10 Reasons to Consult an Orthopedic Physician

Everyone has their own reason for going to the orthopedist. Some may have bad backs; others may have ankle pain. There are many reasons to go and find out what is wrong with your body. Sometimes it can be something minor like a sprain or another more serious ailment such as arthritis or lupus that requires visiting an orthopedic doctor.

Reasons You Should Go to an Orthopedic Physician

While we may not want to go or want to think about the thing that hurts us, it is important to know why we should go. Here are 10 reasons why you should visit an orthopedic surgeon. If you live in or near WA, you can visit orthopedic surgeon Seattle WA.

  • For Pain

You have pain that is keeping you from doing activities like walking, running, playing with your kids, etc. While this may be considered a general statement and not specific, it still points out the fact that when you are hurt and in pain, which affects your everyday life, it is definitely time for an appointment with an orthopedist.

  • Avoid the possibility of permanent damage.

Risks of permanent damage or disability are present if symptoms remain untreated. Many people do not want to visit an orthopedic doctor because they are afraid of the extra charges that they may have to pay in the future or because they don’t want to lose a limb. However, if you leave your symptoms untreated, it could end up costing you more when you are dealing with permanent damage. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and take care of what is wrong as soon as possible.

  • If You Have an Injury

You have chronic pain or an injury that just won’t heal on its own, even after taking pain medication or other means of treatment. Many people think that if they take over-the-counter medication, rest, and do nothing else, the pain will stop. While this may be true sometimes, other times it is not. The orthopedist will be able to better diagnose why the pain is still present and how to treat it once and for all.

  • In Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or have just given birth recently and have concerns about a physical condition or spinal abnormality. Pregnant women tend to worry about their bodies and whether something is wrong with them that could put their baby in danger. It is important to get checked out while they are still in the early stages of pregnancy so that you don’t go into labor and have to deliver. It would also be wise if you have just given birth to bring your child in for a checkup, just in case an abnormality is discovered.

  • For Your Children

Your son or daughter plays sports like soccer, or basketball. Then it’s time to check them out with their coach and make sure that everything is okay before the season begins. If you want your child to play without injury, then this is the time to find out what problems they may have because they won’t go away by themselves and could possibly harm their bodies while they are playing.

  • If You’re a Runner

If you are a runner and are training for a landmark marathon, race, or other event, then you should check with your orthopedist first. While running is considered healthy for most people, if you have knee problems or a bad back, it would be wise to get checked out before putting too much stress on your body. If something is wrong with your body, you would rather find out sooner rather than later so that you can make the necessary changes before the big day.

  • Back Pain Treatment

You have back pain and have been told by your general practitioner that they are referring you to an orthopedic physician and surgeon because they do not know what else to do and think it may be a solution to your pain problem. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for going to a doctor, and visiting an orthopedic doctor would be the right choice because they have more training and experience with this type of problem.

  • Chest or Breath Problems

If you are experiencing excruciating or extreme chest pain or breathing problems, which may be a sign of a heart condition or lung cancer. It is important to get checked out because chest pain can be an indicator that something is wrong with your heart or another organ, like the lungs. If they are not checked out in a timely manner, then it could cause further damage or, much worse, death.

  • Tingling in your arm

You have numbness and tingling in your arm, leg, hand, or foot, which could mean you have a pinched nerve. This is a serious condition, and while it can be treated, the sooner it is caught, the better. If left untreated, it could lead to permanent damage or disability.

  • When Muscles Exhaust

You have been diagnosed with a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) and your muscles are “tired” and need to take a break until they have healed enough to continue working, exercising, and sports. Rehab for RSI can be done at home in the privacy of your own home with the help of an orthopedic physical therapist or therapist. It’s important to continue on with their rehab program but also know when it may be time for them to recover so you don’t overdo their muscles further.

Final Words

These are just a few of the reasons why you would visit an orthopedic doctor. While there are many more reasons to go, such as headaches, back pain, neck pain, etc. this list is based on the most common. When you have problems, you should go to an orthopedic doctor.