treated spine

Dear Orthopedic Doctor, What Is The Job That You Really Do?

Have you ever wondered what an orthopaedic doctor is? Are they the same with a dentist? Can a dentist do orthopaedic treatments? Check this site www.dwdentistkellyville.com.au. They might be able to give answers to your wonders.

 

Orthopedics

Initially, let me give you a hint first about Orthopedics. It is a broad medical speciality wherein it manages and treats bone and joint pains. Orthopaedics cover the correction of deformities of bones or muscles. Generally, it is a branch of medicine associated with the correction and prevention of deformities and disorders, not limited to muscles, joints, and ligaments.

 

What is an Orthopedic doctor?

Now, what is an orthopaedic doctor? They also call an orthopedic doctor as orthopedic surgeons, by default. They are specialized to treat related issues to the musculoskeletal system. It covers the bones, ligaments, muscles, joints, and tendons, in particular. These parts are essential to a person’s movements in their everyday life. However, not all orthopaedic doctors perform surgeries. They are referred to as orthopaedic specialists.

In reality, orthopaedic specialists do the initial diagnostics of patients. On the positive side, the majority of their diagnoses are not necessary to undergo surgery. Particularly on sports medicine related injuries. In case the patient’s condition needs to undergo surgery, that is the time they will be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. Moreover, they recommend seeing a primary care physician first.

The usual job responsibilities of an orthopedist are the following, but not limited to:

  • Provide diagnosis and treatment to injuries obtained from doing sports or other physical activities;
  • Helps manage conditions and provide preventive measures to avoid it from getting worse over a span of time;
  • Give preventive measures to avoid pain from overuse muscles or joints.

Just like any other specialization, orthopedists partake to extensive training to be able to provide the proper assessment and treatment to their patients, related to the musculoskeletal system. They treat patients under different ages, from the little one up to the elderlies.

joint painsSome orthopedists are generalists while others chose to specialize in certain portions of the body. General orthopedists are those focused on the comprehensive treatment of various orthopedic conditions. At the same time, the specialists have undergone specialization treating body parts such as hand/wrist, foot/ankle, knees, back, hips, neck, or should/elbow.

Here are a few conditions why you should see an orthopedic doctor:

  • You experience difficulties performing your daily activities.
  • You are suffering from chronic pain that lasts longer than normal.
  • Change of range when having movements

There are more conditions you might encounter that has to be checked by an orthopedic doctor. Being familiar about them will get you going to your doctor at the right time. At least before things worsen.

 

Field of sports

Let’s explore how orthopedic doctors work in the field of sports medicine. What is sports medicine by the way? It deals with physical fitness, treatment and prevention of injuries related to sports and exercise. Sports medicine is not a medical specialty alone. It works with other different specialties that can be helpful in the conditions they attend to—for example, physicians, orthopedic surgeons or specialists, therapists, and the like. Healthcare providers specializing in sports medicine are trained according to age brackets.

During a play in sports, it is uncontrollable for players to have injuries. It can be a minor or major type of injuries that need treatments to address it. Injuries are, but not limited to, acute traumas (ankle sprain, fractures), knee and shoulder injuries, elbow dislocations, spine, and many more. Treatments vary according to the condition of the injuries. It can be through pain relievers, putting ice, or usage of sling or cast. In case some injuries affected the tissues or bones and diagnosed with a need to undergo surgery, the surgeons take into action.

A sports medicine specialist directly works and address the needs of the athletes to keep and maintain a good overall performance in sports.  Sports medicine is a way to promote exercise and health, most especially for those inclined in the field of sports. Under this medical specialty, recommendations for exercises concerning health, training and nutrition can also be provided. They recommend good preventive measures to avoid players from acquiring injuries on their designated sports.

injured playerSports medicine is more than just treating or rehabilitating an athlete who suffers an injury. It is more on providing disciplines and integrating strategies to help athletes sharpen in their chosen sports without being injured.

The most important word for every player is safety. To always become safe before, during and after the game is their utmost priority. This is when this medical specialty is highly needed and plays a significant role.

 

Orthopedic out, dental is in

What if the injury took place in the upper part, the face or jaw, in particular? Who will do the job? An orthopedic doctor or a dentist? Let’s see.

Doctors have different specialties they are well-trained of.  A dentist is not an exception. They are dental specialists trained to treat conditions or injuries of the mouth, teeth, jaws or face. On the medical field, they refer the face and jaws as maxillofacial, while oral pertains to the mouth. This is where trained dentists can do an orthopedic treatment.

The dentists specialized in this field performs the diagnosis and treatment affecting the facial features. A maxillofacial surgery takes place when there are problems concerning the mouth, jaw, face and neck. It may include complex facial reconstruction. This involves important nerves that run through the face, therefore the difficulty of the surgery is also given importance before proceeding. A need for other specialists may be considered. The dentists in this specialization are referred to as “oral and maxillofacial surgeons”.

There are different conditions why a person should seek an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A common condition is an impacted wisdom tooth, tooth or bone loss (jaw bone). Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are well-trained in their craft.

 

Where to go?

The doctor you will set an appointment with will definitely base on your injury condition.  The location of the injury also matters. Whether it will only be covered by an orthopedic specialist, a surgeon or a dental surgeon, the diagnosis will surely play its part whom you will be working with until the end.

During an appointment, they will do a series of test to check your condition, normally includes Xrays and physical examination. They will base their next actions from the results of your initial screenings. It can be basic treatments only that can be done inside the clinic or serious treatments, like surgery.

In general, all personnel in the medical field did undergo proper training and education. They are all certified before entering the actual field they are assigned to based on their chosen specializations and courses. This is to ensure that they are well-equipped and knowledgeable about how they will execute their practices.

All things considered, it is still best to practice preventive measures to avoid a minor or major injury. It will assure you to enjoy your routines and daily activities in the full capacity of your muscles and other body parts.

Taking care of your muscles, joints, and the others will help you obtain performance at its finest, especially if you are really into the world of sports. Every player wants to give 100% of their abilities and strength in a game. To do that, you have to act responsibly and carefully plan, applying the proper measures.

“Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow”. -Muscle Building Tips and Quotes.

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