How a Boutonnière Deformity Is Treated
Have you recently suffered a finger injury? If your middle joint juts upward and the tip of your finger juts upward as well, it could be a boutonnière deformity. Read on to learn how it can be treated.
When to See a Specialist About Shoulder Pain
Maybe you slept in an awkward position. Maybe you got hurt during your workout. Or, maybe you’ve noticed more pain with age. Shoulder pain can develop for a number of reasons, but how can you tell if you should see a doctor about it?
Kristopher Downing, MD, & James Andry, MD at Upper Extremity Specialists, of Ortho 1 Medical Group, offer comprehensive shoulder care at our offices in Chula Vista and La Jolla, California. If you have shoulder pain — but you’re not sure if it warrants seeing a specialist — here are some signs it’s time to schedule an appointment.
Reasons to see a specialist
If your shoulder hurts, there are times when seeing a specialist could be beneficial. Here are a few of those times.
The condition is severe or the cause is unknown
If you have shoulder pain, the first place to go is usually your primary care doctor. Primary care doctors can manage mild or acute shoulder issues in many cases by prescribing rest, physical therapy, medication, and other conservative treatments.
However, if your doctor identifies a more severe condition, or if they can’t pinpoint the cause of your pain, they may recommend seeing a shoulder specialist.
Conservative care isn’t effective enough
Conservative care is nonsurgical treatment for pain and injury. The most effective conservative treatments for shoulder pain include:
- Anti-inflammatory injections
- Compression
- Immobilization
- Pain medication
- Physical therapy
- Rest
Most doctors start by recommending conservative treatment strategies like these. However, if you’ve tried conservative care and it hasn’t made a difference for your pain, consider seeing a specialist.
The pain is chronic
Acute pain may be intense, but it’s generally short-lived. If you’ve been diagnosed with acute shoulder pain, it should resolve in a few weeks or months with conservative care.
Chronic pain, on the other hand, is pain that lasts for six months or longer. If your shoulder pain has persisted or gotten worse over a period of months or even years, it could be time to see a shoulder pain specialist.
How a specialist can treat shoulder issues
Dr. Downing and our team can review your medical history and any treatments you’ve already tried. With a comprehensive exam, we can identify the cause of your pain and develop a new treatment plan to reduce your pain and improve your joint health.
Depending on your case, Dr. Downing may recommend shoulder surgery if you have a shoulder injury or degenerative condition. Among the procedures we specialize in are arthroscopy, reparative orthopedics, and shoulder replacements.
Every case is different, but we’ll take every step necessary to get to the root of your problem and give you relief and healing. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Upper Extremity Specialists today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Take These Steps to Prevent Sports Injuries
Playing sports offers a host of benefits for athletes of all ages, but sports can be dangerous — and injuries are common. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to protect your health. Follow these steps to stay safe and improve your performance.
Are You a Good Candidate for Lipogems?
Do you have a painful condition and are wondering about your treatment options? Have you considered Lipogems®? This minimally invasive therapy is designed to stimulate the body’s healing process to stop pain for good.
What are Pericytes and How Can They Help You Heal?
You’ve probably heard of stem cell therapy. But, did you know that pericytes offer many of the same benefits, and they’re found in your fatty tissue? Find out how pericytes work and how lipoaspirate therapy stimulates healing from within.
6 Common Sports Injuries and How They’re Treated
From sprained wrists to rotator cuff tears, upper extremity injuries are common among athletes of all ages. Learn about six of the most common sports injuries and find out what to do if you get injured on the field.
Is It Likely That I’ll Have Arthritis if It Runs in My Family?
Arthritis is characterized by joint pain and stiffness. Anyone can develop arthritis, but if someone in your family already has it, your risk could be higher. Find out if arthritis is hereditary and what you can do if you notice early warning signs.