If you've ever experienced pain in your knee, hip, shoulder or another joint, you've probably wondered when to seek care, as well as which type of doctor you should see.

Whether it's new pain or a longstanding ache, orthopedic and sports medicine physicians — including primary care sports medicine specialists and orthopedic surgeons — can help you pinpoint the cause and alleviate the discomfort.

Dr. Vijay Jotwani, a primary care sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist, shares what you need to know about seeking joint and muscle care and what options are available to help you feel better.

“If you're unsure about the cause of your pain, starting with a sports medicine specialist can help direct you to the right care.”

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Dr. Vijay Jotwani
Primary care sports medicine physician at Houston Methodist

Acute injuries vs. longstanding aches

Orthopedic issues often fall into one of two categories: sudden injuries or chronic, persistent pain.

"In some cases, an injury is acute and obvious," says Dr. Jotwani. "But sometimes, the pain creeps up on you gradually, and you might not even know what brought it on. It can also linger for a while without you being able to pinpoint the source of the pain."

See a doctor for pain that:

• Is very unpleasant and begins after a specific movement or while exercising
• Is accompanied by swelling or bruising
• Significantly limits your range of motion or ability to complete daily functional activities
• Lingers beyond three days
• Keeps coming back

No matter the type of pain, Dr. Jotwani recommends seeing either a primary care sports medicine specialist or orthopedic surgeon for an assessment. (Related: When to See a Doctor for an Orthopedic Injury)

What does a sports medicine specialist do and when should you see one?

For many joint and muscle issues, a primary care sports medicine specialist is an ideal first stop. These doctors are trained in family medicine or internal medicine, followed by specialized training in sports medicine.

"A primary care sports medicine specialist can assess any body part," says Dr. Jotwani. "We're trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions."

If you're unsure of the source of your pain, a sports medicine doctor can help clarify things. "It's often hard to tell at home where pain originates from," says Dr. Jotwani. "A great first step is to come in for a physical exam and X-rays. From there, we can determine the most likely culprit and provide guidance on treatment moving forward."

Depending on the issue and its severity, your specialist may recommend physical therapy, over-the-counter medications or injections that help reduce pain, improve cushioning or promote healing — or some combination of those. In some cases, the specialist may recommend a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon about surgical options.

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When should you see an orthopedic surgeon?

Orthopedic surgeons are highly specialized physicians, often with additional training focused on a specific area of the body, such as the foot and ankle, knee, hip, shoulder or elbow.

If you already have a clear diagnosis — like hip impingement or a confirmed ankle fracture — seeing a specialized orthopedic surgeon may make sense, especially if you're considering joint replacement or another type of surgical treatment. Dr. Jotwani emphasizes that having a precise diagnosis helps ensure you see the right specialist. (Related: What to Do If Your Joint Pain Isn't Responding to Medication)

"You might think the problem is your knee, only to have a knee specialist determine that the source of the pain is actually higher up, in your hip — so then you get referred to a hip specialist," says Dr. Jotwani.

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Tailored care for active adults

Primary care sports medicine specialists offer more than just care for injuries — they also provide comprehensive primary care to adults who are active, whether they're athletes or simply adults who want to stay active as they age.

For instance, if you exercise regularly, especially outdoors, the blood pressure medication you take might make you more prone to dehydration. A primary care sports medicine specialist can help you work around this unique circumstance, so you can safely exercise in the heat while still managing your blood pressure.

"We treat people who want to maintain an active lifestyle," says Dr. Jotwani. "There are unique perspectives we bring to help these patients."