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.
From Tennis Elbow to Bursitis: Navigating Nine Chronic Elbow Injuries
From Tennis Elbow to Bursitis: Navigating Nine Chronic Elbow Injuries Your elbows work overtime. Whether you’re playing sports, working at a desk, or lifting objects, the bones, muscles, and tendons in your elbows are constantly in use. According to orthopedic elbow specialists, this wide range of motion also makes elbows susceptible to numerous injuries. Some acute injuries can result from single incidents, like falling or getting hit during contact sports. Chronic elbow pain can stem from wear-and-tear injuries or conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Here are the Nine Most Common Chronic Elbow Injuries Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, causing pain and tenderness. Tennis Elbow Anatomy Overuse injury causing pain on the outside of the elbow, often due to repetitive wrist and arm motions, as illustrated below: Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) A type of tendonitis that results in pain and inflammation of the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow. This condition can impact the ability to flex and rotate the wrist and forearm. Initially, symptoms often present as minor pain or tenderness on the inner elbow. As the condition progresses, the pain can radiate up and down the arm. Anatomy of Golfer’s Elbow Similar to tennis elbow, but the pain is located on the inside of the elbow as illustrated below. Bursitis The elbow bursa (olecranon bursa) is a fluid-filled sac that cushions your bones, muscles, and tendons. Infection or repetitive movements can irritate or damage the bursa, leading to swelling and pain. People with physically demanding jobs, musicians, and athletes are particularly susceptible to bursitis. Even common activities such as gardening, painting, and shoveling can cause bursitis. Most non-infectious cases of elbow bursitis are treated at home over three to six weeks with rest, over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and joint immobilization. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and pain in the forearm and hand. Osteoarthritis (OA) Commonly the result of “wear-and-tear” on the joint or prior traumatic injury, osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the elbow when the cartilage wears down and bone rubs against bone. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) The most common type of arthritis in the elbow. Most people are familiar with the idea that rheumatoid nodules affect the fingers, but did you know they can also develop on the tips of your elbows? RA causes elbow instability, pain, and difficulty bending or straightening the elbow. Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) Injury Damage to the ligament on the inside of the elbow, common in throwing athletes. Osteochondritis Dissecans A condition where a fragment of bone and cartilage separates from the end of the bone, causing pain and joint instability. Triceps Tendinitis Inflammation of the triceps tendon at the back of the elbow, causing pain and swelling. 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.
Debunking 6 Common Misconceptions About Orthopedic Surgery
Debunking 6 Common Misconceptions About Orthopedic Surgery Misinformation about medical procedures is unfortunately all over the place, and orthopedic surgery is no exception. At Vitruvy, we’re committed to providing facts and clearing up some widespread myths surrounding orthopedic surgery to empower you in making informed healthcare decisions for yourself or your loved one. Misconception 1: Orthopedic Surgery is Only for Athletes and Seniors Reality: While athletes and seniors can be more likely to experience certain orthopedic issues, musculoskeletal problems like workplace injuries, accidents, repetitive strain injuries, or even arthritis can affect anyone. Workplace Injures Strains, sprains and fractures from physical labor or accidents. Repetitive Strain Injuries Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis from repetitive motions. Accidents Fractures, dislocations, or ligament tears from falls or other accidents. Arthritis Joint pain and deterioration affecting people of all ages. Sports Injuries Torn ligament, meniscus tears, and other injuries from sports and physical activity. Misconception 2: Surgery is Always The First Line of Defense for Orthopedic Problems Reality: Most doctors try the most basic treatments to see if they work first. From physical therapy to medication and lifestyle adjustments, there are many options to be explored before considering surgery. Misconception 3: Orthopedic Surgery Recovery Takes a Long Time Reality: Surgical techniques and post-operative care have changed significantly over recent years. This has made for shorter recovery times for most people. With minimally invasive procedures, better pain management tools, and personalized recovery plans, getting back to everyday life can be faster than you might think. Misconception 4: Orthopedic Surgery Benefits are Only Temporary Reality: Orthopedic surgeries often have long-term benefits. Joint replacements, for instance, offer lasting pain relief and improved function, making quality of life better for years to come. Misconception 5: Orthopedic Surgery is Risky Reality: While all surgeries carry some risks, modern orthopedic procedures are generally very safe. Thanks to advancements in surgical technology, sterilization protocols, and anesthesia, the likelihood of complications is far less than it used to be. Additionally, many orthopedic surgeries are now performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as arthroscopy. Arthroscopy allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems through small incisions, reducing recovery time and minimizing the risk of infection. These minimally invasive procedures can result in less postoperative pain, shorter stays, and faster recovery time. Misconception 6: Orthopedic Surgery Pain is Unbearable Reality: Pain management has come a long way in recent years and surgical teams have a wide range of tools to choose from, including medication, nerve blocks, and innovative pain-relief techniques, to ensure your comfort throughout the recovery journey. At Vitruvy, we’re committed to providing accurate insights to guide your treatment decisions and help you take your first step towards getting better, faster. If you’re living with chronic orthopedic pain, our free assessment could help you instantly book a consultation with a top specialist based on your unique needs.
Start Using Your Strength to Get Better
Start Using Your Strength to Get Better We know you’re tough. You have chronic pain, but you won’t let it stop you from living your life. You are probably still mowing the lawn, but you think twice about the inclines. You don’t hesitate to babysit the grandkids though you worry about carrying them up and down the stairs. You are still biking 50 miles every weekend, but you spend much of the week recovering. So why aren’t you putting that strength to good use, getting better? Advances in Modern Joint Replacement and Resurfacing Modern joint replacement or resurfacing is not as invasive as it once was thanks to : Minimally Invasive Techniques These procedures use smaller incisions, reducing damage to surrounding tissues, which leads to quicker recovery times and less post-operative pain. Advanced Surgical Technology Cutting-edge tools and technologies, such as robotic-assisted surgery and 3D imaging, enhance precision, improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. Customized Implant Options Tailored implants designed to fit a person’s unique anatomy ensure better functionality and longevity, leading to more natural movement and a higher quality of life post-surgery. Most people are up and climbing stairs hours after surgery. And most people are recovering at home. Put Your Tenacity to Work and Crush Your Recovery Plan Your body may be limiting your ability to do what you love today; and although modern healthcare can’t restore you to your 20s, it can get you back to what you love. Are you ready to use your strength to get better? Take a Vitruvy Assessment today and start your journey back to health.
