When Is Hip, Shoulder, Or Knee Pain Worth A Trip To The Doctor?

Health and Fitness

When Is Hip, Shoulder, Or Knee Pain Worth A Trip To The Doctor?

12 July 2017

It is often difficult to gauge pain, and in many cases, the initial diagnosis might not be black and white. Is it just an inconvenience, or is the pain a sign of a serious issue?

When it comes to pain, especially in the body’s main joints, it is crucial to know when to visit a doctor and when it is safe just to rest.

To help you safely handle any situation in which you might experience pain in your hip, knee or shoulder, Dr. Biddulph, an orthopedic surgeon in Idaho Falls, created the following list of symptoms to watch. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor:

The Hip

The hip is one of the most important joints in the body. It supports almost all movement. If injured, it could cause serious issues for the rest of the body. Speak to your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Intense pain
Sudden swelling
Unable to move your leg or hip
The appearance of joint deformity
Unable to bear weight on the affected side
Signs of infection, including fever, chills, redness.

The Shoulder

The shoulder might be one of the most difficult joints in which to diagnose pain. Is the pain due to overuse, or is there an actual injury? In some cases, self-care measures might alleviate the pain. If you notice the following symptoms, you should visit a doctor:

Swelling and/or redness
Tenderness and/or warmth around joint

Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing the following:

Intense pain
Sudden swelling
The appearance of joint deformity
Unable to move arm away from body or use the joint

The Knee

Much like the shoulder, pain in the knee can be hard to diagnose. If you experience any of the following symptoms, be sure to schedule a doctor visit: