What Does An Orthopedic Doctor Do | Sai Hospital Haldwani

In Haldwani, we often meet patients who come in for joint pain, muscle stiffness, or a long-standing backache. Sometimes, it’s after a fall. Sometimes, it’s pain that started small but never really went away. And many of them begin by asking the same question – “Is this something for a bone doctor?”

The real question they’re asking is: What does an orthopedic doctor do, and should I be seeing one?

If you’ve ever dealt with sore knees after a short walk, a stiff shoulder that refuses to move properly, or your child sprained an ankle during football, then yes – you have already stepped into orthopedic territory. Let’s understand this better, step by step.

What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?

An orthopedic doctor is a specialist who deals with everything related to bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and overall movement. Think of them as experts in the body’s structural system. If your body hurts when it moves – or refuses to move at all – it likely needs an orthopedic opinion.

But that’s just the broad view. At Sai Hospital, where we treat hundreds of orthopedic cases each month, what an orthopedic doctor does goes well beyond fractures and plaster casts.

Orthopedic doctors help with – 

• Diagnosing and treating bone fractures and joint injuries
• Managing arthritis, osteoporosis, and long-term joint degeneration
• Performing surgeries like joint replacements or correcting spinal deformities
• Suggesting non-surgical options like physiotherapy, braces, or medications
• Improving mobility and pain-free function

They don’t just jump to surgery. Most of the time, they focus on ways to relieve pain, improve strength, and restore your daily life – without going under the knife.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor?

Sometimes, we wait too long. Pain becomes part of our daily routine. People in Haldwani often tell us – “It’s just old age” or “It’ll get better on its own.” But if you’ve had symptoms that don’t settle in a few days or weeks, it’s worth getting checked.

Here are some reasons to visit an orthopedic doctor –

• Joint pain or stiffness that limits your movement
• Back or neck pain that lasts more than a few weeks
• Injuries like sprains, fractures, or dislocations
• Chronic conditions like arthritis or spondylitis
• Swelling, numbness, or tingling in limbs
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or lifting objects

And here in Haldwani, with long hours of standing in markets, working on farms, or driving on bumpy roads, bone and joint issues often creep up earlier than expected.

So if you have been wondering what does an orthopedic doctor do, the answer is: they handle all of the above – and much more.

Conditions Treated by Orthopedic Doctors

Orthopedic doctors cover a wide range of conditions – some caused by injury, others due to wear-and-tear, and a few from birth. Let’s look at a few commonly treated problems –

Bone Fractures and Dislocations

Whether it’s from a road accident, a fall at home, or a sports injury, fractures are one of the most common reasons people visit. Orthopedic doctors realign bones, set them in casts or braces, and monitor healing closely.

Joint Pain and Arthritis

Knees, hips, and shoulders often take the most load. As we age, or after repeated strain, these joints can become inflamed or worn down. Arthritis isn’t just “old people’s disease” – we see early signs in people as young as 40.

Back Pain and Spine Disorders

Back pain is now one of the top complaints at outpatient clinics. Poor posture, long hours at desks, and heavy lifting – all take a toll. Orthopedic doctors treat slipped discs, sciatica, and even spine alignment issues.

Ligament Injuries

Torn ACLs (in the knee), rotator cuff tears (in the shoulder), and ankle sprains are injuries seen in both athletes and everyday people. These require specialized rehab and, in some cases, keyhole surgeries.

Bone Deformities and Growth Problems

In children, conditions like bow legs, knock knees, or flat feet may need correction. Early detection ensures better outcomes. In adults, deformities may be due to injury or long-term neglect.

Osteoporosis and Fragile Bones

With changing diets and indoor lifestyles, bone density is a concern, especially for women above 50. An orthopedic doctor can guide bone-strengthening treatments and fracture prevention.

Do They Only Do Surgery?

This is a big misunderstanding. Many people assume that if they visit an orthopedic doctor, they will be told to get surgery.

But actually, one of the best answers to what does an orthopedic doctor do is this – they explore every non-surgical option first.

In fact, most orthopedic cases at Sai Hospital are managed with –

• Medication to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physiotherapy for strengthening and flexibility
• Injections to reduce joint swelling (like hyaluronic acid or cortisone)
• Bracing or orthotics to support movement and reduce pressure
• Lifestyle guidance, like posture correction, weight management, or activity modifications

Surgery is only advised when there’s severe damage, failed conservative treatment, or when quality of life is heavily impacted.

What Happens During an Orthopedic Consultation?

Many people delay visits because they are unsure of what to expect. Here’s how we usually approach a first-time orthopedic consultation at Sai Hospital, Haldwani –

• Detailed Medical History – When did the pain begin? What movements make it worse? Have you had similar issues before?
• Physical Examination – Checking range of motion, swelling, warmth, tenderness, or deformities.
• Imaging if Needed – X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may be ordered to get a deeper look.
• Diagnosis and Discussion – We will explain the condition, options, and next steps in simple words.

In most cases, the patient leaves with a clear idea of what’s going on, how serious it is, and how to treat it over the short and long term.

Rehabilitation and Follow-Up

Orthopedic care doesn’t stop after the diagnosis or even after surgery. What does an orthopedic doctor do post-treatment? They monitor recovery, guide rehab, and help prevent recurrence.

• Physiotherapy is often prescribed to rebuild strength
• Home exercises are explained for joint mobility
• Workplace and posture tips are shared to avoid repeat injuries
• Regular check-ups track bone density or arthritis progression

We also guide patients on when to resume driving, work, or physical activities, based on their progress.

Orthopedic Services at Sai Hospital, Haldwani

Our orthopedic department is structured around patient comfort, local needs, and modern medical guidance. From emergencies to chronic care, we have the facilities and experience to manage it all.

We offer – 

• Specialist consultations with experienced orthopedic surgeons
• Digital X-ray and MRI access for fast imaging
• Fracture management and trauma care
• Joint pain clinics for arthritis patients
• Spine care programs for back and neck problems
• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy on-site
• Joint replacement surgery for hips, knees, and shoulders
• Bone health and osteoporosis guidance

Our team also works closely with general physicians, neurologists, and physiotherapists for complex cases, so that every patient gets holistic care.

Conclusion

We often say this to our patients in Haldwani – you don’t need to wait for unbearable pain to visit a doctor. If something doesn’t feel right with your bones or joints, early attention can save you months (or even years) of discomfort. So, the next time someone asks what does an orthopedic doctor do, you will know – they keep you moving, working, living pain-free, whether you are 17 or 70. And at Sai Hospital Haldwani, we are here to do just that with patience, care, and expertise – visit us today!