Knee pain is a common ailment that can affect people of all ages. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, overuse, or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. Regardless of the cause, knee pain can significantly impact quality of life, making it difficult to do everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, gardening, fishing, or standing for long periods. In this blog post, we will discuss the common symptoms of knee pain and the solutions that an orthopaedic surgeon can provide to help alleviate knee pain and restore function.
Symptoms of Knee Pain
The symptoms of knee pain can vary depending on the underlying cause. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness around the knee joint: This pain can be sharp or dull and may worsen with activity.
- Swelling: The knee may appear swollen or feel tight.
- Difficulty moving the knee joint: The joint may feel stiff, and it may be difficult to move the knee through its full range of motion.
- Clicking or popping sounds: You may experience painful clicking or popping when you move your knee, which could indicate a problem with the joint.
- Instability: You may feel as though your knee is going to give out or buckle when you walk or stand.
Solutions Provided by Orthopaedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons are specialists in treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. They can provide a variety of solutions to help alleviate knee pain, including:
- Physical therapy: An orthopaedic surgeon may refer you to a physical therapist who can work with you to improve the strength, flexibility, and range of motion of your knee. This can help reduce pain and improve function.
- Medications: We may prescribe pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other medications to help reduce pain and inflammation in the knee.
- Injections: We may recommend injections of corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid to help reduce inflammation and improve joint function.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to the knee joint. An orthoapedic surgeon may recommend procedures like arthroscopy (scoping the knee), ACLS reconstruction or knee replacement, depending on the nature and severity of the injury.
Knee pain can be a debilitating condition that can significantly impact one's quality of life. If you are experiencing knee pain, it is essential to seek the help of an orthopaedic surgeon who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment options. By working closely with an orthopaedic surgeon, you can take steps to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve your overall quality of life.
Meet the Wisconsin River Orthopaedics Surgeons. Call 715-424-1881 to schedule an appointment to start a conversation about your knee pain with one of our experienced orthopaedic surgeons.