What Does an Orthopedic Surgeon Do and What To Expect During Your Visit?
From physically active athletes to relatively sedentary middle-aged persons, orthopedic surgeons see many patients. Knowing what to anticipate during the orthopedic consultation will be beneficial when you first meet with an orthopedic surgeon.
Your orthopedic physician will inquire about your exercise routine and any pain or discomfort you are experiencing when you visit them. Your orthopedic doctor wants to know how you handle your pain and how it may affect your daily routine. This blog will enlighten you about orthopedics’ role in everyday life and the best orthopedic doctors in India.
Who are Orthopedic Surgeons?
Orthopedic surgeons focus on the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues necessary for movement and daily life. Diseases and symptoms affecting bones, muscles, nerves, and joints require us to consult an orthopedic doctor. The best orthopedic surgeons in India can treat the following:
- The neck and back
- A sprain or a strain
- Dislocations and fractures
- Ligament and cartilage tears
- Tendinitis and bursitis
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Anomalies and congenital disabilities
- Tumors in the soft tissues and bones
When to Consult an Orthopedic Physician?
A visit to an orthopedic physician is required in the following mentioned cases:
- If you have persistent, recurrent, or unresponsive bone, joint, or muscle pain or swelling that can’t be treated at home
- Difficulty carrying out regular activities due to a severe reduction in the mobility or range of motion of a joint, such as your knee, elbow, or shoulder
- Numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in your arms or legs are nerve-related symptoms. A bone or joint problem that requires medical treatment from a specialist
What to Expect During Your Visit to an Orthopedic Doctor?
A thorough medical history assessment, diagnostic imaging (X-rays or MRI), and physical examinations will undoubtedly be part of your initial orthopedic session. Then, after looking at any prior tests you may have had, your doctor will review your medical history. Your doctor may also request X-rays, blood tests, and other tests.
Ultimately, your doctor’s objectives are:
- Appropriately identify your issue.
- Lessen your discomfort.
- Assist you in returning to your favorite activities, including dancing, trekking or biking.
Should Orthopedic Surgeons Perform Surgery?
Contrary to popular belief, orthopedic specialists don’t usually advise surgery to treat bone and joint issues. Indeed, surgery is typically the last option. Instead, the Best Orthopedic Surgeons in India will likely suggest nonsurgical possibilities like on the first hand, such as:
- Rest
- Rehab or physical therapy
- Medications/injections
- A change in lifestyle (when your doctor aids you in identifying alternative activities that don’t make your injury worse)
Which Procedures are Performed by Orthopedic Doctors?
Based on their experience, orthopedic doctors start the treatment of any problem in the musculoskeletal system. Surgical and nonsurgical methods are used in orthopedic treatment, which are as follows:
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Nonsurgical Procedures
These procedures are frequently referred to as conservative treatments. Before considering surgery, orthopedic surgeons often concentrate on nonsurgical therapy first.
- Exercise: The orthopedic doctor may suggest specific exercises that can be followed to see positive results.
- Immobilization: According to your problem, the doctor may refuse to stretch or stretch the organ so that the wound there can heal faster.
- Medicines: If swelling and pain, the doctor may recommend some medication like corticosteroids and ibuprofen.
- Lifestyle: According to the injury in the musculoskeletal system, the doctor asks them to do some physical exercises and advises them to take the proper diet.
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Surgical Orthopedic Treatment
- Joint replacement: In this process, with the help of operation, the damaged parts of the joints are removed, and artificial parts are installed. Knee and hip replacements are easily done nowadays.
- Internal Fixation: When bones are broken anywhere in the body, some hardware items such as rods, pins, and plates are used until the bones recover. After this, plaster is applied on top to keep it stable.
- Fusion: In this process, bone graft, i.e., bone tissue, is transplanted and applied to the broken bones. In this way, the fractured bones join together.
- Osteotomy: In this procedure, some part of the bone is cut to join the bones or bring them in the right shape. In an osteotomy, bone tissue is inserted between the joints to connect the bones.
- Soft tissue repair: This surgical procedure repairs severely damaged muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Release surgery: This procedure is performed when there is a problem with ‘carpal tunnel syndrome.’
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery or ACL Surgery: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an integral part of the knee that helps you stay stable when you move your feet. If this ligament is torn, reconstructive surgery is performed to repair it.
- Hip Replacement: Another common joint that can be replaced is the hip. The hip is made up of the acetabulum and the femoral head. As with the knee, there are two different types of replacement surgery.
How to Care After Surgery?
If you’re having surgery, you’ll also want to know how to recover and return to work more quickly. For this, Best Orthopedic Doctors in India will guide you completely. But you should also take special care of some things, such as:
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Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
Some patients follow the doctor’s advice thoroughly after surgery. You should keep getting regular checkups done by making an appointment.
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Avoid Infection
It is imperative to prevent infection after surgery. You must take complete care of yourself, like cleanliness, washing hands, etc.
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Eat the right and balanced diet
Some people do not feel like eating anything after surgery. The reason for this could be their bad mood, constipation, loss of appetite, etc. But, staying hydrated and following a healthy diet after surgery is essential for a quick recovery.
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Control Pain
It is crucial to keep the pain under control after surgery. You shouldn’t forget to take these medicines.
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Keep Moving
It is crucial to keep moving after surgery to stay fit. While this may sound simple, it can prevent serious problems. Walking and exercising after following the doctor’s advice will help you recover faster.
The Bottom Line
It is crucial to consult the Best Orthopedic Surgeons in India who can assist you in resuming living life to the fullest. Surgery is never something anyone looks forward to, which is only normal.
However, if surgery improves your health and enables you to resume things you enjoy but haven’t been able to do for far too long, it will be well worth it. An orthopedist can assist you in finding nonsurgical solutions to problems and preventing recurrences even if you do not yet require surgical intervention.