Experiencing knee pain once n a while is normal, but if the pain worsens and results in additional symptoms such as fever, you may need medical intervention. If chronic knee pain prevents you from enjoying your favorite activities, Bayonne knee pain treatments at Orange Orthopedic Surgeons may be your ultimate solution.
What factors contribute to pain?
Experiencing knee pain occasionally due to fatigue or maintaining a specific position for a prolonged period is expected. Knee injuries such as torn cartilage or ruptured ligaments may also lead to knee pain. In most cases, knee pain improves with home care remedies and over-the-counter pain relievers, but your provider may recommend knee braces and physical therapy if they fail to offer relief. Other conditions that lead to knee pain include Baker’s cyst, dislocation, ACL tear, and avascular necrosis. The most prevalent trigger of knee pain in older adults is osteoarthritis.
What should you know about osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a chronic degenerative health condition that causes the deterioration of the cartilage cushioning your bones. This disorder can affect any joint, but it is more prevalent in the joints in your spine, hips, knees, and hands. Although osteoarthritis is manageable, the damage is irreversible. Factors that may elevate your risk of osteoarthritis include bone deformities, repetitive stress on the joint, metabolic diseases such as hemochromatosis, genetic disposition, and injuries. Osteoarthritis may manifest as bone spurs, joint tenderness, and loss of flexibility.
If not treated, osteoarthritis may deteriorate, leading to chronic joint pain and stiffness, affecting your mobility and ability to accomplish your daily tasks. This disorder can also cause sleep disturbances and depression due to persistent debilitating pain.
When should you consult your doctor about knee pain?
Knee pain that develops due to strenuous physical activities responds to home remedies. In cases of minor injuries, you can observe self-care measures for a few days, but if the pain persists or deteriorates, you may need medical assistance. If you experience fever, tenderness, redness on the surrounding skin, and swelling, inform your specialist at Orange Orthopedic Associates.
If the joint is deformed, has a popping sound at the time of injury, or loses flexibility, request a loved one to drive you to the emergency room for immediate medical attention.
How can you alleviate knee pain?
The root cause of your debilitating pain determines your care plan. Dr. Lee conducts a comprehensive physical exam focusing on the affected knee joint. He may also request you move your leg in different directions to gauge your range of motion before recommending the most effective treatment. He may also recommend additional tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to detect degenerative joint disease and bone fractures.
Your provider may suggest specific medications to treat the disorders causing the discomfort, such as gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Lee may recommend physical therapy to strengthen your knee muscles and restore flexibility. In some cases, he may recommend injections such as hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids to numb your pain.
Call Dr. Lee or visit the website to create an appointment for more information about knee pain treatments.
