Various accidents, over strain during physical activity and other causes like trauma and age can cause orthopedic injuries. There are many symptoms of orthopedic injuries like pain, swelling, weakness and instability. With the help of Sugam hospital, the best ortho hospital in Chrompet, let’s see when to seek medical attention for injuries for short term and long term recovery. 

Fractures : 

The most common orthopedic injuries are fractures or broken bones that are often easily caused by accidents, sport injuries or falls. Some fractures cause mild pain and swelling but others can lead to severe discomfort and impairment. You will need immediate medical attention from an ortho doctor if you experience the below symptoms.

• There is very intense pain when you move
• The injured limb is deformed or misaligned 
• The affected area has the inability to bear weight
• There is numbing or tingling sensations
• Bone is visibly protruding front the skin

The healing process can become complicated by delaying the treatment for the fracture and can exacerbate the injury. A prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional is needed to properly diagnose the fracture and start proper first aid of immobilization, realignment or surgical intervention. 

Joint Dislocations: 

This is often caused by trauma or sudden impact when the ends of two connected bones become separated. The common places where the dislocations happen include the shoulder, elbow, fingers, hips and knees. Signs that you need immediate medical attention are:

• There is severe pain and swelling around the joint
• The positioning of the joint is visibly deformed or abnormal
• There is loss of mobility or function
• The affected limb is numb or tingling
• Skin has discoloration or changes in temperature

If you try to relocate a dislocated joint without the doctor’s guidance it can lead to damage and other complications like nerve or blood vessel injury. Doctors have the expertise and tools to safely reduce the dislocation and solve any associated injuries, and restore joint function and stability. 

Tendon Ruptures:

The tendons rupture or tear that results in pain and functional impairment when there is excessive force or more strain. They are tough, fibrous tissues that connect the muscles to bones making it easy to move and gives strength. Following are the symptoms where you need immediate medical attention:

• Sudden and sharp pain at the place of the injury
• The popping and snapping sensation is very audible. 
• The affected muscle cannot be moved or used
• There is severe or mild swelling, bruising or deformity around the tendon.
• You cannot bear weight or do your daily activities.

If the ruptures, to prevent long term disability you will need surgical procedure to restore its function. Immediate medical evaluation helps doctors to assess the severity of the injury and recommend the proper treatment. This includes physical therapy to promote healing and regain the lost strength.

Acute infection:

Open fractures or wounds and other orthopedic injuries pose a risk of bacterial contamination and infection. Serious infections can spread very fast and lead to complications but minor skin abrasion may heal on their own with proper first aid care. Get immediate medical assistance if you experience:

• There is redness, warmth or mild or excessive swelling around the injury.
• White discharge or pus from the wound
• There is increase in pain or tenderness
• Chills or high fever
• You are experiencing joint stiffness or limited range of motion.

To stop the spread of infection and reduce tissue damage early treatment with antibiotics is very important. You can cause severe complications by further delaying the treatment that includes sepsis or osteomyelitis, requiring more aggressive medical treatments. 

Severe Soft Tissue Injuries:

Very severe ligament sprains and strains are soft tissue injuries that cause pain and functional difficulties. Many injuries heal well to rest, ice, compression and elevation but certain signs may indicate the need for urgent medical care

• Severe pain that doesn’t reduce despite conservative measures.
• There is excessive swelling or bruising
• If you are unable to bear weight or use the affected leg.
• There is numbness, tingling or weakness in the injured area. 
• There is visible deformity or instability.

The underlying ligament, tendon or muscle damage that requires specific interventions can be found through full assessment by a healthcare professional. It requires specific solutions like bracing, physical therapy or in severe cases surgical repair. 

Immediate medical attention and recognizing the signs and symptoms is very important for orthopedic injuries for best results. Fractures, dislocation, tendon rupture, infection or severe soft tissue injury need prompt examination by the best ortho doctor in Chennai and can prevent complications and restore the functions. If you ignore or delay the  treatment for orthopedic injuries  it can extend the pain, disability and diminished quality of life.