An orthopedic doctor is a specialist physician who diagnoses, treats, and prevents conditions and injuries related to the musculoskeletal system. Most people will need the care of an orthopedic doctor to treat a bone, muscle, ligament, or tendon injury, or to get treatment for a chronic condition like arthritis.
If you are unsure whether you should be seeing an orthopedic doctor, we can help you decide. Here are some common reasons why people visit orthopedic doctors.
To Get A Diagnosis
Many times, people experience pain, stiffness, immobility, and other issues in joints or other parts of their bodies. While it’s easy to Google your symptoms, you are rarely going to be correct in self-diagnosing yourself. This is why you should see an orthopedic doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Before you get any treatment, you need to have an accurate diagnosis of your condition or injury. Based on your symptoms, an orthopedic doctor can determine your musculoskeletal issue. Accounts of your symptoms and a physical examination are often not enough for an accurate diagnosis. Thus, your orthopedic doctor may order imaging tests, such as:
- X-ray
- CT scan
- Bone scan
- MRI
- Arthrogram
These diagnostic tests can pinpoint problems with your joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones, and help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
To Treat Musculoskeletal Conditions
Many musculoskeletal conditions and injuries can develop in the body. From arthritis, bursitis, and fractures to carpal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis, you could be suffering from any number of orthopedic health problems. An orthopedic doctor is an expert in treating such conditions.
Shoulder
The shoulders are the most mobile joints in the body. They allow you to do many things, from picking up and carrying items to playing fetch with your dog. Since shoulders are the most mobile, they are also prone to instability. Some joint diseases can also affect the shoulders.
If you have any of the following shoulder conditions, seek the help of an orthopedic doctor right away:
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Shoulder dislocation
- Frozen shoulder
- Impingement syndrome
Hip
Many individuals, especially older people, turn to orthopedic doctors because of hip pain. The hips help bear the body’s weight, so any damage to them can prevent you from performing many daily tasks.
Here are some common conditions that an orthopedic doctor can treat:
- Hip arthritis
- Hip dislocation
- Hip labral tear
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
- Bursitis
- Pelvic fracture
Knee
Your knees facilitate many of your movements throughout the day. With knee pain, you will find it difficult to walk or get up from a chair. If you suffer from a knee tear, such as an ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL, or meniscus tear, an orthopedic doctor can help. They can also help with:
- Knee arthritis
- Kneecap problems
- Knee tendon bursitis
- Osgood-Schlatter disease
To Get Pain Relief
Most musculoskeletal conditions manifest through pain in the body. Many people turn to orthopedic doctors for pain relief. Orthopedists can prescribe medications to temporarily ease the aching in your joints or muscles. They can also recommend breakthrough treatments, such as stem cell and PRP therapy, for long-term relief.
To Receive Emergency Care For Injuries
Accidents, such as vehicular collisions and sports injuries, are more common than you think. Most of them are minor, but some can also be life-threatening. Luckily, an orthopedic doctor can tend to your emergency orthopedic needs.
To Undergo Surgery
When conservative treatments prove ineffective for your condition, your orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery. There are many surgical options available to you, depending on your specific needs.
Every orthopedic clinic has its specialization when it comes to surgical procedures. Consult with your orthopedic doctor to find out if they are skilled in the surgery you need to undergo. For instance, Dr. William Hefley performs arthroscopic surgery for persistent joint problems. He is also highly experienced in:
- Total hip replacement
- ACL repair
- Arthroplasty
- Meniscus repair
Expert Orthopedic Doctor In Little Rock, AR
Whether you’re an athlete, a working professional, or a stay-at-home parent, you can experience a number of musculoskeletal problems within your lifetime. When you do, you’ll need expert care from an orthopedic doctor.
Are you looking for the best orthopedic doctor Little Rock, AR has to offer? If yes, make an appointment to meet Dr. William Hefley. Specializing in minimally invasive surgery and sports medicine, Dr. William provides outstanding orthopedic care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. He has decades of experience in diagnosing and treating all kinds of musculoskeletal conditions.
If you want to schedule an appointment, contact Bowen Hefley Orthopedics today at (800) 336-2412 or fill out our online request form.
We look forward to helping with your orthopedic concerns!
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