Orthopedic Symptom Assessment Tool
Document your symptoms before your appointment to help your doctor understand your condition better. This tool follows the same process your orthopedic doctor will use to assess your pain.
Symptom Details
Symptom Tracking
Rate your pain level using the scale below to help your doctor understand your symptoms better.
Walking into an orthopedic clinic for the first time can feel overwhelming. You’re not sure what to expect, what questions to ask, or even what they’ll do to you. Maybe your knee has been aching for months. Or your back flares up every time you lift something heavy. You’ve tried rest, painkillers, and home remedies-but nothing sticks. So you finally made the appointment. Now what?
First, They’ll Ask You What’s Going On
The moment you sit down, the orthopedic doctor won’t grab a tool or start poking you. They’ll start with questions. Lots of them. And they’re not just being nosy-they’re trying to build a picture of your pain. They’ll ask things like: When did it start? Did something specific trigger it-a fall, a sports injury, lifting a heavy box? Does the pain come and go, or is it constant? Does it hurt more in the morning or after activity? Does it shoot down your leg, or stay localized? You might think these questions are obvious, but they’re critical. A dull ache in the lower back that gets worse when you sit for long periods is not the same as sharp pain that shoots down your leg when you cough. One might be muscle strain. The other could be a pinched nerve. The doctor needs to know the difference before they even touch you.Then They’ll Watch How You Move
After the questions, they’ll ask you to stand up. Walk a few steps. Squat. Bend forward. Raise your arm. Maybe even hop on one foot. They’re not testing your fitness-they’re checking how your bones, muscles, and joints work together. If you limp when you walk, they’ll note which side. If you can’t fully straighten your knee, they’ll measure the range. If your shoulder clicks when you lift it, they’ll ask if it’s painful or just noisy. These aren’t random moves. They’re part of a standard orthopedic screening. Each movement tells them something about nerve function, joint stability, or muscle weakness. In Bangalore, where many people sit for hours at desks or stand all day in markets, posture issues are common. The doctor might notice you’re leaning to one side or have tight hip flexors from too much sitting. That’s not just a bad habit-it’s often the root cause of long-term pain.The Physical Exam: Touch, Press, and Test
Now comes the part people worry about. The doctor will touch the area that hurts. They might press on your spine, squeeze your calf, or twist your ankle. It might feel a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt badly. They’re looking for:- Swelling or warmth-signs of inflammation
- Joint instability-does your knee wobble when they move it?
- Trigger points-tight knots in muscles that radiate pain
- Neurological signs-like numbness, tingling, or loss of reflexes
They Might Order Imaging-But Not Always
You might expect an X-ray or MRI right away. But here’s the truth: most orthopedic doctors won’t order imaging unless they need it. Why? Because many people have joint changes on scans that don’t cause pain. A 50-year-old might have arthritis on an X-ray but feel fine. A 30-year-old might have a bulging disc on an MRI and have zero symptoms. If your pain matches a clear pattern from the exam and history, imaging won’t change the treatment. But if something’s unclear-if you have sudden weakness, numbness, or pain that doesn’t improve with rest-they’ll send you for an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI. In India, X-rays are quick and cheap. MRIs take longer and cost more, so they’re used only when necessary. Don’t be surprised if they say, “Let’s try physical therapy first.” That’s not a delay-it’s standard practice. Most joint and muscle problems improve with movement, not surgery.
What Happens After the Exam?
At the end of the visit, the doctor won’t leave you guessing. They’ll explain what they think is going on-in plain language. No jargon like “degenerative disc disease” unless they’re explaining it clearly. Then they’ll give you options:- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Medications (like anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants)
- Injections (like cortisone for severe inflammation)
- Surgery (only if everything else failed)
What You Should Bring to Your Appointment
To make your visit faster and more accurate, come prepared:- A list of your symptoms: when they started, what makes them better or worse
- Any imaging you already have (X-rays, MRIs)-even if they’re old
- A list of medications you take, including supplements
- Comfortable clothes you can move in-no tight jeans or skirts
- Questions written down: “Is this permanent?” “Will I need surgery?” “Can I still play sports?”
What to Expect After Your Visit
If they recommend physical therapy, you’ll get a referral. You’ll usually start within a week. The therapist will assess you again, then design a custom plan. Most people see improvement in 4-6 weeks. If they suggest an injection, it’s usually done right there in the clinic. It’s a quick shot-like a flu shot-but targeted to the joint or nerve. You might feel sore for a day, but pain relief often kicks in within a few days. Surgery is rare. Only about 5-10% of orthopedic visits lead to surgery. Most conditions improve without it. If surgery is suggested, they’ll explain why, what the risks are, and what alternatives exist.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people believe:- “If it hurts, I should rest completely.” Wrong. Movement helps healing. Complete rest can make stiffness worse.
- “X-rays show everything.” No. X-rays show bones, not muscles, tendons, or nerves. That’s why MRIs or ultrasounds are sometimes needed.
- “I’m too young for joint problems.” Not true. Athletes, desk workers, and even teenagers get tendonitis, meniscus tears, and stress fractures.
- “Orthopedic doctors only do surgery.” Most don’t. Many specialize in non-surgical care.
When to Go Back
You should return if:- The pain gets worse instead of better
- You lose strength in your arm or leg
- You can’t control your bladder or bowels (this is rare but urgent)
- You develop numbness or tingling that spreads
Going to an orthopedic doctor isn’t scary. It’s the first smart step toward feeling better. You’re not weak for going. You’re taking control. And most people leave with a clear plan-not just a diagnosis, but a path forward.
Do I need a referral to see an orthopedic doctor in India?
No, you don’t need a referral in most private hospitals or clinics in India. You can walk in and book an appointment directly. But if you have insurance, check with your provider-some plans require a referral from a general physician to cover the cost.
How long does an orthopedic appointment usually take?
The first visit usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Follow-up visits are shorter, around 15 to 20 minutes. If you need imaging or injections, add another 15-30 minutes depending on the clinic’s workflow.
Can an orthopedic doctor treat back pain?
Yes. Orthopedic doctors are trained to treat spine conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. They’ll first try conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication. Surgery is only considered if those don’t help after several months.
Is an MRI always needed for joint pain?
No. Most joint pain-like knee osteoarthritis or shoulder tendonitis-is diagnosed through history and physical exam. MRIs are only ordered if the doctor suspects a tear, nerve compression, or if symptoms don’t improve with treatment.
What’s the difference between an orthopedic doctor and a physiotherapist?
An orthopedic doctor diagnoses the problem and decides the treatment plan. A physiotherapist carries out the plan-using exercises, manual therapy, and tools to restore movement and reduce pain. You often see both: the doctor says, “You have a torn ligament,” and the physiotherapist helps you recover from it.
