An orthopedic doctor examining a patient's knee in a clinical setting, highlighting medical care and attention.

Orthopedic Knee Doctors: When to See a Specialist Vs. a GeneralPractitioner

April 25, 2025

Knee pain can disrupt every aspect of your life. From walking upstairs to enjoying your favorite hobbies, it can affect even the simplest daily activities.

Knowing when to seek help and who to turn to — whether a general practitioner or an orthopedic knee specialist — can be a critical step in addressing the issue properly.

Let us explore the differences between general practitioners (GPs) and orthopedic knee doctors to help you determine when to seek specialized care.

Why Your Knee Health Matters

The knee is the largest joint in your body, and it plays an essential role in movement. Whether you love running, playing sports, or simply taking a walk, the health of this joint is critical.

When knee pain develops, it can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that affects your quality of life.

Ignoring knee pain or delaying care can lead to further complications, making timely intervention essential.

General Practitioners Vs. Orthopedic Knee Doctors

The following outlines the difference between orthopedic care and general practice care for orthopedic conditions.

What Does a General Practitioner Do

A general practitioner (GP) is often the first point of contact when you have health concerns. GPs are trained to treat a variety of illnesses and injuries. They can prescribe medication, recommend physical therapy, or refer you to a specialist if needed.

GPs are ideal for minor knee concerns such as a slight strain, sprain, or general knee discomfort that does not persist or worsen.

What Does an Orthopedic Knee Doctor Do

An orthopedic knee doctor specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems related to bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. These professionals often have advanced training in knee injuries and conditions. They offer both surgical and nonsurgical knee treatments tailored to the patient's needs.

Orthopedic doctors are equipped to handle moderate to severe knee conditions, including ligament injuries, arthritis, fractures, and meniscus tears.

When Should You See a General Practitioner

Here are some signs your knee issue can likely be addressed by a general practitioner.

· Mild knee pain that improves with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.

· Minor swelling following exercise.

· Temporary stiffness or discomfort that resolves within a few days.

· A mild strain or sprain resulting from physical activity.

Your GP may suggest rest, ice, and compression or recommend over-the-counter drugs (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to reduce discomfort.

When Should You See the Best Orthopedic Doctors Near You for Knees

If your knee pain persists or worsens, it may be time to seek a specialist. The orthopedic doctors can assess your condition and provide advanced care.

Signs that it might be time to visit orthopedic doctors include:

· Persistent Pain: If knee pain lasts more than two weeks, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs professional evaluation.

· Severe Swelling or Bruising: Swelling or bruising around the knee joint that does not improve could signify a serious injury like a ligament tear or fracture.

· Difficulty Bearing Weight: Struggling to put weight on your knee or walk without discomfort is a common sign of structural damage or joint problems.

· Reduced Range of Motion: If bending, straightening, or moving your knee feels restricted, it could point to cartilage damage, arthritis, or other joint issues.

· Popping Sound With Pain: Hearing a popping noise during an injury, accompanied by immediate pain, could indicate a ligament tear or other acute damage.

· Knee Instability: A wobbly or unstable knee when walking or moving may suggest ligament or tendon injury.

· Recent Trauma: Any recent injuries, such as a fall, car accident, or sports-related incident, should be checked to rule out fractures, ligament tears, or other serious damage.

Seeking timely medical attention can help diagnose and treat these issues effectively, preventing further complications.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not delay. Early treatment can prevent further damage and speed up recovery.

How Can the Best Orthopedic Doctor Near You for Knees Help

An orthopedic doctor specializing in knee conditions offers personalized care to address your unique needs. Through thorough evaluations, including physical exams, imaging, and symptom discussions, they identify the root causes of knee issues.

Treatment plans are tailored to each patient, ranging from conservative options like physical therapy, medications, or injections to advanced surgical procedures such as arthroscopy or knee replacement, ensuring optimal knee health and function.

Best Orthopedic Doctors Near Me for Knees in Portland, Maine

If knee pain is affecting your daily life, do not wait to get the care you need.

At Orthopaedic Associates of Maine, our board-certified orthopedic physicians are here to help you regain your mobility and live a pain-free life. We offer personalized orthopedic care, advanced diagnostic tools, and innovative treatments tailored to your needs.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call us today at 207.828.2100 or fill out our appointment request form. You can also access orthopedic walk-in care without an appointment.

We look forward to serving you!

Orthopaedic 
Associates of Maine

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Orthopaedic Associates of Maine (OA) complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. OA does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.