When to See a Pain Management Specialist for Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, arthritis, and overuse. In most cases, knee pain can be treated with home remedies and over-the-counter medications. However, there are some cases where knee pain is a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and it is important to see a pain management specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

What is the Most Common Reason for Knee Pain?

Knee pain is common in adults and is often caused by wear and tear from everyday activities such as walking, bending, standing, and lifting. Athletes who run or play sports that involve jumping or quick pivoting are also at increased risk for knee pain and problems. Regardless of the cause, knee pain can be bothersome and even debilitating in some cases. Other common causes of knee pain include:

• Knee Arthritis: Arthritis is a common condition that many people experience as they get older. The knees undergo a lot of strain and pressure on a daily basis, making them very susceptible to this disease. There are different types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Tendinitis & Bursitis:Tendinitis is inflammation of tissues connecting muscle to bone; Bursitis is inflammation of bursae sacks acting as cushions between joints.
• Meniscus Tears: Tears in the cartilage that cushions the knee joint
• Patellar tendinitis: Patellar tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone.
• Runner's Knee: Runner’s Knee is most commonly accompanied by pain in the front of the knee or around the kneecap (patella) where the knee connects to the lower thigh bone (femur). The main cause of this pain is running or other activities that repeatedly stress the knee joint.
• Osgood-Schlatter Disease: Osgood-Schlatter disease is a condition that causes pain and inflammation just below the kneecap.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Iliotibial band syndrome is inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh.

Tips for Preventing Knee Pain

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Wear supportive shoes & braces
• Warm up before exercise and cool down afterwards
• Avoid high-impact activities if you have knee pain
• Strengthen the muscles around your knee
• Stretch your hamstrings and quadriceps regularly

The Importance of Managing Knee Pain

Knee pain can have a significant impact on your quality of life. It can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as walking, standing, and climbing stairs. It can also lead to other problems, such as muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

If you are experiencing knee pain, it is important to see a pain management specialist to get a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Managing your knee pain can help you to improve your quality of life and prevent further complications.

How Do I Know If My Knee Pain Is Serious?

If you have knee pain that is severe or does not improve with home treatment, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions and get the appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or signs, it is essential to see a pain management specialist for your knee pain:

• Severe pain that makes it difficult to walk or stand
• Joint swelling or redness
• Warmth to the touch around the knee joint
• Locking or catching of the knee joint
• Buckling or instability of the knee joint
• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
• A popping or cracking sound in the knee joint
• Fever
• Night pain

How Can A Pain Management Specialist Help With Knee Pain

In some cases, knee pain may be so severe or persistent that it requires treatment from a pain management specialist. Pain management specialists can use a variety of treatments to relieve knee pain, including:

• Joint Injections: Joint injections can be applied to any joint: knees, hips, shoulders, wrists, and more. Although not a permanent solution to joint pain, it can provide long-term relief that will last for several months. It is even effective in treating non-curable conditions like arthritis.
• Radiofrequency Neurotomy Genicular Nerve Block: Radiofrequency neurotomy (also known as radiofrequency ablation) has been used for many years to address back and neck pain but holds promise for chronic knee pain as well.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around your knee and improve flexibility.
• Medications: Prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants and antidepressants, may be necessary for some people with knee pain.

The best way to diagnose and fix knee pain long-term is to visit a National Spine & Pain Centers affiliated pain management specialist. They will develop a treatment plan to ease your pain by getting to the root of the problem.

Find a National Spine & Pain Centers affiliated location today.