When to See an Orthopaedic Specialist for Joint or Muscle Pain

Arthritis is common, affecting about 1 in 5 adults in the United States. While joint and muscle pain can happen to anyone from time to time, these symptoms could indicate an underlying problem requiring medical attention.

See the specialists at Summit Orthopaedics in Lake Oswego, Oregon, for a joint and muscle pain evaluation to determine if you have an injury, arthritis, or another chronic condition and need relief. 

Symptoms of joint and muscle problems

Joint pain could appear as discomfort in your knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, or toes. Muscle or joint problems may present as:

• Stiffness
• Numbness 
• Decreased range of motion
• Dull aching
• Sharp pain
• Swelling
• Weakness
• Reduced mobility
• Tenderness
• Instability
• Bruising

The discomfort could appear because of a chronic disease, injury, or age-related wear. It may become disabling in some cases when not treated.

5 signs it’s time to see an orthopaedic specialist 

The following are signs you should see orthopaedic specialist for muscle or joint pain:

1. Severe pain

If your pain level is high and prevents you from completing typical daily activities, it’s highly beneficial to undergo an evaluation at Summit Orthopaedics. Extreme pain could indicate an injury or severe wear-and-tear of your muscles and joints. Treatment offers lasting relief.

2. Persistent discomfort

Persistent joint pain might mean you have arthritis or a nonhealing injury. Treating arthritis can ease ongoing pain and reduce the risk of further joint deterioration. If your muscle or joint pain doesn’t subside after a few days or weeks, see the Summit Orthopaedics experts for an evaluation. 

3. Previous joint injury

Having a previous joint injury increases your risk of further injury due to a weakened joint or arthritis. If muscle or joint pain bothers you and you have a history of joint problems, schedule an evaluation at Summit Orthopaedics to determine which treatment best suits you.

4. Family history of arthritis 

Having a family history of arthritis boosts your risk of developing this common disease. If someone in your immediate family has osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, or another form of arthritis and your muscles and joints are consistently sore, see the Summit Orthopaedics specialists as soon as possible.

5. You’re an athlete

Being an athlete, especially one who plays contact sports, or having a physically demanding job increases the risk of arthritis and other joint problems. Athletes experiencing muscle or joint pain should get checked out right away, especially if they currently play sports and want to avoid a worsening injury.

Treating joint and muscle pain

Your individualized treatment plan for muscle and joint pain may consist of:

• Heat or ice packs
• Rest, compression, and elevation 
• Physical therapy 
• Oral medications
• Bracing
• Casting
• Taping
• Walking boot
• Injections
• Regenerative medicine
• Shockwave therapy 
• Surgery

Don’t live with muscle or joint pain when relief is within reach at Summit Orthopaedics. Contact us today by phone at 503-850-9940 or request an appointment online to diagnose your condition and ease ongoing or extreme discomfort.