What are the Different Types of Orthopedic Doctors?

If you’ve ever suffered from bone, joint, or muscular pain, you know how important it is to find the right doctor to get you moving again pain-free. Orthopedic pain comes in many different forms, such as acute, chronic, and intermittent. It can be the result of an injury, illness, or overuse. The key to recovery is finding the right type of doctor to meet your needs.

Orthopedics is a specialty requiring years of training after medical school. Many orthopedic doctors become specialized in specific areas of the body or subspecialties. This allows them to become highly skilled in treating specific areas of the body.

There are many types of orthopedic doctors. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine which doctor you need. Here are some common types of orthopedic doctors to choose from.

Hand surgeons treat problems with the wrist and hand. After evaluating your specific problem, they may recommend physical therapy, medications, injections, or the use of a brace, splints, or cast. They may also perform surgery as well as other therapeutic procedures. Problems that hand surgeons would be able to address include carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, trigger finger, Dupuytren’s contracture, hand or wrist injuries or fractures, ganglion cysts, and sprained or broken fingers.

Arm and shoulder specialists focus their practice on arm and shoulder injuries and/or related problems. While surgery is a frequent solution to many arm and shoulder problems, therapeutic injections, physical therapy, therapeutic exercises and stretches, and immobilization are also effective in many instances. A great deal of problems with the arm and shoulder are a result of physical activity and athletics. Sports injuries often result in fractures, tears, and dislocations as well as overuse injuries like tendonitis. Common conditions treated by arm and shoulder specialists include arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis like golf or tennis elbow, rotator cuff tears, dislocated shoulders, frozen shoulders, and fractures.

Orthopedic surgeons perform many surgeries, including joint replacement surgeries. These might include total shoulder replacements, reverse shoulder replacements, total knee replacements, partial knee replacements, total hip replacements, partial hip replacements, and revisions of previous joint replacements. Some orthopedic surgeons may focus on only one or two major joints. Depending on your specific circumstances, surgery may be done in the traditional or open method or with minimally invasive techniques. Whatever your surgical needs, you can be assured that your specialist has the knowledge, experience, and expertise to treat your specific problem within their area of practice.

Sports medicine specialists are orthopedic doctors who specialize in treating sports or athletics related injuries and conditions. This includes every possible injury you could incur while playing a sport or exercising as well as conditions that you can develop under the same circumstances. There is an overlap between sports medicine and other types of orthopedic doctors. As such, it may be possible for you to seek medical care from more than one type of orthopedic doctor.

Orthopedic Doctors in St. Peters and O’Fallon, MO

The best orthopedic clinics are multidisciplinary, bringing together experts in various areas of orthopedics to form a team to meet any and all orthopedic needs. If you are in search of an experienced, compassionate, and friendly orthopedic team, look no further than Advanced Bone & Joint. Our physicians have a wealth of experience treating all types of orthopedic issues and would love to help you achieve an active and pain-free life. To make an appointment, please call (636) 229-4222. You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you soon!