Ouch! When and why you need an orthopedic specialist for pain

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If you know, you know – joint and bone pain can limit mobility, disrupt daily activities and reduce quality of life. While some aches and pains may improve with rest and home care, others signal a more serious condition and require specialized attention from an orthopedic expert.

Six signs your aches and pains need orthopedic care

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist:

1. Pain that does not go away

Pain lasting longer than a few weeks, especially if it does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications, may indicate an underlying issue like arthritis, a ligament tear or a stress fracture.

2. Limited mobility

Difficulty moving a joint due to stiffness or reduced range of motion could be caused by joint inflammation, cartilage damage or a degenerative condition.

3. Your joint looks different

Swelling, redness, or visible changes in joint shape may be signs of an injury, infection or advanced arthritis and should be evaluated by a specialist.

4. Persistent symptoms from an old injury

A prior injury that continues to cause pain, instability or weakness may need further evaluation to rule out complications such as torn ligaments or improperly healed fractures.

5. Numbness or tingling

Loss of sensation or tingling in a limb could indicate nerve compression or damage, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or sciatica.

6. Worsening chronic conditions

Conditions like osteoporosis or osteoarthritis can progress over time. If symptoms worsen, an orthopedic specialist may offer advanced treatment options to help manage your pain and improve function.

Learn more: Find orthopedic experts to relieve your pain

Benefits of seeing an orthopedic specialist

Living with bone or joint pain can make even simple activities challenging, reducing your ability to enjoy daily life. Consulting an orthopedic specialist offers several benefits:

• Accurate diagnosis
Orthopedic specialists are highly trained in diagnosing musculoskeletal issues involving muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons and cartilage. They can pinpoint the cause of your pain and recommend effective treatments.

• Personalized treatment plan
After a thorough evaluation, an orthopedic specialist will develop a customized treatment plan based on your medical history and health goals. Options may include physical therapy, medication, injections or minimally invasive procedures.

• Improved mobility
Proper orthopedic care can restore your ability to move comfortably, helping you regain an active lifestyle.

• Prevent further damage
Delaying treatment can worsen certain orthopedic conditions, such as torn ligaments and untreated fractures. Seeking expert care early on prevents complications and ensures better long-term outcomes.

• Access to advanced techniques
Orthopedic specialists are at the forefront of medical advancements, offering the latest pain relief and surgical methods to help you recover safely and effectively.

Learn more: Schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist

Treatment options

If you experience persistent joint or bone pain, a variety of treatment options can help relieve your discomfort and restore function. Orthopedic specialists offer a variety of both non-surgical and surgical solutions personalized to your specific needs and goals. These may include:

• Sports medicine: Specialized care for athletic injuries, physical therapy rehabilitation and prevention strategies.

• Cortisone injections: With portable ultrasound technology, orthopedic specialists can identify the cause of your joint pain and provide precisely-targeted cortisone injections to reduce pain – during the same visit.

• Arthroscopic surgery: Minimally-invasive procedures to diagnose and repair joint issues.

• Robot-assisted surgery: Advanced real-time imaging and precision technology help the surgeon guide the procedure, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.

• Joint replacement: For severe arthritis or joint deterioration, hip, knee and shoulder replacements can remove your pain and get you back to full mobility.

Next steps: Make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist
Pain does not need to dictate your life. Take a proactive step to find relief and regain control of your well-being by making an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.

What to expect at your first appointment
During your first visit, an experienced orthopedic specialist will assess your condition and discuss your goals and treatment options with you. Many non-surgical approaches are available to help relieve pain and improve mobility. Our experts provide personalized care with convenient appointments so you can return to doing what you love as soon as possible.

Get relief: Find an orthopedic specialist that meets your needs. Visit www. emersonhealth.org/find-a-doctor/ or call 1-877-936-3776.