Orthopaedist

What conditions does an orthopedic doctor treat?

An orthopedic doctor is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. The specialist diagnoses and treats conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Treatment may be conservative or surgical, depending on the type and severity of the health problem.

The most common conditions and health problems treated by an orthopedic doctor include:

Mechanical injuries of the musculoskeletal system

• bone fractures,
• joint sprains,
• joint dislocations,
• ligament tears,
• tendon tears.

Degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system

• joint degeneration (e.g., hip or knee joints),
• chronic back pain,
• disc disease (herniated disc).

Postural defects and congenital conditions

• scoliosis,
• foot deformities, including flat feet,
• hip dysplasia,
• torticollis.

Overuse injuries and inflammatory conditions

• tennis elbow,
• golfer’s elbow,
• carpal tunnel syndrome,
• tendon inflammation, e.g., Achilles tendonitis.

An orthopedic doctor may also diagnose and treat other conditions of the musculoskeletal system, such as osteoporosis, avascular necrosis of bone, or bone tumors.

Indications for visiting an orthopedic doctor

Symptoms

You should consult an orthopedic doctor if you experience symptoms related to the musculoskeletal system, including problems affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, or tendons.

The most common symptoms requiring orthopedic consultation include:

Sudden pain or injury of the musculoskeletal system

• sudden, severe pain in bones, joints, or muscles,
• suspected fracture, sprain, or joint dislocation,
• swelling around a joint or bone,
• bruising or hematomas after a fall or impact.

Chronic pain and limited mobility

• chronic back pain,
• pain in the knees, hips, or feet,
• limited joint mobility (e.g., difficulty bending the knee or lifting the arm),
• a feeling of joint locking.

Changes in joint structure or function

• joint or limb deformities,
• cracking or popping in the joints,
• joint instability.

Neurological symptoms related to the musculoskeletal system

• paresis or reduced muscle strength,
• numbness and tingling in the limbs, which may be associated with conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or spine problems.

Postural disorders

• asymmetry of the shoulder blades,
• knock knees,
• other abnormalities in body posture, especially in children.

It is recommended to bring results of previously performed imaging tests to the orthopedic appointment, such as X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, if they have been conducted earlier.

What does the visit include?

During the consultation, the orthopedic doctor:

• conducts a medical interview and orthopedic examination,
• makes a diagnosis,
• provides medical recommendations,
• issues referrals for diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, or hospitalization,
• issues medical leave certificates.

During the visit, the doctor may also remove stitches and apply a dressing.

The consultation lasts 15 minutes.

Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment.

The service can only be provided at the medical facility selected during the purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you visit an orthopedic doctor?

An appointment with an orthopedic doctor is recommended in cases of diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including problems with the spine and limbs.

What does an orthopedic consultation look like?

During the consultation, the orthopedic doctor conducts a medical interview and an orthopedic examination, makes a diagnosis, and provides medical recommendations regarding further treatment.

Can an orthopedic doctor issue referrals for tests?

Yes. During the consultation, the orthopedic doctor may issue referrals for diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, or hospitalization.

Can an orthopedic doctor issue a medical leave certificate during the visit?

Yes. As part of the consultation, the orthopedic doctor may issue a medical leave certificate.

How long does an orthopedic consultation last?

The consultation lasts 15 minutes. Please arrive no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment.

Can I check whether the orthopedic doctor speaks a foreign language?

If you are looking for a specialist who speaks a foreign language, we recommend reviewing the doctor’s profile. Simply click on the specialist’s name in the schedule list above and open the extended doctor description, which includes information about foreign languages.

If no additional languages are listed for the doctor, it means the doctor speaks only Polish.