A specialized knee doctor can treat problems related to your knees such as arthritis, tears, or dislocations. If you are experiencing chronic knee pain, or if you have suffered a knee injury, you are probably looking for a doctor who specializes in the knee so the pain or injury can be addressed as quickly and effectively as possible.
There are different types of physicians who specialize in various kinds of knee conditions. Let’s talk about the main types of knee doctors, and where you can go in San Antonio and South Texas for world-class knee pain treatment that works.
Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic doctors are physicians who specialize in treating the musculoskeletal system – i.e., the bones, joints, muscles, and their supporting structures and tissues. Although orthopedic surgeons do perform surgery on the musculoskeletal system when needed, they will first try to administer nonsurgical treatments for your knee pain if appropriate, such as pain-relief injections or physical therapy.
Many orthopedic surgeons sub-specialize in a specific area of the body, such as the knee joint. If you are developing severe knee arthritis, it will probably be helpful to find an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in treating knees.
Sports Medicine Physicians
If you are physically active, a sports medicine physician can help to treat your knee injury or knee pain with long-lasting results. Sports medicine doctors have specialized training in the treatment and prevention of injuries, especially in a nonsurgical manner.
They know how to address musculoskeletal pain and injuries in a way that helps to get an athlete back to their sport as quickly as possible, so this is an excellent approach for non-athletes as well. You do not have to be an athlete to see a sports medicine physician.
A sports medicine physician may recommend that you also work with a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or other medical specialist to help get your knee back into shape.
Rheumatologists
If you have knee pain that is accompanied by other unusual symptoms such as a fever, rash, and/or fatigue, it may be due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in inflammatory autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma, so this type of doctor can evaluate your knee pain and provide treatment to alleviate the issue.
Rheumatic diseases tend to run in families – so if you have a relative (parent, grandparent, sibling) who has rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, a rheumatologist can help with your joint pain and other symptoms.
Knee Doctors in San Antonio, TX
Our medical team at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine is here to help you with your musculoskeletal condition, such as knee pain, hip pain, shoulder pain, and muscle problems. Our orthopedic specialists specialize in treating knee arthritis, knee ligament injuries, unstable kneecap, a torn meniscus, and other knee problems you may be experiencing.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our office today at (210) 692-7400. You can also fill out our convenient online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!
