Joint health
When Should You See an Orthopaedic Doctor?
Persistent pain, instability, locking and injuries that stop you walking are better assessed than googled.
Worth a clinic visit
Pain lasting several weeks, swelling that returns after activity, giving-way, locking, night pain that is new, or a limp you cannot explain. A second opinion is also reasonable if you have been told you need surgery and you do not yet understand why.
Start with your usual doctor if…
Pain is mild, there was no injury, and you are otherwise well — a primary care visit can still be the right first step. Orthopaedic care is most useful when the problem is structural, traumatic, or not settling.
Related: Knee pain · Book an appointment
E-E-A-T
Written for patients, reviewed as medical education
This page is educational. It is not personal medical advice and is not a substitute for examination, imaging review or treatment planned in clinic.
- Author / reviewer
- Dr. Rahul Kumar
- Qualifications
- MBBS, M.S. Orthopedics, MRCS (Edinburgh), FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine
- Last reviewed
- 2026-10-29
- Last updated
- 2026-10-29
Awaiting medical review by Dr. Rahul Kumar