An orthopedic doctor (also called an orthopedist) is a medical specialist who focuses on the musculoskeletal system — the part of your body made up of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that allow you to move, walk, lift and perform daily activities.
Orthopedic doctors are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Bone fractures and breaks
Joint pain and arthritis
Sports injuries (like ligament tears / sprains)
Back, neck, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle problems
Congenital deformities (present at birth)
Tendon or ligament injuries
Degenerative conditions and chronic pain
Orthopedic specialists use both non-surgical and surgical methods depending on the problem:
Non-surgical care: physical therapy, braces, medications, injections (cortisone, etc.), lifestyle changes.
Surgical care: procedures like fracture repair, arthroscopy, joint replacement (hip/knee), and other reconstructive surgeries.
They often work with physical therapists, pain specialists, and rehabilitation teams to help patients return to normal activity and prevent future injuries.
Many orthopedic doctors further specialize in certain areas depending on their training, such as:
Sports Medicine – injuries from sports and active lifestyles
Joint Replacement – hip, knee or shoulder replacements
Spine Surgery – back and neck problems
Pediatric Orthopedics – bone issues in children
Trauma & Fracture Care – emergency injuries and broken bones
