The musculoskeletal system—comprising muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments—is vital for movement and protection of internal organs. Orthopedic treatment options address issues within this system, ranging from bone joint pain to complex surgeries. Musculoskeletal disorders often cause pain and reduced function, leading to disability and job loss. Understanding these treatments can help patients make informed decisions about their care.

Initially focused on treating children with spine and limb deformities, orthopedists now care for individuals of all ages. From newborns with clubfoot to young athletes needing arthroscopic surgery and older adults who have arthritis, orthopedic care covers all age groups.

What Is Orthopedics?

Orthopedics is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing, treating, preventing and rehabilitating conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedic treatment ranges from nonsurgical options like physical therapy to surgical interventions like joint replacements. Orthopedic doctors, also known as orthopedists, are experienced in managing conditions like fractures, bone joint pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

Orthopedic doctors often specialize in unique fields like sports medicine, knee replacement recovery or shoulder injuries, providing targeted care to optimize patient outcomes.

What Do Orthopedic Doctors Do?

Orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions through various methods. They make use of nonsurgical treatments, such as:

• Therapeutic exercises: Exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility and range of motion
• Immobilization techniques: Braces, casts or splints restrict movement and promote healing
• Medications: Pain relief medications and anti-inflammatory drugs help manage symptoms
• Lifestyle modifications: Doctors may recommend activity level or diet changes to aid recovery and prevent future injuries

When nonsurgical methods are not enough, orthopedic surgeons may perform procedures such as:

• Joint replacement surgery: Replacing damaged joints caused by severe arthritis with artificial implants, commonly performed on hips and knees
• Internal fixation: Internal fixation uses pins, screws, plates or rods to stabilize fractured bones during the healing process
• Fusion: Uses bone graft material and some form of internal fixation to connect two bones. Fusion occurs as the bone tissue heals, resulting in a single bone. This technique is commonly used in neck and spine surgeries.
• Osteotomy: Involves cutting and repositioning a bone segment. It is occasionally used to treat arthritis.
• Soft tissue reconstruction: Repairs severely damaged muscles, ligaments or tendons.
• Median nerve decompression: Addresses carpal tunnel syndrome by relieving pressure on the median nerve.

When Should I See an Orthopedic Surgeon?

For musculoskeletal symptoms where the cause is uncertain, patients may benefit from consulting a primary care physician as a starting point. However, patients should consider seeing an orthopedic surgeon for conditions such as:

• Persistent or on-and-off pain lasting more than three months
• Difficulty with joint movement or limited range of motion
• Symptoms that interfere with your everyday activities
• Problems with mobility, such as trouble standing or walking
• Recent injuries that do not improve with basic self-care, such as applying ice or taking over-the-counter pain relief

If another doctor has suggested surgery, your next step should be to schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. An orthopedic surgeon can offer advanced options like robotic-assisted surgery or minimally invasive procedures for longer-lasting orthopedic joint pain treatment, which can reduce recovery time and improve overall outcomes. They can also provide a second opinion on any diagnosis or recommended treatment plan.

Remember, consulting an orthopedic surgeon does not automatically mean surgery is inevitable. Orthopedic surgeons are uniquely equipped to determine if surgery is necessary and which type of procedure best addresses your needs.

However, certain musculoskeletal injuries are critical and need immediate medical intervention. Go to the closest emergency room if you experience:

• A fractured bone, especially if it is an open wound with visible bone or involves multiple breaks
• Severe pain or other worrisome symptoms like high fever, inability to move or bear weight, heavy bleeding or loss of consciousness

What Surgeries Do Orthopedic Surgeons Perform?

Orthopedic surgeons perform a wide range of surgeries, including:

• Joint replacement surgery: Commonly performed on knees and hips, this procedure replaces damaged joints with artificial implants, providing orthopedic joint pain relief and improved function.
• Spinal fusion: This surgery fuses two or more vertebrae to provide stability to the spine and is often used to treat severe back pain or spinal deformities.
• Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat joint issues in the knees, shoulders and other areas.
• Fracture repair: Using screws, plates or rods, orthopedic surgeons stabilize broken bones, promoting proper healing.

Find an Orthopedic Doctor in Nacogdoches, TX

Choosing a qualified orthopedic doctor is vital for successful treatment. Patients should seek providers with experience in their specific condition, whether bone joint pain, knee replacement surgery or other orthopedic needs. At Nacogdoches Medical Partners, our orthopedic doctors provide experienced and comprehensive care, including surgical and nonsurgical options tailored to each patient's needs. Contact us today at 936-205-9824 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards recovery.