Knee Pain

When is knee pain serious?

Knee pain is serious when it affects your mobility. You can manage minor knee pain from a grueling workout with rest and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications. But when you have ongoing or severe knee pain, you need a medical evaluation. 

Knee pain is also serious when it occurs following an injury. Playing sports that place excess stress on the knees may lead to sprains or cartilage tears that cause sudden and severe pain. Without proper treatment, an injury may worsen and prolong recovery.

What causes knee pain?

Knee pain can result from overuse, an underlying disease, or an acute injury. Conditions that cause knee pain include:

• Arthritis
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Ligament tears
• Meniscal tears
• Dislocation
• Fractures

Advanced Regional Center for Orthopedics & Podiatry has specialists who treat all types of knee pain. If you have knee pain, they can determine the cause. 

What happens during a knee pain evaluation?

The team at Advanced Regional Center for Orthopedics & Podiatry conducts a thorough history during a knee pain evaluation. Your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms, the type of pain you feel, when it occurs and activities that make the pain worse.

They ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam, paying close attention to the knee to look for signs of damage or disease. Your doctor may also evaluate your feet and hips. Knee pain can sometimes result from problems with other weight-bearing joints.

Your provider may request imaging studies to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. 

What treatments can relieve my knee pain?

Treatment to relieve knee pain depends on the cause and degree of discomfort. Your provider at Advanced Regional Center for Orthopedics & Podiatry explains your diagnosis and the treatments that can help, such as:

• Activity modification
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Physical therapy
• Custom-made orthotics
• Joint injections

Some causes of knee pain may require surgery, such as a ligament tear or severe arthritis. The orthopedic physicians use advanced tools and techniques when performing surgery so you get the best outcomes.