Orthopedic Doctor Q&A

An orthopedic doctor meets with individuals who have issues or concerns regarding their musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system is what provides movement, stability, and form in the human body. The musculoskeletal system is composed of muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, joints, and connective tissue bonding organs and tissues together (primarily elastic fibers and collagen).
 
An orthopedic doctor will identify and diagnose conditions, additionally, they provide tools to assist patients in managing their conditions such as casts, splints, or braces. They may also reset bones. An orthopedic doctor may also make subsequent care referrals depending on the nature and severity of the patient’s condition. For some patients, this may involve a referral to physical therapy to help manage their condition.
 
In the case of serious and operable conditions, an orthopedic doctor may decide their patient is a candidate for surgery. In scenarios where surgery is considered or decided on an orthopedic doctor can provide the patient with relevant information, answer any questions they may have, offer counseling prior to and after the procedure, and assist with the recovery process.
 
Orthopedic doctors do not perform surgery that is left to orthopedic surgeons who are more specialized in the operational component of their medical field. Given the vastness of what orthopedic medical work encompasses it is common for orthopedic doctors to work with other medical professionals highly specialized in their focus of care. 

An orthopedic doctor can diagnose any condition affecting the musculoskeletal system. Almost everyone will experience some kind of discomfort, pain, injury, or condition affecting this area at some point in their lives. It can come from strenuous activity in a patient’s daily life but sometimes wear and tear adds up and an injury occurs from a less obvious activity like repetitive movements, poor posture, or excessive computer use. Musculoskeletal conditions include a wide variety ranging from acute injuries and chronic diseases.
 
Among the most common orthopedic conditions are bone breaks or fractures, arthritis, neck or back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, injuries to the soft tissue, sports injuries, scoliosis, clubfoot, and other congenital conditions.

Orthopedic doctors treat most conditions related to the musculoskeletal system that do not require invasive surgery. It is not uncommon for orthopedic doctors to treat conditions that are likely to require surgery as patients may seek out non-invasive options rather than proceed straight to an orthopedic surgeon.
 
Patients will also often seek out an orthopedic doctor ahead of an orthopedic surgeon to find out information regarding surgical options and ask any questions they may have about the operation and alternatives. For patients wishing to avoid surgery, sometimes those suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis or other conditions, an orthopedic doctor can explore potential preventive measures to prevent pain from worsening or to alleviate pain.
 
In such cases, an orthopedic doctor will often consult with physical therapists and pain management experts to determine the ideal treatment plan. For patients seeking surgery, an orthopedic doctor can assist with certain components of preparation and recovery as well as make a referral.
 
For patients in the Massapequa, NY area, orthopedic doctor and orthopedic surgeon treatments are both available. Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis MD is a reconstructive orthopedic surgery specialist. Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis MD leads a team of medical experts dedicated to providing patients with compassionate, thorough, and effective care. Individuals tired of living with chronic or acute pain can call or schedule an appointment today.
 
Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis MD and his staff put trust and dedication at the forefront of their every decision and are eager to help patients alleviate pain, regain full control of their range of motion, and live happier and healthier lives. We serve patients from Massapequa NY, Merrick NY, Wantagh NY, Amityville NY, Bellmore NY, Bethpage NY, Plainedge NY, and Farmingdale NY.