Because your knees play a huge role in everyday activities like walking, running, standing, and supporting your body’s weight, knee pain can deeply affect your quality of life. If you’re suffering from knee pain, visiting a pain specialist can help you get the knee pain relief you need to live better.
Keep reading to find out more about the causes of knee pain and when to see a pain specialist.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain refers to any discomfort felt in or around the knee joint. The knee is a complex joint that’s made of things like bones, ligaments, and cartilage, and each part of the knee is susceptible to painful injuries and medical conditions. Some of the common causes of knee pain include:
- ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tear: This injury is often caused by sudden twists or stopping motion. Common in athletes, it can cause the joint to be unstable.
- Tendonitis: The inflammation of the tendons may be a result of overuse. It’s typically common in people who cycle, run, jump, and participate in sports.
- Strain: A knee strain happens when there is a tear in the tendon or muscle that surrounds the knee. It’s usually caused by overuse or sudden movements.
- Bursitis: This is an inflammation of the bursae (a fluid-like sac that acts as a cushion to the knee joint). This inflammation can cause swelling and discomfort.
- Knee Dislocation: A dislocation is a serious injury that happens when the bones in the knee joint are forced out of their normal position.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that causes the cartilage in the knee to break down. This can lead to stiffness, pain, and a loss of motion in the joint.
- Knee Fracture: A fracture happens when a bone in the knee breaks due to a traumatic injury or an accident.
When Should You See a Pain Specialist for Knee Pain?
Knee pain can be uncomfortable and negatively impact your quality of your life. Failing to see a pain specialist could affect your chances of getting long-term knee pain relief. Don’t let pain rule your life. Below we’ve provided a short guide to help you determine when to see a pain specialist and when to seek emergency care for your knee pain:
When You Need Emergency Care
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to go to the emergency room or an urgent care clinic:
- Your knee pain is severe and difficult to bear
- Your knee area is swollen and inflamed
- You find it difficult to put weight on your knees
- Your joint is visibly deformed or misaligned
- Your joint is red, swollen, and accompanied by a fever
When You Need to See a Doctor
While it may not be necessary to seek immediate emergency care all the time, you may need to see a pain specialist when:
- Your knee pain gets worse over time
- Your joint pain lasts for more than a week
- Your knee pain interferes with everyday activities
- You’re not sure what the underlying cause is
- You want quick relief from pain
Live a Life With Less Pain With Care From 911 Pain Management
You don’t have to suffer through knee pain alone. At 911 Pain Management, we offer a variety of treatment options that can help you improve your standard of life.
From stem therapy and medications to regenerative medicine and trigger point injections, we are always ready to help you live a life with less pain. Come visit our McAllen pain management clinic to get the relief you need to live happier and healthier.
