Do you have continued knee or back pain on a daily basis? Do you feel sore or stiff after sleeping or being sedentary for a long time? Do you have an injury that just doesn’t seem to be healing? These are some common reasons people visit an orthopedic specialist. But what are some others? Let’s go over some of the common reasons people see orthopedic doctors.
Orthopedic doctors can help reduce pain
Pain is one of the most common reasons people visit orthopedic doctors. These doctors specialize in the entire musculoskeletal system, understanding the various types of joints and how they work. This includes muscles, nerves, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other connective tissue. There are many musculoskeletal conditions and injuries that can cause pain, and often, orthopedic specialists can help reduce or eliminate pain.
If you have pain, consider making an appointment. Orthopedic doctors diagnose and treat many types of pain all over the body, including:
- knee pain
- hip pain
- shoulder, elbow, wrist or hand pain
- ankle or foot pain
- back or neck pain
Whether your pain is dull or sharp, chronic or acute, an orthopedic doctor may be able to help.
Orthopedic doctors can help improve range of motionPain, swelling, injury, and joint stiffness can all lead to limited range of motion. And when your range of motion is limited, it can be difficult or painful to perform everyday tasks such as carrying things, taking care of yourself and even walking. Orthopedic specialists can work with you to increase range of motion and help you get back to normal. Increasing range of motion can often be accomplished through physical therapy, non-surgical treatment, and sometimes surgery.
Many people are willing to just tough it out, so to speak, and live with pain, limited range of motion, stiffness, and other symptoms that are annoying but not necessarily getting in the way of their lives. But when it becomes difficult to perform everyday tasks, like reaching to put something in a cabinet, bending over to pick something up from the floor, or even just getting out of bed or going for a walk, it’s time to see a doctor. Orthopedic specialists can talk with you to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and come up with a treatment plan that works for you and your lifestyle.
