Why Would I Need to See an Orthopedic Doctor?

Did you know that you have approximately 300 joints and bones inside your body? Any of these joints are susceptible to various conditions, usually resulting in discomfort, pain, loss of mobility, or worse.

Fortunately, orthopedic doctors specialize in treating conditions affecting your bones and joints. Let’s discuss why you would need to see an orthopedic doctor.

Pain and Numbness

Whether chronic or acute, you should never ignore pain. If you are experiencing pain in any of your joints, such as in your knees, you may have a musculoskeletal problem. Your orthopedic doctor should help you pinpoint the reason behind your pain, so you can devise a treatment plan to address it.

However, pain isn’t the only reason to see a doctor. Numbness or tingling, even if the sensation is temporary, could indicate pinched nerves or spinal problems.

Difficulties Performing Everyday Activities

Problems in the musculoskeletal system don’t just cause discomfort – they can also limit your range of motion and make moving difficult. These symptoms can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as walking, working at a computer, and precision tasks like preparing food. You may also experience stiffness when waking up or after a period of inactivity.

Conditions that make it challenging to perform daily tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Sprains and strains
• Frozen shoulder
• Broken bones

It’s vital that you not try to tough it out — ignoring a problem may allow it to get worse, and it will become more difficult to treat. The earlier you are diagnosed, the faster you will be able to recover. If you have problems performing tasks you usually don’t have difficulty with, you should immediately consult an orthopedic doctor.

Injury

Some of the most common reasons individuals visit an orthopedic doctor include broken bones, dislocations, compression fractures, tendon tears, and muscle injuries. Orthopedic doctors can handle both hard and soft tissue injuries.

Soft Tissue Injury

A soft tissue injury refers to injuries like sprains, strains, and bruises often sustained while engaging in sports. However, you can also incur a soft tissue injury during daily activity or at work. Many mild cases of soft tissue injuries can be treated with first aid and the RICE method:

1. Rest. You should cease any activity and allow your body to heal.
2. Ice. Apply ice to the area to decrease swelling and numb the surrounding tissues to reduce pain.
3. Compression. The injured area is wrapped and bound to reduce further swelling. However, take care not to wrap it too tightly, because it will impact circulation.
4. Elevation. Elevate the injured area above the heart level to minimize swelling.

However, you should still see an orthopedic doctor immediately after sustaining a soft tissue injury to ensure that it is not worse than it seems. The damage you sustained might be worse than it looks or feels.

Hard Tissue Injury

Hard tissue injuries are fractures or breaks in your bones. These need to be seen by an orthopedic doctor immediately, as improper care for a fracture can result in the bone healing incorrectly. Incorrect healing can cause deformities and complications that will most likely last a lifetime. Likewise, open fractures may be infected.

Preemptive Diagnosis

Not all conditions have home remedies and treatments. Conditions such as osteoporosis or arthritis may begin as minor problems — minor aches and pains, for example — but can develop into lifelong problems. These conditions are more easily addressed if caught early, making treatments more effective in slowing down the disease’s progression and controlling symptoms. Your orthopedic doctor should recommend tests that will help identify whether you have a severe condition. After that, they will work with you to devise a treatment plan.

Top-Notch Orthopedic Doctors in St. Peters & O’Fallon, MO

Complete treatment of a musculoskeletal injury is often multifaceted, incorporating medicine, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions are varied. While first-aid techniques exist, ultimately, the supervision of an orthopedic doctor can ensure that you are receiving adequate care and treatment.

If you’re in St. Charles County, Missouri, you don’t have to worry. Advanced Bone & Joint are here to serve you in your journey to recovery. Our board-certified orthopedic physicians utilize only the best techniques and personalized treatment plans to ensure that you receive the best care.

To book a consultation, you may call us at (636) 229 4222. You may also schedule it via our online appointment form.