Should You See a Sports Medicine Doctor for Knee Pain?

Whether it’s due to injury, overuse, or age-related issues, many people experience discomfort in their knees at some point in life. If you’re facing knee pain, finding the right healthcare professional is crucial. That’s where Angelo Mattalino, MD in Scottsdale, AZ, and Phoenix, AZ, comes in. Instead of relying on a general doctor, consider visiting this specialized sports medicine doctor, who has many years of experience treating knee-related issues.

When it comes to knee pain, consulting a sports doctor offers unique advantages over a regular doctor. Sports medicine is a specialized field that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing injuries related to sports and physical activity. Most sports medicine professionals work with a wide range of patients, focusing on soft tissue and joint injuries and conditions.

Unlike a general doctor, these experts have specialized training in understanding the unique demands that sports and physical activity place on the body. They can accurately diagnose your knee condition and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals.

Sports medicine utilizes cutting-edge methods and technologies to optimize recovery and enhance performance. From advanced imaging techniques for accurate diagnosis to minimally invasive treatments, sports doctors incorporate innovative approaches that can lead to faster and more effective relief from knee pain.

By choosing a sports doctor like Dr. Angelo Mattalino, you benefit from their specialized knowledge, personalized approach, and access to the latest advancements in knee pain treatment. Don’t let knee pain hinder your active lifestyle; explore the advantages of sports medicine today.

No, you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from the expertise of a sports doctor. At the clinic, we believe that everyone can benefit from specialized care, whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who simply enjoys an active lifestyle. Sports doctors are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions and injuries, helping you regain optimal function and get back to doing what you love.

We can assist with various conditions and injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures. If you’ve twisted your knee during a hike, injured your ACL during a yoga session, or fractured a bone while playing with your kids, Dr. Mattalino can provide the right diagnosis and create a tailored treatment plan. He can also help with overuse injuries like tendonitis or stress fractures, which can occur from repetitive activities like running or weightlifting.

Experiencing knee pain can be distressing, but knowing when to seek professional help is essential. If your knee pain persists for more than a few days or significantly impacts your daily activities, it’s a clear indication that you need to see an expert. Other symptoms that warrant a visit to a sports doctor include swelling, redness, instability, or difficulty bearing weight. Don’t ignore these signs as they may indicate a more serious issue.

Before reaching out to us, there are a few things you can try at home to manage mild knee pain. Resting the affected knee, applying ice packs, and elevating the leg can help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also provide temporary relief. However, if these home remedies don’t improve your symptoms or if they worsen over time, it’s crucial to seek our help to prevent further damage.

When you visit Angelo Mattalino, MD in Scottsdale, AZ, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation and personalized care for your knee pain. Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to help identify the underlying cause of your discomfort. We may order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to get a clear picture of your knee’s structure and detect any abnormalities or injuries.

During your appointment, Dr. Mattalino will ask you detailed questions about your symptoms, the onset of pain, and any specific activities or movements that exacerbate or alleviate your knee pain. He will inquire about your medical history, previous injuries, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to your condition. By gathering this information, he can better understand the nature of your knee pain and provide an accurate diagnosis.

We offer a range of treatment options for knee pain, with a focus on non-surgical and regenerative approaches. Surgery is generally considered a last resort and is only recommended if conservative methods fail to provide relief. Our goal is to promote natural healing and minimize invasive procedures.

One regenerative method we offer is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This involves drawing a small amount of your blood, isolating the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting it directly into the affected area. PRP contains growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, helping to alleviate pain and improve function.

If necessary, arthroscopy may be recommended. This is a minimally invasive surgery that allows the doctor to visualize and treat joint conditions. It involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) into the knee joint through a small incision.

This technique enables Dr. Mattalino to diagnose and repair various knee problems. He might remove loose cartilage or repair torn ligaments. The benefits include smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.

Our experienced team is equipped to treat a wide range of knee conditions. Whether you’re dealing with an acute injury or a chronic issue, our clinic offers comprehensive care to help you recover and regain optimal knee function. Some of the most common injuries that can be treated by a Phoenix, AZ sports medicine doctor include ACL tears, meniscus tears, and a runner’s knee.

Other injuries that we can address include MCL (medial collateral ligament) tears, PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) tears, and patellar tendonitis. Additionally, chronic knee issues such as osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome can also be effectively managed by a sports doctor. These conditions can cause persistent pain and impact your quality of life. Seeking early intervention and appropriate treatment from a sports doctor is crucial.

An ACL tear is a common knee injury that can occur during sports activities or high-impact movements. The ACL is a ligament that provides stability to the knee joint, connecting the thigh bone to the shin bone. When the ACL tears, it can lead to pain, swelling, instability, and a limited range of motion. ACL tears can happen due to sudden stops or changes in direction, pivoting, landing incorrectly from a jump, or a direct blow to the knee.

Athletes involved in sports like soccer, basketball, and football are particularly prone to ACL tears, but they can occur in anyone engaging in activities that put stress on the knee joint. It’s important to treat this injury promptly, as leaving it untreated can result in long-term consequences such as chronic instability, decreased knee function, and an increased risk of further knee injuries.

A meniscus tear refers to the injury of the C-shaped cartilage discs located between the thighbone and shinbone in the knee joint. It can occur due to sudden twisting or rotation of the knee, often seen during sports activities or repetitive motions. The severity of meniscus tears can vary, ranging from minor tears that heal on their own to more significant ones that require medical intervention.

While some minor meniscus tears may improve with rest, ice, and physical therapy, more severe tears may require surgical intervention to repair or remove the damaged portion. Without proper treatment, meniscus tears can lead to persistent pain, swelling, and limited knee mobility, potentially hindering your ability to engage in daily activities or sports.

Runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome, is a condition that causes pain around the front of the knee. It commonly affects runners but can also affect individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive knee bendings, such as cycling or squatting. Runner’s knee can be caused by factors like improper knee alignment, overuse, weak thigh muscles, or inadequate footwear.

Some people experience mild discomfort, while others have significant pain during physical activity. In most cases, treatment for the runner’s knee involves rest, physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and modifications in training techniques or footwear. Surgery is rarely necessary unless conservative measures fail to provide relief.

Sports medicine encompasses the specialized care and treatment of various knee injuries and conditions. Experienced Phoenix, AZ sports medicine doctors can diagnose and treat a range of knee issues, including ACL tears, meniscus tears, runner’s knee, and more. Send a message to Angelo Mattalino, MD in Scottsdale, AZ today to schedule an appointment and receive the exceptional medical care you deserve.