And How to Find an Orthopedic Knee Surgeon Near You in Wichita
The knee is one of the most commonly used joints in the human body. It’s used in simple actions like walking, ascending/descending stairs, and standing. The knee is also used in more complex actions such as jumping, pivoting, and sports-related activities.
Considering all the usage the knee gets and how it’s key to our overall mobility, you can imagine how much of a hindrance dealing with knee pain might be. Acute or chronic knee pain can make something as simple as walking across your living room an unbearable chore.
The most common symptoms of knee pain typically include any of the following:
- Noticeable swelling in the knee area
- A feeling of stiffness, weakness, or instability when moving the knee and/or attempting to bear weight with it
- The knee makes unusual noises such as popping or crunching
- You are unable to fully straighten your knee either due to pain or lack of mobility
Any of these symptoms would be justifiable cause for you to seek the help of an orthopedic knee doctor near you. Orthopedic knee surgeons and doctors are clinical experts in diagnosing knee pain and establishing treatment methods intended to reduce your symptoms and increase your mobility.
The best way to understand knee pain is to become educated on the sources of it. The following are the five most common causes of knee pain.
Cause #1 – Injuries
There are multiple causes to knee pain, but one of the most common is through injury. Of course, sports-related injuries such as hyperextending the knee or injuring it through trauma happen most often in activities such as football and basketball.
However, knee injuries can happen outside of physical activity. For instance, a fall in the home may result in a knee fracture or torn meniscus. Additionally, people who have weakened bones from osteoporosis may sustain a knee injury through something as simple as taking a step their knee can no longer physically handle.
The most common knee conditions and injuries an orthopedic knee doctor treats include:
- ACL tears
- Meniscal tears
- Inflammation/tendonitis
- Patellofemoral disorder
- Ligament injuries
- Cartilage injuries
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Knee dislocation
- Fractures
- Knee injuries related to sports or physical activity
Schedule an appointment with Mid-America Orthopedics for a comprehensive knee examination.
Cause #2 – Arthritis
Arthritis commands its own category when it comes to the common causes of knee pain and injury. You may be surprised to hear that there are well over 100 different types of arthritis; however, there are five types that are most associated with causing knee pain. They include:
- Gout
- Pseudogout
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Septic arthritis
Cause #3 – Excess weight
Being overweight or obese puts a strain on the entire body, but especially on the knees. Although your knees are the largest and most powerful joints in the body that are capable of handling ~150% of your body weight, they’re only designed to take so much for so long.
Experts estimate that for every pound a person weighs, the knee takes on three pounds of pressure. That’s why most people who are overweight who are experiencing knee pain are typically instructed to make life changes intended to reduce their weight.
Never underestimate the power of a well-balanced diet and exercise. Integrating these things into your daily life now can save your knees a lot of trouble down the road.
Cause #4 – Overuse
An overuse injury is caused by repeating a bodily motion or action over and over. These actions can include swinging a tennis racket, lifting weights, or throwing a baseball. Oftentimes, the repetition of one motion will cause strain or injury that impacts the nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the joints – and the knee is no exception.
Those that are in occupations such as moving that require a repeated squatting motion to pick up heavy objects are most susceptible. Fortunately, most overuse injuries can be treated with rest, over-the-counter pain medications, and an adjustment in knee activity.
Cause #5 – Age-Related Knee Issues
Unfortunately, as we advance in years, our knees and other joints get weaker and more susceptible to wear and injury. A person may have no prior history of knee issues when – all of a sudden – they feel that first twinge of stiffness or pain in their knees.
Since age-related joint pain has numerous causes, it’s recommended to set an appointment with an orthopedic doctor to identify the source of it. They will be able to devise a treatment plan that will reduce your pain symptoms.
When to Contact an Orthopedic Knee Surgeon or Orthopedic Knee Doctor Near You
Everyone’s knee pain is unique, so determining when to reach out to an orthopedic doctor is a matter of personal circumstance and how much the knee is affecting your daily life. However, no one should have to suffer through pain – knee or otherwise – which is why you should contact the professionals at Mid-America Orthopedics Wichita when you first notice symptoms of knee pain.
Upon your first appointment, our orthopedic knee doctors will gather a detailed medical history and perform a comprehensive evaluation of the area. They may even order an MRI or X-ray to get a better idea of what’s triggering your knee pain.
In the event that your condition requires surgery, Mid-America Orthopedics Wichita has some of the most experienced orthopedic knee surgeons in the area. They are capable of performing arthroscopic knee surgery, knee joint replacement, and other procedures intended to reduce your symptoms and get you back on your feet.
If you’re experiencing acute or chronic knee pain, the best way to get on the path to recovery is by calling us at (316) 630-9300. Additionally, you can email us directly using the contact form on our website.