An orthopedic doctor specializes in treating and managing conditions that affect the skeletal system, including the joints. Knowing when you should see this professional will help improve your quality of life and comfort, returning you to a healthier state. Here are some situations where an orthopedic physician should be consulted.

When to Get Checked by an Orthopedic Doctor

1. Lingering Sports Injury

Sports injuries are common in athletes, ranging from broken bones to joint damage from wear or overuse. If you’ve had treatment but are still experiencing pain, swelling, or stiffness in the area, there may be undiagnosed damage or previous treatments could have failed. A bone doctor will be able to run new diagnostics and imaging to see what’s going on, and they’ll offer more targeted treatments to alleviate the symptoms.

2. Chronic Joint Pain

Constant pain and stiffness that worsens over time and under pressure may indicate advanced arthritis or extremely worn joints. An orthopedic doctor can assess the severity of your condition and create a treatment plan. If the injury is severe and nothing else has worked, they may recommend less-invasive arthroscopy or joint replacement.

3. Limited Range of Motion

A sudden loss or worsening of your range of motion in a specific part of the body indicates a serious problem. Fractured bones in the joints, joint infection, or joint dislocation can all inhibit your range of motion and require immediate treatment.

Without treatment, infections can spread and improperly healed bones will cause a permanent loss of motion. You may also experience damage to the muscles and circulation around the dislocation.

4. Ineffective Physical Therapy

If you’ve been doing everything the therapist suggests, and your condition isn’t improving, something isn’t right. Ongoing or worsening pain, stiffness, and swelling can be caused by a condition that another physician missed or that could have been aggravated by therapy.

If you need to see an orthopedic doctor, turn to Peter A. Matsuura, M.D., in Hilo, HI. Dr. Matsuura and his team will assess your condition to determine the root of the injury, then create a custom treatment plan. They have over 20 years of experience and have helped people of all ages recover from sports injuries, chronic stiffness, and joint pain. To get more information about their services, visit the website or call (808) 969-3331.