Which doctor should I see for knee pain in Doha: GP, physio or orthopaedic surgeon?

What each professional does

A GP or family doctor takes an overall view: they check general health, consider causes like gout or inflammatory arthritis, can arrange blood tests and X-rays, and refer on when needed.

A physiotherapist assesses how the knee and the whole leg move and builds an exercise plan. For many overload problems, such as kneecap pain or tendon pain, physiotherapy is the main treatment.

An orthopaedic knee surgeon specialises in diagnosing knee injuries and joint problems, interprets MRI scans in the context of the examination, and decides whether a problem should be left to physiotherapy, needs an injection, or needs surgery. Most patients a knee surgeon sees do not end up having an operation.

Go straight to a knee surgeon if

• The knee swelled within hours of a twist, a pop or a fall during sport
• It locks, catches or will not straighten fully
• It gives way or feels loose when you turn
• You have had knee surgery before and new pain or swelling has appeared
• Physiotherapy has not helped after about six weeks of consistent work
• An MRI or X-ray has shown a tear, a loose fragment or arthritis and you want to know what it means

Start with a GP or physiotherapist if

• The ache built up gradually, without an injury
• There is no swelling, locking or giving way
• It is linked to a change in training, work or weight
• You also have pain or stiffness in other joints, which points towards a general cause a GP can investigate

Seeing a knee surgeon in Doha

In Qatar many patients can book an orthopaedic consultation directly, though some insurance plans ask for a referral first, so check your policy. At Aman Hospital in Doha, Dr. Gelber sees patients with knee pain of all kinds, from teenagers with sports injuries to older adults with arthritis, and works alongside physiotherapists when exercise is the right treatment.