Aging, injury, and repeated stress on the knee are the most common causes of knee pain. Common knee problems include, arthritis, sprained and strained ligaments, tears of cartilage, and tendonitis. Also knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured or torn cartilage/ligaments. Medical conditions such as arthritis, gout and infections can also cause knee pain.
The severity and location of knee pain may vary, depending on the cause of the problem. Signs and symptoms that sometimes accompany knee pain include:
- Swelling and stiffness
- Redness and warmth to the touch
- Weakness or instability
- Popping or crunching noises
- Inability to fully straighten the knee
Risk factors
Several factors can increase your risk of having knee problems, including:
- Excess weight.Being obese increases stress on your knee joints. This occurs even during ordinary activities, walking and using stairs. This also puts you at increased risk of osteoarthritis by increasing the breakdown of joint cartilage.
- Lack of muscle flexibility or strength.With a decrease in strength and flexibility there is an increase in the risk of injuring your knees. Strong muscles stabilize your joints, and flexibility can help you achieve full range of motion.
- Certain sports or occupations.Running, jogging, soccer, snow skiing, and football put greater stress on your knees than do other sports. Basketball’s jumps and pivots, or the repeated pounding your knees take when you run or jog all increase your risk of knee injury.
- Previous injury.Obviously a prior knee injury makes it more likely that you’ll injure your knee again.
Prevention
Although it’s not always possible to prevent knee pain, the following suggestions may help ward off injuries and joint deterioration:
- Keep extra pounds off..
- Be in shape to play your sport..
- Practice perfectly.Pay attention to your technique
- Get strong, stay flexible.Weak muscles contribute to and are a leading cause of knee injuries.
- Be smart about exercise.If you have osteoarthritis, chronic knee pain or recurring injuries, you may consider switching to swimming, water aerobics or other low-impact activities for some of your regular exercise!
Treatment
Rest and over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines are a good first line treatment for acute and chronic pain. If you feel, in the setting of an acute injury, that the knee might be unstable or need xrays see a Physician/Urgent Care center or an ER. If chronic pain is not relieved by conservative treatments, you are an excellent candidate for Shock Wave Therapy. This noninvasive, painless treatment is incredibly successful in relieving the pain and helping heal the cause. We use the latest methodology proven to help with not only the pain but in some cases complete resolution of the condition. Come try our Shock Wave Therapy. We are getting amazing results for our patients. We are so confident in this therapy that the first treatment is free. Call us and schedule your appointment today.