Knee pain is one of the most common complaints, and many people have to take time off work and other commitments because of it. It is an ailment that can affect young and old and both men and women. There are many causes of knee pain. Some examples include:
- Sudden injuries (car accident, sports accident, a fall)
- Overuse injuries (making the same movements repeatedly because of sport or occupation requirements)
- Diseases and conditions (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis)
One of the most difficult things to do is find relief for your knee pain. The best way to do this is through the advice and care of a doctor. Here are the most common ways knee pain is treated:
Rest
Conditions that cause knee pain such as sprains and strains, bursitis, and tendonitis usually respond well to rest. Avoiding the activity that caused the pain in the first place is important. Being careful not to extend or bend the knee and keeping it elevated is usually recommended.
Ice and Heat Therapy
Along with rest, ice and heat therapy are also common treatments for knee pain. The cooling works to reduce swelling and inflammation and numbs the area, which relieves pain. The heat relaxes your muscles, which can also relieve pain. Alternating the two is sometimes recommended, however some injuries will only benefit from either ice or heat therapy. Ask your doctor before trying either of them.
Pain Relieving Medication
Pain relieving medication can help relieve pain symptoms while your body heals. This treatment can be used for almost all types of knee pain. Medications can be prescribed or be purchased over-the-counter, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and naproxen.
Physical Therapy
A comprehensive knee pain treatment will likely include physical therapy exercises that won’t aggravate your knee pain. Low-impact physical therapy exercises can strengthen the knee, improve flexibility, and restore function and range of motion. They also help reduce pain, as exercise triggers a release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
Steroid Injections and Viscosupplementation
If knee pain remains unresponsive to early treatment methods, doctors may recommend steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation. For knee pain that is caused by osteoarthritis, the pain is due to the lack of lubrication for a smooth movement of the joints. Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid for lubrication. Injections are usually combined with other treatments for knee pain such as physical therapy.
Treatments for Knee Pain in Florida
Finding the right treatment for your knee pain involves finding its root cause and having access to the right treatments for it. At Total Orthopaedic Care, our areas of expertise include general orthopedics, sports medicine, and joint reconstruction.
We are experienced in treating injuries and conditions that affect the knee joints, bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. We see to it that you can return quickly to the activities you love. Our compassionate orthopedic surgeons will provide you with everything you need to know about what’s causing your knee pain and your options for treatment.
To schedule a consultation, call Total Orthopaedic Care at (954) 735-3535 or request an appointment now. We welcome you to our cutting-edge facilities in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes.
