What Type Of Doctor Treats Leg Pain Behind The Knee
There is more than one type of doctor that treats pain in the leg or knee area including an orthopedist, an internist, a rheumatologist or a pain management specialist, notes HealthPages. Knee pain that must be treated with surgery requires an orthopedic surgeon for knee replacement or knee arthroscopy.
An orthopedist treats many conditions that affect the skeletal system and most often specializes in a certain part of the body, such as the foot or knee, states HealthPages. An internist focuses on diagnosing and treating health problems that do not require surgical intervention. A rheumatologist focuses on treating diseases of the joints such as arthritis, fibromyalgia and some sports injuries. A pain management specialist helps treat pain that lasts more than three months. This may include massage, medications and physical therapy.
Home Care For Knee Pain
Inflammation is the body’s physiologic response to an injury. In treating many types of knee pain, a common goal is to break the inflammatory cycle. The inflammatory cycle starts with an injury. After an injury, substances that cause inflammation invade the knee to assist in healing. However, if the injury and subsequent inflammation is not resolved, inflammation can become a chronic issue, leading to further inflammation and additional injury. This cycle of inflammation leads to continued or progressive knee pain. The cycle can be broken by controlling the substances that cause inflammation, and by limiting further injury to tissue.
Some common home care techniques for knee pain that control inflammation and help to break the inflammatory cycle are protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This regimen is summarized by the memory device PRICE.
PROTECT the knee from further trauma.
- This can be done with knee padding or splinting.
- A pad over the kneecap, for example, helps to control the symptoms of some knee injuries by preventing further repetitive injury to the prepatellar bursae.
REST the knee.
- Rest reduces the repetitive strain placed on the knee by activity.
- Rest both gives the knee time to heal and helps to prevent further injury.
ICE the knee.
COMPRESS the knee with a knee brace or wrap.
- Compression reduces swelling.
- In some knee injuries, compression can be used to keep the patella aligned and to keep joint mechanics intact.
ELEVATE the knee.
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.
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What Are The Complications Of Knee Pain
Frequently, knee pain will disappear without ever finding a specific cause. Depending on the underlying cause of the pain, the condition can progress and lead to more serious injuries or complications. Usually, these complications are long term and result in worsening pain or an increasing difficulty to walk.
Potential Causes For Knee Pain
Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is frequently seen in the knees. It is generally a result of wear and tear and age. Women 55 and older are more likely to develop knee osteoarthritis than men. Osteoarthritis can also be the result of genetics and is seen in patients who are overweight. Furthermore, it is more likely to occur in those constantly lifting heavy weights or athletes who have had knee injuries.
Treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing pain and regaining mobility. If the patient is overweight, your doctor may first recommend weight loss. Exercise will also help strengthen the joint. Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or recommend injections or a brace. We believe in conservative treatment, so while Mountainstate Orthopedic Associates has some of the most qualified and experienced doctors in the region, surgery is usually a last resort. There is no need to operate if, for example, the knee responds well to physical therapy and corticosteroid injection.
Knee Effusion
A knee effusion occurs when fluid increases in the tissues surrounding the joint. It can happen to any joint but is particularly common in the knee. A knee effusion can result from anything that injures or inflames the knee. Knee effusions are often seen in those with arthritis . Gout can also cause knee effusion.
ACL Strain or Tear
Meniscus Tear
Knee Bursitis
Patellar Tendonitis
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Should You See A Neurologist For Back And Neck Pain
People often think of a chiropractic doctor for chronic pain, but neurologists also diagnose and treat back pain and neck pain. Neurologists specialize in conditions and diseases that affect the brain, the spinal cord, and the nervous system this often includes chronic pain in the back and neck.
Talk to your primary care provider if you experience chronic back pain or neck pain. Your doctor can help you determine if you should see a specialist, such as a neurologist, for your symptoms. Some health insurance plans require a referral from your primary care physician. Contact Fayetteville Diagnostic Clinic to schedule an appointment with our board-certified neurologists in Northwest Arkansas.
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What About Medicare And Medicaid
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for adults over the age of 65, as well as some other younger groups with specific chronic health conditions. People with Medicare often have either:
- Original Medicare .Part B is the outpatient medical insurance portion of original Medicare. It covers nonhospital based medical services that are considered necessary to diagnose or treat a specific condition.
- Medicare Advantage .Part C plans are offered by private insurance companies. Advantage plans are required to cover the same basic benefits as original Medicare but may also offer additional benefits.
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides assistance with healthcare costs to those with lower incomes or resources. Eligibility and what exactly is covered varies from state to state.
Some research, both , has indicated that people with Medicare or Medicaid may have trouble accessing timely orthopedic care.
However, there are tools you can use to find doctors that accept these programs:
- For Medicare. Use the Physician Compare tool. This allows you to input a variety of information in order to find doctors in your area that accept Medicare.
- For Medicaid. Contact your states Medicaid office to find out which doctors in your state accept Medicaid.
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How Is Nerve Pain Diagnosed
Nerve pain affects a growing number of individuals undergoing chemotherapy treatment, living with diabetes or having suffered an injury. An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from peripheral nerve damage, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Nerve damage can cause a tingling, burning sensation in the arms, hands, legs and feet, making it impossible to function on a daily basis.
The causes as to why and how certain patients are susceptible to nerve pain can vary. Even the pain levels or difficulty standing and walking may also differ.
Have you experienced any of the common signs of nerve pain?
- Muscle weakness
If so, its critical to know if this is nerve damage.
Early diagnosis by your physician can improve your functionality and reduce discomfort you feel.
The following are a few exams your physician may conduct to properly diagnosis the symptoms, cause and appropriate treatment for nerve pain.
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What Does A Rheumatologist Do
Rheumatology studies the causes, impact, and treatments of inflammatory autoimmune disorders on the human body. In an autoimmune disorder, a patients own immune system malfunctions and turns its attack on his own healthy body tissue, rather than on invading or external disease agents.
Rheumatologists can be internists or pediatricians who have additional training and qualifications. They have the experience to diagnose and treat many of the over 100 systemic forms of adult, juvenile, and temporal arthritis. They treat mechanical joint, bone, muscle, and soft and connective tissue diseases.
Often referred to as arthritis doctors, rheumatologists treat many other diseases too.
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Common Reasons For Visiting An Orthopedic Doctor
Do you have continued knee or back pain on a daily basis? Do you feel sore or stiff after sleeping or being sedentary for a long time? Do you have an injury that just doesnt seem to be healing? These are some common reasons people visit an orthopedic specialist. But what are some others? Lets go over some of the common reasons people see orthopedic doctors.
How To Test If You Have Sciatica
Sciatica is a group of distinct symptoms causing intense, sometimes debilitating pain down the sciatic nerve.nearly 40 percent of people experience sciatic pain at some point, and while the pain
Sciatica is a group of distinct symptoms causing intense, sometimes debilitating pain down the sciatic nerve.According to Harvard Health,Verified SourceHarvard HealthBlog run by Harvard Medical School offering in-depth guides to better health and articles on medical breakthroughs.View sourcenearly 40 percent of people experience sciatic pain at some point, and while the pain is severe, the symptoms typically pass on their own.
Sciatica is rather common as its a result of different diseases or conditions pinching the sciatic nerve. With the correct diagnosis, the condition can be treated and the pain will eventually subside.
To diagnose sciatica, doctors complete two physical exams to measure the pressure on your sciatic nerve. We share how you can complete these same tests at home and discuss more what sciatica is. If you believe you have sciatica, speak to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment options.
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What Natural Home Remedies Relieve Knee Pain
Over-the-counter pain medications can frequently alleviate the pain. If someone is taking these medications on a regular basis, he or she should see a health care professional to evaluate the knee pain for proper diagnosis and to avoid the potential side effects of chronic medication use.
The RICE mnemonic is often helpful, especially for minor injuries:
Rest: Rest the joint, and take a break from your usually activities involving the knee joint.
Ice: Applying ice can help with pain and inflammation.
Compress: A compression bandage can help prevent swelling and help knee alignment. It should not be tight and should be removed at night.
Elevate: Elevation can help with swelling and resting of the knee.
When Should You Call An Orthopedic Doctor
Weve covered some common reasons people see an orthopedic doctor, and before we sign off, wed like to leave you with five signs and symptoms you should not ignore. If you are experiencing any of the following, please make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor to be evaluated.
- pain, stiffness, or discomfort that makes daily activities difficult
- chronic pain
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How Is Neuropathic Pain Treated
The goals of treatment are to:
- Treat the underlying disease .
Multimodal therapy is usually required to treat neuropathic pain.
Medicines commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain include anti-seizure drugs such as:
- Gabapentin .
Doctors also prescribe antidepressants such as
- Amitriptyline .
- Venlafaxine .
- Duloxetine .
Getting a prescription from your pain specialist for anti-seizure drugs or antidepressants does not mean you have seizures or are depressed. However, its true that chronic pain can be made worse by anxiety or depression.
Topical treatments like lidocaine or capsaicinpatches, creams or ointmentscan be used on the painful area. Opioid analgesics are less effective in treating neuropathic pain, and negative effects may prevent their long-term use.
The pain can also be treated with nerve blocks given by pain specialists, including injections of steroids, local anesthetics, or other medicines into the affected nerves.
Neuropathic pain that has not responded to the therapies mentioned above can be treated with spinal cord stimulation, peripheral nerve stimulation and brain stimulation.
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What Can An Orthopedic Doctor Treat
An orthopedic doctor treats conditions and injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system. Bones, soft tissue, muscle, tendons, and ligaments are musculoskeletal structures that, when injured or affected by illness, are diagnosed and treated by an orthopedic doctor or orthopedic surgeon. Orthopedic specialists also help prevent orthopedic injuries and conditions from developing in the future.
Below are examples of issues orthopedic specialists treat.
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What Can An Orthopedic Surgeon Do For Your Knee
Depending on the severity of the knee injury, an orthopedic doctor will often explore other, non-surgical options for solving your knee pain before suggesting surgery. These options can include knee braces, physical therapy, weight loss recommendations, standard pain medication, and certain exercises to strengthen the knee.
Knee replacement surgery is an option if severe enough damage to the joint occurred. This major surgery, also called Knee Arthroplasty, involves a resurfacing of the affected joint, capping the bones with metal or plastic parts, and similarly replacing the kneecap. This surgery often requires rehabilitation therapy and has a long recovery time, this is not often the first option.
When To See A Rheumatologist
Visit a rheumatologist if you have knee pain and:
- If it started out of nowhere .
- You have other symptoms associated with the pain. Like a fever, skin changes, digestive issues, or fatigue.
- Flare-ups or it gets better or worse with no clear reason.
- Youre taking medication for other underlying diseases. Like cardiovascular problems, for example.
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What Type Of Doctor Should I See For My Knee Injury
If you suffer a knee injury, should you go to an emergency room or urgent care center, your primary care doctor, or to an orthopedic surgeon? In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I discuss your options if youre dealing with a nagging knee problem that isnt getting better.
Bridget asks:A few days ago, as I was walking in the street, my left leg locked on me twice. At that time, I experienced excruciating pain in my knee. Since then my leg has locked a few times while walking, and the pain is constant at the top of my knee when I try to straighten it out. When it is bent, I do not have pain. I do not have any swelling, just pain and locking. I also feel off balance. Do you think that I should see my GP first instead of an orthopedic surgeon? Or should I just go to see the surgeon for an evaluation?
There are many benefits to seeing your primary care doctor first, even if it is for a bone or joint injury. First, many insurance companies require patients to see their doctor and get a referral. Plus they know you, and you have a long relationship with you. And you might be able to see your personal doctor very quickly.
On the other hand, they are not as familiar with evaluation of musculoskeletal injuries as orthopedic surgeons. In this video, I discuss some of the potential drawbacks of seeing your primary care doctor first and when you might consider trying to see an orthopedic surgeon first.
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How To Find An Orthopedic Doctor
If you need to see an orthopedic doctor, these are a few steps you can take:
- Talk to your primary care doctor. Your primary care doctor may be able to recommend or refer you to an orthopedic surgeon in your area.
- Search online. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has an online search tool that can help you find an orthopedic doctor near you.
- Ask a friend or family member. If someone close to you has had a similar condition, they may be able to recommend an orthopedic surgeon that they had a good experience with.
- Read online reviews or use social media. Online reviews may provide you with some insight into the orthopedic surgeons training, abilities, and success with treating various conditions. Reaching out on neighborhood apps or social media may also help you find a doctor whos a good fit for you.
You can connect with a urologist in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.
While looking for an orthopedic doctor, youll want to know if theyre covered under your insurance. If they arent, you may end up paying out-of-pocket costs that you didnt plan for.
Often, insurance will cover care thats considered medically necessary to diagnose or treat a specific condition.
However, its always a good idea to contact your insurance company to learn more about whats covered before visiting an orthopedic doctor.
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When It’s Time To See A Knee Doctor
Being aware of certain symptoms is important because if a knee issue can be diagnosed and treated early on, it will help to avoid further knee damage and pain in the future. Sharing this information with your doctor allows them to provide you with the best knee care. If any of the following symptoms sound familiar, you may have damaged your knee joint or the surrounding tissues:
- Knee is unable to support your weight and buckles when you attempt to use it
- Knee locks up
- Knee looks misshapen or deformed
- Knee pain or swelling that gets worse after an injury
- Popping sound at the time of the knee injury
- Range of motion decreases over time
- Tingling or numbness in the lower leg
- Unable to bend or straighten the knee without pain
These symptoms often correspond to a more serious knee condition, such as:
- Anterior cruciate ligament tears
- Arthritis
- Posterior cruciate ligament trauma
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Our orthopedic doctors understand that knee pain can have a major effect on your lifestyle and keep you from performing routine, everyday activities. To schedule an appointment with one of our knee doctors, please call 788-9220 or request an appointment online.
Our knee specialists also understand that some injuries occurs when least expected, which is why we are proud to offer our Orthopedic Urgent Care to treat patients who are suffering from acute orthopedic injuries and conditions. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is necessary.