Top 10 Signs It Might be Time to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Joint pain happens—but when does it become something more serious? Whether it’s knee pain that’s been creeping in for months or a shoulder injury that just won’t heal, many people wait too long before seeing an orthopedic specialist. Here are 10 signs it’s time to take that next step—and how Vitruvy can help you find the right expert, fast. Persistent Joint Pain That’s Not Improving Aches that last more than a few weeks—especially in your knee, shoulder, hip, or wrist—may be a sign of an underlying orthopedic issue. Don’t ignore it. It could worsen without treatment. Limited Range of Motion If you can’t move a joint like you used to (like reaching overhead or bending your knee), it’s time for a shoulder assessment, hip assessment, or knee assessment. 👉 Learn more in our Frozen Shoulder FAQ Pain That Wakes You Up at Night Sleep-disrupting hip pain or shoulder pain is a red flag. These symptoms often point to joint degeneration or inflammation that needs professional attention. Swelling or Stiffness That Doesn’t Go Away Lingering swelling or stiffness—especially in the foot and ankle, elbow, or hand—could signal arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis. 👉 Not sure if your elbow pain is chronic? Read: Tennis Elbow to Bursitis: 9 Chronic Elbow Injuries A Recent Injury That Hasn’t Healed If you’ve sprained, strained, or fractured something and it’s not getting better, a visit to an orthopedic specialist could prevent long-term damage and get you on the right recovery plan. Difficulty Walking or Bearing Weight Advanced joint issues sometimes require hip replacement or knee replacement—but early diagnosis could lead to simpler treatments. 👉 Read how one athlete got his life back after surgery: Reclaiming the Finish Line Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness These symptoms in your wrist, hand, or elbow could be signs of nerve compression, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Early intervention helps protect strength and mobility. You’ve Had Joint Pain Before—and It’s Back Recurring pain in the shoulder, knee, or hip may signal chronic or degenerative conditions. An orthopedic assessment can help catch them early and prevent further damage. Your Pain Is Impacting Daily Life When joint pain keeps you from doing what you love—working out, walking the dog, traveling—it could be time to act. Orthopedic surgery isn’t always the answer, but expert insight is. You’re Considering Surgery and Want a Second Opinion From total joint replacement to minimally invasive procedures, second opinions from a trusted shoulder specialist, hip specialist, or knee specialist help you make confident, informed decisions. Learn More and Take Action For more in-depth information about orthopedic conditions, visit OrthoInfo—an excellent resource developed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. And when you’re ready to stop guessing and start healing, Vitruvy is here. Take a free orthopedic assessment Get matched with a vetted specialist Schedule instantly 🔗 Take the first step now
Orthopedic Specialists Share Top 10 Chronic Hand Injuries and Four Signs to Look For
Orthopedic Specialists Share Top 10 Chronic Hand Injuries and Four Signs to Look For You use your hands for almost everything you do. Whether you’re playing a game, working at a computer, or even just scrolling on your phone, you’re using the bones, muscles, and tendons in your hands and fingers. Recognizing Hand Problems Because you use your hands so much, you’ll likely notice quickly if something feels wrong. But figuring out what caused the problem and if you need to see a doctor can be tricky. Here are Four Hand Injury Signs to Look For Pain in Your Hand or Fingers If you feel pain in your hand or fingers, it could be a sign of injury. The pain can be mild or severe and might be in one finger, several fingers, or your whole hand. Swelling and Bruising Acute hand injuries often bring visible signs of injury like swelling or bruising, along with pain. Acute injuries, such as those from sports or accidental falls, can cause constant pain. Overuse injuries may cause pain that comes and goes or gets worse with time, depending on your activity. Decreased Range of Motion A hand injury can affect your ability to carry out your daily activities. If your hand is swollen, it can be hard to bend your fingers or make a fist. Your wrist might also feel stiff, and you might not be able to move some fingers. Hand or Finger Weakness An injury might make your hand feel weak or clumsy. It could be hard to grip objects, pick things up, or do tasks that need precise movements like buttoning a shirt. Ten common chronic hand injuries: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by pressure on the median nerve, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Arthritis Inflammation of the joints, commonly affecting the hands and causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Tendinitis Inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse or repetitive motions. Trigger Finger A condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position due to inflammation of the tendon sheath. Anatomy of a Trigger Finger Stenosing tenosynovitis is when a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then snaps straight as illustrated below: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain and swelling. Ganglion Cysts Noncancerous lumps that develop along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands. Dupuytren’s Contracture A thickening and tightening of the tissue under the skin of the palm, leading to curled fingers. Tenosynovitis Inflammation of the fluid-filled sheath that surrounds a tendon, often affecting the hand and wrist. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Damage caused by repetitive movements or overuse, affecting the muscles, tendons, and nerves of the hand. Intersection Syndrome Inflammation of the tendons that control the thumb, causing pain on the back of the forearm and wrist. Is Chronic Hand or Finger Pain Stopping You From Doing What You Love? In less than 5 minutes, our assessment tells you and our orthopedic partner specialists where you are on your healthcare journey. Based on your answers you can instantly schedule an appointment with a specialist who understands your pain and your lifestyle.
Protect Your Wrists: Learn About Common Injuries, Symptoms, and Solutions
Protect Your Wrists: Learn About Common Injuries, Symptoms, and Solutions Your wrists are constantly in action, whether you’re playing sports, typing at a desk, or lifting weights. The bones, muscles, and tendons in your wrists are always engaged, making them susceptible to various injuries. The wide range of motion required in many sports activities puts additional strain on your wrists. Acute injuries can occur from incidents like falls or impacts during contact sports, while chronic wrist pain often results from wear-and-tear or conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Understanding Wrist Strain and Common Injuries Here are the most common chronic wrist injuries Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Some people with CTS may struggle with tasks like buttoning shirts, opening jars, or using utensils due to numbness and weakness in the hands. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing symptoms and maintaining quality of life if you have CTS; severe cases may require surgical intervention to relieve the pressure on the nerve. Wrist Arthritis Both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect the wrist, causing chronic pain, swelling, and stiffness. When conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms, surgery may be needed to improve function, reduce pain, and get back to living life to the fullest. Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Tears The TFCC is a structure that supports the small bones of the wrist. Tears in this complex can cause pain, especially with twisting movements like swinging a golf club, playing tennis, knitting or simply opening a jar. Whether through sports or daily activities, TFCC tears can significantly affect both active individuals and retirees, highlighting the importance of proper wrist care and timely intervention. De Quervain’s Tendinosis (De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis) A condition where the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed, causing pain and swelling. It commonly affects those who perform repetitive hand movements, such as gripping or twisting. If conservative treatments like splinting and corticosteroid injections are ineffective, surgery may be needed to release the constricted tendons. Is Chronic Wrist Pain Stopping You from Doing What You Love? In less than 5 minutes, our assessment tells you and our physician partner specialists where you are on your healthcare journey. Based on your answers you can instantly schedule an appointment with a specialist who understands your pain and your lifestyle.
