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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile you may initially bring your symptoms to the attention of your family doctor, he or she may refer you to a doctor specializing in conditions related to arthritis (rheumatologist), in sports medicine or in orthopedic surgery.
What you can do
Before your appointment, you may want to write a list that answers the following questions:
- Have you injured your knee recently? If so, describe the injury in detail.
- Do you play recreational sports? If so, what sports?
- Do you have any type of arthritis?
- Has your knee felt warm or looked red? Do you have a fever?
- Do you have a family history of autoimmune disease?
What to expect from your doctor
During the physical exam, your doctor will need to press on different parts of your knee to check for pain and swelling. He or she will also ask you to try to move your knee into different positions, to check your range of motion.
- Frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis of the knee. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00228. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
- Johnson MW. Acute knee effusions: A systematic approach to diagnosis. American Family Physician. 2000;61:2391.
- Mathison DJ, et al. Approach to knee effusions. Pediatric Emergency Care. 2009;25:773.
- Knee problems. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.gov/Health_Info/Knee_Problems/default.asp. Accessed Jan. 18, 2010.
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