If you’ve been experiencing chronic or intermittent knee pain, it is in your best interest to have it evaluated and possibly treated by an experienced orthopedic knee doctor. When you do visit a knee doctor, they’ll likely ask you to describe your pain.
That can be tricky, as pain is often hard to describe. But you should be as specific as possible so the doctor can clearly understand what’s happening.
Let’s go over some tips to help you explain your pain to an orthopedic knee doctor, and where you can find an experienced orthopedist who can help you get your knee back and working again without all the pain.
Tip 1: Describe the Location of the Pain
Be as specific as possible when describing the location of your knee pain. You can use terms such as “inside,” outside,” front,” or “back” of the knee to describe and show the knee doctor where exactly you’re experiencing pain.
Tell the doctor if the pain feels like it’s only on the surface of your knee or deeper.
Tip 2: Describe the Type of Pain You’re Experiencing
There are different types of pain, and it’s important to communicate this to your knee doctor. Is the pain sharp, dull, aching, or throbbing? Does it come and go, or is it constant?
Tip 3: Identity What Worsens the Knee Pain
There are often certain activities, movements, or positions that make knee pain worse. Does walking or standing aggravate your pain? Does it feel worse when your knee is straight or bent? Does the pain appear when you’re resting or moving?
Tip 4: Explain What Works to Alleviate the Pain
Just as there are things that can make the knee pain worse, there are things that can help alleviate it, even briefly. That could be something like rest, ice, or elevation of the knee area.
Does the pain stop when you sit or lie down? Do you not feel any pain when you’re just walking around?
Tip 5: Point Out Other Symptoms that Accompany the Pain
There are often other symptoms that accompany knee pain. That could be swelling, stiffness, or weakness in the knee area. Also tell the knee doctor if you experience any redness and warmth, as these could be signs of an infection.
Tip 6: Rate Your Knee Pain on a Scale of 1 to 10
Pain is subjective, so it’s often helpful to rate your pain on a scale of 1-10. That can give your doctor a better understanding of the level of knee pain you’re experiencing. It also provides insight into how the pain is impacting your life.
You may compare your current pain to pain you may have experienced before, such as from a previous injury.
Tip 7: Describe How the Pain Has Changed Over Time
It’s also helpful for your knee doctor you communicate how your knee pain has changed since it began. Has it gotten better, worse, or stayed the same? How different is the pain now as compared to when it first started? Has the pain moved around your knee?
Trusted Knee Doctor in San Antonio, TX
You can rely on the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine if you need to see an experienced knee doctor in the greater San Antonio area. Our orthopedic doctors are here to help you get past your knee pain so you can get back to the active lifestyle you enjoy.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our friendly staff today at (210) 692-7400 or fill out our convenient appointment request form online now to see an orthopedic doctor near you. We look forward to serving you!
