Knee Pain

What causes knee pain?

The knees absorb significant force every time you take a step, making the joints vulnerable to injury. Any inflammation or injury that affects the sophisticated structures of the knee can cause pain.

Some of the most common causes of knee pain include:

• Ruptured ligament
• Torn meniscus
• Arthritis, tendinitis, or gout
• Bursitis
• Infection
• Repetitive stress fractures
• Pinched nerve

Excess weight on the knee can also contribute to and exacerbate knee pain. The only way to determine the underlying cause of your knee pain is to provide a full diagnostic workup.

How is knee pain diagnosed?

To find out what’s going on inside your knee, Dr. Raccuglia uses a thorough diagnostic process. First, he asks about your symptoms, such as when they started and what they feel like.

Then, Dr. Raccuglia asks relevant questions about your personal and family health histories to uncover any risk factors you may have. After this verbal exchange, he performs a physical exam.

During the exam, Dr. Raccuglia examines your knee and may ask you to perform a few movements to assess strength, pain, and reflexes. This process helps to narrow down possible diagnoses.

To get a clear picture inside your knee, Dr. Raccuglia may order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs. He may also request lab tests to check for markers of inflammation, infection, and other problems.

Once Dr. Raccuglia assesses all the information from this process, he can make a diagnosis and target the cause with treatment.

What treatment options are available for knee pain?

Knee pain usually doesn’t require surgical intervention and heals with noninvasive treatments instead. In some cases, surgery is the best option.

Noninvasive treatments

Medication, such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, can make the healing process more tolerable. The RICE treatment method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) often provides relief as well. Dr. Raccuglia may suggest a knee brace or crutches to reduce stress on the knee.

Physical therapy builds strength and flexibility in the structures around the knee to correct movement patterns and increase stability.

Invasive treatments

Injection therapy may provide significant pain relief and reduced inflammation. If conservative treatments don’t help or you have a severe fracture or tear, you may need surgery.

If knee pain interferes with your well-being, call Joseph R. Raccuglia, MD, Family Medical Practice, or request an appointment online today.