When many people think about an orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, they might erroneously assume that only specific groups need them. The musculoskeletal system is one of the most overlooked areas of the body when we think about medical conditions that may drastically affect our health. But in reality, the musculoskeletal system may be the first thing you notice if you recognise something wrong with yourself. It encompasses nearly the entire length of your body and contains hundreds, if not thousands, of intricate parts.
If something goes wrong with this system, you might notice it immediately because it reduces your mobility, hinders your physical performance, or even causes you immense pain. You should not be surprised to experience these if you neglect your musculoskeletal system. Accidents, incidents, and conditions are more likely to happen to reckless individuals.
Thankfully, you have an ally for your health. Some doctors can treat musculoskeletal system problems and specialise in certain areas of this system. They are called orthopaedists, and they grant a wide range of services.
What is an orthopaedist, and how do they do their job?
At first glance, their services may seem straightforward. You may think orthopaedists only treat ailments that affect the musculoskeletal system. But because of the nature of their field, they provide a bigger range of services than one may realise. An orthopaedic doctor in Singapore provides these three essential services to their patients.
1) Diagnosis
If you twist an ankle or pull a muscle in your body and do not know how to treat or look after it, an orthopaedist is the best person to help you. They may examine your body much more closely and provide you with a diagnosis as to what truly happened during your injury. If you have a chronic or lifelong condition, they may be able to identify it and start a treatment plan to improve any issues you may have.
2) Treatment
With a diagnosis, you should explore methods for curing or stabilising your condition. An orthopaedist is there with you every step of the way to know more about what can cure you of your ailment. They do not just prescribe medicines or recommend activities, unlike other doctors or healthcare professionals such as physical therapists. They may be licensed to perform surgeries to help ease the pain and recover your strength from your medical condition.
3) Prevention
In Singapore, orthopaedic surgery is not hard to come by. But people would rather avoid that extra expense and headaches by preventing the injury from happening in the first place. Athletes often come to a sports orthopaedist to check their physical status regularly. An orthopaedist is a medical professional who can recommend exercises to strengthen muscles and suggest what to do to avoid common injuries in sports.
4) Recovery
The path to recovery is a long one people are not ready to take alone. When fresh after surgery, you are vulnerable to many situations such as bacterial infections and other nasty things. You must consult an orthopaedist for more information about your recovery plan after surgery or after you undergo treatment. It will help you get long-lasting effects from your treatment and prevent worsening your problems.
What are some types of orthopaedists?
As we have already discussed, the musculoskeletal system is a vast system that spans your entire body. This large area makes it difficult for a doctor to know every detail concerning your system. To solve this dilemma, most orthopaedists choose to specialise in different fields. Yes, you can find a general orthopaedist, but a specific one is best for more specialised and impactful treatments. Here are a few types of orthopaedists and what they emphasise.
1) Geriatric orthopaedics
Someone specialising in geriatric orthopaedics knows the different orthopaedic problems that plague the elderly. Older people have many musculoskeletal problems because of muscle and bone degradation over the years. With the right orthopaedist, they can live healthy and fulfilling lives and reduce muscle pain or difficulties. They may need to visit the orthopaedist regularly, however.
2) Foot and ankle orthopaedics
The foot, with its dozens of bones and muscles, is a delicate part of your body that goes through unimaginable stresses. During work, play, or even regular movement, you may injure your feet and severely impact the way you walk or move. A foot and ankle specialist in Singapore can help you with these problems because they focus solely on the feet. Other specialists focus on other body parts, but a foot and ankle orthopaedist is what you need for many foot conditions. Sometimes, they may be more helpful than a podiatrist (foot doctor).
3) Orthopaedic surgery
Not all orthopaedists are licensed to handle orthopaedic surgery and its various responsibilities. If you need help with bunion surgery or other surgical procedures, you approach an orthopaedic surgeon. An orthopaedic surgeon has the licence necessary to help your specific case. They also have the tools, equipment, and training necessary to perform your surgical procedures. A general orthopaedist may refer you to a surgeon if your case is particularly severe.
4) Sports orthopaedics
If you play many sports, especially high-contact ones that involve your entire body, you may already know how painful an accident can be. You should be careful when participating in any sport requiring movement, agility, strength, and more. A sports orthopaedist can help you prevent common sports injuries and tell you if you are ready to participate in your current state. Some professional games will require players to submit to a test to prevent fatal sports injuries.
Specialist Orthopaedic Centre can help you with all your orthopaedist needs regarding your feet. You can look for more information about how you can obtain bunion surgery in Singapore and other lifesaving treatments that can give you relief. Check out their website now.