Have you ever experienced a seemingly minor muscle injury that progressively got worse over the following days, weeks or months? If so, you are not alone. Unfortunately, if not taken seriously, what appears to be a minor muscle injury could end up turning into a debilitating injury that could impact your day-to-day life.

Below, these rheumatologists in Northwest Indiana highlight the importance of properly treating muscle injuries by explaining what can happen when you ignore them.

What are muscle injuries?

Have you ever felt a sudden sharp pain if you stretch too much or skip warming up before working out? That’s a form of a muscle injury.

These injuries range from mild strains, which are annoying but typically not too serious, to muscle tears that can sideline you with intense pain and loss of function. These injuries usually happen due to overworking muscles during exercise, skipping warm-ups or experiencing direct trauma in an accident.

The symptoms of muscle injuries vary. However, most people suffering from these injuries experience constant or frequent pain, noticeable swelling and difficulty moving as they normally would.

You might think only athletes get these injuries because of their vigorous physical routines. However, the truth is that muscle injuries can happen to anyone, regardless of age, fitness level or lifestyle choices.

The risks of ignoring muscle injuries

Many people are tempted to try to walk off their muscle injury. However, as any rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana will tell you, ignoring these injuries often can make things worse. If you don’t receive the proper treatment and give your body enough time to recover, you could be at risk for developing chronic pain in that area. This can affect everything from your work life to your social interactions, and even make it difficult to take care of yourself or others.

Ignoring a muscle injury also can limit your range of motion in the affected area. This can make it difficult to perform even the simplest tasks, like carrying shopping bags or walking up stairs. What’s worse is that an improperly healed injury is prone to re-injury.

In more severe cases, ignoring a muscle injury can lead to long-term health issues, such as chronic pain in multiple joints or even arthritis, which can seriously impact your quality of life.

Not to mention that the continuous use of pain medication for untreated injuries can lead to other health issues, including gastrointestinal problems or even dependency. There also is the financial burden – ongoing treatment for chronic conditions can be expensive, plus the potential loss of income from missed work or loss of future earning capacity.

What can a rheumatologist do for you?

Rheumatologists are doctors who specializes in treating musculoskeletal diseases. They can determine what is wrong with your injured muscle and how to best treat it.

They then will recommend the most effective treatment plan based on your specific needs for a faster, more effective recovery. They also educate you in areas like injury prevention and management to help you avoid future problems.

If you are experiencing chronic muscle pain, swelling or loss of flexibility in joints, or if your injury is not responding to basic home care, it is time to consider visiting a rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana.

Looking for an Affordable Rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana?

Ignoring a muscle injury can be risky – but with proper care and attention, a full recovery becomes much more likely. Are you ready to meet with an affordable rheumatologist in Northwest Indiana who can help you in your recovery? If so, our licensed rheumatologists at 219 Health Network are here to guide you through the process. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule an appointment.