You don’t have to “earn” a visit to an orthopaedic surgeon with months of suffering. If pain, swelling, or loss of function is affecting your daily life—or an injury simply doesn’t settle—it’s reasonable to check in with a specialist and build a plan.
What does an orthopaedic surgeon actually do?
Orthopaedic surgeons are doctors who focus on bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves—the entire system that lets you move, work, and be active.
At Catalyst Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, that includes:
- Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, foot, and ankle problems
- Sports injuries in youth and adult athletes
- Arthritis and cartilage wear
- Fractures and post-traumatic problems
- Revision and second-opinion cases for complex situations
An orthopaedic visit doesn’t automatically mean surgery. In many cases, your surgeon is the one who helps you avoid an operation by organising imaging, targeted therapy, injections, or simple changes in activity and training.
Red-flag symptoms: When to seek urgent or emergency care
Some situations shouldn’t wait for a routine clinic visit. Get urgent or emergency care (ER, urgent care, or 911) if you have:
- A suspected broken bone, especially if the bone is out of place or visible
- A joint that suddenly looks deformed or “out of socket”
- Inability to bear weight on a leg or take even a few steps after an injury
- Severe pain and swelling in one joint that started suddenly
- Signs of infection: hot, very red joint with fever, chills, or feeling unwell
- Loss of feeling (numbness) or tingling after a fall or injury
These can’t be safely monitored at home. Emergency teams can stabilise the injury and, if needed, your care can then transition to the orthopaedic team at Catalyst.
Everyday signs it’s time to see an orthopaedic surgeon
You don’t need a dramatic accident to justify a visit. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests that it’s reasonable to see an orthopaedic specialist for most musculoskeletal symptoms, especially if you notice:
- Pain lasting more than 3 months (constant or on-and-off)
- Joint stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Symptoms that limit your daily function—walking, stairs, work, or hobbies
- Difficulty standing, walking, or moving around
- An injury that isn’t improving with simple measures (rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relief) after a couple of weeks
You should also consider an orthopaedic visit if:
- You’ve already tried rest, basic exercises, or medications and you’re still stuck
- Pain is shutting down your sleep or forcing you to give up activities you love
- You’ve been told you “might need surgery” and want a second opinion
What can you try before you book?
For minor aches and strains with a clear cause—like a weekend of heavy gardening or a new workout—you might try:
- A few days of relative rest (not complete bed rest)
- Ice or heat, depending on what feels better
- Short-term use of over-the-counter pain relief (if safe for you)
- Gentle stretching and movement
If symptoms improve steadily over 1–2 weeks, you may simply monitor. If pain is not improving, keeps coming back, or is getting worse, that’s your cue to bring in a specialist.
Body-region examples: When to ask for help
Shoulder
Consider a shoulder evaluation—often with our Shoulder team—if you notice:
- Pain that’s worse at night or when you lie on that side
- Weakness when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
- A sense of catching, clicking, or slipping
- A fall or dislocation followed by ongoing instability
These can reflect rotator cuff tears, impingement, labral tears, or instability—conditions where early orthopaedic input can protect the joint long-term.
Knee and lower leg
It’s worth seeing a knee specialist—such as on our Knee and Lower Leg service—if you have:
- Swelling, locking, or catching after a twist or pivot
- A “pop” followed by instability or buckling
- Persistent pain with stairs, squatting, or running
- Pain and stiffness that make it difficult to walk any reasonable distance
These patterns can suggest ACL or other ligament injuries, meniscus tears, cartilage damage, or early arthritis—all areas where precise diagnosis matters.
Hip, foot, and ankle
For hip or lower-extremity problems, consider seeing an orthopaedic surgeon if:
- Hip pain is deep in the groin or side of the hip, especially with walking
- You develop a limp that simply doesn’t settle
- Foot or ankle pain lingers despite “resting it” and sensible footwear
- You’ve had repeated ankle sprains or a long-standing deformity (like a bunion) that is now painful
Catalyst offers subspecialty care in cartilage preservation and foot and ankle surgery, helping patients stay active without rushing into large operations when they’re not needed.
Sports injuries and active lifestyles
For athletes and active adults around Boise and Meridian, it’s reasonable to book directly with an orthopaedic sports medicine specialist if:
- Pain stops you from finishing training sessions or games
- You feel instability, “giving way,” or repeated minor injuries in the same area
- You’re unsure how to safely progress after an injury or surgery
Our overview on Orthopaedic Sports Medicine in Boise & Meridian walks through common sports injuries and return-to-play planning across the shoulder, knee, hip, and foot/ankle.
When “watchful waiting” isn’t enough
Sometimes waiting and hoping can quietly cost you options. Consider moving sooner rather than later if you notice:
- Increasing deformity—fingers drifting, joints bowing or angling
- Visible muscle wasting around a painful joint
- Progressive loss of motion (for example, a shoulder that now barely lifts to shoulder height)
- Worsening X-rays or MRI findings from previous scans
- Repeated injections or short courses of medication with only brief relief
In these settings, it often helps to sit down with an orthopaedic surgeon and talk honestly about where things are heading and what can be done to slow, stabilise, or correct the process.
What to expect at a Catalyst orthopaedic visit
A typical first visit at Catalyst Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine includes:
- Conversation first
- When it started, how it has changed, what you’ve already tried
- Which activities or sports matter most to you
- Targeted examination
- How the joint moves
- Specific strength and stability tests
- Checking nearby joints, muscles, and nerves
- Imaging, when needed
- X-rays to look at bones and joint spaces
- MRI or ultrasound when soft tissues (tendons, cartilage, ligaments) are the main concern
- A clear, written plan
- Non-operative options (physiotherapy, activity changes, injections, bracing)
- When surgery might make sense, and what it would realistically achieve
- Timelines for follow-up and what progress should look like
Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon is about information, options, and planning—not a commitment to a specific procedure.
When to consider a second opinion
A second opinion can be helpful if:
- You’ve been recommended a major surgery (like joint replacement or complex reconstruction) and want to confirm it
- Your symptoms don’t match the explanation you’ve been given
- You’ve had surgery elsewhere but remain in pain, stiff, or unstable
Dr Kaitlin Neary and Dr Tracye Lawyer frequently see patients for revision surgery and second opinions, particularly in challenging shoulder, knee, and foot/ankle cases.
A trusted external resource
If you’d like to read more about what orthopaedic surgeons do and when to see one, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ OrthoInfo article on What Is an Orthopaedic Surgeon? is an excellent, evidence-based overview.
Taking the next step in Boise or Meridian
If a nagging joint, recurring sports injury, or slow-healing problem is starting to change how you move through your day, it’s reasonable to ask for help.
You can request a visit through the Request an Appointment page or call the office directly. Together, you and your orthopaedic team can decide whether it’s time for simple changes, targeted therapy, an injection, closer monitoring—or, in some cases, a well-planned operation.
FAQs: When to see an orthopaedic surgeon
Do I need a referral to see an orthopaedic surgeon?
It depends on your insurance plan. Some require a referral from your primary care provider; others allow you to self-refer. Our team can help you sort this out when you call to schedule.
Does seeing an orthopaedic surgeon mean I’ll definitely need surgery?
No. Many patients at Catalyst are treated with targeted physiotherapy, activity changes, and injections, or are simply monitored over time. An orthopaedic visit is about getting an accurate diagnosis and a clear range of options.
How long is “too long” to live with joint pain before seeing someone?
If pain has lasted more than 3 months, is interfering with your sleep, or is limiting basic activities like walking, stairs, or work, it’s reasonable to book a visit. You don’t have to wait until you “can’t stand it” anymore.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring any previous imaging (X-rays, MRI, CT), a list of current medications, and a short note or list describing when the pain started, what makes it worse, and what you’ve already tried. Comfortable clothing that allows the joint to be examined is helpful.
Can I just see a physiotherapist instead of an orthopaedic surgeon?
Physiotherapy is vital for many musculoskeletal problems, and sometimes starting with your therapist makes sense. However, if pain is severe, persistent, or you suspect a structural problem (like a significant tear or arthritis), involving an orthopaedic surgeon early can ensure the right tests and treatment plan are in place.