Find Knee Pain Relief by Making an Appointment with One of Our Experienced Orthopedic Doctors
The knee is one of the body’s most frequently used joints, essential for simple actions such as walking, navigating stairs, and standing. It also plays a crucial role in complex movements, such as jumping, running, and pivoting.
Considering its vital role in overall mobility, enduring acute or chronic knee pain can be a significant hindrance. Even minor cases of knee pain can make everyday tasks seem unbearable. The following are some of the most common signs and symptoms of a knee issue:
- Stiffness and swelling
- Inability to fully straighten the knee
- Instability or weakness when standing
- Warmth and/or redness surrounding the joint
- Popping or crunching noises when bending the joint
Seeking an orthopedic doctor for treatment is essential when dealing with severe or chronic knee pain. These clinical experts specialize in diagnosing knee issues and devising personalized treatment plans to alleviate symptoms and provide knee pain relief.
To better understand knee pain, it’s important to identify its sources. Consider these most common causes of knee issues.
#1 – Arthritis
With over 100 different types, arthritis is responsible for a significant number of knee issues among Americans. The five most associated with knee pain are gout, pseudogout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and septic arthritis.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis, and some varieties are degenerative. This means that knee pain treatments and physical therapy won’t provide permanent knee pain relief; however, they can mitigate symptoms to a certain extent. Advanced cases of knee arthritis may warrant partial or total joint replacement surgery.
#2 – Trauma and Injuries
Knee pain and injuries can occur in various ways. For example, hyperextending the knee is a common sports-related injury; however, traumatic injuries happen quite often outside of sports as well. A fall or motor vehicle accident may result in significant knee pain and trauma.
Because trauma and injuries are unique, there is no one-size-fits-all knee pain treatment. Orthopedic doctors handle knee injuries on a case-by-case basis. Treatments may include pain medication, physical therapy, injection therapy, or even arthroscopic surgery.
#3 – Overuse
Repeating the same bodily motion frequently can result in an overuse injury. Orthopedic and sports medicine doctors often work with patients who have developed tennis or golfer’s elbow from using a repetitive swinging motion.
However, overuse injuries can occur outside of athletics. Occupations that require repetitive motion, such as squatting to lift heavy objects, can contribute to knee pain or strain. In overuse cases, the best remedy is usually extended rest and behavior modification.
#4 – Excess Weight
Being overweight puts significant strain on the knees. Several years ago, researchers found that for every pound a person is overweight equates to four additional pounds of pressure placed on the knees.
Although the knees are the largest and most powerful joints in the body, they can only handle so much. The knees will develop problems if they are under duress for too long, including extreme pain and lack of mobility.
#5 – Age-Related Knee Issues
As individuals age, joints become weaker and more susceptible to wear and injury. Age-related knee pain may develop without prior knee issues, which requires an evaluation by an orthopedic doctor.
The knee pain treatments they administer depend on the root cause of the issue, which is why it’s important to get the area diagnosed as soon as possible. Statistically, osteoarthritis is one of the most common knee issues related to aging.
How to Find the Best Doctor for Knee Pain Near You in Wichita
When knee pain affects daily life or causes significant discomfort, it is essential to contact an orthopedic knee doctor for evaluation and personalized treatment. Seeking professional care ensures a thorough examination and accurate diagnosis. In some cases, imaging tests like an MRI or X-ray may be necessary to determine the root cause of the issue.
Mid-America Orthopedics has decades of combined experience evaluating, diagnosing, and treating joint issues so that our patients can find knee pain relief. Our physicians typically start with non-invasive knee pain treatments, including physical therapy, injection therapy, and pain medication. Severe knee issues may require more aggressive forms of treatment, such as arthroscopic surgery or total joint replacement.
If you are experiencing knee pain, call our practice at (316) 630-9300 to make an appointment. The team at Mid-America Orthopedics is ready to provide comprehensive evaluations, personalized care, and effective knee pain treatments to help you reclaim your quality of life.