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New York Joint Pain Doctor

man from new york suffering from joint pain in his wrist

When to See a Doctor for Joint Pain

Millions of people suffer from joint pain. Whether it is from arthritis, a deformity or an injury due to workers’ compensation or car accidents —joint pain can be tough to deal with. This pain can make even the simplest of everyday tasks extremely difficult. While joint pain is rarely an emergency, it is a serious condition, and it can be painful and hard to deal with. Some joint pain gets worse with the simplest of activities or changes and gets worse with the weather. There are also certain types of joint pain that get inflamed from sitting or standing too long.

Some cases of joint pain can be treated at home, without doctor intervention, but there are situations where you will want to see a physician for your joint pain. You can go to your primary physician for questions regarding your joint pain. If you don’t already have a primary physician, there are plenty of New York area doctors, including physiatrists and pain management specialists, that can help treat your joint pain and help with mobility and pain management. If you are seeking help for injuries sustained in an automobile or work-related accidents, make sure that the doctors are NY WCB (NYS Workers’ Compensation Board) rated.

When it is Time to See the Doctor

Most joint pain is relatively minor. However, there are a few signs and symptoms that may indicate there is something more serious going on and that you need a professional medical opinion. If you notice:

  • Swelling
  • Tenderness around the joint
  • Warmth near the joint
  • Redness

If you have been injured and notice the following issues with your joint, you also need to visit a healthcare provider:

  • Intense pain or sharp pains
  • Deformity in the joint
  • The inability to use the joint
  • Sudden and unprecedented swelling

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, then you need to contact a doctor right away for medical treatment. While a primary physician is a great first step, you can also make an appointment with a specialist such as an orthopedist to get the care that you need.

What To Expect From Your Doctor’s Visit

Once you have scheduled an appointment with your doctor, here’s what you can expect from your examination. Your physician will do the following:

  • Talk to you about your symptoms
  • Assess your range of motion in the joints you are experiencing pain in
  • Test for nervous system disorders or other conditions that may cause the pain
  • Do examinations for diseases such as Gout or Lyme disease that can come with joint pain
  • Use diagnostic tests and assessments such as x-rays or MRIs, if necessary to find any potential injuries
  • Conduct a physical exam to diagnose the cause of your pain

After an official diagnosis, your doctor will talk to you about a treatment plan for your joint pain. They may recommend at home treatments, pain medications or injections, or in more severe cases performing joint repair surgeries. There are also many pain management clinics that can help get you on a treatment plan for your ongoing joint pain.

The good news is, there are many different types of joint pain treatment options available today, meaning no matter what the cause of your joint pain may be, you can find a treatment that will work for you.

Finding the Right Joint Pain Doctor

If you find that your joint pain is preventing you from enjoying everyday activities, then you should consult a doctor for help. When looking for a New York injury doctor, it is important that you find someone that specifically works with joint pain, so you can meet with a specialist who can specifically treat your joint pain and get you back to life as normal.