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April 17, 2017

What Is an Orthopedic Specialist and How Can They Help You?

If you’re experiencing any kind of joint or back pain, you might be wondering who to turn to. An orthopedic specialist is a medical doctor who focuses on the health of your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. From nagging back pain to a sudden sports injury on the sunny coast of Florida, these specialists can diagnose the root cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to your life. Your path to recovery could involve physical therapy, advanced non-surgical treatments, or surgery.

For residents of Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and across Northeast Florida, understanding what to expect from an orthopedic visit can be the first step toward relief.

What Does an Orthopedic Specialist Do?

An orthopedic specialist, or orthopedist, is an expert in diagnosing and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. This includes everything from chronic conditions like arthritis to acute injuries such as fractures or ligament tears.

Your first visit will typically involve a thorough evaluation. The specialist will ask detailed questions about your pain, your medical history, and your lifestyle. They may also perform a physical exam and order imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to get a clear picture of what’s happening inside your body. Common issues treated by orthopedic specialists include:

• Arthritis and joint pain

• Back and neck pain

• Sports-related injuries

• Fractures and dislocations

• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other hand and wrist injuries

• Shoulder problems like rotator cuff tears

• ACL tears and other knee injuries

In a region like Northeast Florida, where an active lifestyle is common, from golfing in Ponte Vedra to surfing in St. Augustine, sports injuries are a frequent reason to see an orthopedic specialist.

A Modern Approach to Orthopedic Treatment

The field of orthopedics has advanced significantly since 2017. While surgery is sometimes necessary, orthopedic specialists will often start with non-surgical treatments to help you heal. Seeing an orthopedist doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need an operation.

Your personalized treatment plan will be based on your specific injury, your health, and your goals. Some of the innovative and effective treatment options available today include:

• Physical Therapy and Exercise: A cornerstone of recovery, physical therapy involves targeted exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore movement. Many orthopedic practices in the Jacksonville area offer on-site physical therapy for a seamless recovery experience.

• Advanced Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and pain. Another option is viscosupplementation, where hyaluronic acid is injected into a joint like the knee to improve lubrication and cushioning.

• Regenerative Medicine: This cutting-edge field uses your body’s own healing abilities. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy are regenerative treatments that can help repair damaged tissues and may be an alternative to surgery for some conditions.

• Bracing and Orthotics: Custom devices like braces or shoe inserts can provide support, protect injured areas, and improve alignment to relieve pain.

• Medication: Your specialist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxers to manage pain and aid in your recovery.

• Minimally Invasive Surgery: If surgery is the best option, orthopedic surgeons now use advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Procedures like arthroscopy use small incisions and a camera to diagnose and treat joint problems, often leading to faster recovery times.

• Robotic-Assisted Surgery: For procedures like joint replacements, surgeons may use robotic technology to enhance precision and accuracy, leading to better outcomes for patients.

• 3D Printing: This technology allows for the creation of custom implants and surgical guides tailored to a patient’s unique anatomy.

Finding Orthopedic Care in Jacksonville and St. Augustine

If you’re looking for expert orthopedic care in Northeast Florida, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists can work with you to find the best course of treatment for your individual needs. With multiple locations, including in Jacksonville and a growing presence in St. Augustine, they offer a comprehensive range of services from diagnostics to rehabilitation. Their team of board-certified physicians covers every orthopedic and spine specialty, utilizing the latest technologies to provide top-quality care.