Top five reasons to see an orthopedic provider.
- You have difficulty performing everyday activities – Bone and joint discomfort is common in older people, but it should not inhibit your daily activities. If you struggle to perform simple tasks such as climbing stairs or walking your dog, you should see an orthopedist.
- You suffer from chronic pain – Chronic pain is often defined as any pain lasting longer than 12 weeks. Experiencing a few days of discomfort is one thing, but after several weeks and months of it, you should strongly consider seeking professional help.
- Your range of motion is becoming limited – Are your joints feeling tighter and tighter as the days go by? A limited range of motion can signify joint disease such as arthritis. See a specialist as soon as possible to prevent your condition from getting worse.
- You experience instability while walking or standing – Do you feel shaky or wobbly when carrying out 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 to determine the cause of your instability, and work on correcting it.
- 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 damaged wrist? If you have not noticed any major improvements after the first 48 hours, call an orthopedic clinic for a timely appointment or visit a walk-in immediate orthopedic care center right away.
Learn more about General Orthopedics >>
Megan Maloney, PA-C, as a licensed, board-certified physician assistant (PA). She works in collaboration with OSMC joint reconstruction specialist Dr. Mark Klaassen, FACS and Nurse Practitioner, Julie Rheinheimer. At OSMC, Maloney oversees patient orthopedic treatment plans and recovery, supporting each person with personalized care. She sees patients in Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury and Nappanee.
This blog post is not intended to provide personal medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment to you or to any other individual. It is information for educational purposes only. You should not use this information in place of a consutatation or the advice of a healthcare provider.
