Q & A

If your hip pain lasts more than a few days, keeps you from daily activities or worsens over time, it’s a good idea to get it checked. You should also seek care if you have limited movement, swelling or weakness.

If your shoulder pain lasts more than a few days, keeps you from daily activities or worsens over time, it’s a good idea to get it checked. You should also seek care if you have limited movement, swelling or weakness.

Shoulder pain can be caused by a range of conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, tendonitis, arthritis, frozen shoulder and fractures. It may also result from overuse or repetitive strain.

Not always. Many shoulder conditions can be treated with nonsurgical options like physical therapy, medication or lifestyle changes.

At your first orthopedic appointment, an orthopedic specialist can complete a comprehensive evaluation to learn more about your symptoms and what may be causing them. You’ll also likely have a physical exam and a review of your medical history. Based on those findings, your doctor may then refer you for diagnostic testing, like an X-ray or MRI, to get to the bottom of what’s causing your pain.

If you’ve been struggling with joint pain that’s lasted for more than a few days or severely limits your movement or daily life, it’s time to see an orthopedic expert. You should also seek care if you have swelling or weakness in your joints.

During your visit, your provider or knee specialist will ask about your symptoms, evaluate your range of motion and may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. From there, you’ll discuss treatment options and create a care plan.

Knee pain has many causes, including acute injuries like ligament sprains, meniscus tears, ACL tears and fractures; inflammation from bursitis or tendinitis; and knee arthritis from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.