Many people in India waking with pain in the knee, shoulder, neck, or back wonder which doctor to consult regarding joint pain. 

Which medical professional should you see between a general physician and an orthopedic doctor and another medical expert? 

The uncertainty leads people to postpone their medical treatment and use painkillers as their only solution because they do not comprehend their actual condition. 

The truth is, there is no single doctor for joint pain. The right specialist depends on why the pain started.

What factors determine the existence of joint pain?

Multiple reasons cause joint and muscle pain to develop in individuals.

The condition results from various factors which include injuries and excessive physical activity and natural body deterioration that occurs with aging and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Identifying the root cause of the problem proves more important than pain treatment because it leads to better results. 

Which doctor should you see?

• Here’s a simple guide: 
• Orthopedic Surgeon – for sports injuries and joint replacements.
• Rheumatologist – for treating autoimmune disorders.
• Physiatrist – helps with muscle pain treatments through non-surgical methods. 
• General Physician – provides initial patient assessment through first medical visit. 

The very first step should be to see a general physician and then to a recommended specialist for your condition.

When to see an orthopedic doctor? 

• People should see an orthopedic specialist when they experience – 
• Pain began after an individual experienced a fall or an accident or a sports-related injury. 
• The individual experiences knee or hip pain which affects their ability to walk and perform daily activities. 
• The joint experiences symptoms of swelling and stiffness and movement limitation. 
• Pain continues for weeks without improvement
• You’ve been advised for possible surgery

About the Author

Dr. Saubhik Ray is an orthopedic surgeon who has worked in his profession for more than 14 years because he specializes in treating fractures and joint disorders and trauma injuries. He completed his MS in Orthopaedics and gained professional experience at top healthcare facilities in Kolkata which include Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital and Narayan Memorial Hospital.