If you have musculoskeletal pain or an injury, you may be unsure of where to go for the specialist medical care you need. For everything from arthritis to muscle pain to back pain, an orthopedist is your answer.
Here, Dr. Aiken has compiled a quick and informative list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about the field of orthopedics:
What Is Orthopedics?
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. This includes the bones, muscles, joints, and their ancillary structures – which are all essential to movement.
Orthopedics originally only treated children who were born with or developing bone issues, thus the “ped” root word, meaning “child” in Greek. The field has since exploded in popularity to address bone and muscle issues in people of all ages.
What Types of Conditions Do Orthopedic Doctors Treat?
Orthopedic doctors have advanced training in all conditions, injuries, and disorders that tend to affect the musculoskeletal system. These physicians have an in-depth knowledge for treating chronic or degenerative conditions such as arthritis or osteoporosis, and they also often serve as sports doctors.
Common conditions that orthopedic doctors treat include:
- Arthritis
- Dislocated joints
- Fractures
- Cartilage damage
- Ligament tears
- Tendon tears
- Pulled muscles
- Overuse and nerve injuries
- Bursitis
- Inflammation
- Osteoporosis
- Back pain
- Neck pain
Do Orthopedic Surgeons Always Recommend Surgery?
No. Although orthopedic doctors are usually also skilled surgeons, they are up-to-date with the latest nonsurgical treatments to effectively address a variety of conditions and injuries – such as ultrasound-guided steroid injections to provide lasting pain relief in a joint. An orthopedic doctor will always fully consider nonsurgical treatments before recommending surgery.
When Should I Visit an Orthopedic Doctor?
If you are experiencing any of the following issues, it is in your best interest to see an orthopedic doctor for an evaluation and possible treatment:
- Pain in a joint, muscle, or bone
- Joint stiffness or swelling
- A minor injury that is not improving after 48 hours
- Reduced range of motion in a joint
- Reduced function or weak strength in a muscle
- Suspected fracture or dislocated joint
Orthopedics in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, TN
If you have had an injury or are experiencing pain or reduced function, contact the orthopedic experts at Watauga Orthopaedics. Dr. Aiken has advanced training in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery, and our entire medical team is here to serve you.
Dr. Aiken and his team of orthopedists will provide a diagnosis and treatment of your musculoskeletal issue, and we also offer preventive advice to help you avoid re-injury. Our ultimate goal is to get you back to your normal lifestyle as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call us today at (423) 282-9011 or request an appointment with a specific member of our medical team via our online form. We have three convenient locations in Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol, and we look forward to seeing you at our office near you!
