People often associate karang-guni men with old, dirty, unwanted stuffs. Same goes for orthopaedic surgeons, people associate them with fractures and ligaments. It is not just about fractures and ligaments. They do more than that and they are the experts when it comes to our musculoskeletal system which consists of all the bones and muscles in our body. As long as you suffer from any injury to your bones and muscles, you need to seek help from an orthopaedic doctor.
Orthopaedic surgeons are specialists and they do not attend to common illnesses such as your common cold or fever although they are trained to. When you suffer from a musculoskeletal injury, you may or may not have the chance to see an orthopaedic doctor depending on the injury suffered. Your friendly General Practitioner is trained and equipped to handle ankle sprains. However, if you are suffering from a suspected torn ligament, broken arm or arthritis, you need an orthopaedic immediately. Below are some common instances when you will make a good friend in an orthopaedic doctor.
Sports injuries
If you are an active sportsman and you participate in high impact contact sports, you have a high chance to make a new friend. High impact contact sports increases the chances of one suffering from a torn ligament, torn meniscus, dislocated arm, muscle strains and pulls as well as common knee and elbow injuries.
Bone tumors
Orthopaedic specialists only deal with bone tumors and not tumors that grow elsewhere. Bone tumors will need to be removed surgically and since orthopaedic doctors are best in matters regarding the bone, they make the ideal and only choice. While the main motive is to remove the tumor on the bone, mobility cannot be affected as a result of that.
Arthritis
Arthritis sufferers are gradually increasing and arthritis cases will need to be attended to by orthopaedic doctors. If it is not treated or treated incorrectly, it can lead to pain and inflammation to the joints, causing immobility issues. Simple daily activities such as walking and even brushing of teeth and washing of face can be an issue.
Orthopaedic doctors are specialists in their own field and patients will need to see them for most musculoskeletal injuries. Minor ones such as a sprained ankle can be treated by a General Practitioner but if it develops into more serious complications, it is advisable to seek an orthopaedic doctor immediately. No matter how big or small an injury may seem, you should not self medicate and self treat as musculoskeletal injuries are often more serious than it looks.
