Knee pain can be overwhelming, and it is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor’s office. Knee discomfort can range from mild to severe, and it can be temporary or chronic. When the pain persists for some time and prevents you from doing stuff you usually do, it is a good indicator that you should seek professional help.
Read on to learn about other signs that you should see a doctor and how they can help you receive the best knee pain treatment in the Woodlands.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Knee Pain?
The most common cause of knee pain is osteoarthritis. This condition is caused by typical wear and tear that occurs because the cartilage deteriorates with age, impairing its function. The result is bone damages that can be quite painful depending on the severity of osteoarthritis.
Other common causes include:
- Sprains or strains
- Torn cartilage
- Tendonitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Dislocated kneecap
- Meniscal tear
Knee injuries typically occur during sports activities or after a sustained trauma after a car injury. A knee injury is painful, and you may experience:
- Difficulty putting weight on the affected knee
- Pain when you bend or straighten your knee joint
- Swelling
- Locked knee
- Decreased range of motion
If you had an injury and any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor and make sure everything is alright.
When To See a Doctor About Your Knee Pain
Mild knee pain can be managed at home, especially if it comes slowly due to strenuous activity. You should see a doctor if your pain persists for longer than 48 hours or if it’s particularly severe. Other reasons to visit a professional include fever, swelling, redness, severe pain, or warmness around the joint.
You should go to a doctor if you’ve had a knee injury. You should seek urgent care if the joint looks deformed, you experience intense pain, swelling, or can’t bear weight. Another reason is hearing a popping noise during the incident.
Sometimes the knee pain doesn’t seem serious enough to visit a professional. However, if it persists for some time and affects your daily activities, you should see a doctor.
How to Treat Knee Pain at Home
Your doctor may suggest home treatment that includes taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. These drugs can help reduce swelling and inflammation and relieve pain.
Your doctor may also suggest the RICE approach. RICE stands for:
- Rest – You need to avoid activities that cause you discomfort and stay off your feet.
- Ice – Putting ice for 15 minutes a few times per day can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Compression – Wrapping an elastic bandage over your knee should help control swelling.
- Elevation – Keeping your knee elevated may also help reduce the pain and swelling.
You may also try some lifestyle adjustments, such as losing extra weight and performing exercises that strengthen your knee joint.
Overcoming Knee Pain
You shouldn’t give in to pain. There are professionals like Dr. Edward Nash from the Progressive Pain and Rehabilitation center who use a combination of innovative treatments and regenerative medicine to help people overcome pain and ensure you receive the best knee pain treatment in the Woodlands. Book your consultation here and say goodbye to pain.
346-220-8063