5 Reasons to See an Orthopedic Doctor

Sometimes you might be hesitant to visit an orthopedic doctor and opt to see a primary care doctor. However, the primary doctor might have limited knowledge of issues affecting the bones, joints, and ligaments, and they would eventually recommend an orthopedic doctor like Dr. Stephen Fisher Braselton. It is possible to overlook issues such as spinal health, repetitive injuries, and joint pain. However, they graduate with serious health complications which limit the range of movement and cause disabilities. An orthopedic doctor will treat sciatica, back pain, and frozen shoulders and replace joints. These are reasons to see an orthopedic doctor.

Sciatica

Sciatica might be serious or mild pain but persist over time, and your orthopedic doctor will address it sufficiently. It occurs when the bones on the spine or the pelvic region exert pressure on the sciatic nerves. The pressure on the sciatic nerves leads to chronic pain around the pelvic region, which extends to the legs. Thus, an orthopedic doctor will develop remedies for sciatic pain and may recommend physical exercises that reduce the pressure exerted on the nerves. Additionally, they may recommend corrective surgery on the discs on the spine to alleviate the pressure on the sciatic nerve and reduce chronic pain.

Back Pain

Although you might dismiss back pain and opt for home remedies such as heat therapy, sometimes the back pain does not improve. Thus, you would see an orthopedic doctor to deal with the back pain as they offer the correct diagnosis and treatment for the back pain. They would determine if the back pain results from herniated discs, diseases such as arthritis, and bad posture. The right treatments for back pain might include epidural injections, which block the pain making it possible to diagnose and treat the underlying issues. An orthopedic doctor might recommend surgery such as spinal fusion to correct issues with the spinal discs or treat tears on the ligaments and connective tissues on the spine.

Joint Replacement

The joint allows one to move freely, but they are predisposed to injuries and illnesses such as arthritis. These complications reduce the range of movements in the joints, and you would opt for physical therapy to increase the range of motion. However, the orthopedic doctor will recommend surgery if the joint is predisposed to irreversible damage.  

Repetitive Strain Injuries

The repetitive injuries on the joints lead to issues such as limited movement and are likely to affect athletes who engage in high-intensity activities. Thus, every athlete should see an orthopedic doctor frequently to treat injuries on the joints and promote better bone and muscle health.

Frozen Shoulder

A frozen shoulder might occur due to a traumatic accident that dislodges the joint. Thus, lifting weights or engaging in everyday activities makes it difficult. Thus, you may see an orthopedic doctor to treat a frozen shoulder.

Most of the time, people avoid seeing an orthopedic doctor and consult a primary doctor for issues affecting the ligaments, joints, and bones. However, orthopedic doctors are knowledgeable and will effectively diagnose and treat issues affecting bones and joints. They may deal with sciatic pain radiating on the pelvic region and the legs. Additionally, they deal with back pain and offer the best alternatives to treating chronic back pain. They may recommend physical therapy for a limited range of motion on the joints and the spine and recommend surgery if the pain does not improve.