Have you ever had a twist, sprain or ache that won't go away? Many people think orthopedic doctors only fix broken bones, but that's just one part of what they do. An orthopedic provider is an expert in the musculoskeletal system – your bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. They help with all kinds of problems that affect how you move.

So, how do you know when to see an orthopedic doctor? Let's get into it.

More Than Just Broken Bones

Orthopedic doctors help with various problems, from sudden sports injuries to long-lasting orthopedic conditions that cause bone, muscle and joint pain. Your primary care doctor can help with many aches and pains, but sometimes you need an expert in bones and joints.

When Persistent Symptoms Mean It's Time

Some symptoms mean you should get help quickly from an orthopedic provider, or even head to an emergency room if it's severe:

?      Can’t move a joint

?      Joint looks “out of place”

?      Numbness or tingling

?      Open wound with a bone showing

?      Sudden, severe pain

Even if your symptoms aren't severe, they can still be signs you need to see an orthopedic specialist, especially if they linger or worsen. Think about these common issues:

?      Ongoing pain. Joint pain might last for more than a few days or weeks, even after resting or taking over-the-counter pain medication. This could be in your knee, hip, shoulder or back.

?      Stiffness or swelling. A joint often feels stiff, swollen or warm to the touch, making it hard to move or do everyday things.

?      Limited movement. You might notice you're losing range of motion in a joint – meaning you can't move it as far as you used to. Perhaps you can't lift your arm all the way or bend your knee fully.

?      Grinding or clicking. You hear or feel grinding, clicking or popping in a joint every time you move it.

?      Balance problems. Joint pain could make it hard to walk steadily or cause you to stumble.

These problems could point to degenerative conditions (wear and tear over time), soft tissue injury (like a sprain or strain) or other musculoskeletal conditions.

Specific Joints and What to Watch For

Since your body has so many joints, it can be helpful to know what kinds of symptoms in different areas might mean it's time to see an orthopedic doctor. Here are some common signs to look for in specific body parts:

?      Knee or Hip: Pain when walking, climbing stairs or getting up from a chair

?      Shoulder or Elbow: Pain when lifting your arm, reaching overhead or throwing

?      Wrist or Ankle: Pain after a twist, or ongoing soreness that makes it hard to use your hand or walk

?      Back: Chronic pain that doesn't go away, pain that shoots down your leg or stiffness that limits your activity

When in Doubt, Get Checked Out

Getting checked out early is always better than letting a problem worsen. An orthopedic specialist can help determine what’s happening and suggest treatments such as physical therapy, special exercises or other solutions.

If you're dealing with bone or joint pain, get expert care at the Bone & Joint South Ortho Walk-in Clinic and Sports Medicine Clinic at Union Health, located at 4601 South 7th St. in Terre Haute. No appointment is needed, so a caring professional can quickly help you get started on the path to feeling better.