Two: Check Availability And Cost
Sometimes doctors have very long waiting lists for appointments. If this is the case, you can try speaking to the nurse or front office staff. Oftentimes, doctors can see people sooner for more urgent conditions.
In addition, be sure to find out beforehand whether your insurance will cover the cost of the surgery and if the doctor you are considering is on the insurer’s provider list. You can do this by either calling your insurance company directly or doing a provider search on the member portal of your insurance company’s website.
When To Visit An Orthopedic Specialist For Shoulder Pain
Depending on the condition, each person may experience a different set of symptoms that affect the shoulder.
Common symptoms of shoulder injury include:
- Inability to move the shoulder
- Shoulder stiffness
As your symptoms progress, you may want to consider seeing an orthopedic doctor. Here are some things to let you know that it may be time for medical intervention:
- Your shoulder pain is not subsiding after rest
- Pain is present when resting your arm
- You begin experiencing numbness and weakness down the arm
- Your pain intensifies
- Pain increases with movement
- You can see visible swelling or lump near the shoulder joint
If left untreated, shoulder pain can progress and interfere with hobbies and daily living. When pain persists and becomes debilitating, it may be time to see an orthopedic specialist.
Orthopedic Doctors Can Help Improve Range Of Motion
Pain, swelling, injury, and joint stiffness can all lead to limited range of motion. And when your range of motion is limited, it can be difficult or painful to perform everyday tasks such as carrying things, taking care of yourself and even walking. Orthopedic specialists can work with you to increase range of motion and help you get back to normal. Increasing range of motion can often be accomplished through physical therapy, non-surgical treatment, and sometimes surgery.
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Facilities Available At Nivaran Pain Relief Centers
At Nivaran Pain relief centres, we have facilities for all types of orthopaedic patients. Be it early-stage, mid-stage, or advanced stage. We have a dedicated team of:
- Physical Therapists
- Rheumatologists
- Patient care-takers
Surely, our strategically planned and formed team can take care of most of your bodily pains.
Surgeries Performed By An Orthopedic Doctor
In some cases, a musculoskeletal condition or injury may not be able to heal effectively with nonsurgical treatment options. When that is the case, your orthopedic doctor will talk to you about surgery. Depending on your injury or condition, your doctor may recommend a specific type of surgery, and the operation could be in-patient or outpatient. Orthopedic surgeons can perform a wide range of orthopedic surgeries to address musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Here are examples of surgeries performed by an orthopedic doctor.
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What About Medicare And Medicaid
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for adults over the age of 65, as well as some other younger groups with specific chronic health conditions. People with Medicare often have either:
- Original Medicare .Part B is the outpatient medical insurance portion of original Medicare. It covers nonhospital based medical services that are considered necessary to diagnose or treat a specific condition.
- Medicare Advantage .Part C plans are offered by private insurance companies. Advantage plans are required to cover the same basic benefits as original Medicare but may also offer additional benefits.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides assistance with healthcare costs to those with lower incomes or resources. Eligibility and what exactly is covered varies from state to state.
Some research, both , has indicated that people with Medicare or Medicaid may have trouble accessing timely orthopedic care.
However, there are tools you can use to find doctors that accept these programs:
- For Medicare. Use the Physician Compare tool. This allows you to input a variety of information in order to find doctors in your area that accept Medicare.
- For Medicaid. Contact your states Medicaid office to find out which doctors in your state accept Medicaid.
Signs You Need An Orthopedic Specialist
Knowing some indicators of when you should see an orthopedic specialist can help you take control of your health and advocate for yourself.
These signs include:
- An injury that has lasted more than 48 hours and isnt improving
- Pain or swelling in the joints and bones, especially in the knees, elbows, back or neck
- Pain from repetitive motions
- Youve noticed less range of motion or stiffness
- Tingling or numbness in your hands
- Youre having trouble with normal, everyday tasks due to one of the above symptoms.
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Nonsurgical Treatment Options With An Orthopedic Doctor
When you visit an orthopedic doctor for treatment, they will want to explore nonsurgical treatment options with you. While orthopedic doctors are also called orthopedic surgeons, that doesnt mean that every trip to their office will result in surgery. In fact, orthopedic doctors work with treatment techniques and strategies to help you avoid surgery and instead find lasting relief from more conservative approaches. Here are four examples of nonsurgical treatment options with an orthopedic doctor.
Signs You Should See An Orthopedic Surgeon
- Painful joints lasting more than 12 weeks. This type of pain often does not go away on its own and may benefit from orthopedic treatment.
- Bruising, soreness or swelling that doesnt respond to rest, ice, elevation and over-the-counter pain medications.
- Limited range of motion, including difficulty using your shoulders, bending your knees or flexing any joints.
- Inability to bear weight or feeling unstable or off-balance while walking, sitting down or climbing stairs.
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities, such as the arms, hands, legs, feet or toes.
- Difficulty performing your daily routinegetting dressed, going shopping, seeing friendsor moving.
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You Experience Instability While Walking Or Standing
Do you feel shaky or wobbly when performing basic functions such as standing, walking, sitting down or standing up? This is a sure sign that something is wrong with your joints. Your best option is to consult with a medical professional in order to determine the cause of your instability, and work on correcting it.
Treatment And Prevention Of Injuries
Your body will likely suffer a variety of injuries over a lifetime from broken bones to pulled muscles. Orthopedic doctors or surgeons can improve function and eradicate pain from broken bones and injured muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The following are just a few examples of injuries an orthopedic doctor can provide treatment for:
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When Should I See An Orthopedic Specialist
An orthopedic specialist diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. The musculoskeletal system includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. At Integrity Spine and Orthopedics, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are trained to manage everything from an acute ankle sprain following a sports accident to chronic arthritis pain and joint damage. If youre living with pain and decreased movement, keep reading to learn more about when its time to call a specialist and what to expect from your orthopedist.
What To Expect At Your First Orthopedic Appointment
Visiting a specialist can be nerve-wracking, so well break down exactly what you can expect at your first orthopedic doctor appointment to make it a little easier for you. Youll want to be prepared for paperwork, which will include information on your medical history, your symptoms, insurance information, and more.
You should also expect a comprehensive medical review with the specialist, because theyll want to get a deeper understanding of your overall health. This can include:
- Verbal and physical evaluation
- Diagnostic imaging
These are important to help them best diagnose and treat you. Knowing your history and having any relevant records with you will help. You may also want to dress for the evaluation for example if youre having knee pain, you may want to wear shorts.
You may not receive a diagnosis or plan of treatment in your first visit, so its important to prepare yourself for this. But once the specialist determines your diagnosis, youll be given a treatment plan and you will likely have follow-up visits.
The Takeaway
Your primary or trusted family doctor should be your first step in the process if you suspect you may need an orthopedic specialist. Theyll be able to properly refer you, but maybe even help treat your concerns without the need for a specialist appointment. Either way, getting that referral is crucial for proper coverage and avoiding roadblocks in your health care.
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Fear Is Standing In Your Way
Many people focus on the surgeon part of orthopedic surgeon, and assume that an appointment will lead to an operation. Thats not necessarily the case, says Dr. Maceroni. An orthopedic surgeon will determine the best course of action, which may not be surgery. You may have a different treatment or shorter recovery time than you imagine. Dont guess. Find out for sure.
Take The Next Step For Relief
An orthopedic surgeon can diagnose the cause of your pain or other symptoms and talk with you about your treatment options. Noninvasive treatments include physical therapy, massage therapy, prescription medication or cortisone injections. If nonsurgical methods arent providing relief, surgery may be an option.
Its always a good choice to speak with an orthopedic surgeon because the last thing you want is for your condition to worsen or for an injury, such as a rotator cuff tear, to become irreparable if untreated, Dr. Reinke says.
For an example, if someone has a knee ligament injury thats not addressed, it can sometimes lead to arthritis. These types of outcomes often can be prevented, Dr. Reinke says.
Joints can deteriorate over time, but if a condition is addressed quickly, we can take steps to prevent that from occurring.
If youre experiencing joint pain, talk with your doctor. If you dont have a doctor, find a provider near you.
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When To See A Doctor For An Orthopedic Injury
Whether you’re exercising, moving furniture or even just stepping down from a curb, injuries are bound to happen. In the aftermath, you’re likely wondering what to do next.
Should you just walk it off? Try to schedule a doctor’s appointment the next day? Go to an urgent care clinic the same day? Or head to the ER immediately?
Every year millions of people who end up in the emergency room or doctor’s office with orthopedic injuries have this debate.
“The big question after an injury is often where to go for medical care, or whether medical care is needed,” says Dr. David Lintner, an orthopedic surgeon and chief of sports medicine at Houston Methodist.
Minor injuries can often be treated at home, but there are times when you should see a doctor to ensure proper healing.
Finding An Orthopedic Physician
When looking to get orthopedic care it is important to take into consideration the condition that needs treatment. Finding a specialist in the specific issue can speed along the healing process greatly. The Illinois Bone and Joint Institute has specialist in almost every area of orthopedic care. To find a physician to treat a certain disease, condition, or injury search our database of physicians to find one that has the ability to provide expert specialized care. Once a physician is found, it is easy to make an appointment by calling the phone number on the doctors biography page or requesting an appointment through our contact form.
*The blog is for general information and educational purposes only regarding musculoskeletal conditions. The information provided does not constitute the practice of medicine or other healthcare professional services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor-patient relationship is formed. Readers with musculoskeletal conditions should seek the advice of their healthcare professionals without delay for any condition they have. The use of the information is at the readers own risk. The content is not intended to replace diagnosis, treatment or medical advice from your treating healthcare professional.
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Reasons To See An Orthopedic Surgeon
Most commonly, people see an orthopedic doctor because theyâre having pain in a joint, muscle, or bone — or any discomfort relating to movement. If your body hurts, is stiff, is often swollen, or if you have an injury in your joints, bones, muscles, or ligaments, you may want to see an orthopedic surgeon.
Another sign that you should see an orthopedic doctor is if your range of motion is diminished. Orthopedic doctors can help you regain your ability to move in specific ways.
If you have a serious injury, orthopedic surgeons can help with recovery and also help you prevent further injuries. This is why athletes often work with orthopedic surgeons. Typical injuries an orthopedic surgeon might treat are:
- Torn or broken ligaments
- Torn or broken tendons
- Broken bones that wonât heal with just a cast
- Spine or hip fractures from osteoporosis
You donât need to have an injury to see an orthopedic surgeon. Many people see them because of long-lasting aches, pains, or loss of mobility.
You may have these kinds of problems due to an old injury. They may develop over time. Itâs important to talk to your doctor and keep them informed if you feel pain.
You might see an orthopedic surgeon for treatment of bone and soft-tissue problems due to longer-term illnesses like:
- Cancerous tumors that start in the bone
- Cancerous tumors that spread to bone from somewhere else
- Blood cancers like multiple myeloma that can weaken bones
S To Take After Any Injury
Whether you were hurt at home or while you were out and about, deciding what to do after an injury can be stressful. You may feel compelled to push through the pain, but continuing to move the injured area could lead to further damage and a longer recovery time.
“It’s important to recognize that an injury is a sign you’ve pushed your body too far and you need to rest,” says Dr. Lintner.
Here are the steps Dr. Lintner advises taking after an injury:
- Rest the injured area to avoid further injury
- Apply ice or compression to reduce swelling
- Elevate the injured area
- Protect the injured area by wearing a cast or brace, or using crutches, if needed
Lastly, evaluate your injury for signs that it may be serious enough to warrant seeing a doctor.
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When Should I See An Orthopedic Doctor
Sometimes, it can get confusing whether to get that appointment with your orthopedic or just wait it out. So, when deciding whether to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor, take into account these warning signs:
1. Swollen Joint
In the soft tissues surrounding joints, swelling tends to happen when fluid builds up in the tissues. It can be caused by trauma, bacterial infections, or reactive or chronic arthritis. Osteoarthritis, gout, septic arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis are additional conditions that can result in swollen joints.
Rare causes include ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatic fever, and an underactive thyroid gland .
Joint swelling warrants an evaluation from orthopedics, particularly if it is accompanied by pain. It is also essential to see a doctor if you have a fever along with swollen joints.
2. Back Pain
Anyone can suffer from back pain. According to statistics, 80% of people, ranging from young to elderly, suffer from upper or lower back pain. Mild back pains can be caused by activities of daily living like standing up in the kitchen, lifting weights, and overdoing exercises in addition to prolonged sitting.
But let’s say your back pain is persistent, chronic, and getting worse, causing you to lose control of your bowels or bladder and weaken the muscles in your legs. In that situation, it is crucial to seek medical attention from an orthopedic specialist to prevent further deterioration and life-threatening conditions.
6. Twisted Or Sprained Ankle
Pain Alleviation And Condition Diagnosis
Pain is a common reason for people to see an orthopedic doctor. Whether you feel little or a lot of distress, an orthopedic doctor can alleviate your pain by getting to the source of it.
You should consider seeking professional help if youre experiencing pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks, which is regarded as chronic pain. Even if the symptoms are bearable or alleviated by taking pain medication, you still need to seek medical assistance. A lot of orthopedic conditions tend to get worse with time if they are not treated. Your symptoms may get worse later on.
Another sign that you need orthopedic care is if its challenging to perform simple tasks, such as climbing stairs or walking your dog. Also, if youre feeling unbalanced or unstable when standing up, walking, or even sitting down, an orthopedic condition may be responsible.
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When To Go To The Er Or Urgent Care
Seek medical care at the emergency room or an urgent care center if:
- you think you have a broken bone in your wrist or hand or there is a visible deformity
- you have an open wound that needs immediate treatment
- you are in severe pain or
- the area is warm, red, or tender, or you have a fever of over 100° F/ 37.8° C .
Delaying treatment could cause permanent damage to and around your wrist or hand.
You Have Suffered A Soft Tissue Injury That Has Not Improved In 48 Hours
Have you recently suffered from a soft tissue injury, such as a sprained ankle, twisted knee, or busted wrist? Use the RICE method to see if the pain and swelling subsides within the two days. If you have not noticed any major improvements after the first 48 hours, call a doctor and ask them for their earliest available appointment.
Residents of Fairfield County dont need to look any further than OSG for all of their orthopedic needs. As southern Connecticuts largest and most experienced orthopedic practice, we have the tools and the people needed to fix virtually every bone and joint in your body. to schedule your appointment at 337-2600.
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