Orthopedists—also known as orthopedic doctors or orthopedic surgeons—play a critical role in diagnosing, treating, and preventing conditions that affect your bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. Whether you’ve suffered a sports injury, are dealing with arthritis, or need joint replacement surgery, an orthopedist is the specialist who can help you get back to living pain-free.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what an orthopedist does, the conditions they treat, and when you should consider seeing one.
What Is an Orthopedist?
An orthopedist is a medical doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system—the complex network of bones, joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments that allow you to move.
Orthopedic doctors undergo extensive education and training, including:
4 years of undergraduate study
4 years of medical school
5 years of orthopedic residency
Optional fellowship for advanced specialties like sports medicine or joint reconstruction
What Conditions Do Orthopedists Treat?
Orthopedists treat both acute injuries and chronic conditions. Common issues include:
🦴 Bone Conditions
- Fractures and dislocations
- Osteoporosis
- Bone infections
🦵 Joint Disorders
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Joint instability and deformities
⚽ Sports Injuries
- ACL tears
- Meniscus injuries
- Rotator cuff tears
- Sprains and strains
💪 Soft Tissue Conditions
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
🦶 Foot and Ankle Issues
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendon rupture
- Flat feet or bunions
What Treatments Do Orthopedists Provide?
✅ Non-Surgical Treatments
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Bracing and support devices
- Pain management
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy
🛠 Surgical Treatments
- Arthroscopy (minimally invasive joint surgery)
- Joint replacement (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Fracture repair and realignment
- Tendon or ligament reconstruction
When Should You See an Orthopedist?
You should consider seeing an orthopedist if you experience:
- Persistent joint pain or stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Repeated sports injuries
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Swelling or bruising after a fall or accident
Early intervention by an orthopedic specialist can often prevent long-term damage and the need for more invasive treatments.
Orthopedist vs. Other Specialists
Specialist | Focus Area | When to See Them |
Orthopedist | Bones, joints, muscles | Pain, injuries, arthritis |
Rheumatologist | Autoimmune joint diseases | Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis |
Chiropractor | Spinal adjustments | Minor back pain |
Physical Therapist | Rehabilitation | Recovery post-surgery/injury |
Orthopedists often work in tandem with other healthcare providers for holistic care.
Choosing the Right Orthopedist in Manteca, CA
When choosing an orthopedic doctor, consider:
- Board certification and experience
- Use of minimally invasive techniques
- Patient reviews and testimonials
- Access to modern diagnostic tools (X-rays, MRIs, etc.)
At Dr. Farr Orthopedics, we combine advanced surgical techniques with compassionate care to ensure the best outcomes for every patient.
Final Thoughts
Orthopedic doctors do more than treat injuries—they help restore your movement, function, and quality of life. Whether you’re struggling with chronic joint pain or recovering from an injury, an orthopedist can help you move freely again.
If you’re in the Manteca, CA area and are experiencing musculoskeletal issues, Dr. Morteza Farr and his team are here to help with expert diagnosis and treatment tailored to your needs.
