Knee pain is a common complaint among millions of Americans. It can affect anyone at any age, although it is most common among adults.
Knee pain has various potential causes, some of which can lead to chronic pain and extensive or irreversible damage when left untreated. If you’re experiencing knee pain that has become chronic or persistent or one that is severe and accompanied by swelling, fever, deformity, or instability, see an orthopedic doctor for prompt medical intervention, as it signifies a potentially serious underlying condition or injury.
Here are a few of the potentially serious causes of knee pain.
Patellar Fracture
Patellar fracture is a break in the patella— the small bone at the front of the knee commonly known as the kneecap.
Severe knee pain accompanied by tenderness, swelling, deformity, and difficulty extending the knee are the common signs of a patellar fracture.
When left untreated, a patellar fracture can result in a delayed union or nonunion. In the latter case, the bone remains broken, and thus, the symptoms worsen over time. Leaving a nonunion untreated can lead to long-term consequences, such as chronic pain and loss of function in the knee.
ACL Injury
An ACL injury is either a sprain or a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the tough bands of tissue that helps connect the thighbone to your shinbone.
The injury often causes severe and debilitating knee pain, loss of range of motion, rapid swelling, and instability.
Waiting too long to fix an ACL injury increases your risk of developing chronic ACL deficiency, a condition in which the ligament is less capable of providing optimal stability to your knee and controlling its movements. Your orthopedic doctor may also not be able to fix all of the damage.
Additionally, an ACL injury increases your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Experts point out multiple factors that likely contribute to the development of knee arthritis. These include the severity of the ACL injury and the presence of related knee injuries.
Knee Infection
A knee infection (septic arthritis) is a serious medical condition that warrants immediate and aggressive treatment. It occurs when bacteria attack the synovial fluid, which supplies lubrication to your knee.
Symptoms of a knee infection include severe pain, especially when trying to move your knee; fever that lasts more than 24 hours; redness and swelling; nausea; and chills.
Delaying treatment for knee infection can lead to joint deterioration and irreversible damage.
Knee Pain Treatment in Boynton Beach, FL
For first-rate treatment for persistent or severe knee pain, visit us here at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Our highly skilled orthopedic doctors combine their expertise with advanced technology to provide comprehensive and effective solutions for the full range of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries—including those that cause knee pain.
To see one of our orthopedic doctors, call our staff today at (561) 903-7448, or fill out this secure, convenient form.
