When should I see a knee doctor to treat my pain

Knee pain is very common and can have different causes. Whether young or mature, you can experience knee pain. When knee pain is experienced by a young person, it’s usually a result of an injury. Older adults and the elderly experiencing knee pain may be due to wear and tear or arthritis.

Knee pain that does not get better warrants a visit to a doctor. Pain is your body’s way of alerting you that something is wrong. Here are a few signs that it’s time to see a doctor for knee pain.

Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor for Knee Pain

It may be time to visit an orthopedic doctor if you experience any of the following, especially after an incident like an injury following athletics:

• Redness, warmth, and tenderness in the knee
• Significant swelling
• Severe pain
• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
• Fever
• Physical deformity in the area

Chronic knee pain that is not severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room or urgent care may be a sign of a degenerative condition. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions affecting the knee and is a result of age-related changes to the protective cartilage of joints. Osteoarthritis is progressive, meaning it will continue to get worse. If you have to take pain relievers more than a few times a month for knee pain, it is a sign that you should see a doctor.

Also seek medical attention for knee pain that is accompanied by stiffness, swelling, and a limited range of motion. These are signs that an injury or condition exists. Many people ignore such signs, especially as they get older because they think it’s a part of normal aging. People who are overweight also think it’s a normal symptom. However, nothing could be farther from the truth. Chronic knee pain, while very common, is not normal. Don’t accept it as your fate. There are many treatment solutions available that can reduce or eliminate knee pain.

Type of Doctor to See For Knee Pain

A lot of people are confused about which doctor to see for knee pain. To get the best possible treatment, choose an orthopedic doctor. Orthopedic doctors have the specialized knowledge and training needed to treat a wide variety of problems affecting the musculoskeletal system — bones, joints, cartilage, muscles, and nerves — including the knees. Orthopedic doctors can treat acute and chronic knee pain and improve your quality of life. They can also provide preventive care for patients who would like to protect their knees and make them last a long time.

Knee Doctor in St. Peters or O’Fallon, Missouri

The orthopedic doctors at Advanced Bone & Joint specialize in treating conditions affecting the hip and knee, among others. We provide alternative therapies for pain relief and surgery for patients with damaged knee joints due to arthritis. We also provide rehabilitation services in our facility. Our orthopedic doctors are ready to see you in our orthopedic urgent care clinic.

If you would like to make an appointment, call (636) 229-4222 or use our convenient online form. Our friendly and highly-qualified team of physicians and health care specialists looks forward to serving you in our clinic.