Who Is an Orthopedist? | Sai Hospital, Haldwani

Many people experience bone pain, joint stiffness, back problems, or injuries at some point in life. When this happens, the most common advice they hear is, “Go to an orthopedist.” But who exactly is an orthopedist, and what do they really treat?

At Sai Hospital, Haldwani, our orthopedic department treats patients of all ages — from children with growth-related bone issues to elderly patients with arthritis or fractures. This guide explains in simple words who is an orthopedist, what conditions they treat, and when you should consult one.

Who Is an Orthopedist?

An orthopedist (also called an orthopedic doctor or orthopedic surgeon) is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats problems related to the:

• Bones
• Joints
• Muscles
• Ligaments
• Tendons
• Spine

Together, these structures form the musculoskeletal system, which allows your body to move, stand, sit, lift, and stay balanced.

In simple terms:
An orthopedist is the doctor for bone, joint, muscle, and spine problems.

What Problems Does an Orthopedist Treat?

Orthopedists treat an extensive range of conditions, from minor injuries to major joint replacements.

1. Bone Fractures (Broken Bones)

One of the most common reasons people visit an orthopedist is a fracture due to:

• Road accidents
• Falls
• Sports injuries
• Osteoporosis-related weakness

Orthopedists handle:

• X-ray diagnosis
• Plaster casting
• Surgical fixation with plates, rods, or screws
• Post-fracture rehabilitation

2. Joint Pain and Arthritis

Orthopedists treat all types of joint pain, including:

• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Elbow and wrist pain
• Ankle pain

They manage different forms of arthritis, such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-injury arthritis

Treatment may include medicines, physiotherapy, injections, or surgery.

3. Back and Spine Problems

Spinal disorders are extremely common today due to poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle.

Orthopedists treat:

• Slipped disc (disc prolapse)
• Sciatica
• Cervical and lumbar spondylosis
• Spine injuries
• Spinal fractures
• Spinal deformities

4. Sports Injuries

Athletes and physically active individuals often suffer from:

• Ligament tears (ACL, PCL)
• Meniscus injury
• Muscle strains
• Tendon injuries
• Dislocations

Orthopedists diagnose these injuries and guide rehabilitation or surgery.

5. Joint Replacement Surgery

When joints are severely damaged due to arthritis or injury, orthopedists perform:

• Knee replacement surgery
• Hip replacement surgery
• Shoulder replacement surgery

These surgeries help patients regain mobility and live pain-free lives.

6. Pediatric Orthopedic Problems

Children may have:

• Bowed legs
• Knock knees
• Clubfoot
• Congenital bone deformities
• Growth-related bone pain

Orthopedists ensure proper bone development and early correction when needed.

7. Osteoporosis and Bone Weakness

Orthopedists diagnose and manage:

• Low bone density
• Fragility fractures
• Vitamin D and calcium-related bone weakness

8. Tendon and Ligament Disorders

Problems involving soft tissues include:

• Tennis elbow
• Frozen shoulder
• Achilles tendon injury
• Rotator cuff tears
• Plantar fasciitis

9. Deformities and Postural Problems

They also correct:

• Scoliosis (curved spine)
• Limb length differences
• Postural imbalance
• Bone deformities after injury

Does an Orthopedist Only Do Surgery?

No. Although orthopedists are trained surgeons, many orthopedic problems are treated without surgery.

Non-surgical treatment includes:

• Medicines
• Physiotherapy
• Braces and supports
• Lifestyle changes
• Joint injections

Surgery is advised only when conservative treatment fails or when there is a serious injury.

What Tests Does an Orthopedist Use?

At Sai Hospital, Haldwani, orthopedists commonly use:

• X-ray
• MRI
• CT scan
• Bone density test (DEXA)
• Blood tests for arthritis and infection

These help confirm the diagnosis and plan the correct treatment.

When Should You Consult an Orthopedist?

You should see an orthopedist if you have:

• Persistent bone or joint pain
• Swelling or deformity after injury
• Difficulty walking
• Stiffness of joints
• Recurrent back or neck pain
• Reduced joint movement
• Sports injuries
• Frequent fractures
• Hip or knee pain affecting daily life

Early consultation prevents worsening of the condition and long-term disability.

Orthopedic Care at Sai Hospital, Haldwani

Our orthopedic department offers:

• Fracture and trauma care
• Joint replacement surgery
• Arthroscopy
• Spine treatment
• Sports injury management
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Osteoporosis care

We focus on accurate diagnosis, patient safety, and faster recovery.

FAQs: Who Is an Orthopedist?

1. Is an orthopedist the same as a bone doctor?
Yes. An orthopedist is commonly called a bone and joint doctor.

2. Can an orthopedist treat back pain?
Yes. They treat spine-related problems, including slipped discs and spondylosis.

3. Do orthopedists only operate?
No. Many conditions are treated with medicines and physiotherapy.

4. Can children visit an orthopedist?
Yes. Pediatric orthopedic care is important for proper bone development.

5. Should I see an orthopedist for knee pain?
Yes, especially if the pain is persistent or affects walking.

Conclusion

So, who is an orthopedist?
An orthopedist is a specialist doctor who treats diseases and injuries of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and spine.

At Sai Hospital, Haldwani, our experienced orthopedic surgeons help patients regain movement, reduce pain, and return to active, independent lives through advanced medical and surgical care. If you’re struggling with bone or joint pain, don’t ignore it – timely orthopedic care can prevent long-term damage and restore your mobility.