Orthopedic urgent care centers provide quick and competent assessment, stabilization, and treatment of mild to moderate musculoskeletal injuries. However, some orthopedic injuries require referral to a specialist.
Let’s talk about what an orthopedic specialist does, the reasons for these medical evaluations, and where you can find the best orthopedic specialist in Fairless Hills, PA.
The Functions of an Orthopedic Specialist
An orthopedic specialist has advanced credentials and experience in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal conditions, diseases, and injuries. This physician usually has additional training in surgery (such as joint replacement procedures), sports medicine, and degenerative conditions (such as arthritis) in areas of the body, such as the hip, knee, shoulder, spine, and more.
The orthopedic specialist uses manual and visual examination, along with high-tech imaging techniques, to arrive at diagnoses. Imaging can include digital X-rays, ultrasound imaging, MRIs, and CT scans. Care plans include patient education on preventing orthopedic problems and maintaining the most natural, comfortable, and efficient movement over the life span. Orthopedic doctors specializing in sports medicine help athletes train most efficiently and avoid serious injury.
The Reasons for Referral to an Orthopedic Specialist
If you have exhibited musculoskeletal symptoms such as pain, swelling, joint deformity, or others, you should seek an evaluation with your primary care physician or urgent care center. More severe symptoms, such as severe fractures, loss of consciousness, extreme pain, and loss of function, require a visit to the local hospital ER.
These healthcare providers may refer to an orthopedic specialist due to the complexity of the condition. Other reasons for a referral include:
- Symptoms, such as pain, which continue to increase in severity (rather than improving with rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected body part)
- Loss of flexibility or inability to bear weight or accomplish activities of daily living, such as dressing
- Need for surgery because less invasive interventions, such as physical therapy, no longer help or do not help enough
Additionally, athletes (whether professional or amateur) who are starting a new sport or exercise regimen should be referred for an orthopedic assessment. A professional evaluation will ensure the individual is fit to start training and how to increase their activity level.
Orthopedic Urgent Care in Fairless Hills, PA
At Patient Care, Now Urgent Care, our four onsite physicians are board-certified in emergency medicine. They and their support staff capably evaluate, stabilize and treat many kinds of bone, joint, muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries, including minor fractures, strains and sprains, and mild neck and head injuries (concussions).
We feature the most up-to-date X-ray and durable medical equipment, such as crutches and bracing. We do onsite casting, suturing, and taping for injuries incurred from car accidents, falls, and sports.
To learn more about our services or schedule a consultation, call us today at (267) 202-6433 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
