroke Pines & Lauderdale Lakes, FL.
What is an Orthopedist?
An orthopedist, also commonly referred to as an orthopedic specialist, is a board-certified physician specializing in musculoskeletal conditions. This includes all body muscles, tendons, soft tissues, and bones. Orthopedists undergo special training to achieve their positions, attending many years of medical school and specialty training to become professionals. Often, orthopedists are also sports medicine physicians who specialize in treating patients who obtain injuries on the field or while participating in their regular training routines.
There are many different conditions an orthopedic professional can diagnose, but we’ll focus on four common ones: broken bones, sports injuries, muscle or tendon tears, and arthritis.
- Broken Bones
If you’ve fallen or had an accident, and you felt a sudden jolt of pain accompanied by a snapping sound, it is likely you have broken a bone. In this case, seeing a specialist like an orthopedist is important for a professional opinion. To diagnose your broken bone, your orthopedic specialist will likely recommend an X-ray or a diagnostic imaging technique that allows your provider to get a full view of the bones within the body. X-rays are non-invasive and painless, allowing you to get your diagnosis without hassle.
- Sports Injuries
Orthopedists are musculoskeletal system experts, meaning they know exactly how the muscles and bones interact and work together to keep your body moving. If you have gotten injured while playing sports but are unsure what is wrong, you should see an orthopedist specializing in sports medicine. Oftentimes, practices will have a sports medicine physician on staff to diagnose a patient’s sports injury accurately so that they can get started with a tailored treatment plan perfect for their individual needs.
- Muscle or Tendon Tears
Muscle and tendon tears are more common than one may realize. Characterized by persistent pain and swelling, redness, and bruising, as well as limited range of motion and muscle weakness, muscle tears can often be tricky to diagnose. Your orthopedist may recommend an MRI scan to diagnose your muscle tear accurately. An MRI is similar to an X-ray because it’s an imaging technique that allows your provider to get a full perspective of your internal systems. However, an MRI scan views muscles and soft tissues like tendons within the body. Using an MRI, your orthopedist can accurately diagnose your muscle strain and put you on a treatment plan to help you restore your full range of motion once again.
- Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects the cartilage padding the joints. Patients who have arthritis may find that they have stiffness and swelling within the joints as well as decreased range of motion in their affected areas over some time. If you have signs of osteoarthritis, see an orthopedist at your earliest convenience. Your orthopedic professional can diagnose your condition and provide several treatment options to help you restore your healthiest life.
Top Orthopaedic Specialists in Pembroke Pines & Lauderdale Lakes, FL
If you need an expert in orthopedic care, including surgery, look no further than Total Orthopaedic Care. Our talented medical providers are experts in multiple approaches to treating your specific condition. We offer advanced surgical and nonsurgical treatments that can help you live a pain-free life.
If you have any questions about how our orthopedists can help you, call us today at (954) 735-3535. To schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified doctors, please use our convenient online appointment request form.
