Muscle and bone issues are common in our daily lives, regardless of the amount of physical activity you go through. Athletes may find themselves in a variety of muscle pains and strains, but so will the average adult when undergoing more activity than they’re used to. Although easily disregarded as “old age” or simply mild discomfort, these can be signs of bigger musculoskeletal disorders.
A majority of muscle pains can be resolved with basic rest and massaging, but improper care and treatment can result in more chronic conditions. For this reason, a proper diagnosis from an accredited orthopaedic doctor should be made to assure the best possible healing.
Orthopaedic Doctors—What They Are
Orthopaedic doctors and surgeons handle the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all disorders related to bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They are experts of the musculoskeletal system and can handle any musculoskeletal disorder that they are faced with.
While generally diverse in handling conditions with bone or muscle, they can specialize in a particular section such as hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder and elbow, hands, or the spine. Diagnosis can come from any orthopaedic doctor, but the specific treatment for more chronic conditions are best handled by a specialist.
When Should You Approach One?
The most common reason to approach an orthopaedic doctor is usually for more obvious causes such as sprains or dislocations—these are incredibly painful and immediately noticeable. Painful recurring conditions such as fractures and bone breaks may require more complex procedures and therapy to health, which is why consulting a specialist should be your first step for treatment.
Although the more immediate conditions such as the above obviously need an expert’s opinion, subtle, yet chronic pains should merit a check-up as well. While these are usually more bearable at the onset, in the long run, it could worsen enough to become debilitating.
If you find yourself facing any of these common recurring problems, then visit your nearest orthopaedic doctor immediately for help.
– Shooting pains when climbing stairs or inclined areas
– Recurring joint pains (either due to specific conditions or chronic)
– Recurring back or hip pains
– Swelling joints
– Reduced or limited range of motion for any appendage or joint
– Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
– Recurring pain from previous injuries (sprains, breaks, fractures, etc.)
– Swelling from an area related to a previous injury
What to do when you have recurring pain?
Seeking the help of an orthopaedic doctor is always the best call, but taking note of some details can help speed along the diagnosis and treatment process. Certain factors such as where the pain occurs and when it began are basic questions to answer, but knowing the frequency and degree of pain can be helpful for your doctor. For swelling and tingling, knowing what could have caused the trigger can be telling—especially if it’s weather-related or allergy-induced.
Conclusion
Muscle, joint, and bone pains aren’t things you should disregard; prolonged conditions without treatment can result in lifelong complications for you. If in doubt, then consult with an orthopaedic doctor for the best diagnosis—this way, early detection and treatment can be implemented.
Looking for an orthopaedic doctor but don’t know where to find one? Get in touch with Dr David Edis look into what pains you.
About Dr David Edis
Dr David Edis is an Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon. David’s areas of special interest include the management of adult spinal conditions as well as hip and knee replacements. He has extensive experience in all facets of spine surgery from simple to complex, covering cervical to lumbo-pelvic conditions. He is an active researcher and medical educator and believes in lifelong learning. He is constantly updating his skills and helping other surgeons.
