An orthopedist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments in body parts like:

• Ankles
• Back
• Elbows
• Feet
• Hands
• Hips
• Knees
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Wrists

Orthopedists can also treat conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Bone Tumors
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Hip Dysplasia
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Neurofibromatosis
• Osteoporosis
• Runner’s Knee
• Sciatica
• Tennis Elbow

If you think you may need to see an orthopedic doctor, you can do a few things to prepare for your appointment. 

First, try to identify the source of your pain or injury. If you can, write down when you started experiencing symptoms and what makes them worse or better. This will help your doctor narrow down the possible causes of your problem.

Next, gather information about your medical history. This includes any previous injuries or surgeries and any chronic health conditions you have.  Make sure to bring along a list of all the medications you are currently taking, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Finally, come up with a list of questions to ask your doctor. You may want to know what is causing your pain, what treatment options are available, and what the expected recovery time is. You might also want to ask about the treatment’s potential risks and side effects. Asking questions will help you feel more prepared and comfortable during your appointment.

One of the most common questions we hear at Findr is, “What do I wear to a knee appointment?” So, here are a few tips to make sure you’re comfortable during your visit:

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that will allow the doctor to examine the affected area easily. If you’re coming in for a sports injury, please bring your gym clothes or whatever you wore when the injury occurred. 

For x-rays or other imaging tests, they may ask you to change into a gown. 

• What is the cause of my pain? 
• How long will my treatment take? 
• What might be the side effects of this treatment
• What would you want to know about my medical history?
• What changes would you recommend to my diet and lifestyle during and after my treatment?
• What experience do you have treating patients with similar conditions?

If you are suffering from back pain, an orthopedic doctor will first conduct a physical examination and take your medical history. They may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to get a better look at your condition. 

Once they clearly understand your problem, they will develop a treatment plan. This may involve medication, physical therapy, or even surgery.

Fracture is another common type of joint disorder. A fracture is a break in the bone that occurs due to an injury. Fractures can occur anywhere in the body, including your hand and foot bones.

These can be serious and require immediate medical attention. An orthopedic will determine the best course of action for you and provide you with information about available treatments.