Knee pain is common, affecting about 25% of adults. The knee joint is the largest in the body, and it has three main functions: support, movement, and stability. When these functions are not working properly, knee pain can occur.
Knee pain is often caused by injury or arthritis. If you experience knee pain, it is important to see a knee doctor. Your doctor might recommend surgery, injections, or other treatments.
What is a Knee specialist?
Knee specialists are trained to diagnose and treat problems involving the knee joint. Knee specialists often perform surgery to repair torn cartilage, fix broken bones, and replace damaged ligaments. In addition to surgical procedures, knee specialists use medications, injections, braces, and other treatments to relieve symptoms and improve function.
When to See a Knee Specialist
Knee injuries are one of the most common types of orthopedic conditions. While many people think of knees as just another part of the body, it actually plays a vital role in supporting our bodies and keeping us upright. When we injure our knees, it can cause discomfort and even lead to long-term issues such as arthritis. If you notice any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:
- Crunching Sounds. A crunching sound often indicates that there is cartilage damage. Cartilage protects bones within the knee joint.
- Swollen, Red, and Warm to the Touch. Painful swelling around the knee could indicate inflammation, infection, or bleeding.
- Stiffness and Inability to Fully Straighten the Knee. An injured knee may become stiffer and less flexible.
Common Knee Injuries and Causes of Pain
Knee injuries are among the most common orthopedic conditions that bring patients to specialists. Arthritis, ACL and MCL tears, knee fractures, knee dislocations, and meniscus tears are some of the most common knee problems.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common source of pain that an orthopedic knee specialist can treat. There are several types of arthritis that affect the knee, including osteoarthritis (OA), which reflects the wear and tear that occurs with aging, and repetitive use.
ACL and MCL Tears
ACL and MCL tears are two of the more common knee injuries in adult patients. They occur when there is excessive force applied to the knee, usually while running or jumping.
Knee Fractures
Typically caused when a person falls onto his/her knees or is hit in the knee. Fractures of the patella (kneecap), femur, and tibia (shinbone) within the knee joint destabilize the joint and cause significant pain.
Patellar Dislocations
Usually caused by a traumatic event, patellar dislocations are sometimes caused by knee abnormalities. When a dislocation occurs, the kneecap moves out of place and becomes stuck. This can cause severe pain and swelling.
Meniscus Tears
Most often occurring during sports, meniscus tears can also result from normal wear and tear over time. Menisci are cartilage pads located inside the knee joint. They help distribute pressure evenly across the joint surface.
Types of Orthopedic Knee Treatments
Orthopedic knee specialists begin treating patients with the most conservative strategies and work up to more extensive treatments.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs are commonly used for acute pain relief after an injury. NSAIDs reduce inflammation and decrease pain associated with muscle spasms. However, they do not provide lasting pain relief.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist will use various techniques to improve the range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee. The goal of physical therapy is to restore function, decrease pain, and prevent future injury.
Wearable Assistive Device
An assistive device is worn on the outside of the knee to support the leg and stabilize the knee joint. It helps to maintain proper alignment and balance. These are most commonly used to treat patellar dislocations and ligament tears.
Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections
Orthopedic doctors use ultrasound guidance to inject cortisone into painful areas of the body. This minimizes damage to surrounding tissues while delivering long-term pain relief.
Ultrasounds are safe and effective for patients with acute or chronic knee pain. These injections help reduce swelling and inflammation, improve blood flow, and decrease muscle tension.
Viscosupplementation
Another type of injection therapy is called viscosupplementation. A doctor injects hyaluronan (HA), a natural substance found in joints, into the knee to provide extra lubrication to the joint and help reduce pain.
This is often recommended for people with knee osteoarthritis who can no longer lubricate the knee joints. Hyaluronan injections are typically used to treat mild to moderate OA. In most cases, it provides lasting relief for about 3 to 6 months.
PRP Therapy
PRP therapy works similarly to stem cell therapy, except it uses whole blood rather than just stem cells. Platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors that encourage the body to produce collagen and elastin, which helps strengthen joints and improve recovery times.
Knee Surgery
An orthopedic knee surgeon typically begins with conservative treatments like physical therapy, injections, and medications before resorting to more invasive options. However, some patients are unable to improve with nonsurgical treatments, and orthopedic surgeons may recommend an appropriate surgery:
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus surgery
- Partial or total knee replacement
- MAKOplasty robotic knee replacement
- Knee osteotomy
- Fracture repair
What to Expect During an Orthopedic Knee Appointment
During your appointment, you will be asked questions about your symptoms and medical history. You will also undergo a physical exam to determine if there are any other conditions affecting your knee.
Your doctor will order tests such as X-rays, MRI scans, and lab work to diagnose your condition. They will discuss treatment options with you, including nonsurgical therapies, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation programs.
If you have been living with knee pain and mobility limitations, an EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region knee orthopedic specialist can help. Request an appointment online or call us any time at (984) 279-3661.
