When to Seek an Orthopedic Surgeon for Joint and Bone Pain

We all have experienced some form of joint or bone pain in our lives. But most people do not rush to a doctor when they feel slight pain caused by exercising, playing sports, or minor injuries. Most people tend to wait out the pain and let the body heal naturally. However, there is a limit to how much your body can naturally heal. Much serious pain needs to be consulted by an orthopaedic surgeon at the earliest.

In this blog, we will learn what common conditions orthopaedic surgeons treat, when is the right time to consult an orthopaedic surgeon, what is their diagnostic procedure, and more. But first, we must understand their field of expertise.

A] What Is An Orthopaedic Doctor?

A medical doctor who specialises in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system is known as an orthopaedic surgeon. An orthopaedic surgeon deals with bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the body. They may also treat neural problems if the treatment calls for it. They consult patients suffering from fractures and joint pains and suggest surgical and non-surgical interventions.

They are highly educated and trained, needing to qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), which is a competitive exam in India. Then they complete an MBBS degree before receiving hands-on experience with a three-year residency program in MS (Master of Surgery), specialising in orthopaedics. They also complete a fellowship or diploma course to further their expertise.

B] Common Orthopaedic Conditions Treated By Orthopaedic Surgeons?

• Joint pain: Joint pain can be a symptom of various types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and an inflammatory condition called bursitis. These conditions limit the mobility of joints and cause pain while walking, sitting, or doing everyday activities. Orthopaedics often suggest non-surgical treatments for these conditions at first.
• Back, Neck, and Spine Problems: Some of the most common orthopaedic issues in today’s society are back, neck, and spine problems. These occur mostly in office-going people who have to sit at their desks for extended periods. These problems include conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica..
• Sports Injuries: Sports injuries like ACL tears, sprains in MCLs and LCLs, and tendonitis need immediate medical attention and intervention. Orthopaedic surgeons perform surgery to treat these conditions at the earliest. They may also consult the patient during the recovery phase to ensure a quick and healthy recovery.
• Fractures and Trauma: Broken bones, dislocations, and acute injuries fall under the specialisation of an orthopaedic doctor. Whether due to blunt-force trauma or accidental fractures, these conditions cause immense pain, swelling, redness, and inability to move. An orthopaedic surgeon will diagnose the type of fracture using X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans and suggest interventions.
• Degenerative Diseases: Degenerative diseases like osteoporosis and other age-related conditions make bones, ligaments, and tendons weaker over time. Weaker bones mean loss of strength and mobility. Orthopaedic surgeons address the root cause of these problems.

C] Signs You Should Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon

• Joint and Bone Pain: Joint and bone pain can significantly reduce quality of life. If you experience acute and chronic pain in your knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders or any other bones, you must seek professional consultation from our orthopaedic doctor in Andheri at the earliest opportunity.
• Limited Range of Motion: Finding it difficult to move your body like before and experiencing stiffness in joints could be signs of arthritis. Getting evaluation and treatment by an orthopaedic specialist can help to diagnose underlying musculoskeletal issues.
• Loss of Strength: Loss of overall strength is natural in old age or while recovering from a major injury. According to a study, significant bone loss occurs around age 65 years in men and 50 years in women. An orthopaedic specialist will help you stop and reverse this problem to regain your strength..
• Inflammation: Persistent swelling, inflammation, or redness around a joint can be early warnings of bursitis, tendonitis, or arthritis. Get medical attention from an expert as soon as possible.

D] What Diagnostic Methods Do Orthopaedics Use?

• Physical Examination: A physical exam may include observation of swelling or inflammation, using a reflex hammer to see tendon reflexes and a pain test.
• X-ray: X-rays help to find fractures in bones and joints and may also be used for diagnosing arthritis.
• MRI: Unlike X-rays which only image the bones, MRI uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
• CT Scan: CT Scan is an advanced imaging technique that also uses X-rays to a certain extent for imaging the body, including bones, muscles, organs, and fat.

E] Orthopaedic Treatment Methods

1. Non-Surgical:

Non-surgical orthopaedic treatments include exercise, immobilisation techniques, and medication. Exercise helps to improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Immobilisation techniques like braces, splints, and casts are used for treating fractures and traumas. Medication may be recommended for treating symptoms like pain and swelling, sometimes in conjunction with other treatment methods.

2. Surgical:

Surgery is recommended when other means of treatment are deemed ineffective. Some common surgeries offered by orthopaedic surgeons are joint replacement surgery, bone fusion, internal fixation, osteotomy, soft tissue repair, and release surgery.

F] Benefits of Consulting an Orthopedic Surgeon Early

• Diagnosing and treating conditions at an early stage.
• Professional consultation leads to faster recovery and better outcomes.
• Prevention of further complications or chronic issues.
• Access to specialized expertise and advanced treatment options.

Conclusion

Knowing when to seek professional medical attention from an orthopaedic surgeon is critical for maintaining a good quality of life. Early consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon can help to diagnose the underlying conditions at an early stage and address them. This can be done through a physical exam, x-ray, or even an MRI. The doctors will then proceed to create a tailored treatment for you which can be non-surgical or surgical.

If you are experiencing joint or bone pain, difficulty in moving them, or mobility issues, visit our orthopaedic clinic in Andheri today!

Take the first step toward a healthier spine today. Go ahead and schedule your consultation and start your journey to moving freely.

Dr. Tanay Prabhoo

Inspired by a passion to improve lives through advanced orthopedic care, Dr. Tanay Prabhoo embarked on his medical journey over a decade ago. As a skilled Orthopedic and Spine Surgeon, he has committed himself to treating musculoskeletal and spinal conditions, offering his patients innovative, tailored treatment plans.