Knee pain affects people at all ages. Knee pain can affect your daily life, whether you are young or old. Knee pain in younger people is usually caused by accidents or injuries sustained during athletic activities. Older adults and older individuals usually experience knee pain as a result of wear and tear, degenerative conditions, and osteoarthritis.
It’s important to know the reason for your knee pain before you decide whether or not it’s worth seeing a doctor. Ignoring pain can worsen it, causing long-term damage. We’ll explore the signs to look for when it’s time consult a specialist.
The Signs You Should See A Doctor If Your Knee Is In Pain
You should not ignore knee pain that persists, or worsens with time. Pain is the body’s way to tell you that something is wrong. Some knee pain may go away on its own. However, other symptoms are a sign that you should seek medical attention. Following an injury, there are some signs that you should see a doctor if your knees hurt.
- The knee may be swollen, warm, or tender. These are all signs of infection and inflammation, which both require immediate medical attention.
- Significant swelling: A swelling in the knee may indicate fluid accumulation, ligament damage or cartilage injury.
- Severe pain. If your pain is severe and doesn’t subside after resting or taking pain medications, you should seek medical help.
- The inability to put weight on the leg that is injured: When putting pressure on a knee, you may experience pain or instability. This could indicate a serious injury such as a ligament rupture or fracture.
- If you have knee pain and fever, it could be a sign of an infection that needs to be treated immediately.
- Physical deformity: Changes in shape in your knee may indicate that you have suffered a severe injury or dislocation. You should seek immediate medical attention.
You should consult a knee injury specialist if you have any of these symptoms.
Chronic Knee Pain – When to seek help
Even if the pain is not severe enough to require emergency treatment, it can be an indication of a degenerative condition. Osteoarthritis, one of the leading causes of chronic pain in the knees, is a common condition. The condition is caused by age-related changes to the protective cartilage cushioning the knee joints. Osteoarthritis, if untreated, is a progressive disease.
You should see your doctor if you are taking pain relievers for knee pain more than once a month. Ignoring chronic pain in the knee can make it worse, and more difficult to treat. If your knee pain is accompanied with stiffness, swelling or a restricted range of motion, seek medical attention. These symptoms are signs of an injury or condition that requires medical attention.
Many people, especially older adults, dismiss knee pain as part of normal aging. Overweight individuals may also assume that their knee pain is a result of being overweight. Knee pain isn’t something that you have to accept. Many treatment options are available to reduce or eliminate knee pain. This will allow you to lead a more active life.
What to do if you have knee pain or injury?
Many people who are experiencing knee pain ask: Which doctor should I consult for my knee injury? Answer: An orthopedic doctor. Orthopedic specialists are trained to diagnose and manage issues relating to the musculoskeletal systems, including bones, cartilages, muscles and nerves. They can handle acute knee injuries as well as chronic knee pain.
Orthopedic doctors offer a variety of treatments, from non-invasive options like injections and physical therapy to surgical options when needed. Orthopedic specialists can also provide preventive care to help patients maintain joint health and protect their knees.
Island Breeze Chiropractic and Wellness Center, Tamarac, FL understands the importance of treating knee pain early before it worsens. Our team is committed to providing personalized knee care, with a focus on non-invasive treatment and holistic solutions.
Treatment options for knee pain
An orthopedic doctor can offer a variety of treatment options depending on your knee pain and the severity of it. Some of the most common treatments include:
- Physical Therapy: Strengthening muscles around the knee joint can help reduce pain and stabilize the joint. You can be guided by a physical therapist through exercises that improve flexibility and strength.
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and other medications, can relieve pain and reduce swelling. These medications may be prescribed by your doctor in conjunction with other treatments.
- Injections Corticosteroid shots can temporarily relieve pain and inflammation. Hyaluronic injections can be used in some cases to reduce pain and lubricate joints.
- Surgery is recommended in severe cases when non-surgical treatment options have failed. Knee surgery includes arthroscopy for damaged ligaments or cartilage, and total knee replacements for advanced arthritis.
Preventive Care for Knee Health
Proactive care is essential to managing and preventing knee injuries. To protect your knees, you can do many things. Maintaining a healthy body weight, being active and strengthening your leg muscles are just a few. Regular orthopedic checkups can monitor your knee health and detect any potential problems before they worsen.
We at Island Breeze Chiropractic and Wellness Center believe in a holistic view of knee health. Our wellness center provides services that improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall joint function. Our treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s needs and ensure that they receive the best care possible.
The conclusion of the article is:
Never ignore knee pain. Consult a specialist if you experience persistent pain, swelling or instability in your leg. Orthopedic specialists, like those at Island Breeze Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Tamarac FL, are experts when it comes to diagnosing and treating pain in the knee. We offer non-invasive treatment and preventive care to help you live pain free.
Contact us at (954)720-3002 today to set up an appointment. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you to recovery.
This post was written a professional from Island Breeze Chiropractic and Wellness Center. Island Breeze Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Tamarac FL offers the most comprehensive chiropractor care in Sunrise FL. Our team of experts is specialized in a wide range of services including Chiropractic Adjustment and Interferential Current. We also offer X-Rays, Soft Tissue Techniques (including Dry Cupping), Laser Therapy, Hot Stone Massages, Ice Therapy, Flexion Distraction Therapy and Rock Tape/Kinesiotape. Our Tamarac personal injury doctor is renowned for providing specialized infant chiropractor care. Our pregnancy doctor in your area provides tailored care to expectant mothers. Island Breeze Chiropractic and Wellness Center offers personalized wellness services. Contact us now to schedule your consultation.