Knee pain, which affects millions of people worldwide, may be a grueling and unpleasant experience. Fortunately, effective knee pain relief in Boynton Beach begins with determining the underlying reasons for the problem.
Below are the most common causes of knee pain.
Injuries
Sprains, strains, and rips in ligaments and tendons are typical causes of knee pain, resulting in discomfort and decreased movement. Fractures and dislocations can also induce knee discomfort in extreme situations.
There are different types of injuries:
- ACL Injury – a tear in the ligament that connects the shinbone to the thigh bone
- Fractures – painful breaks in the bones
- Knee Bursitis – inflammation that can cause discomfort and swelling
Knee injuries may be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), physical therapy, pain and inflammatory drugs, or surgery in severe situations.
Mechanical Problems
Knee pain can be caused by mechanical problems such as misalignment, overuse, and incorrect usage. If left untreated, such issue can develop into ongoing knee pain and instability, limiting a person’s ability to enjoy their favorite hobbies or sports. It can also lead to the development of arthritis in rare circumstances.
Treatment for mechanical problems may include physical therapy to correct alignment issues and strengthen muscles and lifestyle changes to reduce strain on the knee joint.
Arthritis
Arthritis is the most prevalent cause of knee pain. This disorder can cause inflammation and degeneration of the knee joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
The most common forms of arthritis that can affect the knee are:
- Osteoarthritis – a degenerative joint condition induced by normal wear and tear
- Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint damage
- Gout – a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint that leads to severe bouts of pain and inflammation
Arthritis treatment may include a combination of medicine, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications to decrease pain and inflammation and improve joint function.
Excess Weight
Excess weight can increase the load on the knee joint, resulting in knee pain and other joint disorders. Excess weight may hasten the wear and tear on the knee joint, raising the risk of osteoarthritis. Chronic pain, stiffness, and decreased movement might persist because of this.
Weight loss by a combination of diet and exercise can be used to address knee pain caused by excess weight.
When To See A Doctor For Knee Pain
It’s important to visit a doctor if you experience knee pain that doesn’t go away with rest or over-the-counter pain medications. They will be able to help you with the following:
Diagnosis
Diagnosing knee pain may involve a physical examination, medical imaging tests, and laboratory tests. A thorough evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of the knee pain and guide appropriate treatment.
Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, may be ordered to check the anatomy and function of the knee joint.In some cases, the doctor may recommend joint aspiration, a procedure where a small sample of fluid is extracted from the knee joint for laboratory analysis to identify the underlying cause of inflammation or infection.
Treatment
The therapy for knee discomfort will be determined by the source of the pain. For some people, knee pain can be managed with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).Physical therapy and exercises can help restore strength and mobility in knee pain caused by mechanical abnormalities, such as a meniscus tear or ligament strain.
A combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can help control symptoms and improve joint function in those riddled by knee pain caused by arthritis. Joint replacement surgery may be needed in severe cases.
Prevention
Maintaining a healthy weight via diet and exercise can assist in avoiding excess weight-related knee discomfort and lower the chance of developing arthritis.Swimming and cycling are two low-impact workouts that can strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee joint and lower the chance of injury.In addition, adding joint-friendly foods in to your diet, such as those high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, can help decrease inflammation and promote joint health.
Knee Pain Relief in Boynton Beach, Florida
Injuries, mechanical problems, arthritis, excess weight, and misuse can all contribute to inflammation, degeneration, and damage to the joint and surrounding tissues, resulting in knee pain. It’s important to see your orthopedic doctor for an accurate knee pain relief plan. Your knee pain remedies may include activity modifications, medications, injections, physical therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP)therapy, and lifestyle changes. Collaborating with your doctor can assist you in receiving appropriate treatment for knee pain and taking measures to prevent its recurrence.
Are you looking for a trusted orthopedic near you? You can rely on experienced and trained healthcare providers at Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches. Give us a call at (561) 733-5888, so we can help. You can also use our online appointment request form to book a visit with our top orthopedic doctors.
For your convenience, our office is located in Boynton Beach, Florida. We look forward to helping you live a pain-free and active life!
