Knee Pain
Comprehensive Care for Knee Pain
Knee pain is extremely common and occurs in patients of all ages. Whether you’re feeling a sharp pain, dull ache, burning sensation, or other type of knee pain, rest assured that our knee replacement doctors can identify its cause and treat it.
The knee is a large, complex hinge joint that joins the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia). The kneecap (patella) is a small bone in front of the joint, covering the area where the two bones meet. The knee is one of the most stressed joints in the body, making it particularly susceptible to wear-and-tear type injuries, as is common in osteoarthritis.
If you’re suffering from acute or chronic knee pain, don’t wait a minute longer for relief. Contact the orthopedic specialists at the Joint Replacement Institute of Naples, Florida, today.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
When you experience pain in your knee, it may be due to a wide range of diseases, disorders, and conditions, including:
A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that forms behind the knee, often resulting from inflammation in the joint, such as arthritis or a knee injury. This condition can cause tightness, swelling, and pain, particularly when bending or straightening the knee. Treating the underlying cause is essential to relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.
Bone spurs are small bony growths that develop along the edges of the bones, often in response to joint damage or wear. When they form around the knee, they can irritate tissues and limit movement, leading to pain and stiffness. These growths are often associated with conditions like osteoarthritis.
A knee joint infection, such as septic arthritis, can lead to severe pain, swelling, redness, and difficulty moving the joint. This condition may result from injury, surgery, or bacteria spreading through the bloodstream. Immediate medical care is crucial to address the infection and protect the joint's long-term health.
Ligament tears, such as in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) or lateral collateral ligament (LCL), occur when these structures are stretched or torn, often due to trauma or sudden twisting movements. These injuries can cause knee instability, pain, and swelling. Prompt treatment is essential to restore knee function and prevent further knee pain and damage.
Nerve compression, such as pinching of nerves near the knee, can cause pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area. Conditions like swelling, injury, or structural abnormalities around the knee can lead to this irritation, impacting mobility and comfort. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is key to relief.
Patellar tendonitis, commonly known as jumper's knee, occurs when the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone becomes inflamed due to overuse. This condition causes pain, tenderness, and stiffness below the kneecap. Repetitive strain from activities like running or jumping is often a contributing factor.
Knee trauma includes fractures, dislocations, or severe sprains and can lead to significant pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight. These injuries may affect the bones, ligaments, or cartilage. Proper care is essential for healing, preserving knee function, and preventing long-term damage.
Tumors in or near the knee, whether benign or malignant, can cause pain, swelling, and impaired mobility as they press on surrounding tissues or structures. Early evaluation and treatment are critical to managing the condition and addressing its impact on the knee joint.
Diagnosing Knee Pain
Getting to the root cause of your knee pain begins with a visit to an orthopedic specialist who specializes in conditions affecting the knee, like the Joint Replacement Institute’s Dr. H. Kurtis Biggs. The diagnostic process starts with a thorough examination, which typically involves assessing the knee joints, as well as your gait, mobility, and muscle strength to identify irregularities.
Diagnostic imaging may also be used to gain clearer insights into the cause of your discomfort. If the root of your pain is uncertain, non-invasive pain management techniques may be used in your knee pain treatment until further testing can identify the source.
Knee Pain Treatment Options
Your treatment options will depend on the cause of your knee pain. Most often, conservative (nonsurgical) methods are recommended first, such as medication, pain management therapies like corticosteroid or viscosupplementation injections, and physical therapy.
Regenerative medicine is making great strides in alleviating orthopedic concerns, including knee pain. Depending on the cause of your pain, PRP therapy may help by harnessing the body’s own natural healing ability for a long-term solution without surgery. Other times, knee surgery is required, such as for ligament injuries like ACL tears.
Get Comprehensive Knee Pain Treatment at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL
Knee pain can impair your ability to move and reduce your quality of life. Find out what your knee pain treatment options are by calling the orthopedic professionals at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, at (239) 261-2663. You can also request an appointment now.
