When experiencing pain in your bones, joints, or muscles, you're probably looking for ways to find relief. Sometimes, over-the-counter medication or physical therapy can resolve the aches. However, other cases, especially those involving chronic conditions, can require a visit to an orthopedic surgeon. If you've been considering medical treatment to address discomfort, here is what you need to know.

Types of Orthopedic Surgery

Orthopedic surgery procedures correct problems with the bones, joints, or muscles. They typically address work or athletic injuries, as well as chronic conditions. Various types of orthopedic surgery are available, so the one that is right for you will depend on your situation. Some common kinds of include:

• Arthroscopy: Doctors use this procedure to diagnose and treat joint problems. It is often done using a small camera called an arthroscope, which gets inserted into the joint through a small incision.
• Joint Replacement: This operation involves replacing a damaged joint with an artificial one. Often, it's needed when arthritis has caused irreparable damage to the joint.
• Tendon and Ligament Surgery: This procedure allows doctors to repair damaged tendons or ligaments. You may need it after an injury, such as a torn ACL.

Symptoms to Address With an Orthopedic Surgeon

It can be challenging to determine when discomfort is severe enough to seek medical treatment. A common symptom that indicates you should see an orthopedic surgeon is persistent pain in the bones, joints, or muscles. This is especially true if the ache doesn't improve with over-the-counter medication or physical therapy.

Other symptoms to address with a doctor revolve around the joint, such as swelling or inflammation, weakness or instability, or changes in alignment. You may also experience an inability to move a joint through its full range of motion. 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visit an orthopedic surgeon to get a diagnosis of your condition. From there, they will recommend the best course of treatment. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

If it's time to consult with an orthopedic surgeon, visit Orthopedic Associates of Hawaii in Honolulu, HI. Serving residents throughout Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island since 1968, these board-certified specialists provide a wide range of treatments for your bones, joints, and muscles. Call (808) 536-2261 today to make an appointment, or visit them online to learn how they can help relieve your discomfort.