Is knee pain common?
Knee pain is extremely common, and is one of the main sources of pain we treat at Remedy Pain Solutions. It is likely that you or somebody close to you are suffering from knee pain, and this likelihood increases the older we get. The knee is the largest joint in the body, and is where the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap) all connect. Between and surrounding these bones we find cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and menisci. When all of these structures are healthy, the knee bends freely without pain or feelings of instability. However, with all of these structures under stress as we walk each day, they are all more prone to injury than other body parts which are not weight-bearing. If any part of the knee is not working as it should, it can become very difficult to complete normal daily activities due to pain, inflammation, and other symptoms within the knee.
What causes chronic knee pain?
Chronic knee pain can be the long-term result of an injury, such as a fall or receiving a blow to the knee. However, most chronic knee pain is the result of normal wear and tear or other underlying medical conditions. Sources of chronic knee pain include:
- Degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Crystalline arthritis
- Gout
- Bursitis
- Infection, such as cellulitis
- Patellofemoral syndrome (aka. “runner’s knee” or “jumper’s knee”
What other symptoms may accompany knee pain?
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Weakness
- Instability
- Popping noises with range of motion
- Inability to fully straighten the knee
If you are unable to bear weight on the knee or are unable to flex/extend the knee, contact us as Remedy Pain Solutions for a thorough evaluation to the knee. If left untreated, long-term knee pain can lead to permanent damage of the knee and loss of function.
How can chronic knee pain be treated?
- Physical therapy is useful for rehabilitation of the knee and prevention of future injury
- Oral or topical medications may help reduce the pain and inflammation in the knee
- Steroid injections can help reduce inflammation within the knee joint or the surrounding tissues
- Regenerative injections (Platelet Rich Plasma, Alpha 2 Macroglobulin, Stem Cell Injections) may be useful to naturally stimulate healing within the injured or inflamed tissues
Many people have had knee pain at one point in their lives, but when this pain becomes chronic it can be life-altering. If you are experiencing pain in the knee, contact us at Remedy Pain Solutions for evaluation and discussion of which treatment options may be the best fit for you.
