Knee Pain Services in Little Silver, NJ
Knee pain is very common due to ruptured ligaments and torn cartilage. osteoarthritis, ligament and tendon injuries, and fractured kneecaps are frequent causes of knee issues. Knee pain can be quite difficult to deal with, and can be hard to manage on your own.
If you are dealing with knee pain, and you are looking for a treatment that can help you manage your knee pain better. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 180 White Road Suite 102, Little Silver, NJ 07739.
How do I know if my knee pain is serious?
Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages. Knee pain can be the result of an injury, such as B. torn ligaments or torn cartilage. Medical conditions including arthritis, gout, and infections can also cause knee pain.
The location and severity of knee pain can vary depending on the cause of the problem. Signs and symptoms sometimes associated with knee pain include:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Redness and warmth when touched
- Weak or unstable
- Cracking or creaking sound
- Inability to fully extend the knee
Call your doctor if you have:
- You cannot put weight on your knees, or you feel your knees are unstable or exhausted
- You are dealing with severe knee swelling
- You cannot fully straighten or bend your knee
- See a noticeable deformity in your leg or knee
- Fever in addition to redness, pain, and swelling of the knee
What are 4 causes of knee pain?
Many knee problems are the result of the aging process and ongoing wear and tear on the knee joint, such as arthritis. Other knee problems are the result of an injury or sudden movement that puts stress on the knee.
Common knee problems include the following:
Knee ligament and/or muscle sprains or strains:
A sprain or strain to the ligaments or muscles of the knee is usually caused by a blow to the knee or a sudden twisting of the knee. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Torn cartilage:
Knee trauma can tear the meniscus (the connective tissue pad that acts as a shock absorber and also improves stability). Cartilage tears are often accompanied by sprains. Treatment may include wearing a brace during activities to protect the knee from further injury. Surgery may be required to repair the tear.
Tendonitis:
Tendonitis can be caused by overuse of the tendon during certain activities, such as running, jumping, or cycling. Inflammation of the patellar tendon is known as jumper’s knee. This is common in sports such as basketball, where the force of impact with the ground after a jump can strain a tendon.
Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting the knee. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process in which the cartilage in the joints gradually wears away. It often affects middle-aged and elderly people.
Osteoarthritis can be caused by excessive stress on the joints, such as repeated injuries or being overweight. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the knee joint by causing joint inflammation and destroying the knee cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects people earlier than osteoarthritis.
What is the best way to relieve knee pain?
During the physical exam, your doctor may:
- Check the knee for swelling, pain, tenderness, warmth, and obvious bruising
- Check how far you can move your lower leg in different directions
- Pushing or pulling on the joint to assess the structural integrity of the knee
Self-care measures for knee injuries include:
- Rest
- Ice
- Hot
- Compression
- Altitude
Sometimes an Injection may be used and can include:
Corticosteroids
Hyaluronic acid
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
In certain situations, an operation may be needed and may include:
- Arthroscopic surgery
- Local knee surgery
- Total knee replacement
- Osteotomy
Other non-surgical treatment options are:
Physical Therapy
Strengthening the muscles around the knee will make it more stable. Depending on what is causing your pain, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or different types of strengthening exercises.
Prescribed Medication
Your doctor can prescribe medicines to relieve pain and treat conditions that cause knee pain, such as: B. Rheumatoid arthritis or gout.
When to see a doctor for knee pain?
1. Joint deformities
Look at your knees side by side. If the affected knee looks misshapen compared to the healthy knee, there may be a fracture, dislocated kneecap, or injury to the patella.
2. Difficulty walking
See your doctor if your knee pain progresses to the point where you’re limping or afraid to walk. Pain of this intensity may indicate bone damage or degenerative disease.
3. Inability to maintain weight
Do you feel the need to shift your weight off your injured knee when you stand up? Seek help if the affected knee cannot support your weight. This symptom can indicate a variety of knee conditions, all of which require medical attention.
4. Knee instability
If you notice that your knee is shaking or feels like it’s about to collapse, see your doctor. In general, joint instability indicates a problem with the ligaments, which may worsen if you continue to use your knee as usual.
5. Less sensation in the knees
While many knee problems cause pain, the absence of pain can also indicate a serious health problem. If your leg or knee pain doesn’t get worse when you press on your knee, the pain may be due to sciatica or another non-knee condition.
6. Chronic pain or discomfort
If you’ve tried to wait for the pain to go away and it doesn’t seem to go away, your doctor can help. In general, athletes should see a doctor if pain persists for more than 48 hours, and other adults should see a professional if pain persists for 3 weeks without seeming to change.
7.Pain that interferes with daily activities
In general, most healthcare providers recommend that you schedule an appointment as soon as you realize your symptoms are affecting the way you live.
If knee pain is making your commute more frustrating, making your afternoon jog less comfortable, or working harder, have your joint checked by a professional.
8. Pain that interferes with sleep
Many patients with knee problems have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep as a result. If your knee pain is keeping you from sleeping, get help.
9. Redness or swelling around joints
Like a knee deformity, changes in the shape and color of the knee can indicate a serious problem. If you notice any redness or swelling, touch the area to see if you feel tenderness or warmth. These symptoms may be signs of infection.
10. Reduced range of motion
When your knee hurts, it swells inside. This swelling can limit your range of motion and make it difficult to fully straighten or bend your leg. See your doctor if you notice limited range of motion that persists for more than 24 hours.
For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 180 White Road Suite 102, Little Silver, NJ 07739.