Knee pain is a common issue that can affect individuals of all ages. Whether it’s due to an injury, wear and tear, or a medical condition, knee pain can significantly impact your daily activities. When conservative treatments like rest or over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t enough, seeing an orthopedic doctor becomes a critical step in managing the discomfort. But what exactly does an orthopedic doctor do for knee pain? Let’s take a closer look at how they assess and treat this common condition.
1. Comprehensive Diagnosis
The first step an orthopedic doctor takes is to thoroughly evaluate the source of your knee pain. This includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history. The doctor will ask about the onset of your pain, whether it’s acute or chronic, and if there’s any history of trauma or injury.
To further understand the problem, the doctor may perform a physical examination, assessing your knee’s range of motion, stability, and the presence of swelling, tenderness, or warmth. They may also test the knee’s ligaments, cartilage, and bones through specialized movements.
2. Imaging and Tests
In many cases, orthopedic doctors rely on diagnostic imaging to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays are often used to check for structural issues, such as bone fractures, arthritis, or misalignment. If soft tissue problems, like torn ligaments or cartilage damage, are suspected, your doctor may recommend an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). This detailed imaging provides a clear view of the knee’s soft tissues, helping the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.
Additional tests may include ultrasound or arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure where a small camera is inserted into the knee to get a real-time view of the joint.
3. Conservative Treatment Options
Once a diagnosis is made, orthopedic doctors often begin with conservative treatment options, which aim to relieve pain and improve mobility without the need for surgery. These can include:
- Physical Therapy: A customized physical therapy program can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and reduce stress on the joint.
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Injections: For more severe pain, your orthopedic doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint, easing movement.
4. Surgical Treatment
If conservative treatments don’t relieve knee pain or if the damage is severe, an orthopedic doctor may recommend surgery. Depending on the issue, options may include:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgery that allows the doctor to remove damaged tissue, repair cartilage, or clean out the joint using small incisions and a camera.
- Partial Knee Replacement: In cases of localized joint degeneration, the doctor may replace only the damaged portion of the knee.
- Total Knee Replacement: For severe arthritis or extensive joint damage, a total knee replacement involves replacing the entire joint with a prosthetic. This option is typically reserved for patients with significant pain and loss of function.
5. Rehabilitation and Recovery
After surgery or other treatments, rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery. Your orthopedic doctor will guide you through the rehabilitation process, which may involve physical therapy, exercises, and gradually returning to normal activities. The goal is to strengthen the knee, improve its function, and minimize the risk of further injury.
Conclusion
An orthopedic doctor plays a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating knee pain. Through a combination of thorough evaluation, diagnostic tests, conservative treatments, and, when necessary, surgical interventions, they can help patients manage pain, restore mobility, and enhance quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent knee pain, seeking the expertise of an orthopedic doctor is an essential step toward getting back on your feet.
