Knee injuries could lead to mild or severe pain, which may require medical intervention. However, choosing a professional isn’t just about searching for terms like “knee injury specialist near me.” The type of professional varies based on whether one has an acute injury, such as during a fall, or if the mishap suddenly occurred while running or jumping. On that note, below one can find tips for choosing the best knee injury specialist in the area.

Know about the types of surgeons
Since each knee injury is associated with a different trigger, one may require a doctor with a particular specialization. So before picking an expert, one should know where to start.

• Severe, acute injuries, such as those from a vehicular accident or machinery, may require the input of an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in trauma.
• Pain that begins out of the ordinary while jumping, running, or falling during an activity should be checked by a sports physician. Such surgeons usually offer nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for sprains, fractures, and other complications that may arise in the knee.
• If pain in the knee has surfaced without visible injury, the individual should consult a professional psychiatrist or a sports physician. Such experts may diagnose the injury and offer treatments or refer the patient to a physical therapist, rheumatologist, or orthopedic surgeon. Those 50 years of age or older who experience unexplained knee pain and suspect an injury ought to consult an orthopedic surgeon. The expert may specialize in osteoarthritis, which means they could be certified to offer knee replacement as a treatment option.

Look for the years of experience
The knee is the largest and most complex joint in the body. Therefore, finding an expert who is experienced in treating injuries associated with this region is essential. A board-certified knee surgeon is usually well-versed in determining whether knee surgery is required to manage the injury or whether it can be treated with a less-invasive measure.

Ask for referrals
One of the best ways to find a good knee injury specialist in one’s area is to ask for referrals. One could speak to family, friends, and colleagues at work about their experiences, if any, with the professional. The patient should also check with their current primary care physician or general practitioner for a list of orthopedic surgeons who specialize in or are experienced in dealing with knee injuries.

Check the credentials
One could review the professional’s education and credentials before selecting a specialist to deal with a knee injury. They should check background details such as the expert’s background, training, credentials, and education. One could look into the professional’s board certifications and the association through which they were completed. The three most common associations include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and the American Medical Association.

Meet the expert
Another tip for finding the right specialist for knee injuries and other conditions is to meet with them one-on-one. Scheduling a consultation could help assess if one is comfortable with the expert. During the meeting, the individual could discuss their situation, solicit their opinion, and ask questions regarding the knee injury or complications. During the appointment, one could also inquire about factors such as the specialist’s success rate regarding surgery, diagnosis, and treatment, the potential procedure, and their experience with similar cases.

Check with the insurance provider
The cost associated with a knee injury depends on various factors. The standard out-of-pocket fee for a single evaluation and assessment is about $150. Physical therapy without health insurance may cost about $75 to $150 per session. Furthermore, if an individual requires a knee replacement, the average hospital cost is about $50,000 or higher. So one should check with the insurance provider to see if a particular doctor or hospital falls under their network. Doing so could help make a more informed decision when selecting a knee specialist and also help assess costs.