Q1: “ When should I expect my pain to get better and when do I really need to get some help? ” A: Most simple sprains, strains and new aches and pains should be fading significantly within the first 2-3 days. While it is often ok to use the R-I-C-E (Rest, ice, compression, elevation) method for a few days and see if the pain subsides, there are limits to how long you should wait. If your pain has persisted more than 3-5 days and is not getting better -or has decreased, but persists at a lower level for more than 3-4 weeks, your body may need some extra help in the recovery process. Many factors influence healing time and a thorough evaluation and early treatment will lead to you fastest and most complete recovery. Many patients wait far too long to ask for help with their pain, and then can wait weeks to see their family MD and months to see an Orthopedic specialist, then often to end up at our office months later for an issue that we could have addressed long ago (see bonus answer #2). To compound the problem, many conditions are slower to respond to treatment when ignored or initiation of treatment is delayed. Even worse, compensating for problems in one area will often lead to issues in other joints or muscles. If you have been trying to “just live” with your pain and enduring it for months or covering it with medications, you need to seek expert help to assist your body in the healing process and prevent negative effects on the
surrounding joints and tissues. Take Away Summary:
If your problem is not improving at all after 3-5 days, or is lingering at a lower level after 3-4 weeks, seeking help sooner than later will allow faster and more complete healing of your injury.
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