Knee Pain: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Plans
The knee is the largest joint consisting of bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. If you experience soreness or pain, it could be due to various factors and conditions. Orthopedic specialists from Integrity Orthopedics will perform thorough medical assessments before formulating a suitable Knee Pain treatment plan.
Causes of knee pain
Several factors may be causing the pain in your knee. Sprains and tendon tears often occur from sports injuries or occupational accidents. This type of pain can affect people of all ages.
The location and type of pain could indicate the physiological complications in the knee. For example, pain around the knee cap and shins usually arises from strenuous repetitive activities like running or jumping.
Osgood-Schlatter’s disease is among the leading causes of knee pain in adolescents. It arises from the inflammation of the patellar tendon that runs from the kneecap to the shinbone. Severe cases of the condition may lead to the swelling of the Tibial Tubercle, the bone right below the knee cap.
Children and young adults may also have Patellofemoral pain syndrome or Runner’s knee. It occurs when the cartilage around the knee swells and stiffens. Runner’s knee may develop due to unstable foot support, weak thigh muscles, or tight tendons and hamstrings.
Knee pain diagnostic process
Your orthopedic specialist will start with a physical exam to assess the swelling and stiffness. You will be required to move your legs in different positions to evaluate the joint’s mobility. Your provider may also ask you about your symptoms to narrow down the possible causes of the condition.
Orthopedic specialists may also utilize X-rays, and CT scans to unearth structural problems and joint conditions. CT scans provide a more detailed view of the joint and can find inflammation at its earliest stages of development.
Sometimes MRI scans and ultrasound screenings are necessary to assess the condition of soft tissues around the joint. They generate more accurate visuals of the injuries in 3D.
Your doctor may determine that blood tests or Arthrocentesis is necessary to facilitate diagnosis. Arthrocentesis is a procedure where the doctor removes the fluid in the knee joint. It is performed to reduce pain or provide more information for a medical assessment.
Knee pain treatment options
Your orthopedic specialist will determine the best treatment plan depending on the initial diagnosis. The options may vary between patients. Treatments range from medication to physical therapy and surgery.
Sometimes orthopedic specialists prescribe medications to reduce pain and limit inflammation. For example, if you have knee arthritis, your doctor will recommend NSAIDs.
Physiotherapy is another option that serves as a supportive treatment. Physical therapy can strengthen muscles and joints to limit pain and inflammation. The right exercises can improve flexibility and balance, which reduces the occurrence of injuries in the future.
Before recommending surgery, your practitioner from integrity Orthopedics may suggest non-invasive alternatives. PRP (Platelet-Rich Platelets) facilitates cell regeneration to restore the joint’s function. Research shows it can benefit people with knee osteoarthritis.
Contact Integrity Orthopedics to schedule a knee pain consultation today.
