The Best Pediatric Knee Specialist Near Me
November 22, 2020
Why the Best Joint Pain Doctor Near Me Matters for My Child
Knee pain can strike at any age. While it’s common to hear about knee pain in the elderly, or in professional athletes, kids aren’t exempt from knee injuries and conditions. In fact, some types of knee pain strike children specifically. And certain pain conditions begin in youth and can worsen if left untreated. So, if your child complains of knee pain, it’s important to take them seriously.
Choosing the right pediatric orthopedic near me is important for several reasons. Not every orthopedic doctor near me is equipped with diagnostic tools, assistive devices, and procedures designed for children. They also might not be trained in pediatric knee injuries and conditions. Many orthopedics near me are actually orthopedic surgeons. This means they’re trained in things like total and partial knee replacement, rather than interventional, minimally invasive solutions for pediatric pain. Take a look at how to choose the right joint pain doctor for your child.
Avoid a Surgical Joint Pain Specialist Near Me Initially
When your child sustains a knee injury, it’s a stressful event. You might be tempted to rush them to the nearest hospital or orthopedic surgeon. There are certain types of knee injuries that are medical emergencies, such as a dislocation or major fracture. In addition, knee pain accompanied by fever, paralysis, loss of bowel or bladder control, loss of consciousness, or the inability to bear weight on the knee require urgent attention.
However, many knee injuries and conditions present a more nagging, or chronic pain. Perhaps your child’s knee only hurts occasionally, or after a long workout or day of running around outside. Maybe they experience pain when kneeling on their knees, but not when standing or lying down. Or maybe the pain occurs when they are climbing stairs or sitting for long periods of time. These types of pain might have you searching for an “orthopedic doctor near me.”
It’s important to seek an “interventional orthopedic near me,” rather than an “orthopedic surgeon near me,” for the best outcome. Interventional doctors, like the Harvard-trained team at Pain Treatment Specialists, won’t recommend unnecessary invasive surgery for your child. Having unwarranted knee surgery early in life sets your child up for multiple surgeries throughout their lifetime. Children’s knees and joints are still growing and developing and need to be handled with care.
The knee joint is composed of delicate nerves, bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles which interact for fluid motion. Disturbing this balance presents the risk of damage, infection, swelling, scar tissue, stiffness, and pain. And it’s also guaranteed to require surgical repair later in life. If your child’s knee injury requires surgery, an interventional doctor will refer you to the best surgeon. But in the vast majority of cases, there are gentler, quicker, more effective methods than surgery to treat pediatric knee pain.
Most Types of Pediatric Knee Pain Don’t Require Surgery
Kids are active, and as such, they sustain bumps, bruises, sprains, and strains. In addition, certain illnesses, syndromes and conditions can cause pediatric knee pain. Their pain might be acute or outgrown, or it may be a chronic condition. But the majority of children with knee pain don’t require surgery. Here are some types of knee injuries and conditions common in children.
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome– This type of knee pain occurs when cartilage under the kneecap is damaged by injury or overuse. It’s often felt when squatting or climbing stairs. This is common in young athletes and is typically relieved by rest, physical therapist sessions, or interventional injections, rather than surgery.
- Osgood Schlatter Disease– This disease is diagnosed in children, often during a growth spurt. It presents as a painful lump below the kneecap which typically resolves on its own over time. Children who run and jump often for sports are most susceptible. An interventional pain doctor can help relieve the pain, and an orthopedic surgeon is not necessary.
- Growing Pains– Growing pains are a common pediatric pain complaint that seem more sinister than they are. They often awaken a child from a deep sleep and leave them crying or writhing in pain. However, it’s a harmless condition that children will outgrow, and doesn’t require surgery. Fortunately, growing pains usually subside within a minute or two. But they can leave your child’s knee and calf a bit sore for hours afterward. Talk to your interventional pain specialist about how to prevent and relieve growing pains in the knee. And also seek an assessment to confirm that they are in fact growing pains, and not a more rare yet serious condition like cancer.
Be Wary of Sports and Ortho Specialists Suggesting Surgery
If you’re looking for an “orthopedic near me,” determine their fellowship training and treatment methods before booking the appointment. Doctors who are trained in surgery aren’t going to use the less invasive techniques that are now recommended for most pediatric knee injuries. Here are just a few knee joint practices who might recommend surgery, rather than interventional techniques.
● Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics Chattanooga, TN
● Alpha Orthopedic Systems Chattanooga, TN
● Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery Chattanooga, TN
● Erlanger Pediatric Orthopedics & Erlanger Children’s Orthopaedics
● Chattanooga Bone and Joint
● Pediatric Orthopedic Chattanooga
● Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedics Cleveland, TN
Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Bay Area & NY Aren’t Best for Kids
Surgery is a daunting endeavor, even for the bravest adults. It’s also costly and requires lengthy downtime, recovery, and rehabilitation. In addition, since children’s knee joints, bones and muscles are still growing, it’s not advised to perform surgery unless completely necessary. Even the best orthopedic surgeons in the Bay Area, NYC, LA, and Boston, can’t prevent failed knee surgery or the need for subsequent surgeries. So, don’t put your child through undue pain and risk if their knee pain doesn’t require it.
An Interventional Knee Specialist Near Me is the Best Choice
The best choice for a pediatric knee specialist near me is an interventional pain specialist. These doctors are trained in the latest, state-of-the-art techniques to relieve pain quickly, gently, and effectively. They use superior diagnostic tools to locate and treat the pain, often with a single procedure. They also educate their patients on how to restore mobility and prevent knee pain in the future.
The interventional doctors at Pain Treatment Specialists will put your child at ease and prevent the risks of general anesthesia and hospitalization. Our procedures are outpatient and painless, and patients are able to tell if the pain is resolved immediately, rather than the months it takes to determine if surgery worked. Our doctors are double and triple board certified in pain medicine and pain management, so we have multiple tools to relieve joint pain. Rather than seeking an “orthopedic surgeon near me,” trust the top “interventional knee specialist near me” to treat your child’s pain gently and completely.
Book a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with one of our pain treatment specialists is one of the best ways to determine the proper solution for pain relief.
Meet our Harvard trained team
Dr. George Hanna
Harvard Medical School | NY & NJ Pain Specialist
Dr. Hanna received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He completed anesthesiology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard Medical School and a pain management fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital – Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hanna was then appointed Clinical Instructor of Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School – training new graduates for over 3 years in anesthesiology and pain management techniques at Massachusetts General Hospital.
