Should I consult an orthopedic doctor? It’s a frequent question many people ask. Regardless of what you tell yourself, major indications and incidents aren’t merely the reasons to consult the doctor. For many conditions, early detection can result in better results. Read on these 10 signs that tell you it’s the right time to see an orthopedic doctor. In addition to the symptoms listed below, if your instinct informs you something is wrong, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention.
1 Your Cold Becomes Strangely Bad
It may not always easy to understand when to visit an orthopedic doctor. Make sure you seek medical help especially in case of the following:
- A serious cough that remains more than two weeks may be an indication of whooping cough. However, consistent congestion can result in sinus infection if not treated.
- If you are suffering from fever, muscle pain or other flu-like symptoms, at times it’s just the flu. It’s best to consult a doctor for a prescription. Though adults, pregnant mothers or other individuals with heart disease may exercise extra caution since they are more likely to develop complications simply from the flu.
- Shortness of breath and chest pain may seem common symptoms, however, they can lead to serious condition.
2 Your Soft Tissue Injury is Worsened
If you have lately suffered from a soft tissue injury such as a pulled muscle or twisted ankle, you may take rest or use ice to minimize the pain and swelling. With proper care, most minor sprains are improved within two days. If it doesn’t, it may indicate that the problem requires medical attention. Besides, remember that joint and bone pain is not always a result of a traumatic event such as a car accident or sports injury. At times, steady wear and tear on your body might be the major reason for your discomfort. If you are experiencing consistent pain for weeks or months, it’s the time to see a licensed medical professional. You can read more about such medical issues on websites that specializes for orthopaedic conditions and evaluate how soon you must seek medical assistance to treat your problem.
3 Inability to Hold Weight
When you stand up, do you have a feeling that your weight is being shifted away from your bad knee? If you affected knee is unable to hold your weight, seek medical help. This symptom is a prominent indication of the various knee conditions, all of which requires immediate medical attention to address.
4 Pain that Affects Sleep
Many people with knee issues have discomfort when sleeping. If your knee pain keeps you awake, you must seek help from an orthopedic clinic.
5 Twisted Ankles
Walking on rough ground or stepping on an object can frequently result in twisting your ankle. You will feel agony on the outside of the ankle, swelling and hurting are all common signs of a sprained or twisted ankle. Many people have a predisposition to twisting their ankles due to their posture or the way their feet are twisted. Any past ankle sprain is also a risk factor for hurting your ankle again.
6 Swelling Around the Joint
Similar to an abnormality of your knee joint, any change in the shape and color of your knee is a serious indication. If you find redness or swelling around your joint or you feel any soreness, this indicates an infection that needs to be treated immediately.
7 Reduced Range of Motion
If your knee is injured, it will perhaps swell internally. This swelling can minimize your range of motion and make it hard to straighten or bend your leg. If you see a decreased range of motion that stays for more than a day, consult a doctor.
8 Painful Joints
Consistent chronic pain in your joints is an indication that something is wrong. The term “chronic” refers to the pain for up to six months. This pain is often associated with swelling or inflammation around the joints. Also, it indicates that the bones of the joints are rubbing against one another. These symptoms can be a sign of arthritis. Arthritis is more common among women compared to men and therefore the risk of developing arthritis increases with age. Though young people may also suffer from arthritis depending on risk factors. Besides, excess weight, repetitive bending of joints and prior joint injuries surge the probability of developing arthritis.
9 Tingling or Numb Hands
If you feel tingling in your hand or you have frequently started dropping things, you are more likely to have carpal tunnel syndrome. The condition is caused by many factors primarily including a prior wrist fracture, working with machinery, or repetitive flexing of the wrist. The nerve runs from the forearm to wrist causing numbness or tingling hands.
10 Shoulder Pain
If your shoulder pain increases with time or worsens with movement, you need to check by an orthopedic doctor. These symptoms are commonly combined with pain around a joint and is an indication of tendonitis. The ailment often occurs due to consistent heavy-duty tasks or injury. You may feel the similar symptoms in the heel, writs or elbow. Tendons connect the muscles to the bones in the body. If they are injured due to overwork or losing flexibility during aging, they can cause the tendon to swell and become inflated.
Conclusion:
Don’t try to ignore out a knee, joint or muscle pain. If you experience a combination of the symptoms listed above, you must seek medical assistance. If these symptoms seem infrequent or minor, you may begin with your general practitioner and they will further recommend an orthopedic specialist if required. On the other hand, if you notice any sudden change in the existing symptoms such as extreme fever or muscle pain, you may directly seek help from an orthopedic doctor.
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