Medically reviewed by Dr. L. Bharath , Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Bharath Orthopaedics
Bone and joint problems can affect people at different stages of life. A person may experience knee pain while climbing stairs, back pain after sitting for long hours, shoulder stiffness while lifting an arm or difficulty walking after an injury. Sometimes, the discomfort develops gradually, while in other cases, it begins suddenly following a fall or accident.
These symptoms can affect everyday activities such as walking, working, exercising, sleeping and performing household tasks. Understanding the underlying cause is an important first step towards appropriate treatment.
An orthopaedic doctor in Chennai evaluates conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and spine. Depending on the symptoms and clinical findings, treatment may involve medication, physiotherapy, activity modification, rehabilitation or surgery.
This guide explains common orthopaedic problems, when to seek medical attention, the investigations that may be required and the treatment approaches available.
What Does an Orthopaedic Doctor Treat?
An orthopaedic doctor specialises in the evaluation and management of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. This system includes the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and supporting structures that help the body move.
Orthopaedic conditions can develop because of ageing, injuries, repetitive movements, physical strain, joint degeneration or certain medical conditions.
Some problems can be managed with non-surgical treatment, while others may require a surgical procedure depending on their severity.
An orthopaedic consultation may be helpful for people experiencing:
- Persistent knee, hip or shoulder pain.
- Joint stiffness or swelling.
- Difficulty walking, standing or climbing stairs.
- Back pain and neck discomfort.
- Sports-related injuries.
- Fractures following falls or accidents.
- Reduced joint movement.
- Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities.
Orthopaedic Consultation at Bharath Orthopaedics, Chennai
Bharath Orthopaedics provides information and consultation services for people experiencing bone, joint and movement-related problems.
The practice’s listed areas of care include knee and hip conditions, joint replacement procedures, fracture treatment, spine-related problems, sports injuries, arthroscopy and non-surgical orthopaedic management.
The choice of treatment depends on the patient’s condition and clinical findings. An orthopaedic assessment helps determine whether medication, physiotherapy, rehabilitation or a surgical procedure may be appropriate.
Consultation locations listed on the website include:
- Bharath Orthopaedics: Flat-A, Ground Floor, Balaji Villa, New Door No. 38/1, Old Door No. 9/1, Rajaratnam Street, Kilpauk, Chennai – 600010.
- Sri Singhvi Health Centre: TVH Lumbini Square, No. 127, Bricklin Road, Purasaiwalkam, Chennai – 600007.
- Amrit Medical Center: No. 73/28, Dr. Alagappa Road, Purasawalkam, Chennai – 600084.
Phone: 044 4799 2728
Doctor profile -Dr. L. Bharath (Dr. Bharath Loganathan)
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. L. Bharath, also known as Dr. Bharath Loganathan, is an orthopaedic surgeon associated with Bharath Orthopaedics in Chennai. His clinical areas of practice include knee and hip conditions, joint replacement surgery, revision joint replacement, arthroscopy and sports-related injuries.
His qualifications are listed on the website as MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) and MRCS (Royal College of Surgeons). His clinical work includes the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions, with treatment recommendations based on individual clinical findings.
For patients experiencing knee pain, hip discomfort, joint stiffness or movement-related difficulties, an orthopaedic evaluation helps identify the underlying problem and determine appropriate management options.
The doctor can then discuss the findings and recommend an appropriate plan based on the clinical assessment.
Common Orthopaedic Conditions That May Require Medical Attention
Orthopaedic symptoms can have several possible causes. Identifying the condition is important because similar symptoms may require different treatment approaches.
1. Knee Pain and Knee Joint Problems
Knee pain is a common reason people seek orthopaedic care. It may develop gradually due to age-related joint changes or occur following an injury.
Some possible causes include osteoarthritis, ligament injuries, meniscus tears, inflammation and overuse.
People with knee problems may notice:
- Pain while walking or climbing stairs.
- Swelling around the knee.
- Stiffness after sitting for a long time.
- Difficulty bending or straightening the leg.
- A feeling of instability while walking.
The treatment depends on the underlying cause. Depending on the findings, management may include medication, physiotherapy, exercises, activity modification or surgical procedures such as knee replacement in selected cases.
2. Hip Pain and Hip Joint Conditions
Hip problems can cause discomfort in the groin, thigh, buttock or outer hip region. Some people experience pain while walking, sitting for long periods or getting up from a chair.
Osteoarthritis, fractures, inflammation and certain soft-tissue conditions can contribute to hip pain.
An orthopaedic evaluation helps identify whether the discomfort originates from the hip joint, surrounding muscles or another structure.
Treatment may include activity modification, medication, physiotherapy or hip replacement when there is significant joint damage and other appropriate options have not provided sufficient relief.
3. Shoulder Pain and Frozen Shoulder
Shoulder pain can make simple movements difficult, including reaching overhead, dressing or lifting objects.
Frozen shoulder is a condition associated with pain and progressive restriction of shoulder movement. It may develop gradually and can affect sleep and daily activities.
Other possible causes of shoulder pain include rotator cuff injuries, tendon inflammation and joint-related conditions.
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may involve guided exercises, physiotherapy, medication or other appropriate interventions.
4. Back Pain and Spine Conditions
Back pain may occur due to muscle strain, poor posture, disc-related problems, degenerative changes or nerve compression.
Some people experience localised back discomfort, while others may have pain extending into the buttocks or legs.
Symptoms that require medical assessment include:
- Back pain that continues or repeatedly returns.
- Pain extending into the legs.
- Numbness or tingling sensations.
- Difficulty performing routine activities.
- Back pain following an accident or fall.
New loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or rapidly progressing leg weakness requires emergency medical assessment because these may indicate serious nerve compression.
5. Fractures and Bone Injuries
A fracture refers to a break or crack in a bone. It can happen following a road accident, sports injury, fall or direct impact.
Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and difficulty moving the affected body part. Some fractures may also cause visible deformity.
Suspected fractures should be assessed promptly. Depending on the injury, treatment may involve immobilisation with a cast or splint, reduction of the fracture or surgery to stabilise the bone.
6. Sports Injuries and Ligament Problems
Sports activities can sometimes result in ligament injuries, muscle strains, tendon problems and cartilage damage.
Knee injuries involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or meniscus may cause pain, swelling and instability.
Treatment depends on the type of injury, its severity, the patient’s activity level and functional requirements. Rehabilitation is often an important part of recovery.
When Should You Consult an Orthopaedic Doctor?
Not every episode of body pain requires specialist treatment. However, certain symptoms should not be ignored, particularly when they persist, become worse or interfere with normal activities.
Consider seeking medical evaluation if you experience:
- Joint pain that does not improve.
- Repeated swelling around a joint.
- Stiffness that limits movement.
- Difficulty bearing weight on a leg.
- Pain after a fall or sports injury.
- Recurrent knee or hip discomfort.
- Numbness or weakness associated with back pain.
Seek emergency medical attention for a suspected serious fracture, an open injury, a severely deformed limb, a hot swollen joint with fever, or new neurological symptoms such as loss of bladder or bowel control.
Early assessment can help identify the cause and determine whether further investigation or treatment is needed.
How Does an Orthopaedic Doctor Diagnose Bone and Joint Problems?
The diagnosis begins with understanding the patient’s symptoms and medical history. The doctor may ask when the pain started, whether it followed an injury, which activities make it worse and whether there are any associated symptoms.
A physical examination may include checking:
- Joint movement and flexibility.
- Swelling and tenderness.
- Muscle strength.
- Walking pattern and balance.
- Joint stability.
- Sensation and circulation, where relevant.
Depending on the suspected condition, the doctor may recommend investigations such as:
- X-ray: Helps assess fractures, bone alignment and certain joint changes.
- MRI scan: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage and spinal structures.
- CT scan: May be recommended for evaluating complex fractures and certain bone conditions.
- Blood tests: May be required when infection, inflammatory arthritis or another systemic condition is suspected.
Not every patient needs all these investigations. The choice depends on the clinical examination and suspected diagnosis.
What Treatment Options are Available for Orthopaedic Conditions?
There is no single treatment suitable for every orthopaedic condition. The appropriate approach depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, age, activity level, general health and individual treatment requirements.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Many orthopaedic conditions can initially be managed without surgery.
Possible treatment approaches include:
- Medication: Prescribed medicines may help manage pain and inflammation, depending on the condition.
- Physiotherapy: Guided exercises can improve muscle strength, flexibility, balance and joint movement.
- Activity modification: Temporarily changing activities that aggravate symptoms may help reduce strain.
- Rehabilitation: A structured rehabilitation programme may support recovery following an injury or procedure.
- Lifestyle measures: Appropriate physical activity and weight management may help reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
The suitability of each treatment should be determined through clinical assessment.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be considered when a condition causes significant functional limitations, structural damage or symptoms that have not responded adequately to appropriate non-surgical management.
Some orthopaedic procedures include:
- Total Knee Replacement: This procedure involves replacing the damaged joint surfaces with artificial components. It may be considered in selected patients with advanced knee joint damage.
- Partial Knee Replacement: This procedure replaces the affected compartment of the knee while preserving the remaining healthy joint structures, when clinically appropriate.
- Total Hip Replacement: Damaged parts of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components. It may be considered for certain patients with advanced hip joint disease.
- Revision Joint Replacement: This procedure involves replacing or revising components of a previous joint replacement when complications or implant-related problems occur.
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera and specialised instruments to examine or treat certain joint conditions.
- Fracture Surgery: Some fractures require surgical fixation using plates, screws, rods or other appropriate implants to stabilise the bone.
The decision to undergo surgery should follow a detailed discussion of the expected benefits, possible risks, alternatives and recovery requirements.
What Should You Expect During an Orthopaedic Consultation?
A first consultation is an opportunity to understand the cause of your symptoms and discuss suitable management options.
Patients can make the consultation more useful by preparing a few details in advance.
- Describe your symptoms: Explain where the pain occurs, when it started and whether it is constant or intermittent.
- Mention previous injuries: Inform the doctor about falls, accidents, sports injuries or earlier treatments.
- Carry previous reports: Bring relevant X-rays, MRI scans, prescriptions and medical records.
- Explain your daily difficulties: Mention whether the pain affects walking, sleeping, working or household activities.
- Ask about treatment choices: Understand the available options, their possible benefits and limitations, and the expected follow-up.
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