An orthopedist or orthopedic doctor is a healthcare professional who receives special training in diagnosing, treating, and preventing a full spectrum of musculoskeletal system problems. Orthopedists treat injuries or conditions that patients incur while doing daily activities, playing sports, and due to wear and tear over time.
If you’ve been referred to an orthopedist by your primary care provider or are planning to visit an orthopedist on your own, there are many things you want to know before entering your orthopedist’s office.
Let’s talk about some things your orthopedist wants you to know before your visit to get the most out of it and where you can go to find the best orthopedic doctor in Austin, Texas.
#1 Some Musculoskeletal Injuries Are Preventable
It’s no denying that musculoskeletal injuries come unannounced. However, there are many things that you can do to prevent these injuries from occurring.
Your orthopedic doctor wants you to take the proper precautions with your daily decisions to ensure that you stay in top form and don’t injure yourself. For instance, your orthopedist wants you to maintain a healthy weight as many musculoskeletal injuries happen when your bones and joints bear a weight much more than their capacity.
Not only this, but they also want you to:
- Stay active and do exercise
- Eat food that is good for your bones and joints
- Cut back on unhealthy food and drinks
- Get a good night’s sleep
#2 Earlier You Seek Treatment, Quicker You Heal
Your orthopedist wants you to know that ignoring your pain, discomfort, and other symptoms won’t take you anywhere good. In fact, your delay in seeking treatment will result in much longer treatment duration and recovery period. This is because most musculoskeletal system problems get worse over time. For example, a partially torn tendon may tear completely if not treated on time.
Plus, a problem diagnosed earlier is often treatable with noninvasive methods. But if you delay your treatment and let the injury or problem worse, then you may end up with surgery as the only treatment to correct your problem.
#3 Surgery Is the Last Resort
Many people think that they will be undergoing surgery for the treatment since they are going to see an orthopedic doctor. But this is far from fact. Some orthopedic injuries and conditions require surgery, but surgery is not always needed.
Before considering surgery, an orthopedic doctor first recommends nonsurgical treatment options. The most commonly recommended nonsurgical treatment options include medications, cortisone shots, physical therapy, massage therapy, PRP therapy, etc. Orthopedic surgery is considered when all the noninvasive methods fail to help you feel better and heal your injury.
#4 Advocate for Yourself
Even though your orthopedist will guide you about everything related to your case, if you think something is still unclear or skipped, don’t hesitate to ask them. You should use your patient’s rights and know about your diagnosis, why symptoms are worsening, and what the treatment is like.
#5 Healing Takes Time
As a patient, you need to understand that there is no magic pill or an overnight solution to your musculoskeletal injury or condition. Your orthopedic doctor’s treatment plan will take time to work and heal you completely. So, you must patiently work alongside your orthopedist to ensure that your healing is maximized.
Orthopedic Doctor Near Me in Austin, Texas
If you have sustained a musculoskeletal injury, you need extraordinary orthopedic care to recover and get back on your feet faster.
At All-Star Orthopedics, our orthopedic providers have an excellent track record of helping patients get back to their active lifestyles. We offer both surgical and nonsurgical treatment depending on the patient’s condition and preference.
If you would like to make an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors, call us today at (512) 346-4933 or request an appointment online.
