Are you experiencing persistent pain in your joints? Do you have difficulty walking just a few blocks within the town? Have you sustained an injury that is causing troublesome symptoms? It may be time to consider consulting an orthopedic specialist. An orthopedic specialist is a medical doctor with the necessary knowledge and skills to diagnose, treat, and prevent injuries and conditions of the musculoskeletal system.
Visiting an orthopedic specialist can be overwhelming, making it easy to forget many important questions that you may want to ask. Thankfully, going into your appointment with a list of questions can help. Here are some general questions you can ask an orthopedic specialist during your visit.
Question #1 What is the Potential Cause of My Symptoms?
Orthopedic conditions and injuries can result in various symptoms, including pain, inflammation, swelling, joint stiffness, and reduced range of motion. There could be several possible causes of your orthopedic symptoms, such as muscle strains, ligament tears, and degenerative conditions like arthritis.
Describing your symptoms to your orthopedic specialist is one of the most helpful things you do to help them assess your condition. Your doctor may use a pain scale to identify the intensity of your pain and perform a physical exam. They may also order lab tests and medical imaging tests to identify the cause of your pain.
They can not only provide you with a diagnosis of your condition but also explain your diagnosis and what treatment can be done.
Question #2 Why My Symptoms Are Getting Worse?
Worsening orthopedic symptoms can be caused by various factors, including the progression of the disease you are facing, increased inflammation or swelling around the affected area, inadequate management of the symptoms, overactivity or improper movement despite the pain and other symptoms, and secondary complications like muscle imbalance or nerve impingement.
Your orthopedic specialist will do a thorough evaluation of your condition.
They will ask about your medical history and any conditions in your family history. You may need to inform your orthopedic specialist about your activity level and any previous injury or surgical procedure you have had.
All this information will help your doctor pinpoint why your symptoms worsen.
Question #3 What Outcomes Can I Expect from The Prescribed or Recommended Treatment?
Based on your medical history, orthopedic issue or injury, previous activity level, and age, your orthopedic specialist will devise a treatment plan for you which may include non-surgical treatments like medications, bracing, physical therapy, cortisone shots, or surgical therapy.
Your orthopedic specialist should also be able to set your expectations for your treatment. Some potential outcomes from your surgical or non-surgical treatments include pain relief, improved function, and mobility, slowed disease progression, prevention of complications, and enhanced overall quality of life.
Question #4 How Long Will It Take for Me to Recover?
As a patient, you have the right to know how long it will take to improve your symptoms and to recover completely from your orthopedic condition or injury. Generally, the recovery duration depends upon several factors, including the severity of your specific condition or injury, the type of treatment you are undergoing, your overall health, and how well you adhere to the rehab plan. Your orthopedic doctor can provide an accurate estimate based on your case.
Typically, the recovery timeline for non-surgical interventions takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months, while for major surgical procedures such as joint replacements or ligament reconstruction, it can take several months to a year or more for a full recovery.
Question #5 How I Can Prevent Orthopedic Reinjury in the Future?
In order to achieve and maintain your orthopedic health, it is important to prevent re-injury. Your orthopedic specialist can give you some general tips to help reduce your risk for re-injury. These may include:
- Gradually return to your physical activities or increase your activity level.
- Use proper techniques during physical activities and sports.
- Wear appropriate protective gear such as braces, helmets, knee pads, and orthotics.
- Pay attention to your physical signs and symptoms, such as pain and discomfort.
- Incorporate warm-up and cool-down in your routine.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Orthopedic specialist in Greater Fort Lauderdale
If you are located in or near Pembroke Pines or Lauderdale Lakes and are in search of a highly trained and skilled orthopedic specialist, visit us here at Total Orthopaedic Care. We have a team of highly trained and skilled orthopedic providers who take pride in providing a comprehensive range of services, including pediatric orthopedics, general orthopedics, joint replacement surgery, sports medicine services, and much more.
If you would like to make a one-on-one consultation with one of our talented orthopedic specialists, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (954) 735-3535 or by filling out our online appointment request form.
