Almost everyone at some point sustains an injury to a bone, joint, ligament, or tendon that requires the attention of a doctor who specializes in the musculoskeletal system. Often called orthopedic specialists or orthopedists, they are experts at treating injuries to the bones and joints in the arms, legs and back, as well as the hands, feet, and wrists. They can repair broken bones, improve mobility and reduce pain. In fact, a visit to an orthopedist is often the first step in getting relief from chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain or injury.

Typically, an orthopedic specialist will perform a physical exam and may order diagnostic tests like X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During this process they’ll ask questions about the location, severity and onset of your pain, as well as how it affects your day to day activities.

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They may also run a series of tests on joints to determine the cause of your pain, such as Neer’s test for rotator cuff impingement or the Pryor–McPhee test for hip labral tears. These tests can help an orthopedist pinpoint the problem and create a treatment plan.

Most orthopedic specialists focus on nonsurgical treatments first and can offer things like braces, splints, or casts; prescription or over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen; and the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). They can also retrain your muscles to support injured joints, prescribe steroid injections and even perform surgery in severe cases.