Santiam Orthopedic Group – When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

Our beautiful state of Oregon has so much to offer the community. There’s hiking, biking, swimming, camping, and in the winter months, great cross-country skiing. It’s fun to enjoy everything our community has to offer, however, some orthopedic issues can get in the way of enjoying these activities.

Santiam Hospital’s team of skilled orthopedic surgeons are prepared to help you get back to doing what you love, whatever that may be. From orthopedic care, sports medicine, and treatment for acute fractures, our orthopedic team has seen it all.

So when is it time to see an orthopedic surgeon? Your primary care provider can give you guidance and a referral if you’re experiencing pain. Here are some simple questions in addition to a referral that you can ask yourself to determine if seeing an orthopedic specialist will be beneficial for you:

Can I walk with stability and a large range of motion? If an injury is bad enough, it could make the muscles and joints too weak to stand. If you feel shaky and wobbly when performing basic motor functions, this could be a sign that something is wrong with your joints.
Have I had any soft-tissue injuries in the last 24 hours that have caused significant swelling and pain? Soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains can be a result of sudden trauma or overuse injuries. Often applying the R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method can help the injury heal effectively. If, however, the pain and swelling do not improve, call and schedule an appointment to see an orthopedic specialist.
Is the injury or condition affecting my musculoskeletal system? Your musculoskeletal system is made up of the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that create the foundation for the rest of your body. Often, people with musculoskeletal pain feel it throughout their entire body, but it tends to originate from joints such as the knees, hips, shoulders, and feet. The pain from these injuries will often worsen if they continue to be left untreated.
Does the injury or condition affect my ability to perform everyday activities? Everyday activities such as getting out of bed, putting on clothes, or even going to the bathroom can be impeded by an orthopedic condition or injury. Sometimes the pain is temporary due to overuse or strain, but if it is persistent and constant, it may be time to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.

If you answered yes to any of these questions, please give us a call at (503) 769-8470.

Meet Santiam Hospital’s experienced Orthopedic Team:

Nicolas Stratton, MD