Orthopedics is the medical field that focuses on injuries and diseases of your body’s musculoskeletal system. This complex system includes your bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. It lets you walk, run, and move around and it also protects your organs. Orthopedic doctors (or orthopaedists) treat people of all ages. They may specialize in specific areas like the shoulder, wrist and hand, or spine. They also may focus on particular groups of patients such as children, athletes, or the elderly. They often work in hospitals but can also have their own private practices or clinics.
Most people who see an orthopedic doctor are referred by their primary care doctors. But if you’re experiencing musculoskeletal pain or an injury, you should schedule an appointment with one right away. They’re more likely to diagnose your problem and offer a treatment that might include surgery, braces, physical therapy, or medication 잠실정형외과
Your orthopedic doctor will begin by asking you about your symptoms and history with the problem. They will then use various tests to check your bones, joints, muscles, and tendons. These can vary by specialty, but might include things such as Neer’s test for rotator cuff impingement or the McMurray test for calcaneal spur. They may also use imaging scans such as an MRI or CT to examine your bones and joints more closely.
If the problem is not serious, your orthopedic doctor will recommend nonsurgical treatment. This might involve medications, splints and braces, or other conservative measures such as ice and heat therapy. In some cases, they might recommend exercise and acupuncture. If those don’t help, they might suggest steroid injections or surgery.하남정형외과
When a problem is more severe, your orthopedic doctor might perform surgery. They might replace a joint, such as your hip or knee. They might repair a torn ligament, such as the anterior cruciate ligament in your knee. They might also repair damaged tendons, such as the tendon that connects your muscle to your bone.
There are many other subspecialties of orthopedics. Some focus on treating children with skeletal problems, such as clubfoot or scoliosis. Others, such as rheumatologists and oncologic orthopedists, deal with autoimmune disorders that affect your bones and joints. There are also orthopedic surgeons who specialize in rehabilitative medicine to treat sports and work-related injuries. These orthopedic surgeons work with amateur and professional athletes to promote and maintain physical fitness. They also treat people with disabilities who are trying to regain their abilities and mobility. Many orthopedists also work in research and teach. These specialists are called academic orthopedics. They might be affiliated with universities or colleges, where they help teach the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. They can also teach medical students and residents.