When you’re having trouble with your knees or addressing knee pain or injuries, choosing the right specialist is essential for effective treatment. Finding the best knee doctor near you can feel challenging if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Different types of knee doctors offer unique expertise tailored to various knee conditions. Here’s a detailed look at the several kinds of knee doctors and how they can help you.
Orthopaedic surgeons are specialists in the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. As orthopaedic surgeons who specialize in the knee, commonly called knee doctors, they focus on diagnosing and treating a wide range of knee issues. While orthopaedic surgeons often perform surgeries, they typically start with non-surgical treatments such as pain-relief injections and physical therapy.
For specific knee conditions, orthopaedic surgeons, including those who sub-specialize as knee replacement surgeons, are skilled in addressing complex knee problems. These may include severe arthritis, meniscal tears, and ligament injuries. Knee replacement surgeons are experts in performing procedures like total or partial knee replacements to restore function and alleviate pain.
Sports medicine physicians specialize in treating and preventing injuries related to physical activity, making them valuable knee doctors for those with knee pain from sports or other activities. They emphasize non-surgical approaches to manage musculoskeletal issues, including knee injuries.
Sports medicine physicians often work closely with physical therapists to develop comprehensive treatment plans for knee injuries. Their goal is to help patients, whether athletes or not, return to normal activities and prevent future problems.
Orthopaedic Knee Doctors, including knee replacement surgeons, are ideal for conditions requiring surgical intervention or advanced musculoskeletal care.
Sports Medicine Knee Doctors are suited for knee injuries from physical activity, focusing on non-surgical management and rehabilitation.
Identifying the underlying condition is crucial for effective treatment when it comes to knee pain. Here’s a list of the top five most common knee conditions, along with their symptoms and advice on when to consult a knee doctor.
A common knee injury, a meniscal tear, occurs when the cartilage (meniscus) in your knee is torn due to sudden twisting or rotation, often during sports or physical activities.
Common Symptoms:
When to See a Knee Doctor: If you experience a sudden knee injury accompanied by pain, swelling, or difficulty moving the knee, it’s essential to see a knee doctor or sports medicine physician to assess the injury and discuss treatment options.
Patellar tendonitis, also known as “jumper’s knee,” is an injury triggered by overuse that causes inflammation in the tendon connecting your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone (tibia).
Common Symptoms:
When to See a Knee Doctor: If knee pain persists despite rest and conservative treatments, or if the pain is affecting your ability to engage in physical activities, see a sports medicine physician or knee joint doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
An ACL injury is a common injury in athletes who play sports that involve sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction. It is a sprain or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the major ligaments in the knee.
Common Symptoms:
When to See a Knee Doctor: If you suspect an ACL injury due to a sudden knee trauma, especially if accompanied by instability or severe pain, it’s critical to see a knee surgeon or sports medicine physician immediately to determine the severity of the injury and discuss treatment options, which may include surgery.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, including the knees, causing inflammation, pain, and eventually joint damage.
Common Symptoms:
When to See a Knee Doctor: If you have knee pain along with systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or if the pain affects both knees symmetrically, it’s important to consult a rheumatologist or knee joint doctor to manage the condition and prevent further joint damage.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage cushioning the knee joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
Common Symptoms:
When to See a Knee Doctor: If you experience persistent knee pain and stiffness that interferes with your daily activities, it’s time to consult a knee surgeon or knee joint doctor to discuss potential treatment options, including non-surgical interventions or knee replacement surgery if necessary.
These common knee conditions highlight the importance of timely intervention by a knee surgeon, knee replacement surgeon, or knee joint doctor. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, early consultation can help prevent further damage and ensure the best possible outcome for your knee health.
At OIBO, we have a team of specialists dedicated to helping you with your pain. Contact us to schedule an appointment; we can’t wait to help you.
If you’re looking for knee doctors in New Jersey, the OIBO is a team of highly skilled Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeons who can treat any orthopaedic knee or joint related condition or injury. The team is available to provide comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with an injury, chronic pain, or systemic symptoms, selecting the right type of knee doctor can significantly impact your treatment and recovery.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for information purposes only and is not medical advice or diagnosis. Please contact us with questions or to schedule with one of our orthopaedic specialists.
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.
Patients deserve personalized, outcome-driven care provided by physicians who genuinely care about them. As medicine has become more corporate and transactional, OrthoNJ prioritizes exceptional doctor/patient relationships. This is why we say we have The Power to Put Patients First.
