What causes knee pain?
Of all the joints in your body, your knees may sustain the most stress on a daily basis. Because of this, they're prone to wear-and-tear, overuse, and trauma. Some of the most common causes of knee pain include:
Ligament tears
Your knee ligaments control movement and stabilize your knee joint, so a tear in one of these ligaments can lead to immediate pain. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured in the knee, but you can also injure the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial cruciate ligament (MCL), or the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
Osteoarthritis
Cartilage is a rubbery material that covers joint surfaces. It absorbs shock and allows for smooth movement. But, with osteoarthritis, the most common kind of arthritis in the knees, the cartilage wears down. That causes a gradual increase in knee pain over time.
Meniscus tears
A meniscus is a semicircular piece of tough cartilage in the middle of your knee joint. Each knee has two menisci, on either side of the joint. Sudden movements, usually during physical activity, can cause a meniscus tear. With this cartilage tear, the knee pain starts suddenly.
These are the most common causes of knee pain, but fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, kneecap dislocations, tendon injuries, and other injuries and chronic conditions can also occur.
When should I see a doctor about knee pain?
Contact Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic if your knee pain occurs suddenly, such as an athletic, workplace, or auto accident.
Seek help if your knee pain includes swelling, joint warmth, red skin, fever, or significant movement problems. If your knee pain interrupts your life, it's time to book an evaluation and find relief.
How is knee pain diagnosed?
Your Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic provider conducts a careful exam of your knee joints, takes a medical history, and asks about the details of your knee joint pain.
You may need X-rays or other imaging tests to find problems in and around the knee joint. You have those tests conveniently on-site in the state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging suite.
How is knee pain treated?
Knee pain treatment generally begins with conservative measures, such as bracing, activity modification, physical therapy, mobility aids, and medication. Some people need joint steroid injections to reduce inflammation or hyaluronic acid injections to add cushioning to the joint.
Some knee injuries may require surgery, such as ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair or replacement, or knee joint replacement.
The Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic providers are skilled surgeons who can use a range of different techniques, including arthroscopic, minimally invasive, and traditional surgery, based on your personal needs. The surgeons personally developed many of the advanced surgical procedures they use for knee injuries.
At Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic, you have most or all of your treatment, including physical therapy, on the same campus for the best continuity of care.
Book your appointment online or call Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic for help with knee pain.
