The human body is comprised of 206 bones, about 300 joints, and more than 600 muscles. So, it goes without saying that it’s completely normal to have aches and pains from time to time. Simple things like sleeping in an awkward position, sitting for too long, and placing too much weight on one leg while standing can lead to bothersome pain and stiffness.

Many common musculoskeletal issues, such as sore muscles and mild back pain, can be relieved with self-care measures like temporary rest, over-the-counter medications, and routine stretching. Still, not every ailment can be treated at home—it’s a good idea to promptly consult with an orthopedic doctor if any of the following scenarios apply to you:

• Your pain makes it difficult or impossible to perform everyday tasks
• You’re unable to put weight on the affected limb
• You have stiffness that prevents you from moving easily
• You have numbness or tingling sensations in your hands, back, or legs
• Your pain worsens at night
• Pain from an injury has not improved in 48 hours
• One or more of your joints feels unstable or is swollen, tender, or red
• You have pain that lasts for more than 12 weeks (chronic pain)

Some injuries and types of pain require emergency care. Call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room if you or someone around you experiences any of the following:

• Joint pain or swelling that is accompanied by a high fever, nausea, or chills
• An injury with uncontrolled bleeding or visible deformity
• A suddenly stiff neck

What Does an Orthopedic Doctor Do?

An orthopedic doctor is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that impact the body’s musculoskeletal system, which includes bones, joints, muscles, and other connective tissues. Orthopedic doctors are uniquely trained to help patients recover from sports injuries, overuse injuries, and degenerative conditions like arthritis. If you visit a primary care doctor for musculoskeletal pain or stiffness, he or she may refer you to an orthopedic doctor for more specialized care.

World-Class Orthopedic Care in Tampa

Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group is home to two esteemed, board-certified specialists: orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine physician Dr. Arnold Ramirez. Working collaboratively with other specially trained practitioners, our doctors provide a full range of advanced orthopedic care to patients. We serve adolescents, adults, and seniors with all types of musculoskeletal concerns—from sports injuries to arthritis—and even cater to the Tampa area’s finest athletes. Dr. Murphy serves on the medical staff of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Yankees, while Dr. Ramirez is a team physician for the Buccaneers.

Don’t allow bothersome pain or stiffness to hold you back from the activities you enjoy! Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward finding relief. You may also reserve an appointment online when it’s convenient for you. We accept most health insurance plans and will be glad to answer any questions you may have.