what type of doctor is best?

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Just as a heads up, I am fully aware of the policy about asking for medical advice on this website and I am not asking for medical advice right now (at least I hope not). What I am trying to find out is what type of doctor to see. I'm not asking anyone to tell me how to solve my problem or what treatments to use. I am young (27) and in pretty good shape, work out 3-4x/week and have been having awful knee pain for months. I have tried taking glucosamine supplements with no relief. I work nights so I am not on my feet as much as when I worked day shift so that's not a factor. All I want to know is if someone can tell me which type of specialty doc I should see-orthopedics? rheumatologist? general practitioner? with my insurance I don't need a referral so I can go straight to a specialist, but I don't want to waste my time and money doctor hopping till I get to the right type. Again, I am not asking for advice on what to do, just what type of doctor would be best.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN

3,723 Posts

Has 10 years experience.

I'd go with the ortho

aura_of_laura

321 Posts

Specializes in mental health, military nursing. Has 8 years experience.

I'd suggest maybe someone in sports medicine...

bill4745, RN

874 Posts

Specializes in ICU, ER. Has 15 years experience.

Ortho as a first step. Since you don't have problems with other joints, you probably don't need a rheumatologist. Ortho will refer you if he/she thinks it's needed.

ittybabyRN, RN

239 Posts

you could stop by your local gym and ask for advice from the physical therapist there too

Specializes in LPN, Peds, Public Health.

You may not need a referral for insurance purposes, but seeing your general practitioner first and being referred by them to an ortho might get you in a little quicker than doing a self referral.

Editorial Team / Admin

sirI, MSN, APRN, NP

18 Articles; 30,666 Posts

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

You need to check with your primary health care provider for any referral to a specialist. We cannot provide any advice based on the s/s you described in your OP.

Good luck.

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