Knee pain is a common problem among people of all ages. It can result from injuries such as torn cartilage or ruptured ligaments. Medical conditions such as infections, gout, and arthritis are also known to cause knee pain. Most types of knee pain may respond well to self-care and go away without any medical attention. However, if the pain is severe and it does not seem to be improving with time, then you may have to seek the assistance of anesthesiologist Justin Badiyan for examination and pain management. Below are some important things that you should know about knee pain.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Knee Pain
The severity and the location of knee pain can vary from one person to another, depending on the cause of the issue. Some of the symptoms and signs that can accompany knee pain include:
- Stiffness and swelling
- Weakness or instability
- Crunching or popping noises
- Inability to straighten the knee
- Redness and warmth on the surface of the knee
You should call your doctor immediately if:
- The knee is swollen
- You cannot bear the weight on the knee
- The knee is giving out
- There is an obvious deformity of the knee
- If the knee pain is accompanied by fever
- The knee pain is associated with trauma
Cause of Knee Pain
The knee is a joint, and therefore, knee pain can result from arthritis, injuries, and mechanical issues. Some common knee injuries include fractures, ACL injury, torn meniscus, patellar tendinitis, and knee bursitis. Some mechanical problems that can lead to knee pain include iliotibial band syndrome, dislocated knee cap, hip or foot pain, and loose body. Knee pain can also result from several types of arthritis, which include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, septic arthritis, and pseudogout. Some risk factors for knee pain include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Previous knee injury
- Engaging in certain jobs and sports
- Lack of muscle strength and flexibility
Prevention and Treatment of Knee Pain
There are several things that you can do to prevent knee pain. For instance, you should exercise regularly to strengthen your muscles and keep your knees flexible. You should also maintain a healthy weight and ensure that you warm up adequately before you can engage in vigorous sports.
When you visit your doctor with knee pain, you can expect them to carry out imaging scans such as X-rays and an MRI to determine the cause of your knee pain. Depending on the cause, there are a number of treatments that can be tried. Some of them include physical therapy, pain medication, corticosteroid injections, and even surgery to repair the knee or replace it.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that knee pain is quite a common problem, and it can result from a number of issues. Depending on its cause and severity, treatment can range from simple pain management to total knee replacement. If you are looking for a reliable anesthesiologist to help you in managing knee pain, Justin Badiyan of Spine & Joint Physicians of Frisco is an excellent choice.
