What causes knee pain?
A number of conditions or circumstances can cause knee pain, including:
- An injury that causes a ligament or cartilage tear
- A fracture
- Bursitis or tendinitis
- Arthritis or gout
- An infection
Knee pain is a common complaint that can affect anyone at any time, but is especially common in people with arthritis or those who have suffered an injury to the knee during sports or accidental trauma.
What are the symptoms of knee pain?
You can experience knee pain in any part of your knee, including the kneecap, muscles, cartilage, or ligaments. In addition to the pain, you may also experience:
- Redness and swelling
- Difficulty walking
- Trouble with bending or straightening your knee
- Crunching or grinding when you move the knee
When should I see a doctor for knee pain?
In some instances, you may be able to care for your knee at home with ice, pain relievers, and rest. But you should come in to see Dr. Whitten if your knee appears deformed or swollen, or if you:
- Have difficulty walking due to the knee pain
- Are unable to flex or extend your knee
- Can’t bear weight on the knee or it gives out
- Have a fever or aches
How is knee pain managed?
Dr. Whitten offers diverse pain management options to alleviate your discomfort, improve your quality of life, and help you be comfortable enough to start and complete movement therapies.
Movement therapies include light exercise and physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee joint to improve its stability. Therapy also teaches you how to move properly to improve balance, reduce pain, and lower your risk of an injury.
Other treatments Dr. Whitten might recommend to alleviate your pain include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Prescription strength anti-inflammatories
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
- Hyaluronic acid injection to lubricate the joints
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to reduce inflammation and promote healing
- Stem Cell Therapy to promote autonomous healing
- Genicular nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation to treat nerve pain in the knee before or after surgery
How can I reduce knee pain on my own?
At home, you can help reduce pain by taking the recommended pain reliever. Compression, ice, and elevation also help reduce swelling to alleviate pain and discomfort.
If your knee pain is a chronic condition, losing weight may help relieve some of the stress on the joint. It’s also important to regularly exercise your knee as recommended by your therapist to keep the surrounding muscles strong and flexible.
If painful knees are slowing you down, call the office or book an appointment online.
