Studies show that knee pain can significantly negatively affect the quality of life of those experiencing it. Individuals with knee pain can find it hard to do their daily activities more efficiently and can also suffer from economic burdens from healthcare costs or lost income related to their condition.
In this article, we’ll look into the common causes of knee pain, explore the various treatment options available, and discuss effective strategies for preventing this common condition.
What Your Pain is Telling You: Common Causes of Knee Pain
Knee pain is a prevalent issue affecting millions of individuals across various age groups and lifestyles, with around 4 million annual primary care visits attributed to this complaint. Here are some of the most common causes of knee pain for adults and adolescents:
Sprain/Strain
Knee sprains and strains occur when the ligaments, tendons, or muscles around the knee joint are stretched or torn due to sudden impact, rapid changes in direction, or overuse. Aside from knee pain, common symptoms of this condition include swelling and weakness of the knee.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that affects the cartilage within the knee joint and is considered to be the most common type of arthritis. As the cartilage wears down over time, the bones begin to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. This type of knee pain is often chronic and progressive.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendons, the thick bands of tissue that connect the muscles to the bones. Patellar tendonitis (also known as jumper’s knee) and iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome are common types of tendonitis that affect the knee. These conditions can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with activities like running or climbing stairs.
Meniscal Tears
The menisci are the shock-absorbing, crescent-shaped discs of cartilage located between the thigh bone (femur) and the shinbone (tibia). Tears in the meniscus can occur because of sudden twisting or turning motions or because of degeneration. Aside from pain, symptoms of meniscal tears may include pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion.
Fractures/Dislocations
Traumatic incidents like falls or direct blows to the knee can result in severe knee injuries, including fractures or dislocations. These types of injuries often require immediate medical attention and may involve surgery or immobilization to promote proper healing.
Understanding the Root Cause: Diagnosing and Evaluating Your Knee Pain
Knee pain diagnosis and evaluation typically involve the following procedures, which are tailored to each patient’s specific symptoms, age, and medical history:
History Taking and Physical Examination
When evaluating knee pain, your healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history and performing a thorough physical examination. They will ask questions about the nature, onset, and duration of your symptoms, as well as any underlying conditions or previous injuries.
Imaging
Diagnostic imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (Computed Tomography) scans, and bone scans, may be ordered to provide a more detailed assessment of the underlying cause of your knee pain.
However, it’s important to note that not all patients require extensive imaging, as some conditions, like knee osteoarthritis, can be diagnosed clinically without extensive imaging. For example, if a patient is 45 years or older, exhibits knee pain associated with activity, and has minimal morning stiffness, they are likely to be diagnosed with osteoarthritis.
Kellgren–Lawrence Scale (for Osteoarthritis)
The Kellgren-Lawrence scale is a commonly used system for grading the severity of knee osteoarthritis based on X-ray findings. It ranges from Grade 0 (no osteoarthritis) to Grade 4 (severe osteoarthritis), and can help guide treatment recommendations.
Knee Pain Treatment Options
There are several effective treatment options for knee pain, with treatment plans tailored to the individual, considering factors such as the cause of pain, patient characteristics, and preferences.
Here are some frequently recommended approaches for treating knee pain:
Home Remedy: RICE
The RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method is a simple and effective way to manage acute knee pain and swelling. Resting the injured knee, icing it, applying compression, and elevating the leg can aid in reducing inflammation and facilitating the healing process.
Conservative Treatment: OTC Painkillers
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen, can provide temporary relief for mild-to-moderate knee pain. These painkillers are typically classified as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which ease discomfort by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (or COX), or the enzyme that facilitates the inflammatory process responsible for pain.
Still, you shouldn’t rely too much on these medications, as they are just temporary fixes for pain. Seeking professional help is recommended if symptoms persist even after taking these medications or if symptoms worsen through time.
Physical Therapy
To address knee pain, physical therapy is a conservative approach that involves a physical therapist designing a personalized rehabilitation program. Such programs include exercises, stretches, and other interventions designed to improve strength, flexibility, and joint function for pain relief and injury prevention.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is an emerging treatment for musculoskeletal conditions related to knee pain, such as tendinitis. It can help reduce knee pain and improve mobility by employing high-energy sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes without the need for invasive procedures.
Surgery
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying cause of knee pain. Procedures such as arthroscopic surgery, joint replacement, or ligament reconstruction may be recommended for severe or persistent knee issues that do not respond to more conservative treatments.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing persistent or severe knee pain, it is important to seek medical attention. Ignoring knee pain can lead to further injury and more complex treatment down the line. Some key signs that it’s time to see a doctor for your knee pain include:
- Sudden, severe pain or swelling in the knee
- Restriction in movement or in the ability to bear weight on the affected leg
- Persistent or chronic pain that doesn’t get better with rest or common pain relievers
- Symptoms that are so severe that they already interfere with daily activities or negatively impact the quality of sleep
Ways to Prevent Knee Pain
Preventing knee pain is crucial, as it can help you maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. To prevent knee pain, consider implementing these strategies:
Maintain a healthy weight:
Excess weight can put additional stress on the knee joints, leading to pain and increased risk of osteoarthritis.
Strengthen the muscles around the knee:
Exercises that target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles can help stabilize the knee joint and reduce the risk of injury.
Improve flexibility:
Regular stretching and mobility exercises can help maintain proper joint function and range of motion.
Wear appropriate footwear:
Properly fitting, supportive shoes can help absorb shock and prevent overuse injuries.
Gradually increase activity levels: Sudden increases in physical activity or intensity can lead to overuse injuries. Gradually build up your activity level to allow your body to adapt.
Seek professional guidance:
Consulting with a physical therapist or sports medicine specialist can help you develop a personalized exercise and injury prevention plan.
Why Choose Beyond Stem Cells for Your Knee Pain Treatment
At Beyond Stem Cells, we understand knee pain’s profound impact on your quality of life. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals, headed by Dr. Beams, is dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care to help you find relief and get back to the activities you love.
We offer a wide range of evidence-based treatment options, including non-surgical interventions like shockwave therapy and regenerative medicine. Our goal is to address the root cause of your knee pain rather than just treating the symptoms.
By choosing Beyond Stem Cells, you can expect:
A thorough evaluation and diagnosis to identify the underlying cause of your knee pain
A customized treatment plan specifically designed by our team of experts to address your individual needs and help you achieve your goals.
Access to the latest advancements in knee pain management, including cutting-edge regenerative therapies
Compassionate, one-on-one care from a team that genuinely cares about your well-being
A commitment to providing holistic guidance and support in achieving long-term pain relief and improved mobility
Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about the suitable treatment options for your knee pain.
