When should I see an Orthopedic Doctor?

Many people are not aware when exactly they can benefit from seeing an orthopedic doctor. Here’s a look at how an orthopedic physician can help you and when you should see one.

When should I see an orthopedic doctor?

Orthopedic doctors specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders, conditions, and injuries pertaining to the musculoskeletal system – the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tendons in the body.

Just as you would see a cardiologist for a heart issue and a neurosurgeon for a brain disorder, you need an orthopedic doctor instead of your primary care doctor for musculoskeletal issues. So, if you are experiencing a musculoskeletal issue, you need to see an orthopedic doctor or surgeon.

Here are some examples to help you understand when to seek an orthopedic specialist.

• Chronic Pain – Usually, pain occurs if you injure yourself. This is known as acute pain and would go away as the injury heals. But if you are suffering from stubborn pain that has lasted more than a few weeks, you are experiencing chronic pain. Chronic pain is treated by orthopedic doctors. It is a sign that there is an underlying condition or injury that needs to be addressed.

• Limited Range of Motion – If you are not able to move your body the way you normally do, this is referred to as limited range of motion. This often happens after an injury or accident or over a period of time in case of degenerative conditions, such as arthritis. Orthopedic doctors can examine you to diagnose the underlying cause and recommend treatments to help improve it.

• Difficulty with Daily Activities – If you are experiencing difficulty in performing daily activities like walking, doing chores, or carrying out your hobbies and activities, there is likely an underlying issue that must be addressed. For example, your knees hurt while you walk, your wrists ache after typing on a keyboard for some time or your back hurts while gardening. To some extent, aging affects a person’s capacity to do certain things. But if you experience significant limitations in daily activities or it hurts while doing them, you need to see an orthopedic doctor right away.

• Injury – Orthopedic doctors treat a variety of musculoskeletal injuries after any injury. They can provide the right treatments to fix issues like bone fractures, torn ligaments, strained muscles, and other injuries.

• Old Injuries – Left untreated, old injuries can also cause chronic pain and reduced function. If you suffered an injury or surgery a long time ago which is still causing you pain, get it examined by an orthopedic doctor.

To learn more about orthopedic treatments, call one of the best orthopedic surgeons in Phoenix AZ, call Phoenix Shoulder and Knee at 480-219-3342. Dr. Adam Farber is a Fellowship Trained, Board Certified Phoenix and Scottsdale orthopedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine.

Phoenix Shoulder & Knee
1215 W Rio Salado Parkway
Suite 105 Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 219-3342

This release was published on openPR.