An orthopedic doctor specializes in injuries, deformities, and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. These highly trained and experienced physicians have the diagnostic expertise and treatment options to restore and preserve efficient, pain-free movement related to your muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, tendons, and more. Here are five reasons why it’s a good idea for you to see an orthopedic doctor in your area.
1. You Have Been Injured
Have you had an accident at work or taken a fall down your front steps? If you’re an athlete, have you overtrained and now wonder if you have a rotator cuff tear? Whatever the circumstance, an orthopedic doctor is a person to see for expert assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a long list of acute and repetitive motion injuries.
Never wait for an evaluation for an injury. When pain, swelling, and/or deformities persist beyond first aid interventions (such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation), you should see an orthopedic doctor. Advanced Bone & Joint, for example, offers urgent care at our O’Fallon and St. Peters locations, so you can be quickly stabilized and evaluated for your workers’ comp claim, sports injury, or other sudden, non-life-threatening bone and joint problems.
2. Your Bone and Joint Problem Impacts Your Daily Activities
Independence and freedom of movement mean everything. So, if you have arthritis, fragile bones, severe pain from spinal stenosis, or a wound that does not heal, it is crucial you see an orthopedic specialist. Orthopedic doctors have both surgical and non-surgical treatment options to restore your full function, range of motion, balance, and more. For those suffering from chronic pain,your orthopedic doctor can make pain management a priority as well.
3. You Want Robust Surgical Options
If your knee arthritis has progressed to a point of constant pain and difficulty walking,you and your primary care physician may believe joint arthroplasty, or total joint replacement, is your best treatment option.
If this is the case, it is important you consult with an experienced orthopedic surgeon who has done numerous arthroplasty procedures and has the imaging techniques to perform your surgery and develop a rehabilitation plan.
Other types of surgeries orthopedic specialists perform include:
- Tendon release
- Surgical fixation of severe fractures
- Osteotomy to resurface and reposition damaged bones
- Joint fusion
- Rotator cuff and ACL repair
- Ligament and cartilage repair
4. Orthopedic Doctors Have Subspecialties
Some orthopedic doctors focus primarily on joint replacement. Others are the go-to physicians for arthritis or sports medicine, including performance improvement and rehabilitation from injury.
If your muscle and joint needs are highly focused, you can find a trained and specialized orthopedic doctor to handle them. For instance, Advanced Bone & Joint features the knowledge and skill of sports medicine physicians, Dr. Brandon Larkin and Dr. Matthew P. Melander. They help athletes train and perform safely and efficiently, all while aiding in their recovery from sudden or repetitive motion injuries.
5. You Want to Prevent a Debilitating Condition
If you are diabetic, you want to know the best ways to prevent diabetic ulcers. Or, if osteoarthritis or osteoporosis seems likely as you age, you need accurate diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and medications to strengthen bones and joints, improve flexibility, enhance coordination and mobility, and avoid pain and disability. Orthopedic doctors can improve your chances for an independent, functional life for years to come.
The Best Orthopedic Care in Wentzville, O’Fallon,and St. Peters, Missouri
At Advanced Bone & Joint, our experienced team of board-certified physicians offers people in Wentzville, O’Fallon, and St. Peters life-changing services which improve the health and function of their bones, joints, muscles, connective tissues, and nerves. Our care plans are highly individualized, drawing on years of experience and respect for patient input and expected goals.
Learn more about what we offer at our three locations by calling to arrange a consultation at (636) 229-4222. You may also request a visit by filling out our online form.