Knee pain is a very common complaint in many people, and people of any age can experience knee pain. It may occur suddenly, and it can be due to an injury, exercise, or any other condition. Certain medical conditions such as arthritis can also lead to knee pain. Knee pain can be mild at the beginning, and it gets worse over time.
If the knee pain is mild, it goes off with self-care. But if the knee pain is severe and it is due to some underlying conditions, you need to visit a doctor to determine the right treatment for you.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Knee Pain
The knee pain location is based on the structure that is affected. The knee pain varies from mild to severe pain and it is based on the cause of the knee pain.
The common signs and symptoms of knee pain include:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Weakness or tiredness
- Crunching sounds or popping sound
- Difficulty to straighten or extend the knee
- Discomfort
- Redness
If you are suffering from knee pain, which is getting worse over time, it is advised to visit an orthopedic doctor to know your condition.
What Causes a Knee Pain?
There are several reasons for knee pain. If you are overweight, you can develop knee pain. If you use your knee too much, it can strain your knee and cause serious problems.
However, the common causes of knee pain include:
- A fracture where one of the knee bones gets broken
- Ligament injury is a sports injury and it is caused due to the change in directions
- Dislocation of the knee joint which requires immediate medical attention
- Arthritis along with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout
- Baker cyst where there will be a swelling beside the knee
- Cancer that occurs in bone or spreads to the bone
- Knee bone infection
- Knee joint infection
- Bone fracture of kneecap fracture
- Kneecap dislocation
- Minor injuries to the ligaments causing sprain and strain
- A patellofemoral syndrome where there will be a pain in front of your knee
- Torn cartilage
Irrespective of the cause of the knee pain, it can be a nuisance and can affect daily activities. Hence, it is important to consult an orthopedic doctor as soon as possible.
How to Diagnose Knee Pain?
To diagnose your knee pain, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether the pain originated from the knee. Your doctor also asks you various questions about your medical history and the severity of the pain. Your doctor conducts a physical examination to know the signs of damage to your muscle.
Your doctor may also conduct other medical tests such as X-rays, MRIs, arthroscopy, and a radionuclide bone scan to identify any structural damages or abnormalities.
Treatment for Knee Pain
The treatment for knee pain is based on the nature and severity of the injury. There are several treatment options available to treat knee pain. The treatment options include:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) works well for acute pain, but not for chronic pain
- Physical therapy and exercise can help to strengthen and reduce your pain and discomfort. You should also check with your doctor about the exercises that you should avoid.
- Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding running can put pressure on your knee.
- Genicular nerve blocks block the pain signals transmitted by the genicular nerves between the knee joint and the brain.
- Other therapies such as massage, meditation, relaxation, acupuncture to get relief.
- Medications to reduce the pain and discomfort
If the above measures did not reduce your pain or do not work for you, your doctor would perform surgery to fix any structural damages.
Suffering From Knee Pain? Consult Dr Suhas, an Orthopedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon
If you or your loved one is suffering from knee pain, visit Dr Suhas immediately. He has over 17 years of experience as an orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon in Hyderabad. He has hundreds of satisfied patients and he is known for his quality and effective services. He pays attention to detail to determine the cause and suggest a suitable treatment option for you. He focuses on treating the condition with lifestyle changes, and medications rather than opting for surgery. Do not delay and book your appointment right away.