Knee Pain Specialist

What causes knee pain?

Your knees absorb one-and-a-half times your weight with every step you take, more if you run or go up a flight of stairs. As a result of daily wear-and-tear, your knees are vulnerable to a wide range of injuries and degenerative issues. Some of the most common causes of knee pain include:

• Sprains and ligament tears
• Osteoarthritis 
• Dislocations 
• Fractures
• Meniscus tears
• Tendon tears
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Baker’s cysts
• Cartilage damage

Your risk of knee pain increases if you’re overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or have a physically demanding career or pastime. Your age also affects your chances of developing knee pain, as your connective tissue becomes drier and the effects of daily wear-and-tear add up.

When should I talk to a doctor about knee pain?

Many people assume that knee pain is just one of the things they need to live with as they age. This is not the case. If you have persistent knee pain that limits your mobility or ability to complete your regular daily activities, it’s time to talk to the Bluewater Orthopedics team. 

Additionally, if you injure your knee while playing sports, driving, or cleaning your kitchen, call the office to schedule an appointment. While you can treat minor injuries at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, severe injuries or increasing pain needs medical attention. 

How is the cause of knee pain diagnosed?

The team at Bluewater Orthopedics provides thorough exams and testing to identify the injury or condition causing your knee pain. 

Your doctor reviews your symptoms, details about any injuries, your medical history, and lifestyle information. Then they examine your knee, looking for signs of injury, deformity, or deterioration. Your doctor may ask you to walk around the office or bend and straighten your leg with resistance.

When necessary, the team orders X-rays, MRIs, and knee arthroscopy to examine the inside of your joint in more detail and confirm or evaluate your condition.  

How is knee pain treated?

Your doctor creates a customized treatment plan to heal the condition causing your pain and provide lasting pain relief. Your treatment plan could include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy
• A brace
• Joint injections
• Viscosupplementation

If your knee pain doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, the Bluewater Orthopedics team performs minimally invasive knee arthroscopy and knee replacement procedures. 

You don’t have to live with knee pain. Call Bluewater Orthopedics or make an appointment online for expert diagnosis and treatment today.