Limbs, Joints & Injuries

Basic symptoms

関節が痛いです。筋肉痛もあります。
かんせつがいたいです。きんにくつうもあります。
I have joint pain / muscle pain.
The most basic phrase.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)
転んでけがをしました。
ころんでけがをしました。
I fell and got injured.
The most basic phrase for injuries — the doctor will ask how it happened and the direction of the force involved.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)Emergency / Call ambulance (119)

By symptom type

手足がしびれます。
てあしがしびれます。
My hands/feet feel numb.
A common sign of nerve compression — if it appears after an injury or after a cast is applied, be especially cautious; see the warning signs section below.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)Neurology (non-surgical brain/nerve conditions)
足がつりました。
あしがつりました。
I got a leg cramp.
Common causes include exercise, dehydration, and calcium deficiency.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)Internal Medicine (general entry point when unsure)
手(足)に力が入りません。
て(あし)にちからがはいりません。
I can't put any strength into my hand/leg.
If it comes on suddenly and is accompanied by facial or one-sided body symptoms, be alert immediately — refer to the related warning signs under the head section.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)Neurology (non-surgical brain/nerve conditions)
肩がこっています。
かたがこっています。
My shoulders feel stiff.
Common causes include prolonged posture and muscle fatigue.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)Osteopathic/chiropractic clinic (not medical; for reference only, cannot replace a doctor's diagnosis)

For everyday shoulder stiffness, an osteopathic/chiropractic clinic is fine for relief, but it's not run by licensed doctors and can't give a medical diagnosis. If numbness, radiating pain, or headache occurs, go to Orthopedics at a hospital instead

腫れています。押すと痛いです。
はれています。おすといたいです。
It's swollen and tender to the touch.
A common presentation of bruises and sprains.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)
(腕・足など)が動かせません。
(うで・あしなど)がうごかせません。
I can't move my (arm/leg).
Being completely unable to move it deserves more attention than pain only during movement.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)
足首を捻挫しました。
あしくびをねんざしました。
I sprained my ankle.
Even a mild-looking injury may involve a hairline fracture — it's worth getting an X-ray to check.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)
切り傷(擦り傷)があります。
きりきず(すりきず)があります。
I have a cut / scrape.
The depth of the wound, whether the bleeding has stopped, and whether any foreign material remains are the doctor's main concerns.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)Dermatology
軽くやけどをしました。水ぶくれはありません。
かるくやけどをしました。みずぶくれはありません。
I got a minor burn, no blisters.
For a small, mildly red burn with no blisters, you can start by seeing a dermatologist.
Suggested Department
DermatologyPlastic Surgery (wound/scar care, e.g. moderate-severe burns)
やけどで水ぶくれができました。範囲も広いです。
やけどでみずぶくれができました。はんいもひろいです。
The burn has blisters and covers a large area.
If there are blisters, a large area, or the burn is on the face, hands, or joints, it's best to see a plastic/reconstructive surgery department to reduce scarring risk. If there's confusion or possible smoke inhalation, call an ambulance immediately.
⚠️ Worth paying attention to
Suggested Department
Plastic Surgery (wound/scar care, e.g. moderate-severe burns)Dermatology

For blisters, large areas, or burns on the face/hands/joints, Plastic Surgery is recommended to reduce scarring risk; if there's confusion or suspected smoke inhalation, call an ambulance immediately

突き指をしました。
つきゆびをしました。
I jammed my finger.
May look minor but could still involve a fracture — if there's noticeable swelling or deformity, get an X-ray.
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)

Warning signs

強く痛くて、腫れていて、形が変わっているように見えます。骨折しているかもしれません。
つよくいたくて、はれていて、かたちがかわっているようにみえます。こっせつしているかもしれません。
Severe pain, obvious swelling, and the shape looks different — possible fracture.
Severe pain plus swelling plus deformity plus intense pain on movement is a classic combination for a fracture — get an X-ray promptly and never try to reposition it yourself.
⚠️ Worth paying attention to
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)Emergency / Call ambulance (119)
ギプスや添え木で固定してから、痛み止めを飲んでも効かないくらい痛みが強くなっています。
ギプスやそえぎでこていしてから、いたみどめをのんでもきかないくらいいたみがつよくなっています。
After my cast/splint was applied, the pain is severe and painkillers aren't helping.
May be a sign of compartment syndrome, a true orthopedic emergency — delay can lead to serious, lasting damage to the limb. Contact a hospital immediately; don't wait for your next scheduled appointment.
⚠️ Worth paying attention to
Suggested Department
Emergency / Call ambulance (119)Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)
指先(つま先)が白っぽくて冷たく、感覚がありません。
ゆびさき(つまさき)がしろっぽくてつめたく、かんかくがありません。
My fingertips/toes are pale, cold, and numb.
A warning sign of a too-tight cast/bandage or compartment syndrome, indicating blocked blood flow — contact the hospital immediately; don't just wait and watch.
⚠️ Worth paying attention to
Suggested Department
Emergency / Call ambulance (119)Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)
肩こりと一緒に、腕がしびれて痛みが広がります。
かたこりといっしょに、うでがしびれていたみがひろがります。
Along with shoulder stiffness, my arm feels numb and the pain is spreading.
Simple shoulder stiffness can be eased at a chiropractic/judo therapy clinic (seikotsuin), but if it comes with arm numbness, radiating pain, or headaches, it may point to a cervical spine problem. Judo therapists at these clinics can't make a medical diagnosis, so it's better to see an orthopedic department at a hospital (and a neurology department if needed).
⚠️ Worth paying attention to
Suggested Department
Orthopedics (bones/joints — NOT cosmetic surgery)Neurology (non-surgical brain/nerve conditions)

Shoulder stiffness alone can be relieved at an osteopathic clinic, but when combined with numbness/radiating pain/headache it may signal a cervical spine issue — see Orthopedics at a hospital (or Neurology if needed), not just an osteopathic clinic

Limbs, Joints & Injuries Symptoms | Symptom Dictionary Japanese phrases for Limbs, Joints & Injuries symptoms, with example sentences and audio.
Language barrier or urgent situation? Get direct helpLearn more →