Everyone experiences body aches at one time or another. Aches can be a result of a workout or sports injury or even from sleeping awkwardly one night.
Not all aches and pains require a doctor’s visit, but there are some that you may need to be more attentive to.
Wrist Pain
Wrist ailments can occur from repetitive movements like writing or typing. Relieving this pain can be as simple as making a change to eliminate the strain, performing stretches to alleviate tension, or wearing a brace to stabilize and put pressure on the joint. More serious pains, like discomfort on the thumb-side of your wrist, should be examined - because it could be a scaphoid fracture.
Shoulder Pain
Your shoulder has a wide range of motion and it can hinder your ability to move freely when something is wrong. If you experience pain that radiates down your arm, it could indicate a disc issue in your neck. Get this checked out, especially if it is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Groin Pain
This type of pain can be particularly common in athletes. It is typically caused by a muscle, tendon, or ligament strain. It can occur immediately after an injury or develop gradually over a period of weeks or months.
If you experience a sudden onset of sharp, intense pain in the groin, buttocks, or thigh at the time of an injury, this could indicate a high-risk stress fracture. Seek medical attention if this happens.
Foot Pain
Nagging pain at the top of your foot, especially over the outside, could be from a stress fracture. You may be told to keep pressure off of your foot for a while or need a cast for a few weeks.
Heel Pain
The most common culprit of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This is inflammation of the band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that extends from the heel to the toes. This condition can be treated by performing stretches, avoiding going barefoot, and icing your heel several times a day.
If the pain is in the back of the heel or Achilles region and is accompanied by swelling or bruising, this could indicate a partial tear and should be examined by a physician.
Shin Pain
Training too hard over a short period of time can lead you to experience shin splints. They often plague runners who do not gradually build their mileage for who abruptly change their workout regimen. Treatments for shin splints can be as simple as decreasing or completely stopping training until the pain subsides.
If you experience pain in your lower leg, it could be the result of a stress fracture, which can be more serious. If it’s accompanied by numbness or tingling, you could have what is called exertional compartment syndrome (an exercise-induced muscle and nerve condition). It’s important to see a physician to get an accurate diagnosis of the injury.
Big Toe Pain
There can be many causes of toe pain due to the constant weight we put on them. Cuts, scrapes, and blisters can easily be treated at home. But, toe pain can be an indication of something more serious, such as gout or arthritis, or a tear or stress fracture in some cases.
While there are aches and pains that don’t warrant a doctor’s visit, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you have been experiencing an ache or pain that you’re concerned about, check with a primary care physician.
Advanced HealthCare is an independent and community-minded office located in the heart of Evansville. Our caring health care providers take a personal approach to health care, and they are equipped to handle both routine and acute medical care 5 days per week. We can generally schedule the same day with one of our providers. Give us a call at 812-479-9500 to get started!