Are you seeking an orthopedic doctor in Phoenix? Fortunately, you are in an excellent city with many options to choose from when it comes to finding the best doctor around. However, these options are a double-edged sword. It is great to be able to pick the cream of the crop, but how do you know who will provide the best orthopedics for you? There are several factors worth considering when picking out the best orthopedic doctor in Phoenix. But it is most essential that you understand what sort of work this type of doctor performs.
What You Should Know About an Orthopedic Doctor
It is the specialty of the orthopedic doctor to prevent, diagnose, and treat illness associated with the joints, bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles of their patients. Some of these doctors treat this entire system, whereas others specialize even further in their focus. The areas that this doctor may specialize in are hand, hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, and spine.
What Do Orthopedic Doctors Treat?
While any injury or disorder associated with the ligaments, bones, joints, tendons and muscles can fall under the purview of the orthopedic doctor, they often end up treating the following issues: back pain, sports injuries, ruptured disk, spinal stenosis, tumors in the bone, carpal tunnel, hand arthritis, injuries to the hand, orthopedic trauma, arthritis, osteoporosis, limb lengthening, club foot, Achilles tendon injuries, bow legs, bunions, hip dysplasia, foot injuries, and ankle injuries.
What About Training?
These doctors are highly trained individuals. After attending college, they then have to qualify for and enter medical school. Then beyond the training they receive in medical school, they must pass through a period of residency, where they refine their skills and learn specific procedures that they will perform throughout their careers. This residency period usually takes years to complete.
Board Certification is a Must
This is absolutely essential for an orthopedic doctor. It is every doctor’s responsibility to get board-certified. If they are not, it is illegal for them to practice medicine. Board certification ensures that the doctor is up to date with their medical techniques, and in general it speaks ill of a medical professional that would attempt to skirt this certification. It is of utmost importance that anyone giving you medical advice or treatment for orthopedic issues is board-certified.
Don’t Forget About Experience
While board certification is probably the most crucial factor, another factor to consider is experience. What you want is a doctor who is more experienced than being fresh out of residency.
If you have been looking for a doctor for your knee, shoulder, elbow, or other injuries, book an appointment at Angelo Mattalino, MD in Tempe. Let Dr. Mattalino assess your condition and provide you with expert care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.