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JULES VUOTTO
By Dr Menachem M. Meller
Even the most coordinated among us will likely experience injury at various times in our lives: an overzealous serve on the tennis court; a simple trip over an unnoticed obstacle; aching knees from…who knows what. Most often, these types of common injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE), and maybe an over-the-counter pain reliever.
In some situations, however, it’s important to see an orthopedic doctor—a specialist who treats injuries and diseases of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves and tendons. Why? Because some conditions can get much worse if not treated quickly and properly.
In the knee, one such condition is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The symptoms can include hearing a “pop” during the injury, immediate inability to continue activity, knee swelling in the first 24 hours and knee instability.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Hip problems are also common and can lead to serious complications if not treated.
Always consult your physician for personal medical advice, but a general rule is to seek medical help for hip pain that came on suddenly or is the result of a fall.
Other red flags include hip pain that occurs at night or when resting; swelling, redness or warmth around the joint; not being able to put weight on the hip; and not being able to move the leg or hip.
Eighty percent of people will experience back pain in their lifetime. Most cases resolve themselves with a day or two of rest, application of heat or cold to the painful area, and over-the-counter pain medication. However, see a doctor if you have tingling or numbness, if the pain is the result of a fall or injury, or if the pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest. In addition, seek medical care if back pain occurs with unintended weight loss, with fever, with swelling or redness on the back, or if it spreads down one or both legs.
Not every injury or pain requires a trip to the doctor, but in the situations outlined above, getting prompt treatment can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a lifelong problem. As always, these are guidelines, not rules.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Make an appointment if you experience:
• Chronic pain; anything lasting longer than 12 weeks
• Range of motion that becomes more limited.
• Instability while walking or standing.
• Difficulty performing everyday activities, such as walking the dog or using stairs.
• A soft-tissue injury, like a sprain or twisted ankle, that doesn’t improve despite applying RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Menachem M. Meller, M.D., Ph.D., FAAOS is a provider at Lower Bucks Hospital, 501 Bath Rd. Bristol, PA. To schedule an appointment call Dr. Menachem M. Meller, call at Lower Bucks Hospital, Bristol 215-785-9818 or Town Center, Langhorne 267-789-2074.