Your bones, muscles, and joints are important. They help you move and do the things you love. But sometimes, these body parts can get injured or worn out, preventing you from moving like normal. Knowing when to see an orthopedic surgeon for such issues can save you from pain and bigger problems later down the road.
This article will help you understand when it is time to get expert help for your bones and joints from an orthopedic surgeon near you.
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Serious Pain
If you have persistent moderate to severe pain in your bones, muscles, or joints, it might be time to see an orthopedic surgeon.
Long-lasting pain that does not go away after a few weeks needs attention. Severe pain that stops you from daily activities also means you should get help.
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Trouble Moving
If you find it hard to move a part of your body, like your shoulder, elbow, and wrist, this could be a sign of a serious problem.
Stiffness in a joint that makes it hard to move and weakness causing mobility issues are signals that it is time to see a doctor.
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Injuries
Some injuries require care from an orthopedic surgeon. Examples of such injuries include fractures, moderate or severe sprains and strains, and open wounds.
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Swelling and Redness
Swelling, redness, and warmth around a joint or bone can mean an infection or inflammation.
If a joint or the area around a bone has been swollen for longer than a few days, see a doctor. It could be serious if the skin around a joint is red and feels hot along with other symptoms such as fever.
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No Improvement with Rest
Sometimes, rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications are not enough to bring relief. If you still have pain or mobility issues after trying at-home treatments, it is time to see an orthopedic surgeon.
Common Hand and Arm Conditions an Orthopedist Can Treat
Here are some of the most common upper extremity conditions orthopedists can help address:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition develops when a major nerve in the wrist gets inflamed due to tightness in the carpal tunnel, which runs through the wrist. This can result in pain, numbness, and tingling in your hand and fingers.
An orthopedic surgeon can help by suggesting treatments like wrist splints, exercises, or even surgery, if needed.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is when the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, get inflamed.
This can happen in your wrist, elbow, or shoulder and make moving your arm or hand painful. Treatments include rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, and sometimes injections to reduce pain and swelling.
Fractures
If you break a bone in your hand, wrist, or arm, it can be very painful. An orthopedic surgeon can set the bone back in place, put on a cast, or even perform surgery to fix it with metal pins or plates.
Arthritis
Arthritis makes joints swollen and painful due to deterioration of joint tissue. Orthopedic surgeons can recommend treatments like physical therapy, medications, and sometimes surgery to replace or repair the joint.
Treatments an Orthopedist Can Provide
Your orthopedic surgeon can provide the following treatments:
Splints and Casts
For injuries like fractures or severe tendonitis, an orthopedic surgeon might use splints or casts to keep the injured area stable and help it heal properly.
Medications
Orthopedic surgeons can recommend medications to help with pain and inflammation. These can include over-the-counter pain relievers or stronger medicines that come through prescriptions, if needed.
Injections
In some cases, an orthopedic surgeon might give you injections to reduce pain and swelling in joints or tendons. These injections often contain steroids and can provide quick relief.
Surgery
When other treatments do not work, surgery might be the best option. Orthopedic surgeons can perform several types of surgeries to fix broken bones, release compressed nerves, or repair damaged tendons and joints.
Whether you have carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, a fracture, or arthritis, orthopedic doctors have many ways to help you feel better. Do not wait to seek help if you are experiencing any orthopedic issues.
Top-Notch Orthopedic Surgeon Near Me in Miami Lakes & Plantation, FL
Taking care of your bones, muscles, and joints is essential to long-term good health. If you have severe pain, trouble moving, an injury, swelling, or another type of orthopedic issue and are not finding relief with home treatments, do not wait. Seeing an orthopedic surgeon can help you feel better and get back to doing the things you love.
Are you searching for the top orthopedic surgeon near you in Miami Lakes and Plantation? Orthopaedic Hand and Arm Center’s Dr. Tosca Kinchelow is here to help. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, she will make sure you get the quality care you deserve. You may reach us today at (954) 635-5300 for any questions. You can also schedule a consultation with Dr. Kinchelow using our appointment request form.
Let us be your trusted partner in ensuring you get the upper extremity care you deserve. We look forward to serving you!
