Knee Pain

What causes knee pain?

Sports injuries, one of the top causes of knee pain, typically occur when you take a direct hit to your knee, twist the joint, or pull a ligament. Your knee also withstands repetitive movement while bearing the weight of your upper body. As a result, many people end up with an overuse injury.

Pioneer Peak Orthopedics frequently treat knee pain caused by:

• Osteoarthritis
• ACL tears (and other knee ligaments)
• Meniscus tears
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Fractures
• Knee dislocations
• Runner’s knee

Problems in your foot and ankle can also cause knee pain. A foot condition may change your gait or throw your knee out of alignment, placing extra stress on your knee.

What other symptoms accompany knee pain?

The injuries and conditions that cause knee pain often cause other symptoms, including:

• Bruising
• Inflammation
• Swelling
• Joint stiffness and limited movement
• Clicking or popping in the joint
• Locked knee joint
• Inability to straighten your knee

You may not be able to bear weight on the knee, or the joint may feel like it will give out.

How is knee pain treated?

Your treatment depends on the cause of your knee pain. If you have a ruptured ligament, torn meniscus, or fracture, you may need prompt surgery to properly repair the tissues. Otherwise, treatment begins with avoiding activities that put stress on the knee and one or more of the following:

• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Bracing and other knee support
• Corticosteroid injections
• Hyaluronic acid injections
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation
• Orthotics

Physical therapy begins as soon as possible. At the start, you may follow a gentle regimen that eases pain, promotes healing, and reduces swelling. As your knee heals, your therapeutic exercises focus on strengthening and restoring movement.

Athletes who plan to return to competitive sports receive sport-specific rehabilitation. In addition to retraining your knee for your sport, your provider may adjust your training regimen to prevent future knee problems.

What type of surgery relieves knee pain?

If you need surgery, your provider explains the procedure, how it will help your knee, and what to expect during your recovery. Pioneer Peak Orthopedics performs many types of minimally invasive procedures.

The type of surgery you need depends on your diagnosis. Your provider may perform arthroscopy to remove damaged cartilage, clean out inflamed tissues, realign tendons, or reconstruct ligaments. Patients with advanced arthritis typically need joint replacement surgery.

If you need experienced care for knee pain, call Pioneer Peak Orthopedics to request an appointment or stop by the orthopedic walk-in clinic today.