5 Reasons to Go See an Orthopedic Surgeon in Athens, GA
Our bodies know to show clear signs when something is not going right. Whether symptoms were triggered as a consequence of an accident or without apparent reason, listening to the signs is key to tackle the problem before it causes further complications. If your primary care provider has referred you to an orthopedic surgeon, you might be thinking that this can only imply surgery, but there are other ways in which this specialist can help.
- Experiencing Recurrent Pain
- Suffering from a Sports Injury
- Experiencing a Traumatic Injury
- Having a Chronic Orthopedic Condition
- Noticing Reduced Mobility and Function
👉 Discover our orthopedic surgeon services in Athens, GA.
Experiencing Recurrent Pain
Experiencing pain can be common after an intense workout routine or when lifting heavy objects. Normally, that pain will fade away by itself after a couple of days. But, when the discomfort becomes unbearable or persistent, it might be time to look for experts.
Whether it is muscle, joint, or tendon pain, when it lasts for longer than a couple of days or repeats frequently, it can be a sign of an underlying condition. Another instance where persistent or severe pain can be a cause of worry is when it arises without any apparent reason. The cause of the persistent pain could range from a simple strain or overuse injury to tendinitis or an underlying condition.
Suffering from a Sports Injury
Sports injuries can be common for those who do sports or exercise frequently. These affect the musculoskeletal system, which encompasses muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones and tissue, and compromise the body’s stability and movement capabilities. Sports injuries can happen due to trauma or overuse, and be classified under acute or chronic injuries. These include:
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- Dislocations
- Contusions
- Fractures
- Tendinitis
- Sprains
- Strains
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Experiencing a Traumatic Injury
When a fall, blow, or twist causes symptoms such as swelling, bruising, spasms, or abnormal inflammation in the affected area, these are signs that should never be ignored. Waiting for symptoms to disappear by themselves could only lead to further complications. These signs can indicate a fracture, a ligament tear, or a dislocation, all of which require a prompt visit to the orthopedic surgeon for diagnosis, treatment, and to prevent the situation from worsening.
Having a Chronic Orthopedic Condition
Chronic conditions are those that typically last for 12 months or longer. When conditions like these affect the physical structure, causing pain or reduced function, they can make daily activities challenging. Because these conditions tend to be progressive, finding the help of a specialized provider is key to prevent further complications and protect your health for the long term. Some chronic conditions that an orthopedic surgeon can treat include:
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Noticing Reduced Mobility and Function
Noticing that a joint doesn’t move as freely (or as painless) as it used to, can be one of the most obvious signs that an underlying orthopedic issue might be happening. This is where a specialist can step in and help determine the cause of the decreased range of motion and treat it. Depending on the cause of your issue, the specialist decides whether the most suitable option is treatment or surgery.
FAQ
What to expect at a first-time orthopedic appointment?
During your first-time orthopedic appointment, the specialist will focus on diagnosing your joint, muscle, ligament, or bone to address the discomfort through a personalized treatment plan.
Can I see an orthopedic surgeon without a referral?
Whether you can see an orthopedic surgeon without a referral or not depends entirely on your insurance plan. Some insurances could require you to go to a primary care provider first.
Do they only treat through surgery?
No, contrary to what their name implies, orthopedic surgeons tend to only rely on surgery as a last resort and prefer to try non-surgical treatments like medications, injections, and other approaches first.
Return to a Life Without Pain in Athens, GA
Don’t let ongoing discomfort interfere with your daily activities for longer. If your primary care provider referred you to an orthopedic surgeon, but you’re hesitant to go due to the surgery implication, doubt no more. This specialist can do more than only surgeries, offering other treatment and management options for patients with orthopedic conditions. Contact us to schedule a consultation or find us in Athens, GA, to get a specialized evaluation and discover the option that will help you regain your mobility.
