Whether you twisted your ankle during a weekend pickleball game or have been living with chronic back pain for months, it can be hard to know when it’s time to see an orthopaedic specialist. At Southwoods Health, our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Knowing the right time to seek care can help you get relief faster, avoid long-term complications and get back to doing the things you love.
Here are signs it may be time to make an appointment:
Difficulty Moving or Loss of Motion
Chronic stiffness, pain or swelling in your joints may signal something more serious. If you’re avoiding movements, walking differently or struggling with everyday activities like reaching overhead or bending down, it’s time for an evaluation. Our specialists can identify the cause and create a plan to restore function before the limitation becomes permanent.
Persistent Pain
Occasional aches are normal—but pain that lingers, disrupts sleep or requires daily medication isn’t. Persistent pain may stem from an injury that hasn’t healed, arthritis or even a stress fracture. An orthopaedic evaluation can pinpoint the issue and help prevent further damage.
Injury-Related Pain
Accidents and injuries can cause anything from mild sprains to more severe fractures or ligament tears, all of which heal in different ways. It is expected you’ll have some pain and discomfort while you recover and while minor bruises and sprains typically heal on their own, more serious injuries that cause sharp pain, swelling or inability to bear weight may be signs you need to see a doctor. Injuries like a torn ACL or a complex fracture often require prompt surgical intervention to heal properly. Even if your injury seems minor, getting checked helps rule out hidden damage and speeds recovery.
Chronic Joint Conditions
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other degenerative joint diseases often start with manageable symptoms but can progress over time. If medications, physical therapy or lifestyle changes are no longer providing relief, it may be time to consider surgical options. Southwoods Health’s orthopaedic specialists offer advanced techniques and minimally invasive approaches that can significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Swelling, Numbness or Tingling
Experiencing persistent swelling, numbness or tingling can often indicate something isn’t right. Swelling can often point to internal joint damage, fluid buildup or infection, while numbness or tingling may point to nerve compression, circulation problems or spinal issues. These symptoms should never be ignored, as they can lead to long-term complications if left untreated. Our surgeons work closely with other specialists to find the root cause and provide a treatment plan.
If you’re living with constant pain or mobility issues, don’t wait. Early care from an orthopaedic specialist can help you avoid further injury, preserve joint health and regain independence. At Southwoods Health, our orthopaedic team builds personalized treatment plans—ranging from physical therapy to injections to advanced surgical care—so you can get back to living life on your terms.
