Knee Pain

Overview
Knee pain is a common health concern among patients of all ages and fitness levels. While knee pain is more much likely in athletes and aging adults, patients with poor body mechanics, underlying conditions, or previous injuries may also be at risk of developing knee pain. Patients with minor cases of knee pain my find relief through self-care measures, but for those with chronic knee pain, interventional pain therapies may be necessary to experience long-term relief. The pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center offer several treatment options for patients suffering from this condition. If you or a loved one has chronic knee pain, schedule an appointment with a Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician today.

Causes
As we mentioned previously, there are a number of conditions, diseases, and injuries that can lead to knee pain. The most common cause of knee pain is usually some sort of injury, like a torn ligament, or degeneration from aging or a medical condition, like arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Other causes of knee pain may include gout and some kind of an infection. No matter the cause, patients should have their knee pain checked out by a medical professional to prevent it from worsening. Furthermore, knee pain should be looked at to determine whether or not a minimally invasive surgery is necessary to correct the problem.

Symptoms
Pain will vary depending on the cause and location, but more often than not, patients will experience swelling, stiffness, instability, popping noises, and a change in gait to reduce knee pain symptoms. Additional signs and symptoms include redness around the knee joint, muscle weakness, and an inability to fully straighten the knee. The knee joint may give out frequently and be warm to the touch. It’s also possible for patients to experiencing bruising around the knee, especially if an injury occurred several hours or days prior to the onset of pain.

Treatments
Treatment for knee pain will depend on the condition and severity of symptoms. Conservative measures may be recommended as the first line of treatment for patients with mild cases of knee pain. For example, patients may experience pain relief from rest, ice, compression, elevation, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If patients do not experience adequate pain relief from these conservative therapies, prescription medications and physical therapy may be suggested. Other treatment options may include interventional therapies, such as steroid injections, platelet-rich plasma injections, nerve blocks, nerve stimulation, and more. If the pain is due to an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage, patients may benefit from surgery.