What Is an Orthopedic Surgeon—and When Should You See One?

If you’ve ever struggled with joint pain, a sports injury, or had trouble doing the things you love because of discomfort or stiffness, you might have asked yourself, “What exactly does an orthopedic surgeon do—and how do I know if I need one?”

As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow care at MedStar Health, I work with patients every day who are looking for answers, relief, and a path forward. Whether you’re curious about your options or wondering when to seek help, here’s how an orthopedic surgeon can help you move better, feel better, and get back to living the life you enjoy.

What do orthopedic surgeons do?

Orthopedic surgeons are medical doctors who focus on diagnosing and treating problems with the musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. That includes everything from arthritis and sports injuries to broken bones and worn-out joints. My focus is specifically on the shoulder and elbow, where pain and injury are more common than most people realize.

We treat a wide range of issues, from rotator cuff tears and tennis elbow to shoulder instability and arthritis. Surgery is one tool we use, but it’s far from the only option. In fact, most patients we see don’t need surgery right away—and many never do. Our goal is always to help you heal and feel better using the most effective, least invasive treatments available.

What kind of training do orthopedic surgeons complete?

Becoming an orthopedic surgeon is a long journey involving four years of medical school after undergraduate education, as well as five years of specialized residency training. Many of us also complete an additional one-year fellowship to gain extra training in a particular area, like joint replacement, sports medicine, spine surgery, or shoulder and elbow care, like me.

This training gives us a deep understanding of how the musculoskeletal system works and how to restore it when something goes wrong. Having a specialist who understands the anatomy and mechanics of specific joints can make a big difference in your outcome.

Are all orthopedic doctors surgeons?

All orthopedic surgeons are trained to perform surgery. We also work closely with other

specialists, like physiatrists and sports medicine physicians, who focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal problems using non-surgical methods. 

But if conservative treatments stop working or if the issue clearly requires surgical repair, then it’s helpful to have a specialist who knows when surgery makes sense and who can walk you through the pros and cons clearly.

When should you see an orthopedic surgeon?

You don’t need to be in severe pain to make an appointment. If discomfort is affecting your ability to move, work, sleep, or enjoy your normal activities, it’s worth checking in.

Common signs that it might be time to see a shoulder and elbow specialist include:

• Shoulder or elbow pain that lasts more than a few weeks
• Weakness or instability in the joint
• Stiffness that limits your range of motion
• Difficulty lifting your arm overhead
• Pain that wakes you up at night
• A “popping” or catching sensation in the shoulder or elbow

If you’ve tried rest, ice, or over-the-counter meds without much relief, an orthopedic evaluation can help you figure out what’s going on and how to fix it.

What kinds of conditions do orthopedic surgeons treat?

Orthopedic surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Arthritis, especially in the hips, knees, and shoulders

• Sports injuries, like ACL tears or rotator cuff problems

• Joint pain and stiffness that limits mobility

• Fractures or trauma to bones and joints

• Tendon and ligament injuries

• Bursitis, tendinitis, and other inflammatory conditions

• Hip, knee, and shoulder degeneration that may require joint replacement

As a shoulder and elbow specialist, I commonly see patients with:

• Rotator cuff tears

• Frozen shoulder 

• Shoulder instability or dislocation

• Labral tears

• Tennis or golfer’s elbow

• Shoulder arthritis

• Fractures around the shoulder or elbow

• Nerve compression, such as cubital tunnel syndrome

Some of these issues come from sports or overuse, while others are related to aging or injury. Whatever the cause, we’re here to help you regain strength, reduce pain, and restore function.

What happens at your first orthopedic appointment?

Your first visit is all about understanding your symptoms and getting a clear diagnosis. We’ll review your medical history, ask questions about your pain, and perform a physical exam. In many cases, we’ll also order imaging like an X-ray or MRI to get a better look at what’s going on.

Once we know what’s causing the issue, we’ll talk about your options. Most of the time, we can start with conservative treatments. If surgery is necessary, we’ll walk you through what to expect and answer any questions you have.

What types of treatments do shoulder and elbow surgeons offer?

Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan might include one or more of the following:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the joint and improve flexibility

• Corticosteroid or biologic injections to reduce pain and inflammation

• Anti-inflammatory medications to manage discomfort

• Arthroscopic surgery for minimally invasive repairs

• Open surgery for complex injuries or joint replacement