There are many conditions that affect your body's musculoskeletal system, which involves the muscles, ligaments and joints. Orthopedic doctors work in hospitals and specialized practices.

Conditions Orthopedic Doctors Treat

Orthopedic physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating orthopedic injuries and conditions such as:

• Bursitis: The inflammation and swelling of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that usually forms over the joints. It acts as a cushion between the bones and tendons. The most common cause is repetitive movements.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel. Symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger and middle finger, as well as in the thumb side of the ring fingers.
• Osteoarthritis: Caused when the cartilage on the ends of the bones wears down. Often, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis is the most common  type of arthritus, affecting millions of people worldwide.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: At first, rheumatoid arthritis usually only attacks a few joints, but over time it affects more, causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Many people experience worse RA pain in the morning or after they’ve been sitting or lying down for awhile. 
• Knee, hip and joint pain 
• Osteoporosis: It means “porous bone” and occurs when the body makes too little bone, loses too much bone, or both. Bones weaken and can easily break. 
• Sports injuries 
• Tumours: Abnormal growths found in the bone can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). 

Orthopedic surgeons also perform hip replacement and knee replacement surgeries due to arthritis. During hip or knee replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the painful joint and replaces it with an artificial joint made from plastic, ceramic and/or metal.

Treatment of Orthopedic Conditions

Orthopedic conditions may be caused by overuse, chronic pain, genetics, or a sudden injury, like a broken bone or a dislocated hip. Some orthopedic conditions can’t be cured, while others can be treated to reduce pain and improve mobility. The treatment your orthopedic doctor recommends will depend on your condition. You may be prescribed the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation), physiotherapy, medication, bracing or orthopedic surgery.

Talk to your family physician if you'd like more information on orthopedic conditions and treatment.

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