Orthopedics is a medical specialty. In order to call oneself an orthopedist, an individual must have a medical degree that includes several years of intensive education and experience in the field. Orthopedists are doctors that specialize in the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones and muscles, as well as other tissues like joint ligaments and tendons. In addition, an orthopedist may cover issues with your nerves and skin. Essentially, orthopedists are interested in the systems that help your body move, as well as the various issues with bodily movement. For instance, pain, limited mobility, bodily misalignment, and deformities from birth can affect how you move and involve yourself in physical activities.