Are you experiencing knee pain? Maybe it’s time to see an orthopedic specialist.
Knee pain can make walking, running, bending, and otherwise living your everyday life difficult. When the pain becomes severe and persistent, it’s likely time to see an orthopedic knee specialist.
Although you may want to make your first appointment with your primary care physician, he or she likely doesn’t specialize in musculoskeletal disorders of the knees. An orthopedic doctor does. Unlike a primary care doctor that oversees your overall physical well-being and disease prevention, an orthopedic specialist focuses his or her practice exclusively on treating injuries or degenerative conditions of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Therefore, an orthopedic specialist is the physician best able to evaluate and cure your knee pain.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
A simple tweak or slight injury can result in knee discomfort. In most instances, the pain resolves within a day or two with rest and at-home remedies like ice packs and elevation. However, if your pain persists, consult with an orthopedic knee specialist, especially if you’re experiencing these symptoms:
- Chronic knee pain for more than two days.
- A popping or crunching sound in the knee.
- Swelling or redness around the knee.
- Weakness or instability in the knee — such as the knee “giving out” when you walk.
- Severe stiffness that decreases range of motion.
- Inability to perform everyday tasks due to knee pain or stiffness.
If you decide to see an orthopedic specialist, find one that specializes in the knee. Many orthopedic physicians concentrate on one musculoskeletal part of the body, such as the knee or spine.
What’s Causing Your Knee Pain
An orthopedic knee specialist can help determine the exact cause of your knee pain through a physical examination or imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI. The goal of treatment is to either cure the condition or reduce the pain so you can live a normal life. Your orthopedic knee specialist will initiate a program of pain or anti-inflammatory medication and/or physical therapy. For some conditions or injuries, your knee surgeon may recommend surgery to correct the problem, but that usually comes after non-surgical methods fail to provide relief.
Given the complex structure of the knee, the joint is particularly vulnerable to an injury that tears ligaments and tendons, or breaks the patella, or kneecap. A rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) that stabilizes the knee is common among athletes and exercise enthusiasts. Also common in athletes is a tear of the meniscus — the cushioning layer of cartilage in the knee joint. Sometimes a traumatic injury dislodges a piece of bone or cartilage in the knee. As the loose fragment flows around the knee, you’ll likely experience pain and limited mobility.
Runners, in particular, are prone to what is known as runner’s knee, called patellofemoral syndrome or chondromalacia patella. Weak or too tight muscles around the knee push the kneecap out of alignment, causing pain, swelling, or a clicking noise when the knee is flexed.
Knee pain isn’t always due to an injury. Knee pain can also be caused by degenerative conditions such as arthritis, which can strike any joint. Within the knee is cartilage, which acts as a “shock absorber” between the bones. Over time, the cartilage within the knee joint thins, causing the bones in the joint to rub together and leading to pain and stiffness. You may also hear a clicking sound within the knee if you have arthritis
An orthopedic knee specialist has the knowledge and diagnostic tools to identify what is causing your knee pain. He or she can prescribe a treatment plan so you can go back to enjoying your everyday sports and activities.
Visit the Orthopedic Knee Specialists
At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, we have a team of doctors focused on treating knee pain. Whether you’ve suffered a knee injury or are experiencing chronic pain caused by arthritis, we can help you live pain-free again. Contact us today for an appointment.
