Did you suffer a sports injury recently? From knee and ankle issues to shoulder and foot problems, there are all kinds of sports injuries that can force you to seek medical care.
You can get the help you need by
seeing either a sports medicine physician or an orthopedic surgeon. But
before you do, you should know about the many differences between sports
medicine vs orthopedics. It'll help you decide which type of doctor you want to
see.
Here are the four main differences
between sports medicine and orthopedics.
1. Sports
Medicine Physicians and Orthopedic Surgeons Have Different Focuses
There is some overlap between what
sports medicine physicians focus on and what orthopedic surgeons focus on. But
when you take a step back, you'll see that they each focus on something
different in the end.
What is sports medicine? Well, it
incorporates some elements of orthopedics. But while treating sports injuries,
the best sports medicine doctor will typically focus on things like
physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and nutrition.
Orthopedic surgeons, meanwhile,
focus on the musculoskeletal system and how to heal it. That is their No. 1 goal. It's the
biggest thing that defines sports medicine vs orthopedics.
2.
They Take Different Approaches to Sports Injury Treatments
When someone comes to them with a
sports injury, a sports medicine physician will usually try to do everything in
their power to avoid sending them for surgery. Their approach will be to try to
get a person to heal without surgical intervention.
Orthopedic surgeons, on the other
hand, won't always recommend surgery, either. But they are often more
likely to treat sports injuries through surgical means. It's another thing that
sets them apart from sports medicine physicians.
3. They
See Different Types of Patients
Although some sports medicine physicians
will work with non-athletes, they tend to spend much of their time treating
athletes. They take a look at their bodies and show them ways to steer clear of
sports injuries.
Orthopedic surgeons will also
sometimes work with athletes. But they're open to working with almost anyone
who is dealing with an orthopedic condition.
4. They
Often Work in Different Places
There will be times when you'll find
sports medicine physicians and orthopedic surgeons working side-by-side. Star
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine can
give you direct access to both.
But not all offices have both
options available. You'll need to make sure that you know the differences
between sports medicine vs orthopedics before deciding which doctor
you would like to see.
Sports
Medicine vs Orthopedics: Which Is Your Best Option?
Now that you know the differences
between the two, do you think that orthopedics or sports medicine would
work better for you? Either way, you should be able to get the care you need
for a sports injury.
If you still aren't sure, read
through the differences between sports medicine vs orthopedics again. It
should help you inch your way closer to picking one over the other.
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