In short
- Orthopaedic doctors treat bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
- Most diagnoses depend on examination and scans, so expect an in-person visit.
- Video suits a first steer, a second look at existing scan reports, and follow-up after treatment.
- Back pain with numbness in both legs or bladder or bowel changes is an emergency: call 998.
What orthopaedic doctors do
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes orthopaedic surgeons as specialists in preventing, diagnosing and treating disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Some are generalists. Others focus on one area, such as the hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, hand or spine. Despite the title, the Academy says they explore non-surgical options first, such as pain medicine or rehabilitation.
Common reasons to go include long-lasting back or neck pain, knee or hip arthritis, sports injuries, fractures, and pain in the shoulder or wrist that limits what you can do. WHO notes that low back pain is the single leading cause of disability in 160 countries, so you are in good company.
What a screen can and cannot do
| Can often be done by video | Needs you in person |
|---|---|
| Listening to how it started and what it stops you doing | Feeling for tenderness and testing strength and stability |
| Watching you walk or move the joint | Special tests that move the joint under the doctor’s hands |
| Reviewing existing X-ray or MRI reports | New X-rays, scans, injections and casts |
| Follow-up after an operation, if the doctor agrees | Any surgery, and most fresh injuries |
A sprain may look like a break on a screen, and the reverse is also true. If you think a bone may be broken, go to a facility that can X-ray it.
Often you can start with self-care
The NHS says most sprains and strains can be treated at home, and back pain usually improves within a few weeks. Sciatica usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months. A GP or physiotherapist may be a sensible first stop if the pain is new and mild. See a doctor if it is not improving, is getting worse or is stopping you doing normal things.
What to have ready
- Scan images, not only the written report, along with any operation notes.
- A device you can prop up on a shelf, so you can step back and show how you move.
- Loose clothes that let you show the joint.
- What you do for work or sport, and what you would like to get back to.
Signs that need emergency care
Call 998 or go to an emergency department if back pain or sciatica comes with weakness or numbness in both legs, numbness around your genitals or anus, or new trouble controlling or passing urine or stools. Also go if the pain follows a serious accident, or if you heard a crack when you were injured, or the injured part is numb, has changed shape or points at an odd angle. If you cannot put any weight on an injury, or the pain or swelling is getting worse, get urgent medical advice the same day.
Orthopaedic doctors on medicAI work at independent facilities licensed by DHA or DoH, and those facilities provide your care. medicAI helps you find a doctor. If you are considering joint surgery, you can also read about treatment abroad.
Orthopaedics doctors on medicAI
Ziryab Zaki- Specialist Orthopedic- DCDCOrthopedics
Seyed Mersad Moosavi Abdollahi, Specialist Orthopedic Surgery, DCDCOrthopedics
Muhammad Zahid Saeed, Consultant Orthopedic Surgery, DCDCOrthopedics
Dr. Monish Mohan, Specialist Orthopedics, WeCare Medical Center LLCOrthopedicsThese doctors work with independent licensed facilities. See all doctors.
Questions people ask
Can an orthopaedic doctor diagnose my knee pain online?
A doctor can get an idea from your history and from watching you move, but a firm diagnosis usually needs a hands-on examination, and often an X-ray or an MRI. Treat a video visit as a first step.
Do I need a scan before I see an orthopaedic doctor?
Not always. Many doctors prefer to examine you first and then decide which scan, if any, would help. If you already have scans, bring the images as well as the report.
When is back pain an emergency?
Call 998 if back pain comes with numbness or weakness in both legs, numbness around your genitals or anus, new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, chest pain, or if it started after a serious accident.
Sources and further reading
- About Orthopaedists (AAOS)
- Musculoskeletal health (WHO)
- Back pain (NHS)
- Sciatica (NHS)
- Sprains and strains (NHS)
Read next
medicAI is not for emergencies. If someone is seriously ill or injured, call 998 or go to the nearest hospital.
This page is general information. It does not replace advice from a doctor who knows your situation. medicAI is a technology platform. Care is given by independent licensed facilities, who are responsible for it and for its outcome.
