We all know that the knee is the largest joint in the body. The shinbone (tibia), thighbone (femur), and kneecap (patella) connect in the knee. The ligaments, menisci, cartilage, and tendons are also connected along with these. When all the parts work properly, you can move your knee joint smoothly and without any pain. If the parts are not working well, then you can experience inflammation and pain in your knee.
Nowadays, most people are suffering from knee pain because of their lifestyle and other reasons. If you notice knee pain for a while, then you should contact pain physicians as soon as possible. You may suffer from pain due to an injury, certain medical conditions, and everyday wear and tear. The other reasons are:
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Gout
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Bursitis
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Crystalline arthritis
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Infection
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Degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Patellofemoral syndrome
You may experience other symptoms, including weakness, instability, swelling, inability to straighten the knee, and warmth to the touch. Remember that suffering from long-term knee pain can lead to permanent damage to the knee in the near future.
The Treatment Options
In the beginning, the pain physicians may recommend doing physical therapy to prevent future injuries and rehabilitate the knee. Besides, you have to take medicines to reduce the pain as well. If you cannot recover from the pain after the stipulated period of time, then the doctor may recommend other treatment options.
You may have to take injections, including corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation. Another option is to take hyaluronic acid to lubricate the moving parts of the knee. If these therapies do not show results within six months, then surgery is the only option. The pain physicians may recommend doing arthroscopic surgery which is a partial knee replacement surgery.
When Should You Visit a Doctor?
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You can’t bear weight on your knee any more
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You are unable to fully extend your knee
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You may have marked knee swelling
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You may have chronic knee pain due to an injury
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You may see an obvious deformity in your knee
Visit Your Pain Physicians
If you are suffering from knee pain for more than six months, then it’s time to visit your specialist. You can consult with a doctor in Oklahoma Spine & Pain Management. They provide various services, including pain management, integrative medicine, nutritional supplements, discogram, and diagnostic discography.
**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.
