It’s fair to say that everyone will experience joint pain at some point in their lives. With 360 joints in the human body, aches and pains are practically inevitable. Thankfully, many people with joint pain can find relief at home with rest, stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes, a trip to the doctor is necessary.
Consider seeking professional medical care if your joint pain:
- Worsens or does not improve with self-care measures
- Is accompanied by redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness
- Impacts your quality of life
- Significantly limits your range of motion
- Has no obvious cause
In rare cases, joint pain may warrant emergency medical care. Call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room if your joint pain:
- Results from an injury that causes visible deformity
- Is accompanied by shortness of breath, intense pain, sudden swelling, or an open wound
- Makes it impossible to walk or move the affected limb
What Are the Most Common Causes of Joint Pain?
There are many possible causes of joint pain, including but not limited to:
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendinitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Bone fractures
- Bursitis
- Joint dislocation
- Soft tissue tears
- Joint sprains
- Joint overuse
- Osteoporosis
What Doctor Should I See for Joint Pain?
Visiting a primary care physician is many people’s first instinct in non-emergency scenarios. A primary care physician is a medical doctor who is trained to address common health concerns and serves as a patient’s “primary” source of care when symptoms arise. While there is certainly nothing wrong with consulting with your primary care physician, you may also want to consider speaking with an orthopedic physician about your joint pain.
An orthopedic physician is uniquely trained to treat joint pain and other issues related to the body’s musculoskeletal system, which comprises the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Often, primary care physicians refer patients to orthopedic physicians for specialized joint pain treatment, particularly if symptoms are persistent, complex, or severe.
Joint Pain Treatment at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group
Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group is the area’s premier provider of advanced musculoskeletal care. A division of Florida Medical Clinic, our practice is led by orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine physician Dr. Arnold Ramirez—two board-certified specialists who also serve on the medical staffs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Yankees. Working together with other specially trained practitioners, Dr. Murphy and Dr. Ramirez provide personalized treatment to patients with all types of joint pain. We excel in progressive treatments such as platelet rich plasma therapy, anti-inflammatory gel injections, minimally invasive procedures, joint replacement alternatives, and more.
Find relief from disruptive joint pain and get back on the move! To speak with one of our orthopedic physicians about your joint pain treatment options, contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine today. We accept most health insurance plans and serve adolescents, adults, and seniors. You can be assured that our staff is taking every precaution necessary to ensure your health and safety during these unprecedented times.
