When joint pain and discomfort stop you from doing what you love, it’s time to see an orthopedic doctor. Your pain may result from a sprain, strain, or ligament tear that needs immediate attention; the wear and tear associated with arthritis; or a related medical condition. Our orthopedic specialists use the full range of treatments to return you to the activities you enjoy.

Our Orthopedic Doctors

Meet our orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, physician assistants, physical therapists, and others. In-person and virtual appointments are available.

Conditions and Treatments

Learn about joint injuries and conditions we treat.

• Ankle Pain and Ankle Injuries
• A vascular Necrosis
• Elbow Pain and Injury
• Foot Pain and Injury
• Hand and Wrist Conditions
• Hip Injuries and Painful Hip Conditions
• Joint Health Program
• Joint Replacement Surgery
• Knee Injuries and Painful Knee Conditions

• Limb Loss Services
• Nonsurgical Orthopedic Treatments
• Osteoarthritis
• Shoulder Pain Treatment
• Spine Care
• Sports Cardiology
• Sports Concussion
• Sports Medicine
• Sports Physical Therapy

When to See an Orthopedic Doctor

When to Seek Care Immediately

• ​Bone fracture or orthopedic trauma
• Ligament or tendon tears
• Dislocations
• Sprains, strains, or pain from an injury that has not improved in 48 hours
• Sudden numbness, tingling, weakness, or bowel/bladder incontinence

Visit Our Sports Injury and Orthopedic Urgent Care 
Our orthopedic urgent care is open seven days a week. Get fast service with no long waits and no unnecessary exposure to illness. No appointment necessary; walk-ins are welcome.

When to Make an Appointment at a Duke Orthopedics Clinic

• Chronic joint pain
• Pain in that starts in the low back and runs down one or both legs
• Difficulty performing daily activities
• Limited range of motion
• Instability walking or standing

Types of Orthopedic Doctors

Our orthopedic specialists work together as a team to identify the source of your pain and recommend treatment options that will help you find relief and improve your range of motion. Your team may include the following orthopedic specialists.

Orthopedic Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners
They are often the first medical professional you will see and will direct you to the most appropriate provider for your care. They are specially trained in joint and bone pain and injuries and work closely with orthopedic surgeons. They perform exams, interpret your results, prescribe medication, and assist in orthopedic surgery.

Physiatrists
Physiatrists are physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors who specialize in nonsurgical care for conditions that affect your nerves, bones, and muscles. Our physiatrists have completed additional training in treating sports or spine conditions, depending on their specialty.

Chiropractors
They use manual adjustment and/or manipulation to improve joint mobility in a certain area — the spine, neck, middle back, lower back, or pelvis. The goal is to reduce muscle tightness or the irritation of nerves that travel down the arm or leg, which can cause numbness or tingling, pain, or even changes in strength. 

Osteopathic Doctors
Our osteopathic doctors provide a full range of orthopedic services, from prescribing medicine to performing surgery. They help you prevent and recover from an injury by focusing on a healthy lifestyle.

Osteopathic Doctors
Our osteopathic doctors provide a full range of orthopedic services, from prescribing medicine to performing surgery. They help you prevent and recover from an injury by focusing on a healthy lifestyle.

Orthopedic Surgeons
They perform general orthopedic surgery and often specialize in a particular joint, such as the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, and wrist. Our orthopedic surgeons may undergo additional training in joint replacement surgery, spine surgery, oncology, trauma, pediatrics, or sports medicine.

Physical Therapists
They provide you with exercises that help you live with your condition, prepare for surgery, or rehabilitate after a procedure.

Sports Medicine Specialists
Trained to care for sports-related injuries, they specialize in the treatment of every level of athlete. They include primary care doctors, physiatrists, physical therapists, and orthopedic surgeons. They help you recover from an injury, prevent injury, and can work with you to improve your sports performance. They help active individuals return to the activities they love.

Learn more about:

• Sports Medicine
• Sports Performance Training
• Sports Medicine Forward (improves the long-term health of athletes who experience significant changes in their activity levels)

Why Choose Us

You Benefit from Our Ongoing Research and Innovation

• Our Orthopedics pioneered several surgical breakthroughs, including novel fracture repairs and advanced surgical techniques.
• We helped develop commonly used ankle, shoulder, and elbow joint prostheses. 
• Our surgical success is based on decades of ongoing research.
• We use sophisticated tools to study patient outcomes, measure surgical success, and fine-tune our techniques to ensure you have a variety of options and experience the best outcomes. 

Our Large Surgical Volumes Result in Better Outcomes 
Our expertise and high volume allow us to manage routine and complex care effectively.

Manage Your Health with Our MyChart
View test results, make appointments, request prescription refills, and message your doctor from any web-enabled device by using our secure online portal, Our MyChart. Our technology also allows anyone on your care team to securely access your health information, making sure you always get the care that’s right for you and based on the latest evidence.

Remote, Written Second Opinion Reports
Get a written second opinion report about your condition from a our specialist in the comfort of your home. A second opinion can confirm a diagnosis, offer a different diagnosis, provide information about the most advanced treatments available, and ensure confidence in your decisions when faced with a serious medical condition. Learn more about our remote second opinion platform and process.