Life will always have its bumps, bruises, and aches from time to time. A strained muscle from a hard workout or a small twist from an awkward step might heal on its own in a few days with rest and basic home care. But there are times when constant pain, nagging pain, or certain strange symptoms in your bones, joints, muscles, or ligaments mean something more serious is going on. Knowing exactly when to bring up your concerns and get the help of an orthopaedic specialist can make a huge difference in how quickly you heal, avoiding long-term problems and keeping your joints and mobility healthy.