When joint pain means it’s time to see an orthopedic doctor
All of the parts of the human body always function harmoniously. This harmony that allows you to walk, run, lift, bend, and twist is not at the forefront of your mind when everything is working smoothly.
However, when one body part is out of sync with the rest, the whole system can feel that impact. The human body is made up of hundreds of bones and joints, and even if one of them isn’t functioning properly, it can seriously impact our overall well-being. This can cause further pain and even more injuries in different areas of the body.
If you think of your body and mind as machines that depend on one another, then you’ll understand how joint pain can disrupt both physical wellbeing and mental clarity.
Regular checkups with a joint specialist can keep these glitches in the body from occurring by ensuring everything is operating the way it was designed to.
Why is a joint specialist important?
There are ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bursae, and other key components that work together to prevent pain during movement within any joint in the body.
A condition or disease that impacts one of these components may cause joint pain and affect the entire area.
An orthopedic specialist is a doctor who specializes in the study and research of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system allows you to move using your muscular and skeletal systems and provides support and stability for the body.
At Orthobridge Orthopedic Institute, our team of trusted surgeons is prepared to serve as many patients with joint concerns as possible.
There are major benefits to seeing an orthopedic doctor, but how do you know when you need to see one?
Below are signs and symptoms that suggest you should see a joint specialist.
- Your joint pain has kept you from completing everyday activities: You should not have to sacrifice an activity you love because of an injury.
After establishing a diagnosis, your joint doctor will offer you multiple options for treatment.
For the specialists at Orthobridge Orthopedic Institute, that is one of our priorities: finding the best individual treatment plan and getting patients back to enjoying life without discomfort. - Your symptoms are getting worse over time: Patients typically wait a few days or weeks to see if their joints will improve on their own.
If you notice that your symptoms are not improving, increased stiffness, expanding swelling, and greater pain, make an appointment sooner to prevent serious injury.
- You experience pain or swelling when moving a joint: If you are experiencing difficulty walking and the sensation of joint tightness, your joint may be swelling as a result of arthritis. These symptoms indicate that you should seek a professional evaluation from a doctor.
- You experience instability while performing basic functions: Do you feel shaky or wobbly when standing, walking, sitting down, or standing up?
This is a sure sign that something is wrong with your joints. Your best option is to consult with a medical professional to determine the cause of your instability and work on correcting it. - Conservative or at-home treatment methods have not improved your symptoms: Perhaps you have tried to care for your joint condition on your own. Implementing the R.I.C.E. method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) may decrease your symptoms significantly.
If these at-home treatments do not help over time, ask a doctor about more advanced methods of alleviating your pain.
What happens if you don’t see a joint specialist?
Orthobridge Orthopedic Centre has always been committed to serving communities and providing exceptional orthopedic care.
Our physicians are trained in the following specialties:
- Hip & knee
- Hand & wrist
- Shoulder & elbow
- Foot & ankle
- Sports medicine
- Fracture care
- Sports injury treatment
- Arthritis
To schedule an appointment with our expert joint specialist or for more information about our orthopedic services, contact us.