If your knee is troubling you, do you know what kind of provider to seek? There are a few different types of doctors who specialize in knee conditions, and the one you choose will depend on your particular problem and whether your pain is acute or chronic. Here, we look at various knee conditions, when to seek medical attention, and from whom you will find the right kind of care.
The knee joint is not just complex, made up of cartilage, bones, tendons and muscles, but it is also weight-bearing. Knee pain is extremely common, and about half of all adults over age 50 report pain in or around the knee joint. Younger people can suffer knee pain, too, though it is typically the result of an injury. It is important to pay attention to the pain because it is the body’s way of indicating a problem. In older people, knee pain is generally due to wear and tear or arthritis.
If your knee pain is persistent and does not improve, it warrants a visit to an orthopedic knee doctor. Other signs that a knee problem requires specialized medical care include:
Sometimes, pain may not be severe enough to require an emergency room trip or a specialist, but if it is persistent, it could be a sign of a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis. These conditions may get worse without treatment, so it is important to see a doctor if the pain is bad enough to require painkillers more than a few times a month, or if the knee is stiff, swollen or has a limited range of motion. Often, people ignore their symptoms, thinking it is normal for someone who is older or overweight. However, there are many treatment solutions available to reduce or eliminate pain, so seeing a doctor is the best choice.
Does your knee pain require a knee specialist? If it does, you will want to find the right doctor for your condition. The correct specialist will know how to address your pain and provide preventive care to help you avoid further pain.
Once you know which kind of specialist to see, you can ask for a referral from your primary care physician or an emergency room doctor. If you are skipping over the PCP or emergency room, you can find a good knee specialist through word of mouth or online reviews.
Known today for providing comprehensive, specialized care for patients of all ages, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics started as a small sports medicine clinic for high school athletes, back in 1983. Under the guidance of Dr. Thomas A Brady, the father of Central Indiana sports medicine, this independent, physician-owned orthopedic surgical practice grew to include a variety of sub-specialists before moving to Carmel in 1995. Today, the Carmel clinic is one of four locations, serving patients from across Indiana, with over 30 providers and dedicated staff to provide patients with exceptional treatment, as well as actively serving their communities.
Our Forté Fast orthopedic urgent care clinic in Noblesville will close at 11:00 am on Friday, December 20th.
Our Tipton office will be closed on Monday, December 23rd.
All Forté locations will be closed Tuesday, December 24th - Wednesday, December 25th for the holiday.