If you’ve been put on the sidelines by a bone, joint, or muscle pain and wondering whom to seek treatment from, you’ll greatly benefit from the expertise of a general orthopedic surgeon.
General orthopedic surgeons are highly trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and even the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders—those that affect the bones, cartilage, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
Let’s take a closer look at what general orthopedic surgeons do and find out where to find a highly skilled general orthopedic surgeon in San Antonio, Texas.
Education and Training
A general orthopedic surgeon spends four years in medical school, another four years in residency training in orthopedic surgery, and additional year of training in general surgery.
The intensive training of a general orthopedic surgeon makes them highly capable and qualified to treat even the most complex orthopedic conditions.
A general orthopedic surgeon can choose to further undergo subspecialty training (fellowship training) in areas like sports medicine, hand surgery, or total joint replacement.
What Can a General Orthopedic Surgeon Treat
A general orthopedic surgeon can treat people of all ages and a wide range of orthopedic injuries and conditions, such as sprains, strains, tendonitis, meniscus tears, fractures, deformities, and arthritis.
Despite their designation, general orthopedic surgeons are trained in a vast variety of nonsurgical treatments, which include splinting, bracing, medications, and injection therapy. These options are usually the first-line treatment for most orthopedic conditions. Only when they no longer respond to conservative treatments will a general orthopedic surgeon consider recommending surgery.
The surgical treatment methods that general orthopedic surgeons provide include closed or open reduction surgery, internal fixation surgery, arthroscopic surgery, osteotomy, and joint replacement surgery.
When to Make an Appointment
Musculoskeletal problems can produce symptoms that range from uncomfortable to debilitating, potentially affecting a person’s normal function and overall quality of life.
If you happen to experience any of the symptoms mentioned below, it is in your best interest to make an appointment with a general orthopedic surgeon:
- Chronic pain
- Inability to bear weight on the affected area
- Difficulty sleeping
- Joint instability and limited range of motion
- Discomforts (swelling, popping sensation, etc.) that don’t respond to basic remedies
- Symptoms of a serious fracture (severe pain, swelling, bone sticking out, fever, chills, etc.)
- Symptoms of a ruptured tendon (severe pain, swelling, deformity, weakness, etc.)
General Orthopedic Surgeon in San Antonio, TX
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we have a board-certified general orthopedic surgeon whom you can trust to provide you with high-quality, comprehensive care, no matter the complexity of your musculoskeletal condition.
We will perform a thorough evaluation, and based on the results, recommend the best course of treatment while considering your specific needs and goals. We have helped countless patients in San Antonio successfully recover and restore their quality of life, and we’re confident we can help you as well!
To make an appointment with one of our general orthopedic surgeons, call our clinic at (210) 692-7400 or use our convenient online request form. We look forward to providing you with the best in orthopedic care!