If you have a plaguing orthopedic injury and you can't bear the pain any longer, it may need to be surgically repaired. The surgeon can look at the injury with an x-ray, MRI, or another diagnostic imaging option and determine what needs surgical repairs.

If you are pessimistic about having surgery and you have been taking pain medication or trying therapy and other treatment options, it may be time to find out what an orthopedic surgeon can do for you. Here are three times when it's worth getting the opinion of an orthopedic expert.

Physical Therapy Doesn't Help

Most insurance companies require that you try physical therapy before you can get an imaging test, and before you can see a specialist or a surgeon. If you have tried to repair the injury with physical therapy, but you aren't getting strength or pain relief, it's time to see an orthopedic surgeon. The area may not be able to strengthen or heal because of a tear, break, or because of cartilage build up.

You Are Disabled because of the Injury

If the injury is severe enough that you aren't able to resume your normal daily habits, you can't work and you can't exercise, it's time to see an expert. You don't want to miss out on wages, or completely alter your life because of an injury that may be able to be surgically repaired.

The Injury Will be Permanent

If you have been told that your orthopedic injury will be permanent if you don't get surgery to repair the damages, meet with a surgeon before you cross out the idea of surgery. Many surgeries can be done as outpatient surgery and have fast recovery times. The patients are able to go without stitches, the injury is treated, and you don't have to have a lifetime problem.

You may find out that your injury could be easily repaired with surgery, and then you no longer have to deal with the struggles and pains of an injury, and you don't have to waste money on pain medication.

Find an orthopedic doctor from a firm like Omaha Orthopedic Clinic & Sports Medicine PC that specializes in treating the type of injury that you have specifically, so you can feel confident you are in hands that you can trust. If you are still worried, ask for a few references from past patients that have recovered from the same type of surgery you need to have, and that used the surgeon you are considering.