In general, the best type of doctor to treat knee pain is someone who specializes in knee injuries, also known as a knee specialist. This is usually an orthopedic doctor, an orthopedic surgeon, or an orthopedic specialist. If the pain is due to sports or physical activity, you may want to see a doctor who specializes in sports medicine and Stem Cell Injections near Daufuskie Island SC. In some cases, it's difficult to see an orthopedic doctor or a sports medicine specialist, but you may be able to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. For specific knee conditions, orthopedic surgeons, including those who subspecialize as knee replacement surgeons, are trained to treat complex knee problems.
These can include severe arthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries. Knee replacement surgeons are experts at performing procedures such as full or partial knee replacements to restore function and alleviate pain. Orthopedic doctors are equipped to treat moderate to severe knee conditions, such as ligament injuries, arthritis, fractures, and meniscus tears. In many cases, conservative measures, such as physical therapy and weight loss, can be successful in treating knee problems and helping to alleviate pain.
If you're physically active, a doctor who specializes in sports medicine can help you treat your knee injury or pain with lasting results. A sports medicine doctor may recommend that you also work with a physical therapist, sports coach or other medical specialist to get your knee back in shape. A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in inflammatory autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma, so this type of doctor can evaluate knee pain and provide you with treatment for alleviate the problem. If you feel pain in your knee when you're bent, it's important to find out the root of the problem as soon as possible.
However, there are times when knee pain may be a sign of a more serious problem and knee pain requires further evaluation of the patient by a primary care physician or orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee injuries, such as those caused by a strong impact, but also in things like osteoarthritis, severe pain and limited range of motion. When knee pain is caused by arthritis or other degenerative conditions, orthopedists may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or avoiding activities that worsen the condition. Medical treatment options for knee pain usually include rest, ice, heat, exercise, physical therapy or medications. Knee joint pain that is isolated to an area of the knee is usually less severe than pain in the joint that radiates through the joint or down the leg.
These common knee conditions highlight the importance of timely intervention by a knee surgeon, knee replacement surgeon, or knee joint physician. Ignoring knee pain or delaying care can lead to more complications, so timely intervention is essential. A common knee injury, a meniscal tear, occurs when the cartilage (meniscus) in the knee tears due to sudden torsion or rotation, often during sports or physical activities. These conditions can worsen without treatment, so it's important to see a doctor if the pain is severe enough to require pain medication more than a few times a month, or if the knee is stiff, swollen, or has a limited range of motion.
This is a list of the five most common knee conditions, along with their symptoms and advice on when to see a knee doctor.
