Can an Orthopedic Doctor Treat My Knee Pain?

Knee pain is a common issue that affects people of all ages. Whether due to an injury, aging, or other factors, it can disrupt daily life and limit mobility. If you are experiencing persistent knee pain, you might wonder who can help. Among the various specialists, an orthopedic doctor often comes to mind.

 

This article will explore why orthopedic doctors are well-suited to treat knee pain.

Can an Orthopedic Doctor Treat Knee Pain?

Yes, an orthopedic doctor can treat knee pain. They are experts in bones, joints, and muscles, including the knee.

Orthopedic doctors can help with issues like arthritis, ligament tears, cartilage damage, and overuse injuries. Depending on your needs, you might receive non-surgical or surgical treatments. In some cases, a doctor might use a combination of treatments to maximize effectiveness.

An Orthopedic Doctor’s Approach to Treating Knee Pain

Orthopedic doctors take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating knee pain. Here is what their process typically looks like:

1. Diagnosis and Initial Assessment

The first step in treating knee pain is to figure out what is wrong. When you first see the orthopedic doctor, they will:

• Ask about your health history and knee pain
• Check your knee’s movement, stability, and soreness
• Order tests like X-rays or an MRI to get more details

 

The aim is to understand what is causing the pain to decide on the next steps.

2. Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Orthopedic doctors try non-surgical treatments first for knee pain. Many issues can be managed without surgery, including:

Physical Therapy

Therapy helps strengthen knee muscles, improve stability, and reduce pain. A physical therapist can guide you with exercises tailored to your needs.

Medications

For high pain or inflammation, doctors might suggest pain relievers or stronger anti-inflammatory medicines. OTC drugs can be enough for mild pain, but prescription medication may be needed in some cases.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation. This provides effective but temporary pain relief in the knee.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in your body, usually around your joints and skin. It acts as a lubricant. These injections provide additional lubrication in your knee joint to ease discomfort.

Activity Modifications

Your doctor might advise changing activities that worsen your knee pain. They may recommend low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling instead.

3. Surgical Interventions

If non-surgical treatments do not ease knee pain, an orthopedic doctor might suggest surgery. Thanks to modern techniques, knee surgeries are now safer and more effective, with quicker recovery times. Common surgeries include:

• Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy involves making tiny cuts and the use of a camera to fix issues.
• Partial or Total Knee Replacement: This surgery replaces damaged knee parts with artificial ones.
• Ligament Repair or Reconstruction: For ligament tears, surgery can restore knee stability.

 

After surgery, your doctor will create a recovery plan. This might include physical therapy and regular check-ups to ensure you heal well.

4. Preventative Care and Long-Term Management

Beyond treating immediate symptoms, orthopedic doctors focus on long-term joint health. They can provide strategies to prevent reoccurrence or further damage, such as:

• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint
• Adopting proper techniques during physical activities to avoid injury
• Incorporating regular stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine

 

Finding the Best Orthopedic Doctor for Knee Pain

When dealing with knee pain, finding the right orthopedic doctor is important. Here are some tips to help you choose the best one:

Check Their Credentials

Look for a doctor who is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. This means they have completed the necessary training and have the skills to treat your knee pain. You can usually find this information on their website or by asking their office directly.

Ask for Recommendations

Talk to people you trust, like family, friends, or your primary care doctor. They might know a great orthopedic specialist. Online reviews and ratings can also give you an idea of other patients’ experiences.

Check Their Experience with Knee Problems

Not all orthopedic doctors treat the same types of issues. Find out if they specialize in treating knee conditions. This can be particularly helpful if you need specific treatments. For example, this may include ligament repair, knee replacement, or physical therapy.

Evaluate Their Communication Style

It is beneficial to find a doctor who listens to you and answers your questions clearly. Your healthcare provider should also be someone who explains your treatment options in a way you can understand. A good doctor will make you feel comfortable and involved in your care.

Reliable Orthopedic Doctor in Baltimore, MD

Orthopedic doctors are experts who can find and treat many knee problems with solutions just for you. They offer everything from physical therapy to surgery to help you get back to being active and pain-free.

 

Are you ready for the best orthopedic doctor near you to tackle your knee pain in Baltimore, MD? The specialists at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland are here for you. With lots of experience and a focus on patients, our team is committed to giving you top-notch care. Schedule your consultation today using our secure online scheduling tool. Alternatively, you can book a visit by calling us at (410) 644-1880.

 

We look forward to serving you!

 

 

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21207-knee-pain

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350855

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/orthopedic-surgeon-orthopedist