What are the signs of an orthopedic injury?
Orthopedic injuries involve bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. General signs of orthopedic injuries or conditions include:
- Stiffness or decreased range of motion
- Instability or a feeling that your joint may give out or pop out
- Difficulty bearing weight or using your arm to lift objects
- Pain with specific movements
- Swelling
- Tenderness to touch
- Popping, clicking, or cracking within a joint
- Chronic knots or adhesions in a muscle
Since orthopedic injuries and conditions can range widely in severity, it’s important to get an evaluation at Harbor Comprehensive Health if you experience any of these symptoms for longer than 5-7 days without relief or if your discomfort prevents you from completing your daily routine.
When is treatment recommended for an orthopedic condition?
While some orthopedic conditions can resolve with rest, others may take a long time to heal on their own or may flare up when your joints or muscles are under stress. Conditions that can benefit from treatment include:
- Arthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Back pain
- Joint pain
- Sprains and strains
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Tendinitis
Many of these conditions tend to be chronic and require appropriate medical treatment to prevent long-term pain and disability.
How are orthopedic conditions diagnosed?
Harbor Comprehensive Health has a full laboratory and state-of-the-art X-ray technology to perform all routine diagnostic procedures in the office during your visit. This allows for efficient diagnosis and can help you get treatment as quickly as possible. The team always includes thorough consultations and physical exams during your first visit and may provide a referral should you need an MRI or additional testing before beginning treatment.
How are orthopedic conditions treated?
The orthopedic specialists at Harbor Comprehensive Health aim to use the least invasive methods possible when treating any orthopedic condition. Common conservative and minimally invasive treatments include:
- Physiotherapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Prescription medications
- Steroid injections
- Joint injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Regenerative medicine
In some cases, surgery is necessary to repair damage to a joint, muscle, ligament, or tendon. In these cases, the orthopedic team uses minimally invasive procedures whenever possible to reduce the risk of infection and allow for a faster recovery than comparable open surgeries.
To schedule an orthopedic consultation and exam, call Harbor Comprehensive Health or request an appointment online now.
