Reasons to Visit Your Orthopedic Doctor 

The study and research of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, nerves, etc.) is known as orthopedics. While there are many general orthopedists, quite a few physicians specialize in specific parts of the anatomy or certain diseases.

Many people wonder if they should visit an orthopedic specialist or go to their primary care doctor. There are some specific times that it may speed recovery time to visit the orthopedist directly. Anytime that there is a suspected traumatic or repetitive motion injury to a bone, joint, tendon or nerve an orthopedic doctor is your best choice for treatment. If the patient is experiencing chronic joint or bone pain, diagnosed with a rheumatic disease, or have arthritis an orthopedic specialist is an important part of treatment.

Patients Might Need an Orthopedic Physician if They Have:

• Joint or musculoskeletal pain that began after an injury
• Gradually progressive hip or knee pain that is worse with weight-bearing
• Joint pain that is severe and interfering with the function
• Moderate or advanced arthritis of the knee or hip
• Previous unsuccessful treatment for joint pain
• Been told by their doctor they might need a joint replacement

What You Can Expect During Your Visit

Doctors are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of further injuries. In order to do a good job, they have to have a lot of information about your injury, your lifestyle and your general health.

When you go to your first appointment, wear clothing that allows them full access to the area of the injury. If your knee is bothering you, wear shorts.

Allow time for paperwork. Pay special attention to the health history questionnaire. Medical conditions that seem unrelated to your injury could have great bearing on your treatment plan. Be sure to list any medications, nutritional supplements or herbal remedies that you take. If you need pain management, the doctor will have to make sure that nothing you take interacts with it.

You might be baffled by the many questions put to you at the initial consultation, but answer them honestly and thoroughly. The specialist is trying to get a comprehensive understanding of exactly what the problem is and how to approach it.

Benefits of Specialized Treatment

Chronic pain has an immeasurable impact on the quality of life. The inability to exercise as you like or play your favorite sports can lead to isolation and depression. When doing a load of laundry, getting dry-cleaned items to the car or simply writing a letter prove challenging, it may be time to explore the benefits of professional treatment:

• Relief from pain
• Improved joint function, range of motion and flexibility
• Increased strength
• Close monitoring of the healing process
• Injury prevention

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119