Finding Relief for Acute and Chronic Pain
According to the CDC, more than 15 million people live with chronic pain that’s related to arthritis or their joints. For those who are 45 years of age or older and have other chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, or obesity), joint pain becomes far more prevalent. However, just because you’re experiencing joint pain doesn’t mean you have to live with it. Many individuals have been able to reclaim their quality of life and find pain relief through treatment from orthopedic doctors.
What is an Orthopedic Doctor and What Conditions Do They Specialize In?
For the uninitiated, the musculoskeletal system includes all the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the human body. An orthopedic doctor is someone who specializes in that system, making them a valuable resource when it comes to relieving joint pain. They treat a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions, including:
·Arthritis
·Sports-related injuries
·Tennis elbow
·Labral tears
·Ligament or tendon injuries
·Broken bones or fractures
·Carpal tunnel syndrome
·Limited mobility or pain in the knees, hips, shoulders, back, neck, etc.
As you can see, orthopedic doctors can help their patients address their pain or mobility issues, regardless of where they are. In fact, most orthopedic doctors can get to the root cause of your pain or mobility issue during the first appointment. After getting your full medical history, an orthopedic doctor will examine the affected area and possibly take x-rays or an MRI. Once that stage of the process is complete, the orthopedic doctor will be able to put you on a personalized treatment plan that is intended to reduce your pain and discomfort while increasing mobility.
When is the Right Time to See an Orthopedic Doctor?
Many people experience pain, however, determining whether or not that pain warrants the attention of an orthopedic doctor can be tricky. For instance, if you sprained your ankle playing tennis, should you see an orthopedic doctor now or give it a couple days?
Of course, at-home methods such as rest, heat/ice therapy, and over-the-counter pain meds may resolve the issue. In the event that the situation persists or your pain levels increase, then it’s probably a good idea to be seen by an orthopedic doctor sooner rather than later. This holds especially true for those injuries or conditions that are both painful and limit mobility. If you are unable to function as you normally are capable of, it’s time to set an appointment.
What Treatment Methods Should I Expect for My Pain and/or Mobility Issues?
Every patient’s pain or mobility issues are specific to them, which means it’s all the more important to work with a medical professional who takes the time to fully understand your situation. Depending on your injury or condition, an orthopedic doctor will develop a treatment plan that’s tailored to you.
As previously mentioned, at-home methods are usually the first wave of treatment for minor conditions that will heal on their own. In many cases, acute conditions will resolve themselves if you simply rest and temporarily suspend activities that may aggravate it. For instance, tennis elbow is a pretty common condition that largely benefits from using at-home methods. By comparison, a torn ACL or labral tear will require more aggressive forms of treatment.
In the cases of severe injury or chronic conditions where pain has been persistent for months, your orthopedic doctor may prescribe you with prescription pain medication or give you injections at the site of where the pain is occurring. They may even recommend that you undergo surgery; however, orthopedic surgery is used as a last resort when all other methods have been deemed ineffective.
In the event of surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will provide a detailed recovery plan and arrange any physical therapy that you may need. For a condition such as partial or full joint/knee replacement, the recovery process can take several months before you reclaim your full mobility. Your doctor will help guide you through this process to ensure your pain levels are bearable and you stay on track to making a full recovery.
Ready to Live Pain-Free Again? Contact Your Local Orthopedic Doctor Today
There is no need to suffer any longer with pain or mobility issues. If you are suffering from chronic pain due to an injury or an ongoing condition, reach out to your local orthopedic doctor today so that you can get on the path to recovery. The easiest way to start your search is by Googling “orthopedic doctor near me.” That will bring up a listing of local orthopedic doctors in your area. In our experience, it’s best to go with the practice that has the best patient rating as opposed to what’s closest. This ensures you’ll get the best possible care.
