Physical therapy and surgery can help reduce knee pain, whether caused by acute injuries or chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Many different conditions can cause knee pain. Some of these include acute fractures, sports injuries, and chronic conditions such as gout, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Knee pain can vary in severity and character. Some patients may feel that the pain is localized to one specific aspect of the knee, while others may experience pain non-specifically. A knee specialist will take a history of your pain, perform a targeted physical examination and order relevant investigations which may include imaging before deciding on the best form of treatment for your pain.
What is a Knee Specialist?
First and foremost, you must determine which type of doctor you should consult regarding your knee pain. After an initial assessment of your knee pain, your primary care physician may decide to refer you to a knee specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
Orthopaedic surgeons are medical professionals specializing in the care of your bones and joints. A knee specialist is an Orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in disorders of the knee joint.
You should keep in mind that most Orthopaedic surgeons today specialize in certain anatomic regions of the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, it would be important for you to confirm that you are seeing an Orthopaedic surgeon who is a knee specialist should you be suffering from knee pain.
When Should Knee Surgery Be Considered?
As mentioned earlier, treatment options for your knee pain depend on the condition causing the pain. Acute fractures most likely require surgery for fixation. First-line treatment for sports injuries as well as chronic knee conditions such as osteoarthritis include rest and physical therapy. If your pain and function does not improve with first-line treatment, then your doctor may recommend surgery.
What is a Shoulder Specialist?
The term "shoulder specialist" refers to an Orthopaedic Surgeon who is specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of shoulder injuries and disorders. For example, these specially trained doctors are frequently called upon to treat patients with a fractured clavicle (collarbone), a dislocation, or a rotator cuff tear in their shoulder. As a ball-and-socket joint with an extensive range of motion, the shoulder is prone to various injuries, including rotator cuff problems, which are common.
What are the causes of shoulder pain?
The following are the most typical causes why people suffer from shoulder pain:
- Torn rotator cuff - is made up of four muscles in your upper arm that are joined by tendons to form the rotator cuff, which, as the name suggests, allows you to rotate your arm. When the force is applied to these tendons, they might tear, resulting in a torn rotator cuff.
- Frozen shoulder - You may find yourself unable to lift your arm away from your body because of a stiff shoulder. You can get a frozen shoulder if you have scar tissue or if you don't have any at all.
- Sprains - It is possible to injure a shoulder by falling on an outstretched hand, especially if the ligaments holding the joint together are strained or torn.
- Fractures - When you fall and land on your outstretched hand, you're more likely to break your shoulder.
- Dislocation - A dislocation of the shoulder is distinct from a separation of the shoulder. It's possible to knock the humerus out of the socket with a hard hit to the shoulder. Partially or entirely dislocated joints are possible.
- Separation - If you fall on your shoulder or are hit with a strong force, you may suffer a separated shoulder. Injuries to the ligaments that connect the shoulder to the collar bone occur.
Final Words
Orthopaedic surgeons are specialists who treat patients with bone and joint conditions. Knee and shoulder specialists are Orthopaedic surgeons with a special interest in knee and shoulder conditions.
If you are suffering from knee and shoulder pain which is persistent, it is useful to get assessed by a knee or shoulder specialist. You may get a referral from a primary care physician or make an appointment to see them on your own accord.
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