When To See An Orthopedic Specialist

Keep These Five Signs In Mind

Experiencing some level of bone and joint discomfort as we grow older is a normal part of the aging process. But sometimes that pain may be a sign of something far more serious. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to seek medical attention from an orthopedic specialist.

  1. It’s Becoming Difficult to Perform Normal Activities
    Are you are having trouble or experiencing pain when you climb stairs, take a walk, lift your arms above your shoulders or perform other everyday tasks? It’s probably time to talk to your primary care physician or schedule an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.
  2. You Have Chronic Pain
    Joint discomfort that lasts for a few days is usually no need for concern. But if the pain or discomfort persists for a few weeks, you need to seek help from a medical professional. If the pain lasts more than 12 weeks, it’s considered chronic and needs attention.
  3. You Have Limited Range of Motion
    A feeling of tightness and a limited range of motion in a joint is often a sign of joint disease such as arthritis.
  4. You Feel Unstable Walking or Standing
    When we’re healthy, we can perform basic activities such as standing up, sitting down, walking and standing with perfect control. But if you feel shaky or wobbly doing these everyday activities, that’s a very revealing sign that something is wrong, and it’s time to consult a medical professional to determine the cause.
  5. You Have A Soft-Tissue Injury That Has Not Improved After 48 Hours
    A sprained ankle or a twisted knee are examples of a soft-tissue injury. The best way to treat these injuries is to use RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. However, if the pain and swelling have not substantially decreased after 48 hours, you should seek medical assistance to determine if the injury is more serious.

Need to find an orthopedic surgeon? Don’t worry. Just call our physician referral service or find one of our orthopedic surgeons online.

Source: Premier Orthopedics