When To Visit An Orthopedic Doctor

Jones Smith
5 Min Read

Our bones might ache on and off, depending on the level of pressure we put on them each day. If you have a demanding job that requires a lot of heavy lifting, your bones will act out sooner or later. 

However, how do you know whether those aches are something you can simply shake off or whether they warrant a visit to an orthopedic doctor? Check out the following situations and decide if you fit in there. 

1. Consistent Shoulder Pain

Pain in the shoulders might be common with many kinds of jobs. Sitting at a desk all day, lifting weights, and stocking shelves can all lead to some form of pain in the shoulder. But it’s time to worry when that shoulder pain becomes persistent and even gets worse at night. If moving is especially painful, get an orthopedic doctor to check that place. 

This sort of pain might be a symptom of tendonitis, which occurs when the tendons around the joints become swollen and inflamed. The joints then become quite tender and sensitive, leading to pain whenever we move that particular body part. 

2. Difficulty in Climbing Stairs

Going up and down the stairs requires you to make use of the knees and hips. Climbing stairs is healthy as well. But it’s quite unpleasant when even this simple task becomes painful and challenging. The same applies if you have issues with walking, standing up, or even getting out of a chair. 

Such cases might be much more serious than we realize. They might even signal the need for joint replacement surgery, so it’s best to visit an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible. 

3. Tingling And Numbness

You might sometimes feel like your hands are going numb, or you’re dropping items more frequently than before. A tingling in your middle finger, index finger, or thumb are also serious warning signs. If you’re experiencing such issues, they’re probably signaling carpal tunnel syndrome. 

This syndrome occurs when the nerve running between the wrist and forearm doesn’t work so well. This occurrence might be the result of improper posture when sitting at a computer, working frequently with vibrating machinery, or a wrist fracture. 

You don’t have to live with this kind of pain; neglecting it will only make things worse. Plus, you probably won’t be able to work so well with carpal tunnel syndrome. Get it checked out by a Lake Oswego orthopedic specialist right away.

4. A Twisted Ankle

Twisted ankles usually occur when we’re wearing high heels, walking on an uneven surface, or step on a roundish object. You may not even realize that you have a twisted ankle if you’ve had a busy day. 

However, the ankle itself will soon tell you that there’s something wrong. There will be pain in the exterior area. This might possibly lead to some bruising and swelling as well. If all these signs are present, you might have to get an appointment with an orthopedic doctor. 

While such sprains are quite common especially with those who have active lifestyles, you should make sure they heal properly. If you neglect them once, that area stays vulnerable to recurring sprains in the future. 

The Takeaway

Once you know about the warning signs, you’ll be better equipped to decide about booking an appointment. There’s no need to tolerate severe pain when you have treatment for orthopedic issues. If you have an active lifestyle and profession (such as being a coach or athlete), it’s probably best to get an expert on the issue right away. So, don’t hesitate if you notice any of the situations above.

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I am Jones Smith and I am here to share my experience and expertise in writing. I've been writing articles for different publications for more than 6 years. I have a varied range of interests and that's why I love blogging about different topics. In my opinion, blogging is a lot like acting, and I consider writing blog posts as an acting job. I am an entrepreneur by heart and there is nothing big or small when it comes to starting a business.