If you are experiencing any type of musculoskeletal pain, it is important to see an orthopedic specialist. Musculoskeletal pain can be caused by a variety of things, including injury, overuse, and arthritis.
Doctors specializing in orthopedics are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Let's discuss what musculoskeletal pain is, its causes, how an orthopedic specialist can help, and where you can go to see the best orthopedic specialist in Kingsport, Tennessee.
What is musculoskeletal pain?
Musculoskeletal pain is any type of pain that affects muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, or tendons. It can be a sharp pain, dull pain or throbbing sensation.
This pain can appear suddenly immediately after injury and is called acute pain. Or it can be a prolonged pain called chronic pain. Orthopedic pain can also change in intensity over time, and depending on the activity, the pain may get better or worse.
Causes
of musculoskeletal pain Pain in the musculoskeletal system can have a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes include:
Injuries: Common injuries that can lead to musculoskeletal pain include fractures, sprains (ligament injuries), and muscle contusions (muscle or tendon injuries).
Excessive use: Excessive use of certain muscles, bones, or joints can cause musculoskeletal pain. This is common in athletes who train hard or people whose jobs require repetitive movements.
Arthritis: Arthritis, which is inflammation of one or more joints, is a common cause of musculoskeletal pain. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis. This is due to wear and tear of the cartilage of the joint.
How
Orthopedic Specialists Can Help Orthopedists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal pain. They will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This does not interfere with current medications and other factors. Treatment plans may include medication, physical therapy, and/or surgery.
Orthopedic care for patients is often developed by a team of professionals that includes orthopedists, physician assistants (PAs), nurses (NPS), and physiotherapists (PTs).
Orthopedic surgeons have completed four years of undergraduate education followed by four years of medical school, followed by at least five years of orthopedic residency and fellowship. Orthopedic surgeons diagnose health problems and recommend and manage a patient's treatment plan, including surgeries such as joint replacements and tissue repairs.
Orthopedic physician assistants and nurse practitioners can assess the patient's condition and recommend treatment. They are not able to perform orthopedic surgery.
Orthopedic physiotherapists can also create patient treatment plans and work closely with orthopedic surgeons, PAs, and RNs. They can teach patients how to perform certain exercises to treat pain and strengthen muscles, bones, and joints.
What
to expect when you see an orthopedic specialist for the first time When you see an orthopedic specialist for musculoskeletal pain, they will ask you about your medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also recommend tests to help diagnose your condition.
When a diagnosis is made by an orthopedic specialist, the provider draws up a treatment plan. This may include physical therapy, medication, and/or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury and the cause of the pain.