Is It Typical to Skip Physical Exams for Joint Issues?
Age: 22 years Weight: 76-77 kg Height: Over 5' 11" No current history of smoking or alcohol consumption Gender: Male For the last few years, I have experienced symptoms such as impingement, clicking, popping, grinding, and instability accompanied by pain in both my shoulders, knees, and elbows. These issues began in 2019. Recently, I consulted with two medical professionals here in India. They reviewed my MRI reports and recommended vitamin D supplements to address my severe deficiency, along with a couple of other medications for slightly elevated uric acid levels. Fortunately, all other blood tests returned normal results. The findings from the MRI were as follows: **Right Shoulder MRI:** - Decreased subacromial space - Supraspinatus tendinosis - Subacromial-subdeltoid bursitis **Left Shoulder MRI:** - Decreased subacromial space - Supraspinatus tendinosis **Right Knee MRI:** - Minor fluid accumulation in the gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa - Likely rupture of Baker’s cyst Tests conducted to check for autoimmune disorders returned negative results, and the consensus is that my injuries are likely sports-related, accruing over time. However, I am uncertain if it’s standard practice not to undergo a physical examination for these conditions or if I simply haven’t located the right healthcare providers. The initial doctor did refer me to a physiotherapist, but I did not adhere to his recommendations, as he failed to communicate or explain anything effectively, nor did he conduct a physical assessment. Meanwhile, the second doctor prescribed medication and mentioned a follow-up appointment in a few days to discuss my bloodwork, primarily aimed at normalizing my vitamin D and slightly reducing my uric acid. For various reasons, I did not pursue his prescribed treatment. Now, I find myself in a dilemma about whether my expectations are misguided — should I expect to receive a physical evaluation as part of my treatment, or am I simply consulting with unsuitable doctors? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 8:40:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain about your care, especially when dealing with ongoing joint issues. A comprehensive approach usually includes a physical evaluation, especially for musculoskeletal problems like yours. Here’s what you should know:
Key Points:
-
Physical Examination Importance: While some doctors may focus solely on imaging and lab results, a physical examination by a healthcare professional is typically an important part of diagnosing and managing joint problems.
-
Your Medical Background: The symptoms you describe, combined with MRI findings suggesting conditions like supraspinatus tendinosis and bursitis, indicate that a thorough assessment is essential for an effective treatment plan.
-
Expectations in Care: It's completely reasonable to expect to receive a physical assessment when consulting about joint issues. This helps identify other contributing factors to your pain and instability.
Next Steps:
-
Seek a New Opinion: Consider finding a sports medicine specialist or an orthopedic doctor who emphasizes both diagnostic imaging and physical examination. They can provide a holistic assessment of your condition.
-
Communicate Your Concerns: When you see a new provider, express your concerns about the need for a physical exam and your previous experiences. This can help them tailor their approach to your needs.
-
Follow-Up on Treatment: If you haven’t pursued the recommended vitamin D supplementation and management for uric acid, consider following these recommendations. Addressing any deficiencies can also play a key role in how your joints feel.
-
Engage in Therapy: If you're referred to a physiotherapist again, insist on proper communication. If you feel that your concerns aren’t being addressed, don’t hesitate to seek out another therapist who can provide a full evaluation and develop a personalized rehabilitation plan.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, including any patterns related to activity levels, weather, and specific movements. This can be valuable information for any healthcare provider you consult with.
Conclusion:
Your concerns about the adequacy of your evaluations are valid. A physical examination is a standard practice for diagnosing and treating joint issues, and you deserve a thorough and compassionate approach to your care. Don’t hesitate to seek out providers who prioritize patient communication and holistic assessment. If you need any assistance finding resources or understanding your options, feel free to reach out again.
Related Questions
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.