When To Seek Treatment for Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages, stemming from various causes. Pain is generally categorized as acute or chronic, but many conditions can benefit from visiting a pain management specialist. Acute knee pain occurs suddenly, often as the result of an injury or specific trauma. Chronic knee pain is long-term discomfort that may persist for months or years. Here’s more information on when to visit a doctor for your knee pain:
Persisting Pain
You should contact a specialist when your pain doesn’t resolve with at-home efforts, like rest and ice. Minor aches fade within a few days, but persistent pain may signal a more complex issue. Ignoring this discomfort may lead to further complications if left untreated.
What Causes Knee Pain?
The knee is a complex joint, and numerous conditions can lead to pain. Injuries are a frequent cause, including sprains, strains, and tears of ligaments or cartilage, like the meniscus. Overuse from repetitive activities commonly leads to inflammatory conditions like tendinitis or bursitis. Various forms of arthritis are also common sources of chronic knee pain and joint degeneration.
What Are Some Accompanying Symptoms?
Knee pain commonly presents with other symptoms, so getting a timely evaluation is beneficial for determining the underlying cause. Common injury signs include swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, which may make using the knee difficult. Individuals with knee injuries commonly experience sharp and dull pain, depending on the activity. Some conditions cause instability or a feeling that the knee might give way. Other symptoms, like redness, warmth, or a popping sensation, can indicate inflammation or tissue injury.
Lasting Swelling and Stiffness
You should visit a specialist if your knee pain continues for more than a week despite rest. Pain may be severe from the beginning of an injury, interfering with daily activities, like walking or sleeping. When symptoms do not reduce or they worsen, contact a doctor sooner rather than later. A pain management specialist can perform a thorough evaluation to help identify the underlying cause of your discomfort, and they can discuss appropriate management strategies with you.
Swelling and stiffness that don’t subside are also signs to watch for. Swelling can indicate fluid accumulation in the knee joint, often related to an injury or an inflammatory condition. If your knee appears visibly larger than the other, feels warm to the touch, or looks red, contact a doctor. Lasting stiffness that makes the joint difficult to move, especially in the morning, may be related to arthritis or other joint conditions.
Moving Inability
Difficulties with movement or the inability to properly use your knee are clear indicators that you need a medical evaluation. You might notice that your knee feels unstable, as if it could “give out,” or hear a popping or crunching sound with movement. You may be unable to bear weight on your leg, making it difficult to stand or walk. These symptoms may be related to structural damage in the knee, so a professional assessment is fundamental for a proper diagnosis.
Contact a Pain Specialist Today
If you are experiencing persistent pain or mobility issues, you do not have to manage it alone. A pain specialist provides a comprehensive diagnosis and guides you toward an appropriate plan to manage your condition effectively. Don’t wait for symptoms worsen before establishing a provider; contact a specialist to schedule an appointment today.
