While quite common, joint pain is often a cause for concern. Especially, when you have ongoing pain, issues with movement, etc., seeing a doctor immediately is vital to recovery and management. Such pain affects millions of people, ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain.
Many cases can be managed with simple lifestyle changes or over-the-counter medication, there are instances when seeing an orthopedic surgeon is a must. For medical care in orthopedic in Siliguri, visit the leading orthopedic hospital in town.
Here’s a guide to help you know when it might be time to see an orthopedic surgeon or doctor for joint pain.
Understanding Joint Pain – What is it?
Joints in your body are where two or more bones meet, which perfectly enable you to move and have flexibility in various parts of your body. These include the knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows. Joint pain has various causes, such as:
Arthritis is an inflammation of joints, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or other forms.
Joint injuries due to sports injuries, falls, or accidents can cause damage to the joints.
Wear and tear can result from aging, which naturally contributes to the deterioration of joint structures.
Overuse of joints, such as repetitive movements, especially in athletes or those with physically demanding jobs, may cause joint pain or joint issues as well. You can see the best orthopedic doctor in Siliguri City.
Some joint pain is temporary and mild. This type of pain can be managed with rest, self-care, and over-the-counter medication. In other instances, persistent or severe pain might indicate a more serious joint condition requiring medical attention without delay.
Knowing the Signs That It’s Time to See an Orthopaedic Surgeon
Not all joint pain needs immediate medical attention or medical care from an orthopaedic surgeon, but certain signs suggest that it’s time to seek expert help.
Persistent Pain
If joint pain persists or is ongoing (comes and goes) for more than two to three weeks despite using rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) or over-the-counter pain relievers, seek medical attention.
Chronic pain often suggests underlying issues such as arthritis, osteoporosis, cartilage damage, or structural problems that need further or specialized care. Get effective care in advanced orthopedic in Siliguri.
Movement Issues
Many people are unable to bear weight on the affected joint or move it. This is because it causes significant pain in the joint. Such movement issues can be a sign of an injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or advanced joint inflammation.
Here, an orthopaedic surgeon or expert can detect the severity of the injury through physical exams and imaging tests and ensure the most suitable treatment plan.
Swelling, Redness, or Warmth
Do you have swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint? If yes, you should seek medical support from an orthopaedic doctor. Swelling, redness, and warmth often indicate inflammation, which can result from infections. Also, it can result from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
If these symptoms appear suddenly or with fever, it becomes vital to seek immediate medical attention from an orthopaedic surgeon or doctor.
Joint Deformity
If there are noticeable deformities, such as a visibly misshapen joint or instability, it may occur due to dislocation, severe sprains, or advanced cartilage damage. Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon is a must because a specialist is well-trained to address these issues. Your orthopaedic doctor will offer solutions that can stabilize the joint health and prevent further damage.
No Improvement with Physical Therapy
Physical therapy (physiotherapy) is more often the first line of treatment for joint pain. However, not every joint condition gets better with physical therapy. If your symptoms don’t improve after several weeks of physiotherapy, it is time for a surgical evaluation or attention.
Certain conditions are more likely to require surgical care, such as:
Sports injuries, like torn ligaments (like ACL injuries), meniscus tears, or shoulder dislocations.
Trauma from severe fractures, especially those involving joint surfaces.
Besides these conditions, for patients with advanced osteoarthritis, non-surgical treatments might not be sufficient, and joint replacement surgery might be recommended by an orthopaedic expert.
Also, for rheumatoid arthritis, surgery can be advised since this autoimmune condition can lead to severe joint deformity and damage.
To receive comprehensive orthopaedic treatment support, visit the best orthopedic hospital in Siliguri, North Bengal. With personalized medical care, you can see optimal improvements.
