Why do I have knee pain?
Your knee is the largest hinge joint in your body and must bear your weight whenever you stand, walk, run, or jump. Your knee’s anatomy is complex, involving bones, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and other tissues that keep your knee stable and moving smoothly. Knee pain is caused by a number of conditions, including:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury
- Sprains and strains
- Bursitis
- Meniscus (cartilage) tear
- Arthritis or gout
- Infections
- Fractures or dislocations
- Loose bodies
Most minor knee pain resolves within a day or two, following the RICE protocol (Rest, Icing, Compression, Elevation).
When should I see an orthopedist for knee pain?
If your knee pain is chronic, severe, you can’t bear weight, or the knee seems dislocated, see Dr. Woodson right away. You should also get a medical evaluation if your minor knee pain worsens or doesn’t resolve after a couple of days of the RICE protocol.
How do doctors diagnose knee pain?
Dr. Woodson conducts a physical examination and range-of-motion evaluation to determine the source of your knee pain. He also has X-ray facilities on-site so he can take a look inside your knee. If your knee is inflamed or if he thinks you have an infection, he may also remove some fluid and send it to the lab for analysis.
How do orthopedic surgeons treat knee pain?
Whenever possible, Dr. Woodson recommends minimally invasive or supportive treatments for knee pain. Possible therapies include:
- Physical therapy to strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Corticoid injections to resolve swelling
- Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate joints
- Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapies to accelerate healing
- Arthroscopic or robotic surgery to repair damage
- Knee fracture surgery
- Knee replacement surgery
- Robotic-assisted knee replacement
Dr. Woodson specializes in robotic knee-replacement surgery and other minimally invasive surgical techniques. His team is also highly trained in rehabilitation, so you recover quickly from your injury or surgery.
How can I prevent knee pain?
If you’re overweight, the best way to prevent knee pain is to lose weight. Extra pounds put tremendous pressure on your knee, increasing your risk for injury.
If you’re an athlete, Dr. Woodson and his team suggest physical therapy to strengthen the tissues that support your knee. They may also make modifications in the way you move your knee in order to reduce your risk of injury.
When you have knee pain, get the answers you need to heal it by calling Dr. Woodson’s team today.
