Knee pain affects roughly 25 percent of adults in the United States, and its prevalence has increased to nearly 65 percent over the past two decades, accounting for millions of visits to orthopedic doctors every year.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans wincing in pain each time they move or put pressure on their knee, understanding the causes and risks of knee pain is an important first step toward successfully taking control of it or even overcoming it. The information below aims to provide you with a better grasp.
Possible Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain has various potential causes, ranging from benign conditions to degenerative ones that can cause extensive damage to the joint. The following are some of the possible reasons your knee is hurting:
- Obesity– Excess weight puts extreme pressure on your knees.
- Injury– The knee is one of the most commonly injured joints in the body due to its limited range of motion and the heavily load (your body weight) it’s tasked to support. Meniscus tears, fractures, strains, ligament tears, tendinitis, and patellar dislocation are among the most common knee injuries.
- Arthritis– This encompasses over a hundred conditions that cause degenerative changes in a joint, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common culprits in chronic knee pain.
- Lack of exercise– Not having enough exercise can cause your knees to be painful and stiff. Movement is crucial for boosting the circulation of the thick liquid (synovial fluid) that lubricates your joints and keeps them gliding and moving smoothy. Regular exercise also helps strengthen the structures that support your knees.
Risks Associated with Untreated Knee Pain
If your knee pain continues unabated with basic remedies and is accompanied by any or some of the following symptoms, see your orthopedic doctor for prompt treatment. Leaving the underlying cause of your knee pain undiagnosed and untreated can result in the worsening of your symptoms, increased risk of reinjury, and serious complications, such as joint damage and disability.
- Buckling (feeling as though your knee is giving way)
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Extreme bruising
- Fever, warmth, and redness at the area
- Instability
- Limited mobility and stiffness (cannot straighten or flex the knee normally)
- Popping sensation (crepitus)
- Swelling
- Visible deformity
Trusted Orthopedic Doctor in Fort Lauderdale, FL
If you’re experiencing the symptoms mentioned above and looking for an orthopedic doctor within the Fort Lauderdale area in Florida who can deliver unmatched treatment outcomes, visit us here at Paul Meli Orthopedic Surgery. With a solid track record spanning over three decades, our board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paul Meli has spent his entire career helping people successfully live well with or free from the pain and movement restrictions imposed by their musculoskeletal problems.
Call our friendly staff today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Meli: (954) 324-7711. You may also request an appointment right here on our website.
