Reasons to Visit an Orthopedic Surgeon

Orthopedic doctors specialize in the musculoskeletal system of the human body. This includes all muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and nerves that serve the sole purpose of the musculoskeletal system: movement. Therefore, orthopedic doctors diagnose conditions affecting these structures and are often seen in the case of an injury or chronic illness.

For example, if you are experiencing prolonged or severe pain in the knees, hips, or shoulders, an orthopedic doctor may be the most appropriate. Likewise for fractures, strains, sprains, and joint injuries.

Orthopedic surgeons can treat an array of injuries and pathology (disease) of the musculoskeletal system, though they differ from doctors in that their scope of practice extends to surgical procedures. In the knees, they may treat an ACL injury, patella (kneecap) dislocation, complex cartilage injuries, arthritis and osteoarthritis, patellar tendonitis, or stress fractures. Issues of the hip, a major joint are common and may include fractures, bursitis, osteoarthritis, synovitis, dislocation, strains, osteoporosis, etc.

Patients experiencing shoulder issues, such as a rotator cuff tear, separation, or tendinitis, can also be treated by one of our surgeons, as can those with elbow complaints, like golfers or tennis elbow, or carpal tunnel syndrome. In these large joints, total surgical replacement, a procedure known as arthroplasty, may be performed if considerable damage occurs. Orthopedic doctors further treat issues of joints in the hand, foot, and ankle. The spine, composed of 33 small bones called vertebrae, has numerous joints that allow the twisting and turning needed for daily living activities.

Orthopedic surgeons can help with spine problems in conjunction with neurosurgeons, should the spinal nerves or cord be compromised. Degenerative disc disease, herniation, sciatica, spondylosis, and scoliosis are a few examples of conditions an orthopedic surgeon may treat. Overall, orthopedic surgeons may use braces or casts, physical therapy, and various operative procedures to treat these conditions.

Many factors should be considered when determining who your orthopedic surgeon should be. It is best to start with a referral from your primary care provider if you have one. Family and friend testimonials can also suggest a good fit. You should take the time to research surgeons, their experience, and their credentials.

We have six physicians at The Orthopedic Group, all listed on our website, with certifications.

Dr. Nauman Akhtar is a highly rated orthopedic surgeon with seventeen years of experience in the field and has further specialization in joint surgery. Dr. Matthew Gavin is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who focuses on sports medicine, as he has provided to numerous professional athletes. Dr. Gavin also treats arthritis and specializes in the knee and shoulder. Our Dr. Rahman Kandil is fellowship-trained in sports medicine and specializes in the knee and shoulder. Dr. Kandil has extensive experience in non-invasive, arthroscopic surgical treatments. Dr. Michael Kavanaugh is another one of our well-experienced surgeons specializing in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine.

The Orthopedic Group is also home to a podiatrist, a doctor of the foot and ankle, Dr. Cameron Phipps, who has a highly trained surgical background. Finally, our board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Usman Zahir, is a leading endoscopic spine specialist, one of few in Maryland and Virginia.

After reading about a surgeon’s education and experience, look online for more patient reviews and feedback. Our patients are delighted with their care and feel their health is in safe hands with our orthopedic surgeons. Place of work, whether it be a hospital or health center, should be well kept and not overbooked; again, verified by our patient testimonials. Insurance coverage is another significant factor and should be determined before meeting with a doctor to avoid incurring out-of-pocket fees.

At The Orthopedic Group, we accept most large insurance plans, including CIGNA, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid. More accepted insurance plans are listed on our website online, though we are happy to answer all of your questions over the phone. Once you feel comfortable in your research and have narrowed down the list of potential surgeons, it would be beneficial to call their office and schedule a one-on-one appointment. It is imperative that patients are comfortable with their doctors and trust their medical advice and surgical ability.

By meeting face to face, you can evaluate the doctor’s communication style, their attention to detail that relates to health, and more. Here, you can determine if your health values align with your surgeons and believe they can help you reach your goals. Luckily, we have three convenient locations where you can meet with our surgeons and have all of your questions answered. So please, do not hesitate to make an appointment with us, online or by phone. We look forward to meeting with you and improving your health experience. We serve patients from Leesburg VA, Lansdowne VA, Stone Springs VA, Dulles, VA, Ashburn VA, Sterling VA, Aldie VA, South Riding VA, Herndon VA, Winchester VA, Reston VA, and Chantilly VA.