When you’re injured, it’s important to find the right orthopedic doctor. This article explains some tips on how to find an orthopedic doctor who is most likely to treat your specific injuries, like hip injuries, and foot and ankle injuries. It is important to consider what type of injury you have, and which doctors are specialized in treating that type of injury.
Though hip, ankle, and foot injuries can occur in any landscape, they are particularly common in people over the age of 50. As we age our bones become weaker and more susceptible to damage. This makes it especially important for older adults to find an orthopedic doctor who can help them manage their hip and ankle injuries properly. Orthopedic doctors specialize in treating both foot and ankle injuries as well as hip, knee, spine, and other orthopedic problems. If you or someone you know has been injured by a fall or another accident, it’s important that you speak with a doctor as soon as possible.
Tips For Finding An Orthopedic Doctor
Orthopedics is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries to the musculoskeletal system (the parts of the body that include muscles and bones). So, let’s say that you have to find a hip doctor in Modesto, how do you go about finding one? There are a few things you should keep in mind.
First, look online. Many hospitals have databases that list all their doctors by specialty. Second, ask around – your friends, family members, and other acquaintances may know somebody who has had good experiences with an orthopaedist or hip doctor in Modesto. Third, search for “ortho-specific clinics” or “ortho specialties” listings in local newspapers or magazines. Finally, speak with your health insurance provider about getting started on a patient registry – this will help locate specialists more easily as well as allow them to better track your progress over time.
Types Of Orthopedic Doctors
There are a variety of orthopedic doctors out there, and each specializes in treating different kinds of injuries. Here are some examples of the types of orthopedic doctors who work in this field:
- Orthopedic surgeons – These doctors specialize in reconstructing or replacing damaged bones and joints. They may use traditional surgery or minimally-invasive techniques such as microsurgery to treat various conditions such as fractures, dislocations, arthritis, sports injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Orthotists – Orthotic therapists help people with disabilities deal with everyday problems like playing sports and getting around offices easily by prescribing customized shoes, casts, or braces.
- Sports medicine physicians – This type of doctor is responsible for diagnosing and treating injuries sustained during contact sports (such as football, rugby union, etc.), leisure activities, or other physical activity that involves leverage.
Variety Of Orthopedic Injuries
There are a variety of orthopedic injuries, which can often be difficult to identify. This is because they can involve different parts of the body and look different from one another. Orthopedic injuries can occur due to a number of reasons, including accidents and sports-related injuries. Some common orthopedic injuries include:
- Tibia stress fracture – this occurs when the bone in the lower leg snaps or breaks due to excessive strain. The most common location for this injury is on the outside of the ankle, but it can also occur on other parts of the tibia (the shinbone). Tibia stress fractures are often caused by vigorous exercise or activities that put a lot of pressure on one area of your lower leg.
If you experience pain and swelling in your ankle or foot, it’s important to see a foot and ankle doctor as soon as possible. A tibia stress fracture may require surgery to fix, but it usually heals fairly quickly with proper treatment.
- Patella tendonitis – this condition causes inflammation of the tendon that connects your knee cap (patella) with your shinbone. This tendon can become irritated from a number of factors, including overuse, trauma, or arthritis. Pain and swelling may occur in the area around the patella tendon, and it can be difficult to move the knee joint freely.
Treatment typically involves rest and rehabilitation exercises to help restore function to the muscle and joint surrounding the patella tendon.
- Rotator cuff tear – this occurs when one or more tendons in the shoulder muscle group become injured or torn. If you experience pain, difficulty moving your arm, or a feeling that your shoulder is dislocated when trying to raise your arm above your head, you may have suffered a rotator cuff tear. The most common cause of a rotator cuff tear is overuse – this means that the tendon becomes strained from repeated use and doesn’t have time to heal properly.
If left untreated, a rotator cuff tear can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and even surgery. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, 95% of rotator cuff tears can be resolved without any long-term effects.
- Ligamentous injury – these are conditions where ligaments have been damaged. There are a number of ligamentous injuries that can occur in athletes, and each one presents its own unique set of challenges. A common ligamentous injury is a tear, or rupture, of the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This condition typically occurs when someone makes sudden forceful movements with their knee joint extended beyond the normal range.
A torn ACL typically results in complete knee instability, which means that the knee cannot be controlled properly and will often give way during activities such as running or jumping. Surgery is usually required to repair this type of damage, and rehab may take several months or even years to return an athlete to full function.
Conclusion
There are a variety of orthopedic treatments available on the market today. Some are more effective than others, but all have their own set of benefits. It can be hard to decide which treatment is right for you. Comparison is the key to finding the best orthopedic treatment for your needs.
