Paincare Florida

Knee Pain

PAIN CONDITION

Knee Pain: Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief

Knee pain, or knee joint pain, is a common issue that affects people of all ages. It’s often linked to general wear and tear from everyday activities like walking, bending, standing, and lifting.[1] Athletes are especially prone to knee problems.[1] Whether caused by aging, injury, or arthritis, knee pain can range from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is vital in managing discomfort and getting back to the activities you love.

About Knee Joint Pain

The knee is one of the largest joints in the body and takes a lot of daily abuse.[2] Many people experience pain for a variety of reasons from sudden injuries, overuse, or underlying medical conditions like arthritis.[3] Pain may be localized to a specific area, such as the kneecap (patella), or affect the entire joint. It may come and go, feel deep within the joint or radiate to your thigh or calf.[2] Knee pain is usually caused by overuse, injury or arthritis.[2] Some people experience temporary knee pain that goes away with self-care, while others deal with more severe and chronic pain that requires ongoing treatment.

Knee Pain Symptoms

Knee pain can show up in different ways, depending on what’s causing it.
Common knee problem symptoms include:
  • Swelling [3]
  • Stiffness [3]
  • Redness and warm to the touch [3]
  • Weakness or instability [3]
  • Popping or crunching noises [3]
  • Inability to fully straighten leg [3]
  • Pain behind your knee [2]
  • Radiating pain [2]
  • Joint pain [2]
  • Locking or buckling [4]
  • Difficulty bearing weight [4]

Knee Joint Pain Causes

Knee pain can show up in different ways, depending on what’s causing it.

Knee pain can be caused by injury, mechanical problems and other painful conditions such as:

  • Injury or accident [3]
  • ACL tear [3]
  • Torn meniscus [3]
  • Kneecap (patella) fracture [3]
  • Bursitis [3]
  • Patellar tendinitis [3]
  • Dislocated kneecap [3]
  • IT band syndrome (iliotibial)[3]
  • Osteoarthritis [3]
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) [3]
  • Gout [3]
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome [3]
  • Overuse “runner’s knee” [4]
  • Aging [4]
  • Being overweight [4]
  • Baker’s cyst [4]
  • Osgood-Schlatter disease [4]

Pain Management Treatments

If your knee pain is mild, at-home treatment such as the RICE method (rest, ice, compression and elevation) can help reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
If your knee pain persists, your primary care provider or orthopedist may prescribe first-line treatments like physical or occupational therapy, stronger pain medications and steroid injections to minimize swelling and inflammation. Braces and knee immobilizers can also offer knee patients restricted movement and support during healing.

Treating conditions like arthritis with medications, exercise, non-surgical interventions and lifestyle changes will help slow progression and provide long-term pain relief. For more severe or chronic pain, pain management doctors offer advanced, non-surgical treatments such as viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections), nerve blocks, joint injections and PRP therapy. In some cases, despite comprehensive care, surgery is required.

When to Consult a Knee Pain Care Specialist

If your knee pain lasts more than a few weeks, worsens, or interferes with your daily activities, it’s important to consult a pain management physician. Unfortunately, not all knee problems can be resolved with at-home treatment and OTC medications.
Knee pain specialists can work with your healthcare team to gather your medical history and create a comprehensive pain management strategy. Combining traditional and advanced interventional treatments allows you to receive personalized care tailored to your knee condition and pain level, ensuring the most effective relief.
Don’t let knee pain hold you back from living life to the fullest. With the right pain management plan, you can experience life-changing relief and regain the freedom to move with ease again!

Resources:

  1. Knee Pain and Problems. John Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Published 2020. Accessed September 06, 2024. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/knee-pain-and-problems 
  2. Knee Pain: Causes, Treatment. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed September 06, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21207-knee-pain 
  3. Mayo Clinic Staff. Knee pain – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Published 2019. Accessed September 06, 2024. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/knee-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20350849 
  4. Vanbuskirk S, Mitchell K. What’s Causing My Knee Pain? WebMD [Internet]. Published December 23, 2016. Reviewed March 18, 20245. Accessed September 06, 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/knee-pain/knee-pain-causes
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