The Best Knee Doctor Is Skilled Experienced And Compassionate And Understands Your Goals
Knee pain is a common complaint for people of all ages. It can be caused by a trauma or a medical condition. Medical conditions that cause knee pain include gout, infections, arthritis and being overweight or obese. Common trauma includes ligament or cartilage injuries, fractures, and muscle or tendon injuries.
Patients with knee problems typically experience pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness or instability in the joint. They may also hear crunching or popping noises or have the inability to fully bend or straighten the knee.
Some minor knee injuries can be treated with home treatment options, including rest, ice and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pills. But many cases of knee pain require medical assistance.
At Muir Orthopaedic Specialists we take a multi-faceted approach to treating knee conditions, injuries and the pain. Our award-winning Medical Doctors have been voted “Best Doctors” for numerous years and in 2020 Sequoia Surgery Center on Shadelands Drive in Walnut Creek was voted “Best Surgery Center In The East Bay”. We are proud to be at the forefront of knowledge and expertise to offer the least invasive options to treat each patients knee issue.
Common knee problems we treat that can cause knee pain:
Orthopedic Doctors Can Treat Injuries And May Be Able To Help Prevent Injuries
Broken bones, compression fractures, stress fractures, dislocations, muscle injury, and tendon tears or ruptures are common reasons people visit orthopedic doctors. Athletes will often work with orthopedists to help prevent future injury and optimize performance.
For example, some athletes are at risk for shoulder dislocation. And once theyve experienced one dislocation, theyre at higher risk for future dislocations. Therapy may be able to help prevent future dislocations.
Orthopedic surgeons can repair broken bones and injuries to muscles and tendons, among other things and help improve function and reduce or eliminate pain. They can also work in conjunction with other specialists such as therapists, rehabilitation doctors and pain management specialists to optimize treatment. This will lead to improved function and mobility, reduced pain, and improved quality of life.
Some of the injuries that can be addressed with physical therapy, non-surgical treatments and sometimes surgery include:
- fractures, such as broken hip, broken wrist, kneecap, compression fracture of the vertebrae and others
- tendon injuries such as Achilles tendon rupture or ACL rupture
- meniscus tear
- labral tear of the shoulder or the hip
- rotator cuff tear which is a common cause of shoulder pain
No matter what your injury involves, theres a good chance an orthopedic specialist can help.
Working With A Pain Specialist
Bring a copy of all your medical records, including any X-rays, to your first appointment. Also have a list of all the medicines you take, including any herbs and supplements. It can help to keep a pain diary, where you write down how you feel each day.
The doctor will examine you and talk to you about your pain. They’ll want to know:
- Where it hurts
- How it feels
- When your pain first started
- How bad it is
- What you think may have caused it
- Any medicines you take for it or other treatments youâve tried
- What makes it worse or better
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Conditions That May Cause Knee Problems
Problems not directly related to an injury or overuse may occur in or around the knee.
- Osteoarthritis may cause knee pain that is worse in the morning and improves during the day. It often develops at the site of a previous injury. Other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus, also can cause knee pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Osgood-Schlatter disease causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the front of the knee below the kneecap. It is especially common in boys ages 11 to 15.
- A popliteal cyst causes swelling in the back of the knee.
- Infection in the skin , joint , bone , or bursa can cause pain and decreased knee movement.
- A problem elsewhere in the body, such as a pinched nerve or a problem in the hip, can sometimes cause knee pain.
- Osteochondritis dissecans causes pain and decreased movement when a piece of bone or cartilage or both inside the knee joint loses blood supply and dies.
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You Experience Instability/lack Of Support From The Knee
Knee Instability?
See a doctor.
The knees are one of the fulcrums of stability when it comes to your body. If you are having trouble standing or walking on your knee and experience a loss of stability in the joint, it could be bad enough to warrant a visit to the doctor.
Likewise if you feel as if your knee won’t even support you when you put weight on it.
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What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For Joint And Muscle Pain
In most cases, your primary care physician is the first stop if you have muscle and joint pain or pain in the tendons in the knee. Tendinitis and arthritis are common issues in the knee. They may order physical therapy and diagnostic tests as needed. If the problem is severe, they may refer you to a knee specialist or knee doctor to further evaluate the issues in the knee. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to go directly to a specialist, such as an Orthopaedic doctor or Surgeon.
Anatomy of the Knee
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What Does An Orthopedist Do
Orthopedists handle the disorders, injuries, prevention, treatment, and repair of the skeletal system and its related joints, ligaments, and muscles.
Orthopedists and orthopedic surgeons are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint disease. They use an array of testing modalities to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
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What Kind Of Doctor Should I See For Knee Pain
Knee pain can arise from many injuries and conditions. The type of specialist you consult see may depend on several factors most especially, whether or not you have had an acute injury, such as by twisting your knee during sports activity or experiencing an impact during a fall or other accident.
HSS offers a multidisciplinary approach to knee care. Our orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors provide acute injury treatments that may be surgical or nonsurgical. For pain that arises when there has been no obvious injury, you may benefit from treatment by a physiatrist, rheumatologist or physical therapist.
Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates: How Can We Help
Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates is one of the regions leading orthopedic practices. We take pride in the education and experience that each of our doctors holds.
We strive to keep you informed and active in the decision-making process from your initial appointment to the conclusion of your treatment. It is always our policy to be conservative with our course of treatment and to only recommend surgery if it is genuinely needed. With many of our surgical procedures, our patients are home the same day of surgery.
If you have knee pain, get in touch we will schedule an appointment and create a plan to get you back to your normal activities.
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How Can An Orthopedist Help My Knee Pain
Initially, treatment for knee arthritis may be as simple as lifestyle changes, activity, and medications. Your orthopedic surgeon will be able to determine the severity of your arthritis and what will best work for you. Getting adequate exercise, eating a balanced diet to help keep your weight low, and getting enough sleep are things that you will be able to do to improve the health of your joints. Your surgeon may add a specific exercise regimen or prescribe physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles that support your knee and to improve flexibility.
Knee braces or shoe insoles may be recommended to keep your knee supported and properly aligned. Your orthopedic surgeon may also prescribe medications, either those that you swallow or those that you rub onto your knee, to help with the pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly prescribed medications for arthritis, and they come in both pill and topical cream/gel forms.
What Procedures And Tests Diagnose Knee Pain
A health care professional will begin by asking questions related to the person’s general health and then specifically to the nature of the knee pain .
Next, an examination of the knee will be performed. This will include bending the knee through the full range of motion, checking for stability of the ligaments, and evaluating for any tenderness and swelling. It is often helpful to compare the results of the examination of the painful knee with the other knee. Frequently, this is all that is required to make a diagnosis and start treatment. In several research studies, it has been found that an experienced examiner is as reliable as X-ray examination.
Sometimes the doctor might want to do further studies such as the following tests.
Radiologic tests
Plain X-ray can establish fractures and degenerative changes of the knee.
MRI is used to evaluate the soft tissues of the knee for ligament tears or cartilage and muscle injuries.
Blood tests
If gout, arthritis, or other medical conditions are suspected, a health care professional might order blood tests.
Removal of joint fluid
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What To Expect At An Orthopedic Appointment
During your appointment, your orthopedic doctor will ask you about your physical activity habits as well as any pain or discomfort you have. Your orthopedic doctors goal is to understand how your day-to-day habits may be affecting your pain, and how youve been managing it so far.
Then, your doctor will review your medical history by looking at any past tests youve had. Your doctor may also order X-rays, blood tests, or other tests.
Your doctors goals are to:
- correctly diagnose your problem,
- help you get back to activities you love, like gardening or biking.
What Painkiller Is Best For Knee Pain
Knee pain can limit daily activity. Knee issues are often noticed during squatting, stairs, and even with daily walking activity. One of the best ways to decrease pain in the knee is to place an ice pack on the knee for about 15 minutes. This can calm pain and decrease inflammation. Other methods include considering proper foot wear. High heels can change the mechanics in the knee and increase pain. Wearing flats is typically recommended for knee pain. Medications are prescribed based on the severity and health of a patient. It is best to see a physician before taking medications for pain.
Image of a knee patient
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Facts You Should Know About Knee Pain
- Knee pain is a common problem with many causes, from acute injuries to complications of medical conditions.
- Knee pain can be localized to a specific area of the knee or be diffuse throughout the knee.
- Knee pain is often accompanied by physical restriction.
- A thorough physical examination will usually establish the diagnosis of knee pain.
- The treatment of knee pain depends on the underlying cause.
- The prognosis of knee pain, even severe knee pain, is usually good although it might require surgery or other interventions.
Which Doctor I Should Go To For Knee Pain
Orthopedician or orthopedic doctors specialize in treating bone and joint-related problems. Ideally, when your knee is paining, you should visit an orthopedic doctor for treatment. However, within this, these doctors specialize in different types of orthopedic problems. While some specialize in back pain, knee pain, and hip replacement, others have extensive experience in fractures, sports injuries, and osteoporosis while some specialize in general orthopedics, others do in elderly orthopedics.
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What Kind Of Doctor Should You See For Knee Pain
The bottom line is, if you have any reason to think you have suffered a serious injury, that’s enough reason to go see a specialist. And speaking of who to visit…
Look for an orthopaedic specialist in your area to give you an accurate diagnosis. The knee is a very intricate, very important part of the body. As such, there are many talented and experienced doctors who specialize solely in the field of knee surgery.
If you are an athlete, I also recommend visiting an Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Specialist who has experience with the specific needs of athletes and what it takes to successfully get them back on the field performing at a high level.
Orthopedic Doctors Can Help Improve Range Of Motion
Pain, swelling, injury, and joint stiffness can all lead to limited range of motion. And when your range of motion is limited, it can be difficult or painful to perform everyday tasks such as carrying things, taking care of yourself and even walking. Orthopedic specialists can work with you to increase range of motion and help you get back to normal. Increasing range of motion can often be accomplished through physical therapy, non-surgical treatment, and sometimes surgery.
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What Are The Signs Of A Bad Knee
Notable signs that can indicate a knee injury are weakness, instability in standing or walking, swelling, stiffness, redness, a warm feeling, popping or crunching noises from the joint, or the inability to fully straighten your knee could indicate knee problems. Can have knee issues later in life, and even more, if you are female many women over 50 reported some form of persistent or intermittent knee pain.
As with most joint problems, early diagnosis and treatment can make the entire process easier. It increases the effectiveness of non-surgical options and makes surgical success rates higher and recovery times shorter. These treatments can get you back on your feet, pain-free, and living your life its in your best interests to seek a professional opinion as soon as possible.
If you are suffering from a knee disorder and are in the Leesburg, Stonesprings, or Lansdowne areas of Virginia, feel free to contactour expert staff to book an appointment at your earliest convenience. We have three locations to serve you. We serve patients from Leesburg VA, Lansdowne VA, Stone Springs VA, Ashburn VA, Sterling VA, Aldie VA, South Riding VA, Herndon VA, Winchester VA, Reston VA, and Chantilly VA.
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Treatment For Knee Problems
If initial treatment methods do not provide relief, and X-rays show destruction of the joint, the orthopaedist may recommend total joint replacement for the knee, also referred to as knee replacement.
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Which Doctors Treat Knee Pain
When pain strikes any part of the body, it can be highly inconvenient and cause much discomfort. This is particularly true for pain around the knees. It is important to act quickly when pain strikes and sort out the issue before it can worsen.
If pain is consistent and problematic, it means it isnt healing itself. If the pain is interrupting life on a daily basis and causing trouble with each step, it is best to get a professional opinion. This is when seeing a knee specialist in the Fox Valley area can become necessary.
There are many different doctors who can treat knee pain. Know who to see for what type of pain and feel prepared when troubles strike around the knees. These are some of the types of specialist doctors who can assist with knee pain.
General practitioner
This is the type of doctor one would visit for any issue, such as a common cold or scratch and abrasion on the skin. These doctors have a good generalized knowledge about many different areas. Therefore, they are a good starting point when an unknown pain issue arises. A general practitioner will be able to refer a patient on to a specialized doctor after a look at the pain issue.
Orthopedic surgeon
Sports medicine specialist
Rheumatologist
Understanding the different treatment options and care providers are important when seeking out a knee specialist.
Questions?
Request a consultation with one of the knee specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute. Call or request an appointment online.
Board Certification And Strong Educational Background
Consider the doctors board certification. The best knee pain doctors are board-certified in the field of pain management. This denotes that theyve gone through advanced residencies and fellowships, which makes them far more experienced than regular knee pain doctors. You should also consider the knee pain doctors education background and go for doctors who have graduated from Ivy League universities or those of equivalent stature.
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Should I See An Orthopedic Doctor For My Knee Pain
Its hard to know when to see a doctor about knee pain, and even harder, sometimes to know what type of doctor to see. If you suffer from knee pain, one of the best things to do is start with the standard treatment for knee pain or injury: over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain meds like ibuprofen along with PRICE therapy .
Your knee should begin to heal and your pain should decrease after a week of this treatment. If youre still having significant pain after a week, you should get in touch with an orthopedic doctor. As a specialist in bone, joint and soft tissue injuries, orthopedic specialists know how to track down whats causing your pain and treat it.
Whatever you do, dont just tough it out. The inflammation thats causing your pain can spread to surrounding tissue, which can make healing take even longer.
What are some common causes of knee pain that wont go away?
Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused by degeneration of cartilage in the knee. It can become so severe that the cartilage will be completely eroded, with bone rubbing on bone. The good news is that osteoarthritis is usually treatable without surgery. An orthopedic physician can definitely help you with this condition.
Ligament Injury. Ligaments hold your leg bones together and keep your knee steady when you move it. Ligament injuries are especially common in athletes and can cause severe pain. Such injuries may require surgery to repair.
Some knee pain requires immediate action.
- Unbearable pain