Questions to ask your doctor about knee pain

Knee pain

What else besides arthritis may cause knee pain?

  • What is a muscle strain? What is a ligament sprain? What is a ligament tear?
  • What is a torn meniscus (or meniscal tear)?
  • What is bursitis of the knee?
  • What is patellofemoral syndrome?

What can I do to prevent sports injuries?

  • What types of activities are more likely to cause knee pain? Is it ok to continue doing the sports that I am doing?
  • How much sports activity is too much?
  • What sports activities may be easier on my knees?
  • Can certain exercises help prevent sports injuries?

What are the treatments for sports injuries?

  • Does losing weight help?
  • Can I buy medicines at the drug store to help my arthritis? What side effects do I need to worry about?
  • Will injections help?
  • Can I buy herbs or supplements?
  • Do braces help?
  • When does surgery help? What is knee arthroscopy?
  • What exercises should I do in the gym to avoid more injuries?

What is arthritis?

  • Are there different types of arthritis?
  • What are the symptoms? What are the causes?
  • How do I know for sure whether arthritis is the cause of my knee pain?

If I have arthritis of the knee, can I still play sports?

  • What types of activities are more likely to cause knee pain?
  • Is it okay to continue doing the sports that I am doing?
  • How much sports activity is too much?
  • What sports activities may be easier on my knees?
  • Can certain exercises help prevent my knee from getting worse?
  • What can I do to slow down the progression of arthritis?

What can I do to help with my arthritis?

  • Can I do exercises? Will they make my arthritis worse?
  • Can changes around the home make it easier for me?
  • Does losing weight help my knee arthritis?
  • Can I buy medicines at the drug store to help my arthritis? What side effects do I need to worry about?
  • Can I buy herbs or supplements? Does acupuncture help?
  • Do injections help arthritis?

What type of health care providers should I see about my knee pain?

  • What tests do I need?
  • How can my primary care provider help?
  • What is a sports medicine doctor?
  • Should I see a physical therapist?
  • What is a rheumatologist?
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Review Date: 8/9/2018

Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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