An orthopedic doctor is a medical professional who focuses on keeping your muscles and bones healthy. Your muscles and bones form the musculoskeletal system, which provides structure to the body and allows you to move around. It also includes connective tissues like ligaments and tendons. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose and treat all kinds of musculoskeletal issues and can undergo further training for different specializations.
Depending on your condition, injury, or health goals, you may need to enlist the services of an orthopedic doctor. However, not all orthopedic doctors are the same. Here are some of the different types of orthopedic doctors.
Sports Medicine Specialist
A sports medicine specialist focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries. A common misconception most people have is that sports doctors only treat professional athletes and people playing sports at an extremely high level. However, a sports medicine specialist can help anyone seeking to optimize their physical abilities or lead an active lifestyle.
Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or an amateur player, you can go to a sports doctor for help if you sustain an injury. They can help with many common sports injuries, including:
- Rotator cuff tear
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Ankle sprain and ankle instability
- Shoulder instability
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tear
- Meniscus tear
The field of sports medicine provides a personalized improvement plan to decrease the risk of an injury and improve physical performance. They can pinpoint the weak areas of your body and suggest a routine to strengthen that part. You don’t need to be seriously injured to receive the benefits of sports medicine.
General Orthopedic Physician
A general orthopedic doctor can provide care covering a wide variety of deformities, disorders, and injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system. They cover everything from sports-related injuries like sprains and strains to degenerative diseases like arthritis, which may require long-term care. Here are some other conditions they may help you with:
- Fractures
- Tendonitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Hand and wrist ganglion cysts
Orthopedic Surgeons
All orthopedic doctors can assist you with musculoskeletal problems. However, sometimes, conservative methods just aren’t enough. It helps to know that not all orthopedic doctors are orthopedic surgeons. While both can diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems, orthopedic surgeons have received further training in performing surgery.
If you have a musculoskeletal problem, an orthopedic surgeon will first exhaust non-surgical orthopedic treatments. Most people tend to find relief from conservative treatments and lifestyle modifications. However, if you don’t respond to non-surgical treatments, an orthopedic surgeon can perform surgery.
For instance, if you sustain joint damage due to arthritis, an orthopedic surgeon can perform joint reconstruction surgery. During this procedure, they will remove the damaged part of the joint and replace it with a prosthetic. Here are some other medical procedures that an orthopedic surgeon can perform:
- Minimally invasive knee replacement
- Total knee replacement
- Partial knee replacement
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Total shoulder replacement
- Total hip replacement, including direct anterior hip replacement
- Minimally invasive hip replacement
- Realignment osteotomies for early-stage arthritis
Orthopedic Treatment In Austin, TX
Different needs call for different specializations when receiving the appropriate kind of medical treatment for your musculoskeletal problem. That’s why it’s helpful to know what kind of orthopedic doctor to see. With the right type of orthopedic doctor, you can rest assured using a treatment plan designed specifically for your problem.
Do you need an orthopedic doctor? Our very own Dr. Carolyn Hyde is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. With the help of our highly-trained staff, Dr. Carolyn Hyde is ready to give you the best medical care for your needs. We take pride in using modern technology to provide the best musculoskeletal treatments.
To let us know you’re coming, you may contact us at (512) 346-4933 or use this online request form. We look forward to your call! Let us take care of you.
