Your physical activity and motion are managed by the effective functioning of your musculoskeletal system. Any issues or conditions affecting your skeletal system can affect the productivity of various body parts. This is a more significant issue for athletes and people who do constant physical activities. However, renowned orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Kristopher L. Downing can help alleviate these problems. How they attain it is further outlined below.

Who is an orthopedic surgeon?

This is a medical physician specializing in diagnosing and treating disorders of the bones, joints, and muscles.

Orthopedic surgeons use various techniques to treat their patients, including surgical and non-surgical methods. Orthopedic surgeons treat multiple conditions, from broken bones to degenerative diseases of the spine. They often work with other medical specialists, such as physiatrists, to provide comprehensive care for their patients.

Orthopedic surgeons also use a variety of non-surgical techniques to treat their patients. These techniques can include physical therapy, medications, and injections.

  •         Physical therapy is often applied to help patients regain strength and range of motion after an injury or surgery. Physical therapy can be performed by a physical therapist or an orthopedic surgeon. Medications can treat pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with orthopedic conditions. Common medicines used by orthopedic surgeons include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids.
  •         Injections are another non-surgical treatment option that can be used to treat pain and inflammation. Joint injections used by orthopedic surgeons include corticosteroids and local anesthetics.

Orthopedic surgeons often work with other medical specialists to provide comprehensive care for their patients. These specialists can include physiatrists and doctors specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Physiatrists can help patients regain strength and function after an injury or surgery.

Orthopedic surgeons also often work with orthopedic nurses and physical therapists. Orthopedic nurses provide nursing care to patients before, during, and after surgery. Physical therapists provide physical therapy to patients after an injury or surgery.

The most common orthopedic surgeons perform arthroscopy, arthroplasty, fusion, and osteotomy.

  •         Arthroscopy uses a small camera to visualize the inside of a joint. Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged joint with an artificial joint.
  •         Fusion is a surgical procedure to fuse two bones.
  •         Osteotomy is a surgical procedure to cut and realign a bone.

Orthopedic surgeons also treat carpal tunnel syndrome, clubfoot, and scoliosis conditions.

  •         Carpal tunnel syndrome results in pain or tingling in the hand and arm.
  •         Clubfoot is a condition that causes the foot to point downward and turn inward.
  •         Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve to the side.
  •         Orthopedic surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis or as inpatient surgery. Outpatient orthopedic surgery is typically less invasive and has a shorter recovery time than inpatient orthopedic surgery.

Inpatient orthopedic surgery is typically more invasive and has a longer recovery time. Recovery time from orthopedic surgery varies depending on the type of surgery performed. Some people may experience pain and swelling after surgery. Most people will need to take it easy for the first few weeks after surgery and avoid strenuous activity.

The decision to have orthopedic surgery should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon.