There are hundreds of bones and joints in your body, and you also have to think about the muscles and connective tissues, among others. If any of these parts of your body is not as it should be, your discomfort levels could vary from a mild ache to acute pain. As if that's not bad enough, there's also the possibility that the pain could get worse.

Injuries of the musculoskeletal system should always be addressed as early as possible. If too much time passes before the problem is addressed, things could get much worse. How can you tell that it's time to see someone about that pain?

It's Becoming Harder to Perform Simple Tasks

It's one thing if the pain is preventing you from working in your garden; however, if something as simple as walking your dog or climbing up the stairs is becoming a difficult task, you should definitely start reaching out to a specialist. This can be a sign of a progressive problem.

You Experience Chronic Pain

Any pain that lasts beyond 12 weeks is usually considered to be chronic. A few days of manageable pain shouldn't be a cause for concern. However, if you've been dealing with the pain for weeks and it's either unchanged or getting worse, you'll need a professional, like those at El Camino Center for Sports Medicine​, to step in. If you wait for too long, Orthopedic surgery may be required.

Limited Range of Motion

It's not uncommon for joints to start feeling tighter even if the tightness isn't accompanied by pain. This tightness can severely limit your movement, and this could be a sign of arthritis. To prevent the problem from becoming worse, you should see a specialist as soon as possible.

Instability When Standing or Walking

Are you starting to feel unstable or wobbly when you try to stand, sit down, or walk? This could signify that there's a problem with your joints. A professional can help to get to the root of your instability and help to correct it.

You Suffered a Soft Tissue Injury and It's Not Improving

Soft tissue injuries can usually heal on their own if too much stress isn't put on the injured body part. These including things like sprained ankles and twisted knees. However, these injuries may be hiding much more significant damage. Observe the injured part for 48 hours. If the pain and/or swelling isn't subsiding, you should consult a doctor as quickly as possible.