What Does an Orthopaedic Doctor Do—and When Should You See One?

 

Pain is the body’s way of telling you something’s wrong. It might start as a mild ache in your knee after a run, stiffness in your back when you wake up, or a sudden snap in your shoulder after lifting something heavy. We often brush it off. But when discomfort starts interfering with your daily life, it’s time to consider a specialist: an orthopaedic doctor.

At Adam Vital Hospital, our Orthopaedic doctors don’t just treat bones—they help people move better, live without pain, and return to doing what they love. Whether you’re an athlete, a parent chasing after young kids, or simply trying to stay active as you age, this guide will help you understand how orthopaedic care fits into your health journey.

What Is an Orthopaedic Doctor?

An orthopaedic doctor, or orthopaedist, specialises in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation of injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. This includes:

Bones

Joints

Muscles

Ligaments

Tendons

Nerves

Simply put, orthopaedic doctors keep your body’s movement system functioning properly.

They may focus on specific parts of the body—like the spine, shoulders, hips, or knees—or they may take a more general approach, especially in emergency or trauma situations. Some are surgeons, others focus on non-surgical care. But all are trained to help you move pain-free.

Conditions Orthopaedic Doctors Treat

The field of orthopaedics is broad, and covers a wide range of conditions and injuries. Some of the most common include:

Joint pain and arthritis (e.g. osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)

Fractures and dislocations

Torn ligaments and tendons (like ACL or rotator cuff injuries)

Spinal conditions (herniated discs, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease)

Sports injuries (sprains, strains, stress fractures)

Back and neck pain

Bursitis and tendinitis

Bone deformities or growth abnormalities in children

Repetitive strain injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome)

Whether the issue is caused by trauma, overuse, aging, or a chronic condition, orthopaedic doctors offer solutions that are tailored to the patient’s lifestyle, age, and goals.

When Should You See an Orthopaedic Doctor?

Not all muscle or joint pain requires a specialist right away. But here are some clear signs it might be time to book an appointment with an orthopaedic doctor at Adam Vital Hospital:

Persistent pain that lasts more than a few weeks

Difficulty moving a part of your body or performing everyday tasks

Swelling or inflammation that doesn’t go away

Numbness, tingling, or weakness in limbs

Joint instability (like a knee that gives way)

Injury from a fall, accident, or sports activity

Pain that worsens at night or interferes with sleep

You don’t need to wait until your condition is severe. In fact, early diagnosis and intervention can prevent small problems from becoming major ones.

What to Expect During Your Visit

A visit to an orthopaedic doctor is not just about X-rays or surgery—it starts with listening. At Adam Vital Hospital, our doctors take time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. Here’s what a typical appointment might involve:

Detailed Consultation – Discussing your symptoms, daily activities, and how the pain affects your life.

Physical Examination – Checking range of motion, strength, joint stability, and areas of tenderness or swelling.

Imaging Tests – X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound may be used to get a clearer picture of the underlying issue.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan – Based on the findings, your orthopaedic doctor will develop a treatment strategy that may include physical therapy, medications, lifestyle adjustments, or if necessary, surgery.

Follow-Up and Rehabilitation – Recovery is a journey. Our care doesn’t stop with diagnosis—we support you through every stage of healing.

Surgical vs Non-Surgical Treatment

Not every visit to an orthopaedic doctor ends with surgery. In fact, most musculoskeletal problems are treated without surgery. At Adam Vital Hospital, we prioritise conservative treatments first. These may include:

Physical therapy and exercise programs

Pain management techniques, including injections

Bracing or orthotic supports

Anti-inflammatory medications or supplements

Lifestyle and ergonomic advice

However, if non-surgical approaches aren’t effective, or if the damage is severe, our orthopaedic surgeons offer advanced, minimally invasive procedures. These include:

Arthroscopy (keyhole surgery for joints)

Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)

Spinal surgeries (discectomy, fusion, decompression)

Fracture repairs and reconstructions

Tendon and ligament reconstructions (e.g. ACL)

Surgical decisions are made carefully and collaboratively—with you fully informed and supported at every step.

Why Choose Adam Vital Hospital?

Orthopaedic care is about more than medical knowledge—it’s about understanding the person behind the pain. At Adam Vital Hospital, we believe in patient-centered orthopaedic care that blends expertise with empathy. Here’s what makes our orthopaedic department stand out:

Specialised Orthopaedic Consultants with decades of combined experience

Advanced diagnostic technology for accurate, early detection

In-house physiotherapy and rehabilitation tailored to recovery

Minimally invasive surgical options

Multidisciplinary approach—our spine specialists, pain management doctors, and physiotherapists work as a team

Customised treatment plans, because no two patients are the same

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or seeking long-term relief from a chronic condition, we’re here to help you move with confidence again.

Final Thoughts

Orthopaedic doctors do more than treat bones—they restore movement, relieve pain, and help people regain the life they want to live. If you’ve been living with joint discomfort, back pain, or a lingering injury, don’t wait for it to worsen.

Let our orthopaedic experts at Adam Vital Hospital guide you back to a pain-free, active life.