5 Signs You Need to See an Orthopedic Surgeon
It’s common for a patient suffering from a musculoskeletal condition to be referred to an orthopedic surgeon by his or her primary care physician. The good news is, being sent to an orthopedic surgeon does not necessarily mean you’ll be getting surgery.
If you are experiencing pain in your body, surgical procedures should always be a last resort. Orthopedic surgeons know this, and have plenty of non-surgical treatments they can recommend for you.
Here are some signs you should see an orthopedic surgeon:
- You’re Experiencing Ongoing Pain
Chronic pain is classified as any pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks. If you’ve had pain in the same area of your body for three months or more, you should really think about seeing an orthopedic surgeon as this could be a sign of a more serious injury. If you’re experiencing pain anywhere in your ankles, hips, shoulders, knees or backs, this could be joint, tendon or muscle pain—all of it likely requires professional diagnosis and treatment. - You’re Having A Hard Time With Simple Daily Tasks
If you’re struggling to perform tasks that once came easily to you—like carrying your groceries, walking at a fast pace or simply sitting at your desk at work—it’s probably time to see an orthopedic surgeon. The occasional minor injury might inhibit your physical abilities for a few days, but if the effects are long-lasting, you should seek professional help. Day-to-day tasks do not have to be a struggle. - Your Joints Feel Tight
If your joints feel tight, you’re likely experiencing a limited range of motion. This could be a sign of arthritis or damage to your joints, muscles, ligaments or tendons. An orthopedic surgeon can help you manage this joint tightness and improve your range of motion. - You Were Injured and Your Injury Has Not Improved
If you sprained your ankle or wrist, twisted your knee or experienced any other soft tissue injuries, you might need to see an orthopedic surgeon. If your swelling and pain has not gone down in 48 hours, you likely need professional treatment and should contact your local orthopedic surgeon. - You Feel Like You Might Lose Your Balance While Walking
Something is probably wrong with your joints if you regularly feel unstable while you are walking or standing. An orthopedic surgeon can determine what is causing your inability to balance well, and recommend you non-surgical or surgical options based on your personal needs.
Orthopedic Treatment Options
At Complete Injury Management, we never suggest unnecessary surgeries or procedures. Unlike traditional surgeons, we use a combination of surgical and non-surgical treatments and will always opt for a non-surgical approach when possible. Some of our non-surgical treatments include:
- Orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
- Arthroscopic debridement
- Conditions that Might Require Surgical Procedures
Unfortunately, sometimes certain musculoskeletal conditions do require surgery. Read more about orthopedic surgery and contact us today to see if this is the right option for you. Below are a few occasions when surgery might be suggested:
- Dislocations
- Spine disorders such as scoliosis, ruptured disc and sciatica
- Club foot, hammertoes, bow legs and bunions
- Bone tumors
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle, tendon and ligament damage
- Cerebral palsy
