When to See an Orthopedic Specialist for Joint Pain

Joint pain is a problem that can quickly take over every element of your life, and looking for an orthopedic doctor near me can be one of the best steps towards finding joy once more.

Unfortunately, it isn’t always easy to know when you should talk to a professional. This is especially true considering that joint pain may be intermittent to begin with, or may worsen so slowly that you don’t notice.

In this article, we’ll erase all doubt by considering when to see an orthopedic doctor about your aches and pains, and what a professional could do for you once you reach out. 

Considering the Common Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain can have several different causes, some of which may heal over time, while others will require ongoing professional treatment. Understanding the underlying cause of your joint pain is key to finding the best treatment path. 

Primary reasons for joint pain often include – 

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, or ‘wear-and-tear’ arthritis, is the most common cause of joint pain, and occurs due when cartilage wears away. Osteoarthritis is most common in the knees, hands, and hips, and may require medication or exercise to ease symptoms.
• Tendon or ligament injuries: Joint pain can occur with tendon or ligament injuries, which could include swelling or partial/full tears. These injuries may resolve on their own, but large tears typically require surgery. 
• Bursitis: Overuse of joints can cause bursitis, a painful inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around your joints. This is most common in the hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder, and will typically resolve with rest and gentle exercise.
• Gout: Gout is a painful form of arthritis that occurs when a chemical build-up leads to the formation of crystals in the body’s joints, which  may require medication or dietary changes. 

When Should You Contact a Joint Pain Specialist?

While some causes of joint pain, like bursitis, will typically resolve within a matter of weeks, others are chronic, meaning that they will continue to cause you pain and symptoms. Some causes of joint pain may also worsen over time. 

Just a few early warning signs that you could benefit from contacting a joint pain specialist include – 

• Joint point that recurs over weeks or months
• Pain, swelling, or stiffness that affects one or more joints
• Worsening joint stiffness
• Limited range of motion in your joint
• Joint pain that prevents you from completing daily tasks

Understanding Your Treatment Options

Ultimately, it’s worth reaching out to an orthopedic specialist about any joint pain that concerns or restricts you. They will then work closely with you to ease that pain using a range of treatment options, which may include – 

• Orthopedic care by surgeons or carefully trained physicians, who may recommend medication, injection therapies, or physical therapy
• Pain management, including testing, diagnosis, and multidisciplinary treatment procedures
• Physical therapy to promote mobility and strengthen muscles and joints
• Regenerative medicine, such as platelet therapy, which encourages the body’s natural healing process

Any of these treatments can prove transformative for joint pain, and they’re only possible by getting in touch with a professional. Here at DOC, we provide in-person and telehealth appointments across a range of health clinics in areas like Dallas and Austin. Schedule your appointment today to free yourself of crippling joint pain at last.