Most people of all ages experience knee pain at certain periods in their lives. Such pain is caused by normal wear and tear due to daily activities and old age or medical conditions. Regular visits to your specialist can help you identify the cause of the pain and get the appropriate treatment. Shonith Manohar, MD is a specialist of knee pain in Jacksonville at Florida Regional Pain Management, P.A. Here, Dr. Manohar and his team offer specialized treatment to relieve you from knee pain. The pain can interfere with our daily activities if not checked by the doctor and treated.
When to see a doctor for knee pain?
It is crucial to seek the doctor’s help for knee pain. See your doctor if:
- You have pain that is accompanied by swelling on the knee
- The pain lasts more than two days
- If you had an injury that led to the pain
- If the painful area becomes tender and red
- Experience pain and unable to move your knee
- If the pain does not get better after other remedies at home such as ice, heat, and painkillers
- You can bear your weight, causing the pain.
Diagnosis for knee pain
Knee pain can be caused by various factors like injury, infection, and others. Therefore, you should not assume this condition; seeking medical assistance ensures that you get a proper diagnosis and the right treatment, thus preventing further complications. When you visit your doctor, you will discuss your general health and your injury. The specialist may be required to know about the symptoms, when they occurred, and how you feel. Your doctor may then recommend other physical exams. You may be asked to bend your knees, checking the ligaments and examining the swelling and tenderness. Your doctor may recommend further tests such as X-ray scanning, MRI, blood tests, and other tests to check the bones, muscles, ligaments, muscles, and other tissues.
How will the doctor treat my knee pain?
If the tests reveal inflammation, damage, or any other condition causing the pain, your doctor may recommend various treatment options to deal with what is causing the pain. They may offer the following treatment options depending on the cause of the pain:
Medicine
Your doctor may prescribe pain-relieving drugs to deal with the existing condition that may be causing the pain. The drugs may treat mild to moderate pain; you may also be prescribed anti-steroidal inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and others.
Physical therapy
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy sessions depending on your condition. Physical therapy helps in strengthening the muscles and make you better.
Injection
Your doctor may inject the knee with medicine or substance similar to those that usually lubricate your knee. Such substances will help lubricate your knee and help in movement. Injections may help with relieving the pain and inflammation.
Surgery
If necessary, your doctor may recommend surgery. The specialist may discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure. This type of treatment is done to remove broken bones and repair any damage to the knee.
It is vital to see the doctor if you experience any knee pain. The pain might indicate an underlying problem that may worsen with time.