Knee Pain Experts Near Me: Signs and Symptoms of Knee Injury

Your knees play a significant role in making sure that you can perform your day-to-day activities.  They support your body weight and bear the impact of jumping, running, or walking. It’s important to keep them healthy so they can continue functioning pain-free. Knee pain experts near you would provide top signs and symptoms of a knee injury.

Most Common Knee Injury Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms associated with knee injury may be mild or severe. This will depend on the extent and seriousness of your injury.

1.     Instability of the knee joints

Losing stability may be a sign of dislocation or damaged ligament. Check if you feel any knee buckling or folding while walking or doing weight-bearing activities. This may be due to hypermobility or any condition affecting the ligaments and tendons supporting the knee joint. Have a doctor evaluate and identify the cause of the instability.

2.     A crack or popping sound

Popping sounds may indicate dislocation or a torn ligament. This is a normal occurrence when the joint capsule is stretched. However, this may be a severe issue especially after a knee injury.

It’s also important to note that not all popping sounds are caused by a serious medical issue. Sometimes, these sounds are harmless and don’t need medical intervention. Search for knee pain experts near me to make sure that your condition is nothing to worry about.

3.     Intense pain

Intense pain in your knee joints may signify an injury that needs medical attention. Assess the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest pain.

Intense or severe pain is normally described as having a score of 8 or higher. Listen to what your body is telling you. You may Google knee pain experts near me if the pain is already affecting your daily activities.

4.     Swelling

Often, the swelling is quite evident and comes with bruising or pain. In other cases, the pain is subtle. Compare the affected knee with the healthy one to confirm the presence of swelling. The difference in size or if it’s painful to touch indicates injury.

You must also check how fast the swelling on your knee is forming. If the swelling is significant such as the size of a softball, seek medical attention immediately.

5.     Locked knee

A locked knee occurs when you can’t extend or straighten your leg. This may be due to a torn meniscus, or a small fragment of the bone becoming loose. In other cases, inflammation and swelling prevent a patient from fully straightening their knees.

Several athletes suffering with locked knees will also struggle to bend their knees. A sharp knee pain is felt when they try to bend the knee.

6.     Significant weakness while straightening the knee

Feeling significant weakness as you straighten your knee could indicate a serious tendon injury. The usual causes of weakness are tears in the patella tendon, quadriceps tendon, and patella dislocation.

7.     Having problems with walking

Several knee injuries lead to great pain and challenges in walking. Those with serious knee injuries will have great difficulty, if not impossible, walking. You may need to use crutches. Anyone who needs crutches is deemed to have a serious knee injury until an orthopedic surgeon evaluates them.

What Increases the Risk of Getting Knee Injury?

Any stress put on the joints from any direction may result in a knee injury. This includes a fall, a direct blow to the knee, or a sudden twisting movement of the joint. Several factors increase the risk of getting knee injury. Some examples are:

• Obesity
• Muscle weakness or imbalance
• Participating in sports that involve putting stress on the joints, such as skiing or running
• Previous knee injury

When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Treatment?

Knowing when to consult a professional for your injury is crucial for determining the correct treatment and recovery. It’s highly recommended to talk to a doctor right away if you have severe knee injuries. Delaying treatment can lead to severe pain, deformity, or problems in bearing weight on the affected knee.

Don’t waste time to see if the symptoms will resolve on their own. Immediate medical treatment will make a big difference in your road to recovery.

Protect Your Knees. Find Top Knee Pain Experts Near Me.

People of all ages experience knee problems. Understanding the extent of your injuries will help your health provider make an effective treatment plan.

Our team at the Pain Treatment Institute has one main goal: for our patients to be able to live their lives in full motion. If you feel your knee injury is already affecting your life, seek professional help. We’ll review your case and determine an appropriate treatment plan so you can fully enjoy life again. Book an appointment with us today!

How Can a Shoulder Pain Physician Help You?

Shoulder pain is a very common yet impactful type of chronic pain. Numerous factors, including injuries, overexertion, and underlying medical issues, can contribute to shoulder pain. Luckily, shoulder pain isn’t an impossible condition to fix. A consultation with a shoulder pain physician can help you get the diagnosis and treatment you need for your issue.

When to See a Shoulder Pain Physician

While minor cases of shoulder pain can be treated at home, you may need to seek professional help if your shoulder pain:

• The pain lasts for more than a few days.

If your shoulder pain doesn’t improve over a few days or worsens over time, you have to consult a physician.

• It is extreme or debilitating.

Severe shoulder pain that significantly limits your mobility and quality of life is a reason to get checked.

• It is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Symptoms like weakness, numbness, or swelling may indicate a more concerning underlying cause. Get checked as soon as possible in those cases.

Why You Should See a Shoulder Pain Physician

Though it may seem like a hassle, seeking medical help is still the best option. This is because going to a shoulder pain physician for treatment ensures a number of benefits. A shoulder pain expert can guarantee the following advantages:

They can diagnose you more accurately.

• Specialized Expertise: Shoulder pain physicians are trained to diagnose and cure a wide range of shoulder conditions, from strains to rotator cuff injuries.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Pain doctors utilize machinery like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds to pinpoint the exact cause of your shoulder pain.

Treatment plans will be more effective.

• Tailored Approach: Based on the underlying cause, shoulder pain physicians can develop customized treatment plans based on your needs.
• Physical Therapy Recommendations: Professionals can refer you to credible physical therapists who can plan regimens to improve your shoulder’s range of motion.

Recovery may come quicker.

• Reduced Pain: You can easily get pain relief with accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. You can also be prescribed appropriate medicine that can mitigate your symptoms.
• Enhanced Mobility: Shoulder pain physicians and trained PTs can help restore your overall mobility.

Common Shoulder Pain Conditions

To effectively and correctly treat shoulder pain, one must know the exact underlying cause. Shoulder pain can be due to a number of underlying conditions, including the following:

1. Arthritis
2. Bone spurs
3. Broken bones
4. Bursitis
5. Dislocated or separated shoulder
6. Frozen shoulder
7. Overexertion or injury
8. Pinched nerves
9. Rotator cuff injuries
10. Tendinitis

Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain

The underlying cause of shoulder pain will determine the course of your treatment. Typical treatment choices include:1.

Rest and ice

Rest is typically recommended for minor cases of shoulder pain. If rest is not enough, applying an ice pack can also help reduce shoulder pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy

In some cases, physical therapy exercises may be required to help deal with shoulder pain. These exercises can help strengthen the shoulder muscles and improve the range of motion, which may alleviate pain.

Medication

Depending on severity, over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation. However, this only targets the symptoms, not the underlying cause of shoulder pain.

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections are a proven treatment that can help reduce inflammation and joint pain. This type of treatment lasts longer than typical over-the-counter pain medication.

Surgery

In some serious cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the underlying cause of shoulder pain.

What to Consider When Choosing a Shoulder Pain Physician

Picking the right shoulder pain physician requires you to consider a number of factors to ensure your satisfaction. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your specialist:

• Ensure they are certified: The physician you select has board certification or a license that proves their qualifications.
• Consider their communication skills: Choose a physician who communicates effectively and knows how to answer your questions.
• Look at their experience: Consider professionals with a proven track record and years of experience.
• Consider their expertise: Make sure the physician you choose has specialized training in shoulder disorders.
• Be mindful of their reputation: Do your due diligence, look up the physician, and check patient reviews or comments.

Relieve Your Shoulder Pain With Pain Treatment Institute

It’s important to choose your back pain physician wisely. Even if it may be a hassle, you should take your time when evaluating your prospective physician. Doing so is worth the time and effort to improve your shoulder pain and well-being.

At the Pain Treatment Institute, we know how negatively back pain impacts your life. Thanks to our skilled pain specialists and cutting-edge pain management methods, we can help you make your way to recovery.

For more information, call the Pain Treatment Institute today!

When to Look for a Sciatica Doctor Near Me

Sciatica, also known as nerve root pain, is one of the most common kinds of back pain. It originates from an irritated or compressed nerve on the spinal cord. This condition is quite frustrating, you need to know when to consult a sciatica doctor near me.

Sciatica: An Overview

Sciatica is the term used to describe pain spreading along the sciatic nerve’s path. The sciatic nerve traverses from the lower back to the back of the leg. The most frequent symptoms of sciatica are:

• Burning or shooting leg pain
• Tingling or numbness in the afflicted leg
• A feeling of weakness in your leg or foot
• Back pain

The irritation or compression of the nerves in the lower back is the most common cause of sciatica. Some conditions associated with nerve compression are:

• Herniated disc: a slipped, prolapsed, or herniated disc.
• Spinal stenosis: the spinal canal is narrowed due to degenerative tissue.
• Piriformis syndrome: the sciatic nerve becomes irritated as it runs below the piriformis muscle in the buttocks.
• Pregnancy: the center of gravity changes during pregnancy, and joints become more elastic. This results in nerve pain in your buttocks or legs. In some cases, the baby in the womb also puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Injury or trauma: accidents or injuries may also damage the nerves which leads to pain

Managing Sciatica on Your Own

Most cases resolve after a few days. If you are feeling sciatica symptoms, you can:

• Rest to lessen the irritation of the sciatic nerve and allow it to heal. Don’t stay in bed. It’s recommended to stand up and gently move around. Avoid movements that exacerbate the pain.
• Stretching exercises for the lower back can reduce nerve compression. Don’t twist your back. Try slow and gradual stretches.
• Apply an ice pack on the irritated area for 20 minutes a few times each day to provide some relief.
• If symptoms don’t resolve after 2 to 3 days, try using hot packs or a heating pad as an alternative.

If these home remedies don’t seem to be working, it might be time to consult a health professional.

Is It Time to Go to a Sciatica Doctor Near Me?

The primary care physician (PCP) is normally your initial point of contact upon experiencing sciatica symptoms. They will conduct an initial assessment, check your medical history, and prescribe first-line treatments. This includes lifestyle changes, physical therapy, pain relievers, or a combination of at least two of these treatments.

If conservative treatments cannot address your symptoms, the next best step is to consult a specialist.

Pain management doctors concentrate on managing chronic pain. If sciatica already greatly affects your quality of life, a pain specialist offers advanced treatment options. You may expect the following:

• Customized pain relief: the doctors on your team will propose a customized plan to effectively reduce your pain.
• Advanced treatments: pain specialists may prescribe radiofrequency ablation or injections for long-term pain relief.

Are There Sciatica Symptoms That Need Immediate Medical Attention?

Although sciatica pain can be serious and cause weakness in your legs, the symptoms usually don’t cause long-term complications. There are rare instances when you experience troubling symptoms that trigger a medical emergency.

Changes in Bladder or Bowel Control

Consult a sciatica doctor near me right away if you have unexplained changes in bladder or bowel control. Examples include:

• Unable to manage your bladder and bowel movement
• Reduced urinary sensation, difficulty in passing urine, poor stream, or reduced desire to pass urine

The above symptoms are due to a rare but severe medical condition known as cauda equina syndrome. Aside from incontinence, it may also cause:

• Sudden pain and weakness in your legs
• Numbness in your genitals, groin, buttocks, or inner thigh
• Sexual dysfunction

Delaying treatment will lead to neurological problems such as difficulty in walking and lower-body paralysis. This condition must be treated within 24-48 hours from the occurrence of symptoms to preserve lower limb function.

Worsening Neurological Symptoms

Extensive damage in the sciatic nerve roots result in progressive neurological symptoms. This needs immediate treatment. The symptoms may occur in one or both legs and usually involve the following:

• Weakness;
• Tingling;
• Numbness;
• Abnormal sensations, such as crawling; and
• Hyperalgesia or increased sensitivity to pain

These symptoms don’t need surgery, but immediate treatment is required.

Consult a Sciatica Doctor Near Me Today at the Pain Treatment Institute

Choosing which doctor to consult for sciatica depends on your symptoms and their impact on your quality of life.

If your pain has already become unbearable, book an appointment with the Pain Treatment Institute. Our medical team and staff commit to creating the best treatment plan customized for your needs. We always start with the conservative approach first before exploring the more advanced methods.

We have six clinics in North Texas from which you can choose from. Book an appointment today.

Signs You Need to Look for Migraine Doctor Near Me

Migraine attacks are a real source of nuisance. They involve extreme, throbbing pain that may come with vomiting, nausea, light sensitivity, and loss of appetite. Data from the Migraine Research Foundation shows that almost 1 out of 4 US households has someone with migraine. You must consult a migraine doctor near me to get specialized care for migraine and its related symptoms.

Recognizing Migraine From a Simple Headache

It’s important to be familiar with your personal headache symptoms, what’s normal, and what’s already an emergency. Look out for the following symptoms that require that you need immediate medical attention.

A new, sudden, severe headache accompanied with:

• Falling, sudden loss of balance, dizziness, weakness, numbness, or tingling
• Speech difficulty, confusion, seizures, inappropriate behavior, or sudden change in personality
• Impaired vision (blurred, double vision) or blind spots
• Pain that disturbs your sleep
• Sudden or severe vomiting or nausea
• Unequal pupil size
• The eyelid is drooping on one side
• Difficulty in standing up even if holding to an immobile object
• Difficulty talking or comprehending others who are speaking

You may already be used to dealing with migraines on your own. Check if the episodes worsened or became more frequent.  Consider looking for a migraine doctor near me if you notice odd patterns such as:

• Headache that occurred after an accident or head trauma
• A different type of headache that began for the first time beyond the age of 50
• Headaches triggered by bending, coughing, sexual activity, or other strenuous physical activity.
• Your pain significantly impacts your quality of life
• There is a noticeable change in the symptoms or pattern of migraine attacks
• You experience three or more headaches each week
• You require pain relievers daily or almost daily to manage your headache
• You require at least two to three doses of pain relievers each week

How Can a Migraine Doctor Help With Your Pain?

Migraine is considered a neurological disorder. Neurologists focusing on nervous system disorders are the best health professionals to consult on your condition. They will rule out potential neurological conditions that produce similar symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.

Neurologists are also updated on innovative treatments for migraine attacks. They will develop a suitable treatment plan. They will also fine-tune the dosages of medications that are beneficial for you.

They’re usually on the lookout for new discoveries in their field. They will update you on current information, such as treatment options. This depends on factors such as your age, frequency of migraine attacks, severity, symptoms, and medical history. Your treatment plan may include:

• Medications
• Lifestyle medications such as avoiding migraine triggers or managing stress
• Hormones, especially if the attacks are associated to the menstrual cycle in women
• Alternative medicine

What to Expect for Your First Consult With a Migraine Doctor Near Me

Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam and neurological tests. The tests will depend on your symptoms. These may include:

• CT scan: to detect any bleeding, structural problems, spinal problems, or tumors that might cause the migraine.
• MRI: performed in case of a recent head injury that might cause the migraine. This can also be an alternative to CT scan to identify structural problems or tumors
• EEG: to measure brainwaves and confirm epilepsy or other brain disorders.
• Eye exam: to detect signs of concussion or other neurological damage
• Spinal tap: to confirm if the patient has an infection, tumor, or disorder like Guillan-Barre syndrome
• Lab tests: blood tests or urinalysis will help rule out diseases like diabetes or thyroid disease

Preparing for Your First Appointment

According to experts, a key tool in diagnosis is an accurate headache history. Providing a complete history can help identify triggers and possible solutions. Before going to your first appointment, make sure that you’ve thought about the following:

• When did the migraine occur? What makes it go away?
• Does light, sound, or noise bother you during these headaches?
• Are there any changes in your eyesight prior to or during these headaches?
• How well did you sleep the night before the migraine attack?
• If you’re a woman, when did the migraine occur with respect to your menstrual cycle?
• What are the activities you were doing before the migraine attacks began?
• What was your previous diagnosis, and what are the treatments you tried?

The Pain Treatment Institute Has the Best Migraine Doctor Near Me

For many people, migraine is a chronic illness that greatly affects their quality of life. Some try to manage this on their own, which results in medication overuse. This is the main reason why an episodic migraine becomes chronic. It’s strongly recommended to leave your care in the hands of a health professional.

The Pain Treatment Institute has a team of doctors specializing in pain that can help with your suffering. We will assess, diagnose, and provide the best treatment options suited to your case. Book an appointment with us today.

5 Qualities of the Best Pain Treatment Physician

Millions of Americans suffer from pain. The Pain Physical Journal noted that more than 26 million of the working population aged 20 to 64 have frequent low back pain. It also showed that individuals with back pain spend 60% more on healthcare expenses than those without. This is why partnering with the best pain treatment physician is important.

The right pain treatment specialist can help ensure that no time and money is wasted with the treatment plan chosen for you. Are you ready to find the best physician for pain in your area? Make sure to look for these five qualities when selecting a pain treatment partner.

Good credentials

Rigorous training and years of experience provide the foundation for becoming the best pain treatment physician. There are approximately 200,000 doctors dealing with pain management  in the country at present. Checking their credentials will assure you they’re qualified to prescribe safe and effective treatment.

Try to get information about:

• Professional history: Where did they go to school? Did they graduate from a legitimate medical school?
• Professional license: Can the doctor legally practice his profession?
• Medical malpractice: Did the doctor receive any complaints regarding his service? Were any lawsuits filed against him? This is considered a red flag and should be avoided.
• Years of experience: If what you’re feeling seems to be more than ordinary back pain, you need someone with extensive experience. You might want to look for a doctor with at least 5 years of experience in managing pain.
• Specialization: Check if the doctor specializes in caring for patients suffering from back pain. They may also be focused on some areas such as nerve pain, chronic pain, or lower back pain.

Excellent communication skills

Listening

It’s not advisable to have a doctor with poor communication skills, no matter how qualified he is.

First, your chosen doctor should be a good listener. They should first ask questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and what you want to achieve from the treatment. They can’t give any advice if he doesn’t take the time to listen to you.

Willing to Educate

There are several terms used in managing back pain that most patients don’t understand. Your lack of medical background shouldn’t hinder you from understanding your health issue. This is crucial for you to make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

The best pain treatment physician will try to explain complex medical terms to his patients. They should also thoroughly discuss your medical condition and treatment options. The right physician will make sure that you have a clear picture of the situation. They will explain the risks, benefits, or drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.

Shows empathy

Bedside manners shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing the best pain treatment physician. You’re already suffering from pain. You will also feel anxious about the possible consequences of your condition, such as immobility. An empathetic doctor will help ease the situation.

An empathetic doctor is sensitive to your concerns. They will help identify and address your questions and give reassurance and firm guidance. It is vital that you have confidence in the treatment process and feel comfortable with your healthcare team.

Offers several treatment options

The underlying condition behind each patient’s back pain is unique; therefore, the treatment must be tailored to it. Although there are “best practices” in the industry, you must still be given options on your treatment. Some examples of back pain treatments are:

• Chiropractic approach (spinal decompression therapy, spinal manipulation)
• Medication (over-the-counter, prescription, corticosteroid injections)
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Laser spine surgery
• Physical therapy (strength-building exercises, hot and cold therapy)

You might encounter doctors who seem biased on one treatment approach over others. A doctor who truly cares for you chooses what’s best for you rather than what’s best for their practice.

Receives good feedback from patients

Reviews and information about medical services are readily available on the Internet. Check out these resources before committing to a doctor or facility.

Patient testimonials and online reviews give valuable insights into patient experience, quality of care, and overall satisfaction.

Always be vigilant when going through the reviews. Don’t only look at the number of stars beside the doctor’s name. Often, the negative reviews have nothing to do with the medical care provided. Some people are unethical and use these reviews to malign a business for selfish reasons. For that reason, try talking to two or three patients of your potential doctor. Ask them about their experience and if they’ll still consider them for their follow-up check-up.

Get Back Pain Relief at Pain Treatment Institute

Selecting your back pain doctor requires careful consideration. Although it may seem inconvenient, you must take your time to evaluate your potential doctor. Your overall health and well-being are worth the time and effort.

The Pain Treatment Institute understands how back pain can affect your quality of life. With a team of qualified health professionals and modern pain management techniques, we are the best at what we do. Book your initial consultation today.