From minor aches and pains to serious injuries, knee issues come in many forms. At their worst, knee problems can be painful and debilitating, making it difficult to perform even simple everyday activities. Depending on the severity of your issue, you may need to see a specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Knowing when to seek help from a professional is key to ensuring a quick recovery from any type of injury or condition affecting your knees.
What Are The Most Common Knee Problems?
Knee issues can vary from mild discomfort to severe and debilitating conditions. Some of the most common knee issues include:
- Sprains -occur when the ligaments in the knee are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting or impact.
- Bursitis – inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints (bursae). This can occur due to overuse or direct trauma.
- Torn cartilage – the meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones in the knee joint. Meniscus tears can occur due to sports injuries, trauma, or degenerative conditions, leading to symptoms like pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the knee.
- Tendonitis – occurs when the tendons that attach muscles to bones become inflamed and cause pain. This can happen due to overuse or a sudden injury.
- Ligament tears – the knee has four major ligaments, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), andmedial collateral ligament (MCL). Tears in these ligaments often result from sports injuriesor accidents.
- Fractures – a fracture in the knee can occur in the patella (kneecap) or in the bones surrounding the knee joint. This may happen due to high-impact trauma or falls.
- Arthritis – knee arthritis can occur due to various factors, including age, overuse, and inflammatory conditions. It can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Symptoms of a Knee Problem
Knee problems can manifest in a variety of ways. Generally, the most common symptom is pain, from minor aches and twinges to sharp, debilitating pain that makes it difficult to bear weight on the affected leg. Depending on the type of injury or condition, other symptoms may include:
- Swelling around the knee joint
- Weakness and instability, making it difficult to stay balanced on the affected leg
- Limited range of motion, such as difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- Clicking/grinding sensations due to contact between bones and cartilage in the knee
Certain factors increase your risk for knee pain and injury, including age (degenerative joint conditions are more common as we get older), gender (women are more likely than men to suffer from certain knee problems), and body type (people who are overweight or obese are at an increased risk). Participating in contact sports or other high-impact activities can also increase your risk of knee injuries.
When Should You See a Knee Specialist?
It’s important to contact a knee doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Persistent pain and swelling in the knee that isn’t improving with rest or over-the-counter medications.
- Knee instability, such as feeling like your knee is going to give out when you put weight on it.
- Limping due to pain or difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg.
- Clicking, popping, or a grinding sensation in the knee.
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee.
Early intervention will give you the best chance at avoiding long-term consequences from any underlying condition or injury. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your long-term prognosis and get you back on track to enjoying all the activities you love.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Knee Problems
A physical examination is often the first step to diagnosing knee problems. During the exam, your knee doctor will check for signs of swelling, instability, limited range of motion, or other symptoms that can indicate an underlying condition or injury. Your doctor will also evaluate your medical history and any factors that could be contributing to your knee condition, such as lifestyle choices. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, may also be ordered to further diagnose any issues.
The most effective type of treatment will depend on your diagnosis and the severity of your condition, but may include:
- Medications
- Pain relief injections
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle changes (such as weight loss or exercise modifications)
- PRP therapy
- Stem cell therapy
- Surgery
Your knee doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of each treatment to allow you to make an informed decision about your care. Surgery is typically only considered when all other conservative options have been fully explored.
Knee Doctor in Boynton Beach, FL
If you are experiencing problems with your knee and would like to learn which treatments can benefit you, contact Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches.
Our knee doctors offer high quality, personalized care to diagnose and treat orthopedic conditions effectively. We provide a range of cutting-edge non-surgical and surgical treatments, including physical therapy, fluoroscopic guided injections, ultrasound guided injections, stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, arthroscopic surgery and total knee replacement surgery.
To find out more about our services, and what our knee doctors can do for you,call us today at (561) 733-5888. Alternatively, you can book an appointment, using our secure online appointment request form.
