Maintaining an active lifestyle is important for health and happiness. An injury to the knee, however, can prevent us from engaging in physical activity.
Anyone who leads an active lifestyle wants to get back quickly to their sport or exercise. A highly skilled specialist can help you recover sooner from your knee injury.
In this guide, we will explore how you can choose the best knee injury specialist for you.
Understanding Knee Injuries
There are several different types of knee injuries. Here are some of the most common knee injuries in athletes:
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: Tears to the knee ligament are often caused by sudden stops or changes in direction.
- Meniscus Tears: Tears to the meniscus tissue occur from twisting or rotating the knee while bearing weight.
- Patellar Tendinitis: This overuse injury is caused by repetitive stress. It is also referred to as jumper’s knee.
An inaccurate diagnosis and inadequate treatment can delay your recovery. For this reason, you need a specialist with expertise in sports injuries.
Identifying the Right Knee Injury Specialist for You
Here we have some of the medical and healthcare professionals who can help with knee injuries:
- Orthopedic Surgeons: They specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, including knee injuries. They are also trained in orthopedic surgery.
- Sports Medicine Physicians: These doctors have a special focus on treating sports-related injuries. They typically do non-surgical treatments and cutting-edge procedures.
- Physical Therapists: These practitioners help with exercises and movement therapies needed to rehabilitate and strengthen the knee.
For the highest quality knee injury treatment, choose an orthopedic surgeon with advanced training in sports medicine. A sports medicine doctor creates your treatment plan which typically involves sessions with a physical therapist.
What to Look for in a Sports Medicine Doctor
Selecting the right sports medicine doctor for your knee injury involves several factors:
- Expertise: Look for a sports medicine specialist with extensive experience in treating athletes of all levels.
- Experience: Consider the number of years the specialist has been practicing. A sports medicine doctor with more than 30 years of experience has a deeper understanding of their field.
- Patient Reviews: Reading reviews and testimonials from other patients can provide insights into the specialist’s approach and bedside manner. Positive feedback from other patients can indicate the doctor’s reliability and quality of care.
Choosing the right sports medicine doctor can make a big difference in your quality of treatment and speed of recovery.
Questions to Ask Your Orthopedic or Sports Medicine Doctor
To make an informed decision about your knee injury treatment, consider asking your sports doctor the following questions:
What treatment do you recommend for my condition?
It is very important to discuss the physician’s recommended treatment plan. For example, if you are an athlete with an ACL tear, the doctor may recommend knee arthroscopy.
In that case, it is recommended you ask your doctor more information about how invasive arthroscopy is, what you can expect during the procedure, and how the recovery process typically proceeds.
Are there nonsurgical treatment options available?
Many sports injuries are treated without surgery. Explore nonsurgical options to help you understand all possible approaches to your recovery.
What is the expected recovery time?
This can give you an idea of what to expect during recovery, whether the treatment involves surgery or less invasive techniques.
Cutting-edge procedures, like arthroscopy, usually allow patients to recover faster from their injuries. Physical therapy is usually part of rehabilitation.
How can I expedite my recovery?
Patients who are committed to their physical therapy program usually recover sooner. The doctor may recommend The Regenokine® Program, which involves the use of your growth factors to manage injuries.
You should feel comfortable with your doctor and confident in their ability to manage your treatment and recovery effectively.
Asking these questions can help you feel more confident and prepared for your treatment plan. It’s important to actively participate in your recovery by following the sports medicine doctor’s advice and attending all scheduled appointments.
Knee Injury Treatment Near Me in Walnut Creek, CA
Dr. Laura A. Timmerman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon trained in sports medicine. She has more than 30 years of experience treating athletes of all levels. Dr. Timmerman uses nonsurgical methods and cutting-edge procedures to treat our patients.
Dr. Timmerman will thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options, as well as answer all your questions. She is known for her great compassion and bedside manner. Her unique skills and caring nature have made her a top sports medicine doctor in California. She is also actively dedicated to raising the standard of sports medicine care in the country.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Timmerman for knee injury treatment, call (925) 952-4080. You can also use our convenient request form to schedule your visit. We welcome all levels of athletes, including weekend warriors, to our clinic.
