Have you experienced days when moving becomes a test of endurance – as if your joints don’t want to cooperate? Or when even the most mundane activities (like walking up a flight of stairs or getting something off the top shelf) give you intense joint pain? If these scenarios sound familiar, it’s probably time to take a moment and listen to what your body is saying.
This temporary, involuntary inability to move and joint pain may not simply be an issue of aging or tiredness after working out the previous day. This could be your body signaling to a more severe problem – such as a rheumatic disease. In these situations, it’s recommended that you consult with a specialist to get a better understanding of what is going on with your body.
Our 219 Health Network rheumatology specialists in Northwest Indiana discuss some key things you should know.
Rheumatic disease could be hiding behind the pain
You may dismiss joint pain and swelling as a temporary annoyance, like many people do. However as we mentioned earlier, these seemingly innocuous signs can sometimes point to a bigger issue, like rheumatic diseases. Rheumatic disease is an umbrella term referring to conditions that affect the joints, tendons, muscles, ligaments, bones and muscles.
Rheumatic diseases are complicated and often mimic other conditions, which makes them hard to diagnose. The problem is that even a mild inconvenience can become a major health problem that affects your day-to-day life without early intervention. With that said, recognizing the pain as a red flag and meeting with a rheumatology specialist in Northwest Indiana is critical to take control of your health.
What does a rheumatologist specialist do?
A rheumatologist specialist is a board-certified medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating these elusive rheumatic diseases. They will take an in-depth look at your symptoms (joint pain, swelling and stiffness) to get to the underlying cause. Early diagnosis is key to management. Your rheumatologist specialist will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms and lifestyle.
What can you do if you are experiencing these symptoms?
If you are experiencing joint pain and swelling, the first thing you should do is listen to what your body tells you – if something feels wrong, there is a good chance that something is wrong. Next, it’s important to educate yourself. You’ll want to look into your symptoms and try to understand where they might be originating from. Knowledge really is power in this context.
Finally, you should schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist specialist in Northwest Indiana.
Looking for an Affordable Rheumatology Specialist in Northwest Indiana?
Joint pain and swelling could be your body signaling that something needs attention. With that said, you shouldn’t be quick to dismiss these symptoms. Are you experiencing any joint pain, swelling, or general discomfort? Ready to schedule an appointment with an affordable rheumatology specialist in Northwest Indiana who can help you understand and manage your health? If so, look no further than our team at 219 Health Network.
Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule an appointment.