A precipitating factor for a visit to my office is pain. Some pain is so uncomfortable, that you know it is time to see a doctor. Other pain is not so clear….there are instances of “normal” pain: the soreness after a minor injury, the “good pain” felt the day after a workout. So how much is too much and when do you know it is time to see the doctor? Does your pain:
- interfere with daily activities?
- not resolve within 48 hours?
- not respond to the usual treatments of rest, ice and over the counter pain relievers?
- get worse over time?
- increase at night or awaken you from sleep? (Normally pain decreases with rest.)
- have associated numbness?
- have associated fever?
- have associated sudden weight loss?
If any of the above apply to you, it may be time to make a visit to my office.
If the pain is severe enough to interfere with daily activities, or has occurred for a period of time longer than you would expect for the injury, it may be time to visit my office. Also of concern that pain that gets worse over time, instead of getting better.
Some pain, no matter how mild or short in duration should warrant immediate attention by a health care professional. Pain that is associated with numbness; fever, sudden weight loss, inability to control bladder, accompanied by falling; or the loss of function and or sensation is not normal and needs immediate attention.
