The musculoskeletal system allows you to move about. It comprises your skeleton and your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You may have discomfort and difficulty moving about when these parts aren’t doing their jobs. You can usually manage minor injuries and pains at home, but if the problem persists or worsens, it is time to consult an orthopedic doctor. These medical professionals focus on preventing, evaluating, and rehabilitating conditions related to the skeleton and related tissues. For instance, an orthopedic surgeon West Orange, NJ, may help with various issues, including arthritis and damaged bones.
The following signs should prompt you to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist.
Numb or tingling hands
Dropping objects often, or experiencing numbness or tingling in your thumb, index, or middle finger, might be signs of carpal tunnel syndrome. The thumb and all fingers, save the pinky, get sensation from the forearm nerve, which flows via a “tunnel” in the wrist. Many factors, such as a history of wrist fracture or exposure to vibrating or repetitively flexing instruments or machinery, have been linked to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Discomfort in the back
A bad back may affect anybody at any time. Eighty percent of individuals, young and old alike, have upper or lower back discomfort at some point. Minor backaches might be brought on by anything from extended sitting to standing up in the kitchen, from lifting weights to overdoing workouts.
Assuming your back pain is chronic, severe, and growing worse, this can affect your bowel and bladder control and weakens your leg muscles. You should seek urgent medical assistance from an orthopedic expert to avoid further worsening and potentially fatal consequences.
Twisted ankles
Ankle rolls and twists are common when walking on uneven terrain or stepping on an item. Anterior ankle pain, swelling, and bruises are classic sprained or twisted ankle symptoms. Those always on the go throughout the day are more likely to get a sprain. Some individuals are more prone to spraining their ankles than others because of their posture or the angle at which their feet are turned as they walk.
Fractures
When bone is subjected to such intense force that it cracks or breaks, it gets a fracture. It may also occur due to other injuries, such as those caused by physical force, degenerative bone illnesses like osteoporosis, or repetitive motion injuries. Bones have a lot of blood arteries in them; therefore, if a fracture is not repaired, it may cause a lot of bleeding. For children, a break in a long bone close to a joint’s development plate may have the same effect as removing the growth plate entirely. Damage to the surrounding tissue or organs is also a risk when a bone is broken.
If you are experiencing pain or swelling in a bone, joint, or muscle that isn’t responding to over-the-counter medications, or if you have trouble performing daily tasks because of a significant decrease in the mobility or range of motion of a joint like your elbow, knee, or shoulder, it may be time to see an orthopedic doctor. If you have any of the above signs, you can schedule a consultation with Orange Orthopaedic associates today.
