If you are experiencing chronic pain of the hip or knee on a daily basis, feel sore and stiff after lying down or being sedentary for an extended period of time, or have an injury that doesn’t seem to be healing, it may be time to consult an orthopedic specialist and ask why orthopedic surgery might be the answer.
Why consult an orthopedist instead of “toughing it out” and accept joint pain as a natural part of the aging process or long-term healing process from an injury?
Here are several compelling reasons!
An orthopedist specializes in treating musculoskeletal conditions.
An orthopedic doctor focuses exclusively on conditions affecting the muscles, nerves, bones, joints, and connective tissues. These include arthritis, bursitis, and osteoporosis, all of which can cause pain and dysfunction that, if chronic and left untreated, can become progressively worse over time, even debilitating.
An orthopedist can help reduce pain.
There are many musculoskeletal conditions and injuries that can cause chronic pain in muscles, nerves, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or other connective tissue. An orthopedic doctor can diagnose and treat many sources of pain all over your body, including your knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, ankles, feet, neck, and back.
An orthopedist can help improve your range of motion.
Pain, swelling, and joint stiffness can all result in limited mobility and range of motion. When this happens, it can be difficult to perform simple, everyday tasks like lifting, carrying, or even walking. An orthopedic doctor can help increase, if not fully restore, your range of motion through physical therapy, non-surgical treatment, or, if absolutely necessary, surgery.
An orthopedist can treat injuries and help prevent further injury.
If you have sustained a broken bone, a stress or compression fracture, a dislocation, muscle injury, a tendon tear, or rupture, it can be effectively treated by an orthopedic doctor. An orthopedist can repair broken bones and injuries to muscles and tendons, help reduce pain, and improve function. The orthopedist can also work with you to help prevent future injury and, if you are an athlete, optimize your performance.
An orthopedist can perform both surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat your injury or condition.
Surgical options include joint replacement surgery, joint revision surgery, arthroscopy, spinal surgery, disc replacement surgery, spinal fusion surgery, bone fracture repair, osteotomy to correct bone deformity, debridement or removal of damaged bone or tissue, and excision or removal of bone and soft tissue tumors.
Non-surgical procedures include aspiration (fluid drainage); steroid, facet joint, or ultrasound-guided steroid injections; joint manipulation; bracing or casting; viscosupplementation to treat arthritis; extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), and lumbar sympathetic blocks.
An orthopedist can help determine why you require orthopedic surgery.
An orthopedic doctor will only recommend surgery when nonsurgical treatment options have failed to provide relief. Your care is specific to your individual needs and the goal of treatment is to improve your quality of life.
An orthopedic doctor offers you the second opinion on why you may need orthopedic surgery
If you suspect you have a chronic orthopedic condition or if you have sustained an injury to your muscles, bones, joints, or connective tissue, it only makes sense to consult an expert who deals with conditions and injuries like yours every day. Rather than live with pain and dysfunction, you should seek treatment that could significantly improve your symptoms. If you want a second opinion before finalizing on a treatment approach, see another orthopedic doctor.
Orthopedic Doctor in Raleigh, Apex, and Brier Creek, NC
Dr. Brett J. Gilbert is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in hip and knee replacement surgery. If you are experiencing pain in your hip or knee joint, Dr. Gilbert can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment options for your specific condition. Also, if you are seeking more than one expert opinion on your condition and alternatives, Dr. Gilbert can provide you with peace of mind.
You can contact Dr. Gilbert at (919) 788-8797 or you can request an appointment with Dr. Gilbert using our appointment request form, or you can self-schedule your appointment here.
