Your musculoskeletal system works hard every day to support your body’s weight and help you move through life. However, this vital body system is not immune to disease, injury, and old age. Musculoskeletal problems can cause varying degrees of pain that limit movement and affect day-to-day life.
If your musculoskeletal system gets damaged, you may need to visit an orthopedic surgeon. As experts in the musculoskeletal system, they can perform a comprehensive assessment of your condition and design a treatment plan.
Here are some signs that it may be time to get checked by an orthopedic surgeon.
If You Suffered From A Recent Trauma Or Injury
While your musculoskeletal system is durable, it is not immune to sudden and forceful trauma in sports or accidents. A bad fall can also damage your musculoskeletal structures, resulting in a ligament tear, or worse, a fracture. Here are the most common sports injuries that may warrant a visit to the doctor:
- ACL tear
- Rotator cuff tear
- Tendon rupture
- Pitcher’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles tendon tear
- Burners and stingers
- Fracture
If you feel sharp pain after an injury, it’s best to see an orthopedic surgeon right away. Urgent attention is usually needed for these situations. If left untreated, these injuries could potentially cause greater pain or loss of function. Some sports injuries may not cause immediate symptoms, but it’s still worth checking in with a professional to be sure.
If You Struggle With Limited Range of Motion
Since the musculoskeletal system is vital to everyday movement, any problems can limit your range of motion. Your range of motion refers to the extent to which you can move and extend your joints. If you notice that you suddenly have restricted range of motion, it’s best to see a doctor.
If Your Quality of Life Is Affected
Some orthopedic symptoms are easy to ignore, while others are impossible. If your symptoms are causing you to miss out on important or worthwhile activities, it is impacting your quality of life. If you’re no longer able to do the things you used to enjoy, it’s time to visit an orthopedic doctor. They can offer conservative treatments to relieve pain and restore function. For severe cases, they may recommend surgery.
If You Want To Prevent Sports Injuries
Even if you’re not struggling with an acute sports injury or musculoskeletal problem, you can still see an orthopedic surgeon for preventive purposes. Anyone who wants to lead an active life can benefit from their expert advice. They could pinpoint and correct weak areas that could increase the risk of injury during a game or routine exercise.
If needed, they can also work with other specialists to devise a personalized development program to strengthen weak areas and improve your overall well-being. As the saying goes, prevention is better than treatment.
Orthopedic Surgeon in San Antonio, TX
If you’re looking for the best orthopedic doctors in San Antonio, look no further than the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Our highly-trained team can diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopedic problems. If you are a candidate for surgery, you can trust our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons to get you back and running in no time.
To let us know you’re coming, call (210) 692-7400 or use this online appointment request form. We look forward to your call. Let us help you live a pain-free life.
