Whether you’re in your twenties or fifties, chronic pain can be physically and emotionally challenging. Fortunately, there are orthopedic doctors who specialize in muscle, tendon, ligament, bone and joint injuries and issues, helping patients to alleviate their discomfort and other symptoms. If you are experiencing pain but aren’t sure whether it’s worth contacting a medical professional, here are a few signs you should.
How to Tell If You Should Call an Orthopedic Doctor
- Trauma or Injury
Visit a doctor if you have sustained an injury. Doing so can help mitigate long-term effects and prevent the pain from becoming chronic. An orthopedic doctor will check for fractures, muscle strains, ligament sprains, tendon tears and nerve injuries. An accurate diagnosis will help you identify the source of the pain and best treatment method. It’s particularly important to see a doctor if the discomfort lasts more than 48 hours, there is deformity, swelling, bruising, or instability, your sleep is disrupted or if you have difficulty moving the joint or walking. - Poor Quality of Life
Being self-sufficient and enjoying your quality of life are important for your well-being. If pain or weakness prevent you from doing activities you enjoy or if you aren’t able to perform everyday tasks on your own, like dressing, walking, and driving, it’s time to call an orthopedic doctor. They will assess your condition to determine a treatment plan that will help lead to independence and improved quality of life. - Limited Range of Motion
Pay attention to the movement of your joints. Do you have full range of motion or do you feel limited or stiff? Do you have pain when you move? Are you walking, sitting, or sleeping differently than normal. If you are having trouble with these activities, an orthopedic doctor can help. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you get moving again and prevent long-term effects.
When you need an orthopedic doctor you can trust, contact Advanced Orthopaedic Associates. Serving Passaic, Bergen, and Morris counties, NJ, they’ve been helping patients to reduce chronic pain and range of motion issues since 1994. Led by Dr. Cherise M. Dyal, their staff members are compassionate, thorough, and understanding. They offer state-of-the-art treatment options, as well as lifestyle coaching and classes. Call (973) 839-5700 to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment.
