General FAQs
General Questions
Urgent care is for non-life-threatening medical issues that require prompt attention, such as minor injuries, fevers, or infections. The emergency room (ER) is for severe, life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, severe bleeding, or major injuries.
It depends on your insurance plan. Some plans require a referral from your primary care physician, while others allow you to see a specialist directly.
You should see an orthopedic doctor if you have persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness in your joints, muscles, or bones, difficulty performing everyday activities, or if you have suffered an injury such as a fracture or dislocation.
Pain Management
Pain management is a continuous process. The number of treatments or interventions depends on the individual’s condition, response to treatment, and the type of pain being managed.
During your first pain management appointment, the doctor will review your medical history, discuss your pain symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and possibly order diagnostic tests. They will then develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Interventional pain management involves minimally invasive procedures, such as injections or nerve blocks, to treat chronic pain and improve quality of life.
Robotics Surgery
Robotic surgery involves using robotic systems controlled by a surgeon to perform precise and minimally invasive procedures. The surgeon operates the robot through a console, which enhances their vision, precision, and control.
Yes, robotic surgery is considered safe and can offer benefits like reduced pain, smaller incisions, and quicker recovery times. As with any surgery, there are risks, but robotic systems are designed to enhance surgical precision and outcomes.
Neck Pain
Yes, neck pain can sometimes cause dizziness, especially if it is related to cervical spine issues affecting balance and spatial orientation.
Yes, neck pain can sometimes indicate a serious condition such as a spinal cord injury, infection, or even a heart attack. It’s important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like numbness or weakness.
Yes, neck pain can lead to headaches, often referred to as cervicogenic headaches, which originate in the neck and spread to the head.
Shoulder Pain
A broken shoulder can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to move the arm. You may also notice a deformity or unusual positioning of the shoulder. An X-ray is typically required to confirm the diagnosis.
Neck and shoulder pain can be caused by muscle strain, poor posture, injuries, arthritis, or conditions like herniated discs and pinched nerves.
Shoulder blade pain can result from muscle strain, poor posture, injuries, or underlying conditions like gallbladder disease, heart conditions, or problems with the spine.
Yes, shoulder pain can sometimes radiate to the chest, especially if it is due to nerve impingement or referred pain from the neck or upper back.
Elbow, Wrist, and Hand Pain
Elbow pain can be caused by conditions such as tendinitis (tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow), arthritis, bursitis, fractures, or nerve compression.
While carpal tunnel syndrome primarily affects the wrist and hand, it can sometimes cause pain to radiate up the arm to the elbow.
Elbow pain may be serious if it is accompanied by swelling, significant bruising, deformity, inability to move the elbow, or if it results from a traumatic injury. Persistent or worsening pain should also be evaluated by a doctor.
Wrist and hand pain can be caused by conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendinitis, fractures, or repetitive strain injuries.
Hip Pain
Hip pain can be caused by arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, hip fractures, labral tears, or conditions like sciatica.
Yes, sciatica can cause hip pain as the sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg.
For hip pain, rest, apply ice or heat, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoid activities that worsen the pain. Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the hip muscles may also help. Consult a doctor for persistent or severe pain.
Knee Pain
Knee pain can be caused by injuries such as ligament tears, meniscus tears, or fractures, as well as conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or patellar tendinitis.
For knee pain, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and physical therapy exercises can also be beneficial. See a doctor for severe or persistent pain.
Nerve pain after knee replacement can be managed with medications, physical therapy, nerve blocks, or other pain management techniques recommended by your doctor.
There are several new injections for knee pain, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and corticosteroid injections. The best option depends on the underlying cause of the pain and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.