Knee Pain 101: Common Causes and Treatment Plans

 Knee Pain 101: Common Causes and Treatment Plans

Knee pain is a common ailment that approximately 19% of the adult population struggle with, ranging from various levels of severity, symptoms, and initial causes. Whether it’s from years of stress-causing wear and tear, an acute injury, or even just aging, knee problems are a nuisance at many occasions of life. 

 

When a knee issue arises, no matter how big or small the pain levels may be, it is important to seek the assistance of a trusted medical professional for the best shot at a full recovery.  With years of practicing non-surgical and surgical procedures, the innovative team at Joint Pain Orthopedics specializes in treating the culprits of pesky knee pain. 

What Problems Contribute To Knee Pain?

What causes knee pain anyway? With a plethora of medical conditions linking to this symptom, it can feel overwhelming to get to the underlying cause of the discomfort. Some of the most common conditions that contribute to knee pain include: 

Knee Arthritis 

Arthritis is a condition that stems from inflammation in the joints. With over 100 forms of arthritis, the most common types affecting the knee are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Over time, arthritis can damage and wear down the cartilage layers found in the knee. 

 

Common symptoms that coincide with arthritis include: 

  • Decreased range of motion or trouble walking 
  • Stiffness and swelling 
  • Both sharp and dull pain

Knee Tendon Injuries

The tendon of the knee is paramount for connecting the muscles to the bones. Knee tendon injuries are usually caused from falling, running, or playing high-impact sports. When the tendon is stretched and lengthened too much for the body handle, it tends to lead to pain or inflammation. 

 

Two common tendon injuries include: 

  • Tendonitis: Similar to arthritis, tendonitis stems from inflammation, but instead of the joints this swelling comes from the tendon itself.  
  • Tendinosis: This condition is characterized by degeneration of the knee tendon from overuse and strain. 

Knee Ligament Injuries

The ligaments play an important role in keeping the knee stable and supported. The ACL and other ligaments are often hurt when overstretched or torn by awkward falls or twisting. This can occur while playing sports or over time with arthritis. Injured ligaments make popping sounds and can buckle when pressure is applied to them. 

Meniscus Tears 

The meniscus is the cartilage responsible for cushioning and distributing pressure in the knee. There are multiple causes to a tearing meniscus, including both high-impact injuries from activities and slow deterioration over time. Meniscus tears lead to pain, clicking sounds, and can even displace to be trapped within the knee bones. 

What Are The Treatment Options For Knee Issues? 

No matter the knee condition that patients are dealing with, there are ample amounts of support and treatment plans available. For mild knee soreness and impairments, an at-home remedy might just be all that is needed to feel better. Some ideas include:

 

  • Icing the areas of discomfort
  • Resting and elevating the knee 
  • Regularly practicing low impact exercises such as walking or swimming

 

The more severe the pain and injuries are, the more essential it is to warrant the help of professionals. Two of of the more intensive treatment options at Joint Pain Orthopedics include: 

Injections

The great part about injections is that they do not require any surgical intervention. This makes them ideal for candidates looking for a less invasive treatment option to start with. Knee injections are the process of administering medications (such as cortisone or steroids) through a needle into the knee’s joint with the hopes of reducing inflammation and discomfort. 

Surgery

Although surgery can be a daunting step, there are a range of minimally invasive procedures: 

  • Knee Replacement: Studies found that 90% of people with knee replacements reported significantly less pain after the surgery than before. This makes a knee replacement in Austin one of the most effective tools for long term pain reduction. Total knee replacements take away the damaged portion of the knee and replace it with metal. This is especially successful for advanced osteoarthritis and other conditions causing significant wear and tear. 
  • Other Orthopedic Surgeries: A total knee replacement isn’t a necessity for individuals struggling with less severe conditions. Luckily, there are many specialized surgeries and techniques available to help. This includes knee arthroscopies, ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery, patellar tendon repair, and more!  

Alleviate Discomfort Today

Nobody should have to suffer with debilitating knee pain alone. Individuals looking for knee surgery in Austin are taken care of at Joint Pain Orthopedics. This team is equipped with the experience and expertise to handle a range of orthopedic issues.

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