If you feel pain in your knee, this can be due to many things. Below are two of these things, as well as potential treatments a doctor can offer you. You can then take the needed steps so you will no longer feel pain in your knee.
Ligament Tear
You may have a ligament tear in your knee, which is generally the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This is common in people that play sports that require a lot of running and jumping. This problem can also happen if you twist your knee quickly. You may have a minor ligament tear, which will result in pain and swelling around the painful area. You may also have a much more serious tear which will result in having severe pain in your knee. You may also hear a popping sound when you bend your knee. You will find walking is impossible with a serious tear.
The doctor will ask you to apply ice to your knee and wear a special type of brace in many cases. This will help with swelling and reduce your pain. Your ligament tear may heal on its own doing light activities and resting your knee often. If you have a significant tear, the doctor may want to do knee surgery to repair the ligament.
Meniscal Tear
You may also have a meniscal tear in your knee. The meniscus is cartilage that cushions the tibia and the femur. You can get a meniscal tear if you twist your knee quickly. If you are older, it is common for cartilage to deteriorate, which can result in a meniscal tear even if you only have minor movement. If you have a meniscal tear, you will have pain and swelling. You will find it difficult to walk and to move your knee.
If you only have a minor tear, the doctor will ask you to rest your knee as much as possible and only do light activities. The doctor may send you to a physical therapist to help you learn strengthening exercises to help build up your muscles to give the joint support. If your meniscal tear does not get better or you have a much more significant tear, the doctor will likely want to do surgery on your knee.
There are many more things that can cause knee pain, such as knee arthritis, gout, kneecap dislocation, and more. Your doctor can go over these and the above information with you in much more detail.
Contact an office like Sports and Orthopedic Specialists for more information.
Share1 September 2021
