6 Signs That It’s Time to See an Orthopedic Surgeon

We all may experience joint pain at some time in our lives. Whether from aging, an injury or long-term repetitive use of a joint, pain can develop in our hips, knees, wrists and more. But, living with joint pain should never be considered a normal part of life. So, how do you know when to see an orthopedic surgeon for joint pain relief?

If you have arthritis and are able to comfortably function with your current care plan,  then you should continue with what you’re doing. If you’re not able to tolerate the pain any longer or experience many restrictions with your work, play, or social life social life, then it may be time to consider surgery. If you’re suffering from arthritic joint pain , here are 6 signs that it’s time to visit an orthopedic doctor:

1. You find everyday activities difficult to do

Do you experience pain when doing everyday activities like walking, lifting groceries, climbing stairs or sleeping? This pain not only makes it difficult to get through a day, it also can be sign of damaged joints. An orthopedic surgeon can diagnose the cause of the pain and get you on a path to a treatment option that  is best for you.

2. You have limited range of motion

It’s time to make a doctor appointment if you can no longer comfortably bend or flex your knees or other joints. When everyday activities such as combing your hair, reaching into your back pocket or crouching down are difficult, schedule  an appointment at the Kennedy Center. Our orthopedic specialists will test your range of motion to determine the cause of your problem and recommend treatment options.

3. At-home remedies have not helped

You’ve done stretching exercises. You’ve iced the joint. You’ve cut back on your activities in favor of more rest. And, perhaps you’ve taken over-the-counter pain medication. If none of this has helped ease your pain, it’s time to see a specialist for joint pain relief.

4. You’ve tried physical therapy without significant improvement in your pain

If you’ve tried physical therapy but still experience pain, an orthopedic surgeon can assess next steps, which may include surgery. Today’s surgical procedures on knees, hips, wrists and other joints are often less invasive and have shorter healing times than in the past. Our orthopedic doctors will provide options that are best for your situation.

5. You’ve become unstable when walking

Arthritis can cause  joint pain and damage in your hips, knees and ankles.  This can affect your balance and ability to walk at a steady gait. This can lead to trips and falls that can cause even more injuries. Make an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon who can repair damaged joints before a fall or other accidents result in broken bones or serious injury.

6. A soft tissue injury has not gotten better

If what you originally thought was a muscle, ligament or tendon strain has not gotten better it might be something more serious. When rest, ice and anti-inflammatory drugs don’t help, you probably should consult an orthopedic surgeon. Overuse problems in your hip could be bursitis and overuse in hands and wrists could be carpal tunnel syndrome. Both are medical conditions that require more specialized care.

Don’t let pain slow you down!

Living with joint pain or limited mobility should not be considered a normal part of life. In fact, if you find yourself living with any of these signs, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible so your condition doesn’t worsen or end up irreparable.  If you have one or more of the 6 situations we described, give us a call today. Our orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in orthopedic care and treatments to get you back to enjoying the life you want to live.