When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
If you have a bone, joint, tendon or muscle problem that isn’t getting better, you may need to see an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist.
Appointments
If you don’t know which specialist to see, contact us. We’ll help you figure it out.
What is an Orthopedic Specialist?
An orthopedic specialist is a physician or advanced practice provider (APP) who focuses on treating musculoskeletal problems. Musculoskeletal problems affect your bones, joints, muscles, tendons or connective tissues.
Orthopedic specialists treat common musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis or sports injuries. They may also specialize in specific types of orthopedic problems, such as spine disorders or bone tumors.
Our UCLA Health orthopedics team includes specialists in:
Reasons to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Everyone experiences muscle aches or pains at some point. However, there are some signs that it’s time to see an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist:
Chronic pain
Pain that lasts for two or more weeks without improvement warrants a trip to an orthopedic specialist. An orthopedic specialist can help find the root cause of chronic pain, whether it’s arthritis, a muscle strain or a spine problem, such as a herniated disc.
Sports injuries
A quick pivot, hard landing or collision with another player can cause an injury. Seek care with a sports medicine specialist to identify exactly what your injury is. Our experts treat sports injuries and help you recover fully so you can get back in the game.
Difficulty with daily activities
When pain disrupts your daily life, it’s time to get help. You might notice you have trouble getting in and out of the car, buttoning your shirt or climbing stairs. These are all signs that you may benefit from evaluation with an orthopedic specialist.
Trouble bearing weight
If it’s difficult to put weight on one foot or leg, you should see an orthopedic specialist. Trouble bearing weight can point to a sprain, muscle injury, broken bone or chronic condition. Getting timely treatment helps prevent additional damage to your bones or joints.
Orthopedic Treatments We Offer
Some people worry that their orthopedic specialist will recommend surgery. But surgery is almost always the last treatment we offer. We provide a full range of other noninvasive approaches before turning to surgery. Orthopedic treatment may include:
- Physical therapy: Building strength, flexibility and mobility can often reduce chronic pain and improve overall function. A physical therapist may prescribe specific exercises or use hands-on techniques to relieve pain.
- Braces, casts or orthotics: Wearing a brace, cast or sling immobilizes an injury to help it heal more efficiently. Your orthopedic specialist may also recommend ankle braces or shoe inserts (orthotics) that support proper alignment and improve function.
- Medications: Some medicines decrease inflammation and pain. Your specialist may recommend over-the-counter or prescription options.
- Joint injections: Your orthopedic specialist may offer injections of steroids or other substances. These injections help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
- Surgery: When nonsurgical treatments don’t effectively reduce symptoms, surgery may be your best treatment options. Our team uses the latest minimally invasive approaches for less pain and faster healing.
Meet Our Team
At UCLA Health, you get comprehensive treatment from some of the nation’s top orthopedic and sports medicine experts. You can count on us to provide effective, research-driven orthopedic care, surgery and sports medicine.
Contact Us
Call 310-319-1234 to reach an orthopedic expert. For new and urgent injuries, you may be able to access same-day care through our Santa Monica Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic.