An orthopedic doctor is a specialist in all things concerning the musculoskeletal system, which consists of the bones, joints, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and related nerves. They all work together to allow you to move, and to do so without pain.
However, throughout life, we can develop injuries to these tissues and structures that occur while playing sports, exercising, working, or doing housework – and all of these are good reasons to visit an orthopedic doctor. Let’s talk about how an orthopedist is your best type of physician to see for all types of musculoskeletal injuries, and where you can go for this specialized medical treatment:
See an Orthopedist for Sports-Related Injuries
Sports require great physicality, whereby you often engage all of the bones and muscles in your body to some degree. This is true of basketball, baseball, tennis, swimming, and golf, just to name a few. Injuries from sports are often a result of inadequate conditioning, bad form, or overuse.
If you are an athlete or lead a very active lifestyle, it is in your best interest to see an orthopedic doctor who has special training in sports medicine. Why? Because a sports medicine doctor – which is usually an orthopedist by training – can help make sure that you continue to enjoy playing your sport by educating you on proper training, proper form, and injury prevention.
See an Orthopedic Doctor to Treat Work-Related Injuries
The upper extremities – the hands, arms, and shoulders – are highly prone to occupational injuries, which are often a result of overuse. For example, typing all day every day can lead to shoulder and wrist injuries, and they may be exacerbated by poor ergonomics.
Orthopedic physicians are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of upper-extremity work-related injuries, so they can help you return to work sooner. For on-the-job injuries, an orthopedic doctor who understands the Maryland workers’ compensation system can best serve you and assist you throughout your case.
See an Orthopedic Doctor for Housework-Related Injuries
Household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and gardening are common causes of orthopedic injuries. These activities can strain or sprain the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder due to the repetitive motions involved.
Stirring and chopping up meat and vegetables, and spraying and scrubbing and gripping motions, can all lead to a stretching or tearing of any of the soft tissues in the upper extremities. Common housework-related injuries also include finger injuries.
Early treatment of housework-related injuries is the best way to keep them from becoming worse or from becoming a chronic injury. Effective treatment often involves occupational therapy, where patients are taught how to prevent injuries from reoccurring.
Hand, Arm, and Shoulder Orthopedic Doctors in Maryland
To receive the best medical care, choose an orthopedic doctor who specializes in your specific condition. Many orthopedic physicians specialize in sports medicine or specific areas of the body, such as the hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders. Finding the most suitable orthopedic doctor will pay off in the long run, because these specialists know exactly what to look for and how to treat the issue.
Upper-extremity injuries can severely impact your quality of life, but our orthopedists at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder can help you get back to normal quickly. We specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injuries to the upper extremities obtained from sports, work, housework, and beyond.
If you have any questions about our services or would like to request an appointment, call (410) 296-6232 or fill out our convenient online request form now. We look forward to seeing you!
