Knee Pain

Pain caused by knee injuries can disrupt your favorite activities, even if you’re an active young adult. At Pro Spine & Pain, our team of joint pain specialists will swiftly diagnose and address any type of knee discomfort, whether it develops gradually with age or occurs suddenly due to an awkward movement or a sports injury. Together with effective knee pain treatment, we provide guidance on preventing long-term problems caused by improper rotation and excessive stress on the joint. Don’t let knee pain sideline you any longer—contact us today to schedule an evaluation and receive expert knee treatment in Wisconsin.

With approximately 18 million people seeking treatment for knee pain each year, it is a widespread issue affecting millions of Americans annually. The condition can arise from various causes, impacting individuals of all ages. As well as being the body’s biggest joint, the knee is also the one that is damaged most easily. Given this joint’s crucial role in mobility, experiencing pain in the knee can significantly impair daily activities. While minor discomfort around the knee bone can often be alleviated with rest and home care, more severe cases necessitate professional medical attention.

For the highest quality care in Wisconsin, turn to Pro Spine & Pain, where our pain management specialists possess extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of joint ailments for swift knee pain relief.

Symptoms Associated with Knee Pain

The intricate structure of your knees provides both strength and flexibility, yet this complexity also means that discomfort can arise from various sections of the knee. You might have inner knee pain or pain behind the knee or in front of it. Your doctor will examine the symptoms you’re experiencing and their location to pinpoint the underlying cause.
Some of the most common symptoms include:

• General stiffness and reduced flexibility
• Sensations of crunching or you hear a pop when bending or straightening the leg
• Swelling and redness around the knee joint, accompanied by warmth to the touch
• Bruising accompanied by swelling and anterior or posterior knee pain

While it’s advisable to seek professional advice for any type of knee pain, certain symptoms warrant urgent evaluation by an expert, including:

• Inability to bear weight on the affected knee
• Noticeable swelling
• Persistent pain from an injury that fails to improve
• Limited range of motion in the knee
• A red, swollen knee accompanied by a fever

Causes of Knee Pain

Knee pain is a common issue due to the multitude of ways the joint can be injured.
Some of the most common causes include:

• Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: Often referred to as runner’s knee, this typically arises from a misaligned kneecap. Symptoms include a grinding or crunchy sensation, particularly when extending the leg or climbing stairs.
• Patellar Tendonitis: Link to Patellar Tendonitis Commonly known as jumper’s knee, this involves pain in the muscle and tendon connecting the front of the thigh to the upper knee. It’s frequently seen in individuals engaged in jumping sports like basketball and volleyball.
• Bursitis: Resulting from inflammation of the knee’s bursa sacs, bursitis can be triggered by prolonged kneeling or sudden injury.
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome: This occurs when the tissue stretching from the outside of the hip to the knee becomes excessively tight, irritating the femur bone, particularly in runners and cyclists.
• Cruciate Ligament Injury: Significant pain together with bruising and swelling might indicate a posterior cruciate ligament injury (PCL injury) or anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL). When affected by a damaged cruciate ligament, you might feel a pop at the time of injury, although you might be able to walk away from the injury initially.
• Popliteal Cyst: Also known as a Baker’s cyst, a popliteal cyst is indicated by a soft swelling causing back of knee pain.
• Torn Meniscus: The meniscus is a resilient, C-shaped piece of cartilage structure, cushioning the impact between the shinbone and the thighbone during movement. It’s normally damaged due to injury; for example, a sudden twisting motion can cause it to tear.
• Knee Injury: Link to Knee Injuries Including dislocations, fractures, ligamentous injury, and sprains, Link to Sprained Knee knee injury can lead to significant knee pain.

While athletic injuries are common contributors to knee pain, arthritic conditions Link to Arthritis of the Knee also play a significant role.
These include:

• Gout: Characterized by high levels of uric acid forming crystals in joints like the knee, leading to extreme pain and potential joint damage.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s cells attack protective joint tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis affects more females than males and typically appears between ages 20 and 50.
• Osteoarthritis: Also known as wear-and-tear arthritis, knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition in which the cartilage deteriorates over time, potentially causing bone spurs. Together with tendonitis, osteoarthritis is one of the most common knee problems.

Treatment for Knee Pain

During your initial consultation with one of the pain specialists at Pro Spine & Pain, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical examination and gather information about your symptoms. It’s essential to disclose any recent injuries and all the symptoms you’re experiencing so that your doctor can give you an accurate diagnosis. Depending on your condition, you may also undergo imaging and lab tests, such as arthrocentesis, to rule out an infection.
The approach to treating knee pain is dependent on identifying its underlying cause. Initial treatment typically involves resting the afflicted leg, use of an ice pack, and heat therapy.
If these home remedies fail to provide relief, other options may include:

• Medications: Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers or drugs to lower uric acid levels in cases of gout
• Physical Therapy: Trained specialists will develop a personalized exercise regimen aimed at strengthening and enhancing the flexibility of your knee.
• Injections: Various medications can be directly injected into your knee to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
• Surgery: If conservative methods prove ineffective, knee surgery options such as arthroscopic surgery and partial or total knee replacement may be considered.

For effective relief from knee pain, turn to the pain experts at Pro Spine & Pain, with convenient locations in Kenosha, Waukesha, Layton, Franklin, and Madison, WI. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to get rid of your knee pain once and for all.