What is knee pain?
The knee is your body’s largest joint as well as one of the most complex. Many structures make up your knee, including bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. In addition to facilitating easy movement, these structures are prone to damage from injury and illness.
Knee pain may occur with other symptoms, such as stiffness, swelling, and feeling like your knee is going to give out. If you experience severe knee pain that begins immediately after an injury, such as a fall or sudden twisting motion, seek medical care right away.
What causes knee pain?
At The Spine and Sports Center, Dr. Benny treats a wide range of problems that cause knee pain, including:
Ligament tears and sprains
Your knee has four major ligaments that attach bone to bone and help stabilize the joint. The most commonly sprained or torn ligaments are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL).
Dislocations
Your kneecap (patella) can dislocate if it gets forced out of place. A dislocated kneecap typically results from a direct blow to the knee.
Meniscus tears
Meniscus tears are among the most common sports injuries that affect the knee. The menisci are two c-shaped pieces of cartilage in your knee that can tear when you forcefully twist or overextend the joint.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to affect the knee. Other types of the disease that commonly occur in the knee are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
How is knee pain treated?
First, Dr. Benny reviews your symptoms and medical history. He asks you to describe how and when your knee pain occurred. He may also take tests, such as an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
After he accurately diagnoses your condition, Dr. Benny develops an individualized treatment plan to relieve your knee pain. Depending on the cause of your knee pain, treatment may include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- Stem cell injections
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
For expert treatment of knee pain, call The Spine and Sports Center or book an appointment online today.
