An orthopedist is a health professional treating problems related to the muscles and joints. If you suffer from muscle or joint pain, your doctor is the first place to visit. Many doctors will refer patients to an orthopedist in serious cases requiring X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. Here is a list of six times you might need an orthopedic doctor.
1. Locked Joints
When joints are locked, it is important to get checked out. Locked joints are not in their proper place, which can lead to a greater chance of permanent damage to the joint. Contacting an orthopedic doctor at the first sign of a joint locking problem can help to minimize the damage and protect you from losing the complete range of motion in that joint.
2. Deformity
If you develop a deformity, you should see an orthopedic doctor. This is when the deformity is not improving with time. Deformities can lead to permanent damage to the body. The sooner they are corrected, the better your chances of keeping your bones strong and healthy while minimizing further problems.
3. Inability to Straighten the Back
If you have trouble straightening your back or if you cannot stand up straight, you should get checked out. This is especially true if, while lying down or sitting, you still experience difficulty with proper back alignment and posture. It is important for your doctor to check to ensure there is no problem with a disk pinched in the spine.
4. Pain in Muscles, Tendons, or Joints that Persists for Days
If you are experiencing pain in your muscles, tendons, and joints, and the pain persists for several days or a week, you should see an orthopedic doctor. Several different conditions can develop that cause this type of pain. Some of these conditions require surgery or other medical intervention to correct the condition. You should get checked out by a doctor so they can help diagnose and treat the condition.
5. Inability to Perform Daily Duties
You should see an orthopedic doctor if you have trouble performing normal day-to-day activities, such as walking, dressing, or getting out of bed. This can be serious if you are experiencing pain during these activities. The problem could be a sign of something more serious. The sooner doctors diagnose the problem, the better your chances of avoiding greater medical issues.
6. Any Bone or Joint Injury with Broken Skin
If you injure yourself, you should see an orthopedic doctor if there is broken skin. Broken skin indicates that the injury is severe. Nowhere in the body where infection cannot travel and cause more problems. An orthopedic doctor can assess and treat the problem, keeping any severe conditions at bay until your bones and joints heal properly.
These are just a few indicators you need to see an orthopedic doctor. Conditions can often be detected early on and treated before they become serious. Early detection also allows for early treatment, which minimizes the time needed for any body parts to heal.