Knee Pain Treatment Specialist in Port St. Lucie FL, and Greenacres FL

A widespread concern, knee pain can impact people of any age, affecting movement and making daily life challenging. A leading cause of knee pain is overuse, which can result from repetitive movements in activities such as sports, physical labor, or even daily routines.
 
Ongoing stress to the knee joint can result in issues like tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons) or bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint). These conditions are often seen in athletes, individuals with physically demanding jobs, or people who engage in high-impact activities.
 
Trauma due to injuries like strains and ligament tears can also cause significant knee pain. Accidents, falls, or trauma during sports can damage the knee’s ligaments, tendons, or bones. Common injuries include meniscus tears and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, both of which can cause severe pain and instability.
 
Osteoarthritis, a condition that results from the wearing down of the cartilage that cushions the knee bones, is another major culprit of knee pain. Those who are diagnosed with arthritis of the knee experience pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the affected joint. Other medical conditions can also contribute to knee pain. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are examples of inflammatory conditions that can lead to swelling, stiffness, and pain in the knee joints.
 
Additional factors, such as obesity, can place extra strain on the knees, leading to pain and increased wear on the joints. Aging is another contributing factor, as the cartilage in the knees can deteriorate over time, leading to chronic conditions like arthritis. Furthermore, your lifestyle, such as whether you smoke or consume alcohol excessively, can also contribute to your risk of developing knee problems by affecting bone health and blood circulation.

Accurately diagnosing knee pain is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment. An in-depth review of your health history is the initial step in diagnosing knee pain. This includes discussing when the pain started, how long it has lasted, and whether any specific movements or activities trigger discomfort. Understanding your personal and family medical history, as well as any previous knee injuries or surgeries, can help pinpoint the cause of the pain.
 
Additionally, the knee specialist will perform a physical exam to assess the joint for signs of swelling, redness, and deformities. They will also test the knee’s range of motion and perform specific maneuvers to check for ligament and cartilage damage. This hands-on approach helps identify the potential source of the pain.
 
If further investigation is needed, a variety of diagnostic tests can provide a clearer picture of what’s happening inside the knee:
 
● X-rays are used to detect fractures, arthritis, or other structural issues within the bones.
● MRI scans provide precise images of both hard and soft tissues, making it easier to diagnose injuries to the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
● CT scans are used when cross-sectional images that offer more detail than traditional X-rays are required.
● Arthroscopy involves the insertion of a small camera to examine the knee from within.
● Blood tests can help rule out conditions like infections or gout that may be contributing to the pain.
● Joint aspiration, where fluid is removed from the knee joint, can help detect infections and inflammation.
 
Once your healthcare provider establishes a diagnosis, a comprehensive and customized treatment plan can be created to target the underlying issue and alleviate discomfort.

The right treatment approach for your knee pain depends on the root cause of the issue and the severity of the symptoms. Both conservative and surgical options are available to help manage the pain and restore function.
 
Commonly, knee problems that cause pain can be managed through non-surgical treatments like:
 
● Self-care measures like rest, icing the knee, compression, and elevation (RICE) can reduce swelling and promote healing, especially for injuries or inflammation.
● Medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription corticosteroids are frequently used to manage pain and inflammation in the short term.
● Physical therapy is a beneficial approach for improving flexibility, strengthening the muscles around the knee, and supporting the joint to prevent further injury.
● Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, hyaluronic acid injections, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can also provide pain relief.
● If non-surgical treatments fail to relieve the pain, more invasive approaches may be necessary:
● Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine and treat joint issues like cartilage damage or ligament tears.
● Ligament repair or reconstruction may be necessary when a ligament in the joint has sustained severe damage.
● Meniscectomy involves removing damaged cartilage from the knee joint.
● Osteotomy is a procedure where the bones around the knee are realigned to relieve pressure on the damaged area.
● Knee replacement surgery is often suggested for those with severe arthritis or joint deterioration.

While mild knee pain often resolves with rest and home care, there are certain instances when seeking medical attention is essential:
 
● Sudden or severe pain, especially after an injury, may indicate a torn ligament or fracture that requires immediate treatment.
● Persistent pain that bothers you for more than a few days or worsens over time should be evaluated, as it could be a sign of a chronic condition like arthritis or bursitis.
● Swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee could signal an infection that warrants prompt medical intervention.
● Instability or buckling of the knee may indicate ligament damage that needs professional care.
● A limited range of motion or stiffness that interferes with daily activities could be a sign of cartilage damage or joint issues.
 
If you experience any of these concerning symptoms along with your knee pain, you should schedule a visit with a reputable specialist near you to have your concerns thoroughly assessed. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. Our clinics are conveniently located in Port St. Lucie FL, and Greenacres FL. We serve patients from Port St. Lucie FL, Stuart FL, Palm City FL, Greenacres FL, Palm Springs FL, Boynton Beach FL, and surrounding areas.