What is orthopedics?
Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that focuses on the care of the skeletal system and its interconnecting parts. These parts include the:
bones
muscles
joints
tendons
ligaments
An orthopedist often works as part of a larger orthopedic treatment team. This team may include:
physician assistants
nurse practitioners
occupational and physical therapists
athletic trainers
What do orthopedists treat?
Orthopedists treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions. These conditions may be present from birth, or they may occur as a result of injury or age-related wear and tear.
Below are some of the most common conditions that an orthopedist may treat:
joint pain from arthritis
bone fractures
soft tissue (muscle, tendon, and ligament) injuries
back pain
neck pain
shoulder pain and problems, such as bursitis
carpal tunnel syndrome
overuse and sports injurie