Knee pain is a common problem that can affect people of any age. Walking, bending, standing, and lifting are daily tasks that cause wear and tear, as well as injuries. Knee discomfort can also be due to medical conditions such as arthritis, gout, and infection.
Self-care measures work well for many types of minor knee pain. Knee braces and physical therapy can also help relieve pain. However, in some cases, surgical repair of the knee with the recommendation of your doctor may be necessary.
What Are Some Of The Most Common Knee Issues?
The following are some of the most common knee issues:
Arthritis
The most prevalent type of arthritis that affects the knee is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage wears away over time. Excessive stress on the joint, such as injuries or being overweight, can exacerbate or cause osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect the knees by inflaming joints and damaging the cartilage in the joints.
Torn Cartilage
An injury can tear the connective tissue in your knee that stabilizes it and absorbs impacts. Torn cartilage can drastically limit your mobility, as the loose cartilage can get caught in the other components of the knee.
Sprains And Strains
Sprains and strains occur when you overextend or pull connective tissue (strain) or muscle (sprain). Pain, swelling, and difficulty walking are common symptoms, although most symptoms are temporary.
Tendonitis
Overusing a tendon during specific activities such as running, leaping, or cycling can result in tendon inflammation. Jumper’s knee is tendonitis of the patellar tendon. This problem is common in sports like basketball, where landings stretch the tendon.
Treating Knee Pain At Home
Knee discomfort due to excessive exercise or muscle movement might not need a knee doctor. When you experience minor knee pain, you can try home treatments first. Observe its condition for a day or two to see whether self-care techniques are able to treat the pain.
Below are self-care techniques you can do at home. To prevent knee pain, weight loss and regular exercise can strengthen the muscles surrounding your joints, which can also help with chronic knee pain.
Compression
To address swelling, wrap an elastic bandage around your knee. Make the bandage snug around your knee but not so tight that it causes leg swelling or pain.
Elevation
You can reduce pain and swelling by lying down with your knee elevated above the heart level using pillows.
Ice Treatment
Apply an ice pack to your knee for 15 to 20 minutes every hour. You can use ice or a towel-wrapped bag of frozen fruits or vegetables.
Over-The-Counter Medicines
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are over-the-counter medications that can aid with pain, swelling, and inflammation. If you have kidney problems, high blood pressure, or are an older adult, consult your doctor before taking any medications.
Rest
It is important to stay active while avoiding intense or painful activities. For example, you could walk around your house instead of staying in bed. If you have a particularly severe injury, you may need assistive devices, such as crutches or a wheelchair.
When To See A Knee Doctor
Consult your knee doctor if you suffered a severe impact or if you experience the following symptoms:
- High-grade fever
- Severe redness in the painful area
- Significant pain and swelling
- Warmth and tenderness in the area
If you’ve had minor knee pain for a while, see your knee doctor if it worsens to the point where it interferes with your regular activities or sleep.
If your knee pain is the result of an injury and you observe the following symptoms, ask someone to drive you to see an orthopedic doctor immediately:
- Deformation
- Popping sound during the injury
- Weakness and instability
- Extreme pain
- Sudden or severe swelling
Knee Doctor in Boynton Beach, FL
Not all knee pain needs medical attention — you can address most minor sprains, sprains, and injuries at home. However, some symptoms may require the expertise of a knee doctor – especially if they are chronic.
Here at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches in Boynton Beach, Florida, our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists provide orthopedic care to patients suffering from all types of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches at (561) 733-5888, or fill out our appointment request form now. We are excited to serve you.
