Hip & Knee Pain: When to See a Specialist (And What Your Options Are)

Dr Anil Goudar is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group, specialising in the treatment of hip and knee conditions. A Fellow of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and a member of the Australian Orthopaedic Association, he has more than a decade of experience caring for patients across the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South Coast. Dr Goudar has specialist training in hip and knee joint replacement surgery and experience in bone and soft tissue tumours. 

Hip and knee pain are among the most common reasons people seek medical care — particularly as they get older. But knowing when to see a specialist, and what that actually means for treatment, isn’t always clear. 

As Dr Anil Goudar explains, seeing an orthopaedic surgeon doesn’t automatically mean surgery. 

“There’s a common misconception that once you see a surgeon, you’re signing up for an operation,” Dr Goudar said. 
“In reality, our role is to help patients understand what’s going on and what their options are — surgical and non-surgical.” 

Hip and knee pain can significantly affect mobility, independence and quality of life — but knowing when to seek specialist advice isn’t always clear.

In this video, Dr Anil Goudar, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Joint Vision Orthopaedic Group, explains when hip or knee pain should be assessed and outlines the full range of treatment options available — from non-surgical care through to surgery when appropriate.

Dr Goudar discusses common conditions such as arthritis, addresses misconceptions about seeing an orthopaedic surgeon, and explains how treatment decisions are based on symptoms, lifestyle and overall health — not just imaging results.

This video is designed to help patients better understand their options and feel confident taking the next step toward improved movement and quality of life.

When Hip or Knee Pain Should Be Assessed 

Many people live with hip or knee pain for years, adapting their lifestyle to avoid discomfort. But persistent pain can gradually limit mobility, independence and quality of life. 

Dr Goudar says it’s worth seeking further assessment when: 

• pain is ongoing or worsening 

• symptoms interfere with daily activities or sleep 

• mobility is becoming limited 

• conservative treatments are no longer helping 

“Pain is a signal,” he said. 
“If it’s affecting how you live, that’s the right time to get it properly assessed.” 

Arthritis Is Common — But Surgery Isn’t Always the First Step 

With an ageing population in the Illawarra and South Coast regions, arthritis is one of the most common conditions Dr Goudar sees. 

“Arthritis is very common, particularly with age-related wear and tear,” he said. 
“But that doesn’t mean surgery is always the answer.” 

At Joint Vision, patients are supported through a holistic model of care that often begins with non-surgical options, including: 

• physiotherapy and exercise-based rehabilitation 

• imaging-guided injections 

• pain management strategies 

• activity modification 

“If a simpler option can give someone a few more good years of quality of life, that’s often better than rushing into surgery,” Dr Goudar said. 

When Surgery Becomes the Right Option 

There are situations where surgery is clearly the most appropriate treatment. 

“In cases where the joint is bone-on-bone, or where there’s collapse of the femoral head, such as avascular necrosis, delaying surgery doesn’t help,” Dr Goudar said. 
“In those cases, the sooner we intervene, the better the outcome — physically and mentally.” 

The decision is based on a combination of: 

• symptoms and functional limitation 

• imaging findings 

• overall health and fitness 

• personal goals and expectations 

“It’s never just about the X-ray,” Dr Goudar said. 
“It’s about the whole patient.” 

A Team-Based Approach to Decision-Making 

One of the key differences at Joint Vision is the multidisciplinary model of care. 

“For me as a surgeon, it’s reassuring,” Dr Goudar said. 
“Patients are supported before and after surgery, and any issues are picked up early.” 

This includes close collaboration with: 

• physiotherapists and exercise physiologists 

• imaging specialists 

• pain management teams 

• nursing and post-operative support 

“That integrated approach means patients aren’t navigating the system on their own,” he said. 

What Patients Often Worry About — And What Matters More 

One of the biggest misconceptions Dr Goudar encounters is age. 

“Age is just a number,” he said. 
“What matters is the patient’s overall health, not how old they are.” 

Younger patients sometimes worry they’re “too young” for joint replacement, while older patients fear they’re “too old”. 

“Both groups can be suitable,” Dr Goudar said. 
“The decision is individual and based on health, symptoms and expectations — not a birthday.” 

Taking the Next Step 

Hip or knee pain doesn’t have to be something you simply put up with. 

“Seeing a specialist doesn’t mean committing to surgery,” Dr Goudar said. 
“It means getting clarity, understanding your options, and making informed decisions.” 

If hip or knee pain is limiting your mobility or quality of life, a specialist assessment can help guide the best way forward. 

👉 Learn more about hip and knee care at Joint Vision or book an appointment today → https://www.jointvision.com.au/bookings