Seeing a Primary Care Doctor for a Knee Sprain

A primary care physician can assist with the diagnosis and treatment of a knee sprain or determine the exact type of injury if a knee sprain is not what has occurred. This review discusses what you can expect when visiting a primary care doctor after a knee injury that may have resulted in a knee sprain.

Everything to know about visiting a primary care doctor for a knee sprain

From sporting accidents to car wrecks to a nasty fall down the stairs, there are many ways that a knee sprain can occur regardless of your age, health, or lifestyle. When a sprain does occur, it is important to see a primary care doctor for a prompt diagnosis and to put together an appropriate treatment plan.

What is a primary care doctor?

A primary care doctor, who is also called a primary care physician, is a doctor who serves as a patient’s first point of contact for health-related matters. A primary care doctor works on the prevention of health concerns and can also help with the initial diagnosis of a health issue. Of course, since primary care doctors do not specialize in any one area, they can recommend patients to a specialist when one is needed for further diagnosis and/or treatment of a health concern.

What symptoms indicate a knee sprain?

A knee sprain is an injury to the tissue and ligaments that connect the upper and lower leg at the knee joint. The symptoms vary in severity and type. However, some of the more commonly reported symptoms include:

• Pain in and around the knee
• Swelling in the knee and surrounding area
• Tenderness and bruising in the knee
• A popping sound and sensation in the knee
• Knee stiffness/limited mobility in the knee

Of course, many of these symptoms could indicate a separate issue, such as a tear to a ligament in the knee, so it is important to always visit a primary care doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

How can a primary care doctor treat a knee sprain?

In most cases, a knee sprain can improve on its own without medical intervention. Many primary care doctors will provide patients with a recovery plan that includes the R.I.C.E. method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. If the knee sprain is severe, then the primary care doctor may recommend wearing a knee brace or using crutches to further help the knee recover. If the injury is worse than a sprain, then additional (and more extensive) treatment options may be necessary.