Orthopaedics is the medical discipline that is devoted to the musculoskeletal system which includes bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves.

An orthopaedic is a doctor who is trained and qualified to prevent, diagnose, and treat issues, diseases, injuries, and disorders of the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves.

Orthopaedic Doctors are specialists in foot and ankle care. However, since some foot and ankle problems originate from your knee, hip, or lower back, orthopaedic doctors also treat complex lower extremity conditions in conjunction with the rest of your body.

Some conditions include:

• Bone fractures
• Muscle strains
• Joint or back pain
• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Ankle twists
• Spondylolisthesis
• Herniated disk

Orthopaedic Surgeons are specialists in dealing with acute injuries, congenital and acquired disorders, and chronic arthritic or overuse conditions of the bones, joints, and their associated soft tissues, including ligaments, nerves, and muscles. Many people believe that the only solution for orthopaedic issues is medication; however, an experienced and expert orthopaedic surgeon specializes in issues, diseases, and injuries pertaining to the musculoskeletal system.

They are trained physicians who are critical in helping with the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation. Orthopaedic surgeons treat many different conditions, including:

• Broken bones
• Joint pain
• Sports injuries
• Arthritis
• Foot and ankle injuries|
• Back pain/Ruptured disks
• Hip Dysplasia

Once an Orthopaedic doctor successfully diagnoses your condition, the specialist will decide which course of treatment would be best. While there are a number of different surgical techniques that could be used, orthopedists typically try to treat most concerns through the use of medications, exercise, and/or other nonsurgical rehabilitative treatments.

If you have been injured or are experiencing chronic or intense pain which you feel needs to be resolved immediately, beginning treatment with an orthopedic surgeon may be the best route of care. If surgery is required, you will be able to receive the care you need more swiftly by an orthopedic surgeon who can diagnose, treat and ultimately conduct the surgery themselves.

Generally, ice should be used within the first 24-48 hours of an injury to reduce swelling and pain. Never use ice directly on the skin. Depending on the area of the injury, ice should be used for 10 to 20 minutes.

Heat is generally used for muscle pain or stiffness. Never apply heat when swelling or inflammation is present. Minor stiffness or tension can usually be relieved after 15 to 20 minutes of direct heat, such as a heating pad. Longer periods of direct heat such as a warm bath can help relieve moderate to severe pain.

Bones are the support system of the body, so it’s important to keep them healthy and strong. Maintaining a healthy weight, wearing comfortable shoes, stretching before exercising, including calcium and vitamin D in your diet, are some of the basic ways you can start to make your bones and muscles strong to avoid orthopaedic problems.

A quick consultation with an orthopaedic doctor will help get advice about pain management including medication and/or injections, rehabilitation, and physical therapy.