One of the main reasons why Americans seek medical care is for problems or pain in their bones, joints, and muscles. These structures are located throughout the body, and they can develop problems due to wear-and-tear injury or sudden (traumatic) injury.
Doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions, and who also perform surgery as necessary, are orthopedic surgeons. Let’s talk about what orthopedic surgeons do, and where you can go in Miami Lakes and Plantation for outstanding orthopedic care.
How an Orthopedic Surgeon Diagnoses and Treats Injuries
Orthopedic surgeons can provide a wide variety of medical services, such as:
- Accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of musculoskeletal problems, enabling a swift recovery. Your orthopedic doctor will explain all of your treatment options, and you may have several.
- Nonsurgical treatments for orthopedic issues, such as mild but effective prescription medication, immobilization (casting or splinting), viscosupplementation, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
- Surgical treatment – if possible, via minimally invasive techniques – to correct many orthopedic issues as necessary. Examples are osteotomy (cutting or repairing a bone to lengthen or shorten it), tendon repair, ligament repair, cartilage repair, joint replacement, and nerve decompression or release – such as for carpal tunnel syndrome. Joint replacement is usually the only solution that works to provide lasting relief from severe arthritis.
- Imaging techniques such as X-rays and MRI to help diagnose orthopedic problems accurately, and to monitor the progression or healing of the condition.
- Advice on injury prevention, especially in sports and exercise. An orthopedic surgeon will also design treatment plans for patients who have degenerative conditions, such as arthritis, to help prevent further degeneration of the bone and other tissues.
Education and Training of an Orthopedic Surgeon
To become qualified to treat orthopedic conditions, a physician will first study for four years in medical school, and then undergo residency training for four or five years (the first year is called an “internship”). After completing residency, many orthopedic surgeons participate in a fellowship, which is further specialized training. The fellowship may focus on things like arthroscopic surgery, hand surgery, or joint replacement surgery.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Miami Lakes and Plantation, FL
If you have joint pain or an injury due to sports, hobbies, exercise, work, or other daily activities, and it is causing chronic or intermittent pain, swelling, or stiffness, then it is in your best interest to see an orthopedic surgeon for a medical evaluation and treatment.
Dr. Tosca Kinchelow at The Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center is a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon in Miami Lakes and Plantation, providing state-of-the-art treatments for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder pain and injuries. Dr. Kinchelow uses various nonsurgical and surgical treatments, such as pain-relieving injections, biologics, and arthroscopic surgery, as well as medication, immobilization, and physical therapy to help speed up your recovery.
Dr. Kinchelow is board-certified and fellowship-trained, and she is currently accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kinchelow for your upper-extremity pain, contact our caring staff today by calling us at (954) 635-5300 or by filling out our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you!
