Knee pain is very common because of the weight and stresses your knees must bear daily. Most cases of knee pain resolve with rest and don’t require treatment. However, there are some instances when you must consult a provider.
Here are some things your knee surgeon wants you to know about knee pain:
Knee Pain Can Be Caused By Many Things
Knee pain may result from one or more of the following factors:
Disease
Health conditions like arthritis may cause your knee to ache. Arthritis is the most common cause of knee pain in adults over the age of 50. There are many different types, but osteoarthritis is the most common form.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that occurs when the cartilage between joints breaks down. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint.
Injury
Injury is another common cause of knee pain. The knees are susceptible to injury because they bear a lot of weight and stress. Common injuries include soft tissue tears, especially for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus.
Overuse
Overuse is a common cause of knee pain in athletes and people participating in high-impact activities. Overuse injuries occur when the tissues surrounding the knee are repeatedly stressed. This can lead to inflammation and pain.
There may be other factors that cause knee pain, like trauma. Your condition may also result from a combination of these things or years of wear and tear.
Certain Risk Factors Increase Your Odds of Developing Knee Pain
Several factors can increase your risk of developing knee pain. These include:
Age
Knee pain is more common in adults over the age of 50. This is because the cartilage between your joints breaks down as you age.
Obesity
Obesity puts additional stress on your knees, leading to pain.
Occupation
Jobs requiring you to kneel or squat regularly can stress out your knees and lead to pain.
Sports
High-impact sports, such as basketball and football, can stress your knees and lead to injuries.
When to Consult a Knee Surgeon
Knee pain often resolves by itself with rest and home treatment. However, you should consult your provider if the pain:
- Persists for more than a few days
- Comes with swelling and redness
- Limits your range of motion
- Prevents you from bearing weight on your knee
- Is caused by an injury
- Interferes with your sleep
- Impacts your quality of life
If you consult your provider about knee pain, they will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests may help diagnose the cause of your pain.
There Are Many Treatment Options
Knee surgeons don’t only employ surgery to treat knee pain. In fact, all patients are first encouraged to try non-surgical treatments first. The treatment for knee pain depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, rest, ice, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers help relieve the pain. However, more severe cases may require physical therapy, injection treatments, or surgery.
Common surgical procedures for knee pain include:
Knee Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where your surgeon inserts a small camera into the knee. This allows them to visualize the structures inside the joint and determine the cause of the pain.
Osteotomy
Osteotomy involves cutting and shaping the bones around the knee joint. This is done to correct joint deformities.
Joint Replacement
Joint replacement refers to when the damaged parts of a knee joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. It helps when other treatments have failed to relieve the pain and the damage is beyond natural repair.
Prevention
There are several things you can do to prevent knee pain. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Wearing proper footwear
- Exercising and stretching regularly
- Playing sports safely
Trusted Knee Surgeon In Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Are you looking for a trusted knee surgeon in Ft. Lauderdale? Look no further than Paul Meli Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Paul Meli is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can provide the best care for your knee pain. You may call our friendly staff at (954) 324-7711 to learn about our services. You may also use our appointment request form to book a consultation.
We look forward to serving you!
