Knee pain is a common complaint. It can result from many issues such as injury, overuse, or chronic conditions like arthritis. While some instances of knee pain can be self-managed with conservative treatments and lifestyle changes, others may require medical intervention.
In this article, we will discuss the signs that indicate when it’s time to seek professional help for knee pain.
Persistent Pain
It’s time to consult an orthopedic doctor if your knee pain persists for more than a week despite rest and at-home treatments such as ice, elevation, and pain relievers.Persistent pain may indicate an underlying issue that requires further evaluation and treatment.
Severe Pain
Mild to moderate pain can be monitored and relieved through pain killers. However, severe pain is often a sign of a more serious issue. Seek medical attention if your knee pain is severe enough to interfere with your daily activities. You should also visit your doctor if the pain prevents you from bearing weight on the affected leg.
Swelling and Inflammation
Moderate to severe swelling around the knee joint could indicate an injury or infection. This should be evaluated by a doctor. After an injury, seek expert care if the swelling doesn’t subside within 48 hours of at-home treatments like icing and elevation.
Decreased Range of Motion
Do you experience difficulty bending or straightening your knee? Does your knee feel locked or unstable? These could be signs of an injury such as a ligament tear or cartilage damage.
A proper diagnosis and treatment plan are necessary to prevent further complications and restore normal function.
Deformity
Any noticeable deformity around the knee joint, such as a bulge or indentation, warrants immediate medical attention.Deformities can be a sign of a fracture or dislocation. Prompt treatment is crucial to ensure proper healing in such cases. The deformity will likely not go away without medical intervention.
Signs of Infection
Is your knee red, warm to the touch, or accompanied by a fever? These could be signs of an infection that requires urgent medical care.Infections can lead to serious complications if left untreated and, as such, require you to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Unresponsive to Conservative Treatments
It’s time to visit your orthopedic doctor if your knee pain does not improve or worsens after a few weeks of conservative treatments. If your knee pain does not subside with lifestyle changes, rest, light exercise and stretching, and more, it’s likely time to see a doctor to explore other treatments.
Knee Pain Relief in Boynton Beach, FL
Occasional knee discomfort after physical activity or a long day on your feet is not uncommon. However, certain situations warrant a visit to an orthopedic specialist. Consider scheduling an appointment if you experience any of the symptoms listed here.
Need knee pain relief in Boynton Beach, FL? You can rely on Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons can help you find the best treatment. Call our friendly staff at (561) 733-5888, Ext. 9, or use our online appointment request form to book a visit with the best orthopedic surgeon near you.
We look forward to serving you!
