Managing Knee Pain
Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Many people experience knee pain. It is a common complaint that affects men and women of all ages, including children. It can also occur through the aging process due to wear and tear on the knee from daily activities. Athletes and those who participate in high-impact sports or other activities that require running, jumping, bending, or pivoting, places pressure on the knee joint making them susceptible to strain or knee injuries. These activities can also lead to arthritis.
What is Arthritis
Arthritis is a degenerative, inflammatory disease that can affect any joint in the body and is a common cause of knee pain. It causes friction from the inflammation and the gradual breakdown of the underlying cartilage and tissues that stiffens the joint, making movement difficult and painful. More than three million people are diagnosed with some form of arthritis every year.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis in Knees
Signs and symptoms of arthritis in the knee can vary depending on the type of arthritis and severity of the disease. They will typically include redness and swelling, knee pain, tenderness, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. In its early stages, pain may be mild and come and go. However, over time the disease can worsen with more severe pain and limited mobility as you age, gain weight, and continue your activities.
Causes of Arthritis
Different types of arthritis have different causes, but a family history of arthritis is one reason someone may develop the disease. Other causes of arthritis include joint fractures or injuries, weight gain, repetitive motion, and constant pressure that stresses the joint. Some autoimmune disorders and viral infections can also cause arthritis. All of which increase your chances of knee pain.
Managing knee pain can come in the form of injections, lifestyle changes, physical therapy or surgery.
Dangers and Risk Factors of Arthritis
Your age, weight, and any previous injury to the knee joint can increase the risk of arthritis. For example, if you have a history of participating in sports like basketball, running, tennis, or other activities that require frequent bending, heavy lifting, or pivoting, there is an increased risk of developing arthritis. Even low-impact exercises like yoga and walking can lead to arthritis in some individuals.
Without effective treatment, there is a danger that the arthritic disease will continue to worsen, especially if you fall or injure the knee. It can also cause more damage to the knee’s already inflamed cartilage or tissues, resulting in a decreased range of motion or loss of mobility.
Treatment Options for Knee Pain
Although there is no cure for arthritis, 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center offers a variety of treatment options depending on the diagnosis, type, and severity of the disease.
Pain Medication: Over the counter NSAIDs can temporarily relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis but are not indicated for long-term use without consulting with a physician. Dr. Dominguez, our orthopaedic surgeon, may prescribe pain medication in combination with other treatments.
Physical Therapy: Exercise and conditioning can help rehabilitate the knee joint to reduce pain and inflammation to improve your range of motion. A physical therapist will also help you to adjust your activities to reduce stress on your knee joint.
Cortisone Injections: A corticosteroid is injected into the knee to lubricate the joints, reducing friction, stiffness, and pain due to arthritis. 3D Sports Medicine also offers Synvisc-One®, a hyaluronic acid injection that supplements the natural fluids in the knee joint.
Knee Joint Replacement: A partial or total knee replacement is a surgical procedure that implants a prosthesis in the joint to restore the use of your knee.
Other Causes of Knee Pain
There are many conditions that can cause pain in your knee joint, such as tendonitis, bursitis, pseudogout, and fibromyalgia. In addition, depression, hemarthrosis, hypothyroidism, and obesity can also cause joint pain.
If you don’t have arthritis, your knee pain may be the result of an injury, such as a ruptured ligament or torn cartilage. In rare cases gout and infection can cause this type of pain.
Once Dr. Dominguez has diagnosed the cause of your knee pain, they can create a plan of action to relieve your pain and get you on the path to recovery.
Common Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Meniscal tears
- Cartilage Repair
- Shoulder Dislocations
- Shoulder Impingement
- SLAP Tears
- Labral Tears
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Elbow Injuries
- Ankle Injuries
- Ankle Sprains/Fractures
- Achilles Tendon Repairs
- Hip Injuries/Labral Injuries
- Trauma/Fractures
- Wrist Fractures
- Patella Fractures
- Clavicle Fractures
- Pediatric Fractures
- Total Joint Replacement
- Arthritis
- PRP
Shoulder
There are a number of causes for shoulder pain. The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints and therefore is prone to injury. Shoulder pain occurs when soft tissues (Muscle, tendon, labrum & Ligaments) are injured or overused. The shoulder is prone to instability and even to dislocations which may require extensive rehabilitation or surgery. As well, years of use along with other medical conditions can cause stiffness, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, or even arthritis. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic shoulder problems. Should you need surgery Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.
Hip
As weight bearing joints your hips are highly susceptible to arthritis and surgery, including sports injuries and work related injuries. Characterized by joint deterioation and movement limitation, hip injuries and conditions can be especially painful and debilitating. Non-Surgical treatment of hip problems may include physical therapy and injections. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic hip problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.
Ankle
Ankle injuries like fractures and sprains are common sports related injuries. An Ankle fracture is the break of one or more of the bones in the ankle. If treated appropriately either by casting or with surgery, one can anticipate a full recovery. Ankle Sprains are when the foot rolls, turns or twists, beyond its normal abilities. Ankle sprains typically occur when the foot lands in an odd position and with great force, causing stretched ligaments and sometimes tears. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic ankle problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.
Trauma/Fracture
A fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. Inappropriate treatment or neglect of fracture care could lead to permanent deformity and disability. Dr. David Dominguez has specific training and experience treating complex fractures. Prior to completing his sports medicine fellowship, he worked as an orthopaedic traumatologist at Holmes Regional Medical Center. We treat both adult and pediatric patients who have sustained injuries sustained during auto accidents, sports related, life threatening falls etc. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine, have specific, expertise diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic injuries. We have state of the art casting, splinting, and bracing available. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the most advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures to maximize your recovery.
If your are experiencing pain relating to these common injuries above,
please contact 3D Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center to schedule an appointment today.
Links to Helpful Articles from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
Hip Injuries
Elbow Injuries
Casts and Splints
Shoe Wear
