From the moment you get out of bed in the morning to the time you lay down at night, your musculoskeletal system is at work — supporting, moving and enabling you to do the things you love. But when pain, stiffness or injury disrupt that movement, even simple activities can become challenging. That’s where orthopedic care comes in.

What is orthopedics?

Orthopedics is a medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing, treating and preventing conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. This system includes your bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons — all of which play a crucial role in movement and daily function. Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, chronic joint pain or a traumatic fracture, orthopedic care helps restore mobility, reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

How orthopedic problems affect daily life

Orthopedic problems — like muscle and joint pain, stiffness or limited mobility — can have a major impact on your daily routine. That nagging knee pain, stiff shoulder or discomfort in your hands and wrists may seem minor at first, but over time, these issues can make even basic activities difficult and frustrating.

Tasks like walking up stairs, reaching for an item on a high shelf or even typing on a keyboard can become painful. If left untreated, many orthopedic conditions worsen, leading to long-term complications and decreased mobility. Seeking the right care early can help you stay active, independent, and pain-free.

What do orthopedic specialists treat?

Orthopedic specialists provide expert care for a wide range of issues, including:

• Foot and ankle conditions – Plantar fasciitis, bunions, fractures and Achilles tendon injuries
• Hand, wrist, and elbow conditions – Carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis and tennis elbow
• Hip conditions – Arthritis, hip labral tears and hip replacements
• Knee conditions – ACL injuries, meniscus tears, osteoarthritis and total knee replacements
• Shoulder conditions – Rotator cuff tears, dislocations, and frozen shoulder
• Sports injuries – Sprains, strains, tears and stress fractures
• Trauma injuries – Fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries from accidents

When should you see an orthopedic specialist?

You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from orthopedic care. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness or limited movement in any joint or limb, it may be time to see a specialist.

• Some signs that indicate you should seek orthopedic care include:
• Pain that lasts longer than a few weeks
• Difficulty moving a joint or limb without discomfort
• Swelling or inflammation that doesn’t go away
• A recent injury that isn’t healing properly
• Weakness, instability or loss of function in a joint

Early intervention can prevent further damage and improve long-term outcomes, helping you get back to an active, pain-free lifestyle.

Tanner Orthopedic Care offers comprehensive orthopedic services backed by the latest technological advancements. Our expert team provides an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs — whether that means non-surgical treatments, physical therapy or advanced surgical options.

You don’t have to live with pain. Pain is a signal — not a way of life.

Take the first step toward relief by visiting TannerOrtho.org today.