What Doctor Do I Go To For Knee Pain? Why Surgery Is Not Always Necessary

If you’re wondering ‘what doctor do I go to for knee pain?’ then we have the best answer for you and your health. The most experienced and qualified doctor to provide medical advice and relieve knee pain is a board-certified pain doctor.

Pain doctors (also known as pain management physicians) are an authority in pain medicine and have a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience in treating a range of functional pain issues. They are leaders in the field of pain medicine and use the latest advancements in regenerative medicine to diagnose and treat an array of pain issues, ranging from acute injuries to long-term chronic knee pain. In particular, board certified pain doctors have passed rigorous examinations that demonstrate their commitment to learning and have a range of practical experiences in pain medicine to provide the highest levels of patient care.

Most of all, pain doctors believe in maximizing health through minimally invasive procedures. Currently, many orthopedic surgeons treat knee joint pain via knee replacement surgery and other surgical techniques. However, surgery carries many risks and is a decision that should not be taken lightly. In particular, some risks of surgery include:

• Blood clots
• Infections
• Problems/ allergic reactions to anesthesia
• Long recovery periods
• Reliance on narcotics/ NSAIDs/ opioids

It is no secret that research is demonstrating the negative health consequences associated with taking long-term pain medication following surgery. The U.S. is currently facing an opioid epidemic, with addiction issues becoming rampant across the country. Due to these risks and negative side-effects, it is important to consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss the best conservative treatment options available that can avoid unnecessary and risky surgeries.

Maximizing health and minimizing pain is the goal of a pain doctor. Pain doctors can use the latest techniques in pain medicine to diagnose and treat a range of knee joint pain conditions so that you get back to full health as quickly as possible. Now that we have discussed the importance of visiting a pain doctor, let’s take a look at some of the latest knee pain treatment options.

The Best Conservative Knee Pain Treatments

Knee replacement surgery and other surgical procedures carry many risks. Taking narcotics, NSAIDs and opioids for long periods of time can be damaging to health. That’s why it is recommended to receive medical advice from a board certified pain doctor. Pain doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating a range of functional pain complaints. They have access to the latest conservative treatment options that help you avoid unnecessary surgeries and can get you back to your daily lifestyle as soon as possible.

Let’s take a look at some of the latest knee conservative treatment options that minimize pain and maximize health.

• Genicular Nerve Block – this is when a pain doctor uses local anesthetic to block nerves that are responsible for sending pain signals. It is a great option to alleviate knee pain immediately.
• Genicular Nerve Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) – this is a longer-term option for patients experiencing chronic knee pain. Heated needles are strategically placed to stop pain in the knee joint. A small amount of local anesthetic can be utilized during this procedure.
• Lovera – this form of cold therapy applies sub-zero temperatures to target and freeze peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. Instant pain relief can be achieved without the need for long-term pain medication and other narcotics.
• Steroid injection – this is when a pain doctor injects anti-inflammatory pain medicine into the knee joint. A local anesthetic may also be applied to increase comfort.
• Viscosupplement knee injection – this procedure is when a pain doctor injects a lubricating fluid into the knee joint to reduce inflammation. The pain doctor also anesthetizes the area so the patient is comfortable throughout.

At the VIP Medical Group, our goal is to maximize health through minimally invasive techniques. Our team of board certified Ivy League doctors look beyond your knee pain symptoms to provide exceptional levels of patient care and ensure that you, as the patient, are comfortable with your treatment journey. If you’re struggling with knee pain and want to discuss conservative treatment options that avoid risky and unnecessary surgeries, consider booking an appointment with one of our Ivy League board-certified pain doctors.

Why Do I Have Knee Pain?

Knee pain is a common complaint that ranges from mild discomfort to debilitating pain. If left untreated, knee pain can progressively get worse and lead to further health complications. Knee pain can be a symptom of many different medical conditions. That’s why it is important to seek medical advice from a board-certified pain doctor. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of knee pain:

• Bursitis – when there is pain and swelling around your knee joint. Your knees can appear puffy and red as a result of inflammation around the bursa (fluid-filled sac) situated near your knee joint.
• Tendonitis – this is a common injury and occurs when the tendon that connects your knee cap (patella) to your shin bone (tibia) becomes inflamed. It is also known as ‘jumper’s knee’ and is common amongst athletes.
• Torn meniscus – the meniscus is a tough, rubbery piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between your shin bone and your thigh bone. It can tear if you suddenly break or twist, causing pain, swelling and tenderness.
• Weight gain – excessive weight gain can cause problems with imbalance and overall weight distribution. It causes more pressure on your knees which can lead to problems with your knee joint.

If you’re struggling with knee pain, consider visiting a board-certified pain doctor. Pain doctors believe in the importance of combining the latest advances in regenerative medicine with a holistic approach to health so that you get back to full health with minimal risk. At the VIP Medical Group, our board-certified Ivy League pain doctors are on-hand to alleviate your knee pain and answer any concerns that you may have. They will get to the root of your knee pain, establish an extensive treatment plan, and get you back to your daily lifestyle as smoothly and comfortably as possible.