Not all joint or muscle pain needs surgery—but some signs shouldn’t be ignored. Here’s how to know when it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist.

1. Persistent Pain That Won’t Go Away: Pain lasting longer than 2–3 weeks, even with rest or meds, might signal a deeper issue.

2. Limited Range of Motion: Trouble lifting your arm, bending your knee, or turning your neck? This could be due to joint damage, arthritis, or a soft tissue tear.

3. Instability or “Giving Way”: Feeling like your knee or ankle might buckle can mean ligament damage.

4. Swelling or Deformity After Injury: Acute injuries that cause swelling or odd joint shapes may need immediate evaluation.

5. Pain That Affects Daily Life: If pain is keeping you from sleeping, working, or doing basic tasks, it’s time to get it checked.

Don’t wait until it gets worse—early diagnosis can mean faster recovery. Schedule a consultation with our orthopedic team today.

Each month, we like to highlight a case that might help other people who experience similar symptoms understand their surgical options. 

Recently, Dr. Tchejeyan had the pleasure of being a guest on the OPUM Podcast, a podcast hosted by OPUM Technologies

Total Knee Arthroplasty, or TKA, refers to the total surgical replacement of the knee surface.