Recognizing and talking about your pain

We understand how it easy it can be to grin and bear it. Whether your job is a physically demanding one or one that requires long periods of sitting, it can often be common practice to ignore what you believe are minor aches and pains, and go on about your day-to-day. Though some pains might be small, more often than not, these minor injuries can lead to further damage. Even the littlest of strains, if ignored, can do damage to the area and possibly other joints.

With early care, you can reduce your risk of damage, reduce your pain, and decrease your chances of injury. So if you are living your day in constant pain, here’s what you should know.

How to Prevent Injuries

One of the most significant ways to ensure you are giving your joints and muscles the attention they deserve is through proper training and techniques. If your job is physically demanding and requires heavy lifting, you’ll want to ensure you are doing it to the best of your ability. Listen to your body and don’t stand or sit in one position for too long.

When performing heavy lifting, make sure you bend with your knees, not your back, and lift the object straight up without twisting, making sure the object stays close to your body.

If you sit for prolonged periods every day, posture should be a priority. Poor posture, along with the pressure of sitting all day, can do a number on your entire body. It’s important to get up as often as you can. Go for brisk walks, get your joints moving, and try to take the stairs more often! If you notice that you're leaving work in constant pain, it might be time to talk to your doctor and get checked for possible injuries.

Identifying an Injury

It’s not uncommon for injuries to go identified or untreated. A tweak of the ankle might seem like something to ignore, but ignoring a sprain or strain, or even a possible break, can leave you with further damage. If an injury persists or gets worse over a week or so, it’s never a bad idea to get it looked at. The sooner you do, the quicker the healing process may begin. To fully understand the difference between a sprain of a strain, and the level of injury that can come with it, read How to Know if it’s a Break, Sprain or Strain.

Sports Medicine

For athletes, injuries can be par for the course, but treating them in a timely fashion and learning proper prevention techniques can help you stay off the bench and in the game as much as possible. With sports medicine, not only will your injuries be treated, but you’ll learn proper warm-ups and stretches that can ensure your body can handle the physical activity it endures.

What are some of the benefits of sports medicine?

1. Rehabilitation: You can be sure you heal correctly.
2. Preventive Care: You won’t have to keep enduring the same routine injuries.
3. Education: You can get the proper knowledge you need to support your muscles and joints.

With proper knowledge, prevention, and treatment you can potentially make it through spring sports season injury free!

Foot Pain and Injuries

Foot pain is not something to ignore and there are many treatment options available.

The longer foot pain isn’t treated, the longer you are letting your quality of life suffer. From finding the proper-fitting footwear for activities such as hunting, hiking and running, to arthritis of the big toe, here are the foot pain symptoms you should speak to the Power Rivers Orthopedics & Spine (PROS) doctors about:

• Pain or swelling at the base of the big toe as this could signify big toe arthritis.
• Bulging or a lump on the joint of your foot or difficulty moving your big toe could be a bunion.

The symptoms are treatable, and the earlier they are caught, the better!

Joint Pain

It’s true that joint pain and injuries can be caused by overuse, but sometimes, there could be something more serious going on. Often, there could be more damage being done to the joint. The clicking of the hip or restriction of your shoulder movement are both signs that something is going on, and through proper orthopedic care, you can learn where the root of the issue lies and how to prevent more damage.

Ultimately, some damage can be so severe that replacements are needed. However, each case is unique, and you can rest assured your doctors will never suggest a treatment plan without thoroughly discussing your options beforehand.

Just remember: you don’t have to live with low mobility of anyjoint, and you could be causing damage if you continue to do so. Speaking with the PROS can make it possible to get your quality of life back.

Preparing for Possible Surgery

Even if you have been diligent about your preventative care but now surgery is needed for a better quality of life, you’ll want to be ready. No matter what the surgery is, being overprepared is key to your comfort and success.

For joint replacement, your pain that affects your daily life, bone damage, or joint pain while moving can make you a candidate for joint replacement. If you ultimately decide that surgery is your best option, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your doctor is more than willing to explain your options, the before and after the recovery process, and what you can expect so you can start living your life pain-free.

If you are living your life with pain the experts at Power River Orthopedics & Spine (PROS) in Gillette, Wyoming are here to help. At PROS, we recognize that each patient is unique and create a customized treatment plan to get you back on your feet. If surgery is necessary, our physicians will explain the surgical process and answer any questions you may have.

To enjoy an active and healthy life at any age, call the PROS at 307.686.1413 or visit www.cchwyo.org/PROS to learn more.