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What is General Orthopaedics?

Our musculoskeletal system is a complex system comprising of bone, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and skin. General orthopaedics is the field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system and a variety of orthopaedic conditions. Physicians who work in this field of medicine are referred to as orthopedists or orthopaedic doctors. These are medical experts who have undergone extensive training in the field of General Orthopaedics and can offer their expertise in the treatment and management of various orthopaedic disorders and provide effective orthopaedic guidance and education regarding the prevention of orthopaedic injuries and diseases.

Role of an Orthopaedic Doctor

A general orthopedist’s role is to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and manage individuals who suffer from degenerative orthopaedic diseases, skeletal deformities, or various injuries pertaining to the musculoskeletal system. General orthopedists also work with individuals who have fractures or require surgery. Whether the problem is in the hip, knee, spine, or any joint, a general orthopedist can provide orthopaedic care that is customized to the anatomy and goals of each patient. The main objective of an orthopedist is to restore mobility, function, and quality of life to every patient.

Scope of General Orthopaedics

General orthopaedics is a medical specialty with immense potential and is the foundation of all advanced and specialized training in different areas of Orthopaedics. General orthopaedic doctors can offer care and treat a wide variety of orthopaedic diseases and conditions, such as:

  • Dislocations and fractures
  • Sprains and strains
  • Torn ligaments, pulled muscles, and tendon injuries
  • Bursitis, arthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and osteoporosis
  • Low back pain, sciatica, ruptured discs, and scoliosis
  • Hammertoes, bunions, bow legs and knock knees
  • Leg length discrepancy and club foot
  • Growth abnormalities and abnormalities of the fingers and toes

When Should You Visit a General Orthopedist?

Orthopaedic conditions can trigger a variety of symptoms. You should consult your orthopaedic doctor if you are experiencing:

  • Chronic pain
  • Joint instability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Muscle spasms
  • Numbness or tingling sensation
  • Difficulty walking
  • Swelling in the affected joint
  • Sharp, stabbing pain
  • Inability to bear weight on the affected joint
  • Limited range of motion of the hip, knee, ankle, or another joint
  • Radiating pain from one section of the body to another
  • Worsening pain that does not get better

Summary

General orthopaedics is a medical specialty that emphasizes the treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Some of these conditions may be present at birth or may occur as a result of orthopaedic trauma or age-related wear and tear. Orthopedists most commonly works and coordinate with a wider orthopaedic team that may involve nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical or occupational therapists, and athletic trainers. Collectively, they help diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate individuals with musculoskeletal injuries or conditions to provide comprehensive orthopaedic care.

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine, also known as sports and exercise medicine (SEM), is a branch of medicine that deals with the treatment and prevention of sports and exercise-related injuries and improving fitness and performance. The main objective of sports medicine is to help individuals engage in sports and exercise in a safe and effective manner to accomplish their training goals.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery, also known as arthroscopy, is a surgical procedure to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint using a specialized instrument known as an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a flexible fiberoptic tube that contains a small lens or camera and a lighting system to magnify and illuminate structures inside a joint.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. A sprain is an injury or tear of one or more ligaments that commonly occurs at the wrist, knee, ankle or thumb. A strain is an injury or tears to the muscle. Strains occur commonly in the back and legs.