Many Americans suffer with chronic osteoarthritis. It is estimated that nearly 27 million people are currently dealing with osteoarthritis of one type or another. Also called degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but most commonly the knees, hips, shoulders and spine.

When pain from osteoarthritis or any other orthopedic condition begins to disrupt your quality of life, it could be time to find a surgeon to discuss your options. But how do you know which orthopedic surgeon in Panama City to choose out of your myriad of options? Here is a list of things to consider as you look at your choices.

Ask family and or friends for referrals. If someone in your family or a close friend has recently had a positive experience with an orthopedic surgeon, they should be glad to recommend their doctor to you. This can give you a candid and personal viewpoint.

Ask your family doctor for a referral. Your family physician is one of the best resources to help you find a good orthopedic doctor or surgeon. It is still advisable to do your own research and go for an initial consultation before you decide.

Find a doctor who specializes in minimally invasive surgery techniques. Minimally invasive surgery techniques such as hip or knee arthroscopy are the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries because they result in less post-op swelling, reduced risk of complications, less pain, and quicker recovery times. Whether you require knee surgery, hip surgery, or another joint procedure, minimally invasive techniques will help the recovery process go much more smoothly.

Find a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic doctors and surgeons have gone through many years of medical school and residency training and must pass the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery exam. This indicates that they have demonstrated proper qualifications to practice in their specialty of orthopedic surgery.

Read online reviews from real patients and their experiences. Just as important as it is to ask your family, friends, and primary care doctor for a referral, it’s important to read through testimonials from patients. You may not know of anyone who has had the specific procedure you need from a Panama City orthopedic surgeon, but you can likely find verified reviews from real patients who have.

Find a doctor that listens. Does your orthopedic doctor listen to your concerns and answer all your questions? Do they ask you questions? Did you feel comfortable during your first consultation? It’s important to feel comfortable with your doctor and to feel you can trust them.

Here at Florida Sportmedicine and Orthopaedics, we offer you state-of-the-art orthopedic services and the latest techniques available in orthopedic surgery. Dr. James M. Talkington, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with experience since 1985. He enjoys meeting and treating each patient personally and believes the success of the patient/doctor relationship depends on a foundation of strong communication and trust.